cover plate

Abstract

This invention discloses a cover plate. The cover plate, used for sealing an object to be sealed, includes: a body having a deformable portion, through which the body transitions between a first state and a second state; in the first state, the body is at least partially away from the sealing surface of the object to be sealed, and in the second state, the body is in contact with the sealing surface; and an elastic member disposed on the surface of the body facing the object to be sealed, extending away from the body, such that during the transition of the body from the first state to the second state, the elastic member acts on the object to be sealed, and a force causing separation between the body and the object to be sealed is applied. The cover plate of this invention automatically seals PCR plates and automatically separates to end the seal at the end of the reaction, and completes the entire PCR reaction automatically, thereby improving efficiency and avoiding human error.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of PCR (polymerase chain reaction) technology, and more particularly to a cover plate. Background Technology

[0002] In traditional PCR reactions, aluminum foil or stoppers are used to seal the PCR plate and its test tubes to ensure airtightness during the reaction and prevent reagent evaporation, environmental contamination, or interference between reagents. After the reaction, the foil or stoppers must be manually removed to retrieve the test tubes. With the advancement of automation technology in recent years, most PCR operations, such as pipetting, are now automated using robotic arms. Continuing to use traditional sealing and unsealing methods is inefficient and prone to human error. Therefore, there is a market demand for automated systems that can seal the PCR plate automatically and remove the seal at the end of the reaction, and automate the entire PCR process to improve efficiency and avoid human error. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to achieve automatic sealing of PCR plates and automatic separation of the seal at the end of the reaction, and to achieve automatic completion of the entire PCR reaction, thereby improving efficiency and avoiding human error, and to provide a cover plate.

[0004] The present invention solves the above-mentioned technical problems through the following technical solution:

[0005] A cover plate for sealing an element to be sealed, comprising:

[0006] The body has a deformable part, which deforms the body between a first state and a second state. In the first state, the body is at least partially away from the sealing surface of the part to be sealed, and in the second state, the body is in contact with the sealing surface.

[0007] An elastic element is disposed on the surface of the body facing the part to be sealed. The elastic element extends in a direction away from the body, such that during the transition of the body from the first state to the second state, the elastic element acts on the part to be sealed and causes a force to separate the body and the part to be sealed.

[0008] In this design, the deformable portion on the cover plate body is deformable, causing the body to at least partially move away from the sealing surface of the component to be sealed in the first state, i.e., the body is tilted and / or bulges upwards towards the cover plate. When the deformable portion is subjected to a vertically downward force, it deforms, causing the body to adhere to the sealing surface. During the transition from the first state to the second state due to the force on the deformable portion, the elastic element acts on the component to be sealed and undergoes elastic deformation, thus generating a force between the body and the component to be sealed that separates them. Correspondingly, when the deformable portion is no longer subjected to a vertically downward force, the force provided by the elastic element separates the body and the component to be sealed. Therefore, in actual operation, only an automated means is needed to apply a vertically downward force to the deformable portion to achieve the sealing of the cover plate onto the component to be sealed. After the reaction is completed, the vertically downward force is removed by automated means, and the separation force provided by the elastic element automatically separates the body from the component to be sealed, thus eliminating the need for any human intervention, improving efficiency, and avoiding human error.

[0009] Preferably, the deformable portion is located in the middle section of the body, and the elastic member is provided on at least one side of the body.

[0010] In this design, the deformable section located in the middle of the main body provides a maximum sealing area, thus covering and sealing as many test tubes as possible in a single PCR reaction. An elastic element on one side of the main body applies the separation force directly to the side, providing maximum torque during separation, making the separation process easier, further improving efficiency and preventing human error.

[0011] Preferably, the deformable part has a first plate and a second plate, one end of the first plate and one end of the second plate are connected, the first plate and the second plate are at an angle to each other in the first state, and the first plate and the second plate are attached to the sealing surface in the second state.

[0012] In this design, the deformable part has a first plate and a second plate. In the first state, the first plate and the second plate are at an angle to each other, so that the body is in an upward bulging state in the first state. In the second state, the first plate and the second plate are attached to the sealing surface. One end of the first plate and one end of the second plate are connected to ensure that the first plate and the second plate completely cover the sealing surface when sealing, and there is no gap between them, thus achieving a better sealing effect.

[0013] Preferably, the elastic element is an elastic sheet that forms an angle with the body and extends toward the object to be sealed. The elastic sheet has a first end and a second end, the first end being connected to the body and the second end being used to abut against the sealing surface.

[0014] In this design, the first end of the elastic sheet is connected to the body, and the second end of the elastic sheet abuts against the sealing surface. Therefore, when the elastic sheet undergoes elastic deformation, the first end applies an upward vertical force towards the body, and the second end applies a downward vertical force towards the sealing surface. The first end of the elastic sheet connected to the body serves as a fulcrum to generate torque, thereby lifting the body from the sealing surface when the elastic deformation recovers, resulting in more complete separation.

[0015] Preferably, the cover plate is provided with a positioning hole located on the body near the edge of the cover plate.

[0016] In this design, the positioning hole serves as a reference point for positioning the cover plate. External tools use the positioning hole to locate and determine the position of the cover plate for further operations. The positioning hole is located near the edge of the cover plate on the main body to prevent interference from contact between the test tubes and reagents on the part to be sealed during cover plate positioning.

[0017] Preferably, the edge of the cover plate extends toward the element to be sealed, forming a positioning mechanism.

[0018] In this design, the positioning mechanism abuts against the outer periphery of the part to be sealed when it comes into contact with it. The inner surface of the positioning mechanism that contacts the part to be sealed serves as a guide surface, ensuring that when the cover plate is installed onto the part to be sealed, it is precisely and stably positioned against the part via the guide surface. Therefore, the positioning mechanism assists in the installation process, further improving efficiency.

[0019] Furthermore, the cover plate is square, and the positioning mechanism includes a first positioning part and a second positioning part. The first positioning part is located at the four corners of the cover plate, and the second positioning part is located on the edge of the deformable part.

[0020] In this design, the first positioning part is located at the four corners of the square cover plate, ensuring that all four corners of the cover plate receive auxiliary installation assistance from the positioning mechanism during installation. The second positioning part, in addition to providing auxiliary installation assistance, also serves as a gripping point for external tools to lift the cover plate, thus enabling further movement of the cover plate after it has been gripped by the external tool.

[0021] Preferably, the cover plate includes a sealing gasket that is fitted to the surface of the cover plate facing the part to be sealed, and the sealing gasket switches synchronously between a first state and a second state with the deformed portion.

[0022] In this solution, the sealing gasket is fitted onto the surface of the cover plate facing the part to be sealed, and the sealing gasket changes synchronously between the first state and the second state as the deformed part is installed, so that the sealing surface on the part to be sealed can achieve a comprehensive and tight sealing effect when the cover plate is installed on the part to be sealed.

[0023] Preferably, a tube to be sealed is inserted into the component to be sealed, and an elastic protrusion is provided on the surface of the sealing gasket facing the component to be sealed at a position corresponding to the tube to be sealed.

[0024] In this design, when the cover plate is installed onto the component to be sealed, the elastic protrusion undergoes corresponding elastic deformation, thereby further pressing the tube to be sealed and applying a downward vertical force to it, resulting in a better sealing effect. When it is necessary to separate the cover plate from the component to be sealed, the elastic protrusion also provides a separating force between the cover plate and the tube to be sealed. On the one hand, this further realizes the automatic separation of the body from the component to be sealed; on the other hand, it also limits the tube to be sealed and keeps it within the component to be sealed, preventing accidental movement of the tube to be sealed when the seal is lost.

[0025] Preferably, the body, the deformable part, and the elastic element are integrally formed.

[0026] In this solution, the main body, the deformable part, and the elastic element are integrally formed. The required shape is cut from a complete and continuous sheet metal according to actual needs, and then formed by stamping and bending. No additional welding or threaded connection process is required during the installation of each part. The manufacturing process is simple, convenient, and inexpensive.

[0027] Based on common knowledge in the field, the above-mentioned preferred conditions can be combined arbitrarily to obtain various preferred embodiments of the present invention.

[0028] The positive and progressive effects of this invention are as follows: the cover plate of this invention seals the PCR plate using automated means and automatically separates to end the seal at the end of the reaction, and completes the entire PCR reaction using automated means, thereby improving efficiency and avoiding human error. Attached Figure Description

[0029] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a cover plate according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 2 This is an exploded perspective view of the cover plate according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 3 This is a perspective view of a cover plate and a component to be sealed according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 4 This is a side view of a cover plate and a component to be sealed according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 5 This is a side view of a sealing gasket and a PCR plate according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 6This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram (a) of a cover plate according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 7 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram (II) of a cover plate according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0036] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0037] Cover plate 100

[0038] 200 parts to be sealed

[0039] 300 tubes to be sealed

[0040] Sealing surface 201

[0041] Body 10

[0042] Deformation part 11

[0043] Elastic element 20

[0044] First board 21

[0045] Second board 22

[0046] Elastic sheet 30

[0047] First end 31

[0048] Second end 32

[0049] Positioning hole 40

[0050] Positioning mechanism 50

[0051] First Positioning Section 51

[0052] Second positioning section 52

[0053] Sealing gasket 60 Detailed Implementation

[0054] The present invention will be further illustrated by way of embodiments below, but the present invention is not limited to the scope of the embodiments of the present invention.

[0055] like Figure 3-4 As shown, a cover plate 100 is used to seal the component 200 to be sealed, and includes:

[0056] The body 10 has a deformable part 11. Through the deformation of the deformable part 11, the body 10 can switch between a first state and a second state. In the first state, the body 10 is at least partially away from the sealing surface 201 of the part to be sealed 200. In the second state, the body 10 is in contact with the sealing surface 201.

[0057] The elastic element 20 is disposed on the surface of the body 10 facing the object to be sealed 200. The elastic element 20 extends in a direction away from the body 10, so that during the transition of the body 10 from the first state to the second state, the elastic element 20 acts on the object to be sealed 200 and causes a force that separates the body 10 and the object to be sealed 200 from each other.

[0058] In specific implementation, the deformable portion 11 on the body 10 of the cover plate 100 is deformable, so that the body 10 is at least partially away from the sealing surface 201 of the element to be sealed 200 in the first state, that is, the body 10 is raised and / or bulges upward toward the cover plate 100. As an alternative, the deformable portion 11 on the body 10 of the cover plate 100 can also deform instead of deforming, or the deformable portion 11 on the body 10 of the cover plate 100 can deform and deform simultaneously, so that the body 10 is at least partially away from the sealing surface 201 of the element to be sealed 200 in the first state, that is, the body 10 is raised and / or bulges upward toward the cover plate 100. When the deformable portion 11 is subjected to a vertically downward force, the deformable portion 11 deforms, so that the body 10 fits against the sealing surface 201. During the transition from the first state to the second state of the body 10 due to the force exerted on the deformable part 11, the elastic element 20 acts on the part to be sealed 200 and undergoes elastic deformation. This elastic deformation generates a force between the body 10 and the part to be sealed 200, causing them to separate. Correspondingly, when the deformable part 11 is no longer subjected to a vertically downward force, the force provided by the elastic element 20 separates the body 10 and the part to be sealed 200. Therefore, in actual operation, only an automated method is needed to apply a vertically downward force to the deformable part 11 to achieve sealing of the cover plate 100 onto the part to be sealed 200. After the reaction is complete, the vertically downward force is removed automatically, and the separation force provided by the elastic element 20 automatically separates the body 10 from the part to be sealed 200, thus eliminating the need for any manual operation, improving efficiency, and avoiding human error.

[0059] like Figure 3-4 and Figure 6-7 As shown, the deformable part 11 is located in the middle section of the body 10, and the elastic element 20 is provided on the periphery of the body 10.

[0060] In practical implementation, the deformable portion 11 located in the middle section of the body 10 can provide a maximized sealing area, thus covering and sealing as many test tubes as possible in a single PCR reaction. Alternatively, the deformable portion 11 can be located on one or both sides of the body 10, and those skilled in the art can make adaptive adjustments according to actual needs. The elastic element 20 provided on the periphery of the body 10 directly applies the separation force to the side of the body 10, thereby providing maximized torque during separation, making the separation process easier, further improving efficiency and avoiding human error. Alternatively, the elastic element 20 can be provided only on one side of the body 10; this invention does not limit this.

[0061] like Figure 6-7 As shown, the deformable part 11 has a first plate 21 and a second plate 22. One end of the first plate 21 and one end of the second plate 22 are connected. The first plate 21 and the second plate 22 are at an angle to each other in the first state. The first plate 21 and the second plate 22 are attached to the sealing surface 201 in the second state.

[0062] In specific implementation, the deformable part 11 has a first plate 21 and a second plate 22. The first plate 21 and the second plate 22 are at an angle to each other in the first state, so that the body 10 is in an upward bulging state in the first state. In the second state, the first plate 21 and the second plate 22 are attached to the sealing surface 201. One end of the first plate 21 and one end of the second plate 22 are connected to ensure that the first plate 21 and the second plate 22 completely cover the sealing surface 201 when sealing, and there is no gap between them, thus achieving a better sealing effect.

[0063] like Figure 6-7 As shown, the elastic element 20 is an elastic sheet 30 that forms an angle with the body 10 and extends toward the object to be sealed 200. The elastic sheet 30 has a first end 31 and a second end 32. The first end 31 is connected to the body 10, and the second end 32 is used to abut against the sealing surface 201 and the end of the second end 32 is bent parallel to the sealing surface 201.

[0064] In practical implementation, the first end 31 of the elastic sheet 30 is connected to the body 10, and the second end 32 of the elastic sheet 30 abuts against the sealing surface 201. Therefore, when the elastic sheet 30 undergoes elastic deformation, the first end 31 applies an upward vertical force towards the body 10, and the second end 32 applies a downward vertical force towards the sealing surface 201. A torque is generated using the first end 31 of the elastic sheet 30 connected to the body 10 as a fulcrum, thereby lifting the body 10 from the sealing surface 201 when the elastic deformation recovers, resulting in more complete separation. Furthermore, the end of the second end 32 is bent parallel to the sealing surface 201, allowing the second end 32 to fit more fully against the sealing surface 201, thereby increasing the force application area and making the force application more complete.

[0065] like Figure 6-7 As shown, a positioning hole 40 is provided on the cover plate 100, and the positioning hole 40 is located on the body near the edge of the cover plate 100.

[0066] In practical implementation, the positioning hole 40 serves as a reference point for positioning the cover plate 100. External tools use the positioning hole 40 to locate and determine the position of the cover plate 100 for further operations. The positioning hole 40 is located near the edge of the cover plate 100 on the body, thereby preventing interference from contact between the test tubes and reagents on the seal 200 when positioning the cover plate 100. Alternatively, the positioning hole 40 can also be a positioning protrusion or other feature used as a reference for positioning and locating external tools; this invention does not limit this.

[0067] like Figure 3 As shown, the edge of the cover plate 100 extends toward the sealing member 200 to form a positioning mechanism 50.

[0068] In practical implementation, when the positioning mechanism 50 contacts the part to be sealed 200, it abuts against the outer periphery of the part 200. The inner surface of the positioning mechanism 50 that contacts the part 200 serves as a guide surface, ensuring that when the cover plate 100 is installed onto the part 200, it is precisely and stably positioned against the part 200 via the guide surface. Therefore, the positioning mechanism 50 assists in the installation process, further improving efficiency.

[0069] like Figure 4 and Figure 6-7 As shown, the cover plate 100 is square, and the positioning mechanism 50 includes a first positioning part 51 and a second positioning part 52. The first positioning part 51 is located at the four corners of the cover plate 100, and the second positioning part 52 is located on the edge of the deformable part 11.

[0070] In specific implementation, both the first positioning part 51 and the second positioning part 52 are positioning pieces that fold from the edge of the body 10 toward the part to be sealed 200. Therefore, one end of the first positioning part 51 and the second positioning part 52 are connected to the body 10, while the other end is rounded to eliminate sharp points in order to ensure safety during use. The first positioning part 51 is located at the four corners of the square cover plate 100, so that when the cover plate 100 is installed, all four corners of the cover plate 100 receive the auxiliary installation effect of the positioning mechanism 50. Specifically, a first positioning part 51 is provided on both ends of the body 10 on the short side of the square cover plate 100, and a first positioning part 51 is provided on both ends of the deformable part 11 on the long side of the square cover plate 100, for a total of eight first positioning parts 51; two elastic members 20 are provided on the body 10 between the two first positioning parts 51 on the short side, for a total of four elastic members 20. The second positioning part 52 is located on the long side of the square cover plate 100. Besides assisting in installation, the second positioning part 52 also serves as a gripping point for external tools when grasping the cover plate 100, thus enabling further movement after the external tool grasps it. Specifically, four second positioning parts 52 are arranged in pairs opposite each other on the middle section of the edge of the deformable part 11; each second positioning part 52 is separated from its closest first positioning part 51 by an elastic element 20 on the deformable part 11, for a total of four additional elastic elements 20. Furthermore, the second positioning part 52 has a wider width than the first positioning part 51, making the gripping action more stable and sufficient when the external tool uses the second positioning part 52 as a gripping point. Alternatively, the cover plate 100 can also be circular, square, or other shapes customized according to specific needs. In this case, the specific positions of the first positioning part 51 and the second positioning part 52 need to be adjusted accordingly, but this invention does not impose any limitations on this.

[0071] like Figure 5 As shown, the cover plate 100 includes a sealing gasket 60, which is attached to the surface of the cover plate 100 facing the part to be sealed 200. The sealing gasket 60 changes between a first state and a second state synchronously with the deformable part 11.

[0072] In practical implementation, the sealing gasket 60 is fitted snugly onto the surface of the cover plate 100 facing the part to be sealed 200, and the sealing gasket 60 synchronously switches between a first state and a second state with the deformable part 11, thereby achieving a comprehensive and tight sealing effect on the sealing surface 201 of the part to be sealed 200 when the cover plate 100 is installed on the part to be sealed 200. The sealing gasket 60 of the present invention is made of silicone material and is installed on the surface of the cover plate 100 facing the part to be sealed 200 through an adhesive layer. As an alternative, the sealing gasket 60 can also be made of rubber or other materials that can perform a sealing function, and can be installed on the surface of the cover plate 100 facing the part to be sealed 200 using other existing installation methods; the present invention does not limit this.

[0073] like Figure 5 As shown, a tube 300 to be sealed is inserted into the part to be sealed 200, and an elastic protrusion (not shown in the figure) is provided on the surface of the sealing gasket 60 facing the part to be sealed 200 at a position corresponding to the tube 300 to be sealed.

[0074] In practical implementation, when the cover plate 100 is installed on the sealing element 200, the elastic protrusion undergoes corresponding elastic deformation, thereby further pressing the sealing tube 300 and applying a vertically downward force to it, resulting in a better sealing effect. When it is necessary to separate the cover plate 100 from the sealing element 200, the elastic protrusion also provides a separating force between the cover plate 100 and the sealing tube 300. On the one hand, this further realizes the automatic separation of the body 10 from the sealing element 200; on the other hand, it also limits the sealing tube 300 and maintains it within the sealing element 200, preventing accidental movement of the sealing tube 300 when the seal is lost. Furthermore, the contact surface between the elastic protrusion and the sealing tube 300 is set as a frosted surface, thereby preventing the sealing gasket 60 and the elastic protrusion from sticking to the sealing tube 300 during separation and causing the sealing tube 300 to move.

[0075] like Figure 1-7 As shown, the main body 10, the deformable part 11, and the elastic element 20 are integrally formed.

[0076] In practical implementation, the main body 10, the deformable part 11 and the elastic element 20 are integrally formed. The required shape structure is cut out from the complete and continuous plate according to actual needs, and then formed by stamping and bending. No additional welding or threaded connection process is required during the installation of each part. The manufacturing is simple, convenient and low cost.

[0077] While specific embodiments of the present invention have been described above, those skilled in the art should understand that these are merely illustrative examples, and the scope of protection of the present invention is defined by the appended claims. Those skilled in the art can make various changes or modifications to these embodiments without departing from the principles and essence of the present invention, but all such changes and modifications fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A cover plate, characterized in that, The cover plate is used to seal the part to be sealed, including: The body has a deformable part, which deforms the body between a first state and a second state. In the first state, the body is at least partially away from the sealing surface of the component to be sealed, and in the second state, the body is in contact with the sealing surface. An elastic element is disposed on the surface of the body facing the part to be sealed, and the elastic element extends in a direction away from the body, such that during the transition of the body from the first state to the second state, the elastic element acts on the part to be sealed and causes a force to separate the body and the part to be sealed.

2. The cover plate as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The deformable portion is located in the middle section of the body, and the elastic element is provided at least on one side of the body.

3. The cover plate as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The deformable part has a first plate and a second plate, one end of the first plate and one end of the second plate are connected, the first plate and the second plate are at an angle to each other in the first state, and the first plate and the second plate are attached to the sealing surface in the second state.

4. The cover plate as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The elastic element is an elastic sheet that forms an angle with the body and extends toward the object to be sealed. The elastic sheet has a first end and a second end. The first end is connected to the body, and the second end is used to abut against the sealing surface.

5. The cover plate as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The main body is provided with positioning holes, which are located at the four corners of the main body.

6. The cover plate as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The edge of the body extends toward the element to be sealed to define a positioning mechanism.

7. The cover plate as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The cover plate is square, and the positioning mechanism includes a first positioning part and a second positioning part. The first positioning part is located at the four corners of the cover plate, and the second positioning part is located on the edge of the deformable part.

8. The cover plate as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The cover plate includes a sealing gasket that is attached to the surface of the cover plate facing the part to be sealed, and the sealing gasket switches between the first state and the second state synchronously with the deformed part.

9. The cover plate as described in claim 8, characterized in that, A tube to be sealed is inserted into the component to be sealed, and an elastic protrusion is provided on the surface of the sealing gasket facing the component to be sealed at a position corresponding to the tube to be sealed.

10. The cover plate as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The main body, the deformable part, and the elastic element are integrally formed.

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