A reagent transfer apparatus and mass spectrometer and methods of use thereof

Abstract

The application relates to a reagent transfer device and a mass spectrometer, which comprises a box body forming a space for structural installation of the reagent transfer device; a cup arranger for arranging reaction cups; a magnetic bead reagent bin arranged in the box body and on one side of the cup arranger; a reagent conveying device arranged on the side of the cup arranger away from the magnetic bead reagent bin, wherein the reagent conveying device comprises a plurality of liquid supply pumps arranged on one side of the cup arranger, a reagent mixing assembly connected with the liquid supply pumps and a connecting pipe arranged between the liquid supply pumps and the reagent mixing assembly; a transition assembly arranged on one side of the magnetic bead reagent bin and the reagent conveying device, wherein the transition assembly comprises a movement rail arranged in the box body and a transition trolley running on the movement rail; a plurality of mechanical arm assemblies arranged on the top of the box body; and a mass spectrometer arranged on one side of the box body close to the magnetic bead reagent bin and used for detecting the reagents after operation. The application can reduce detection cost.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of biology, and in particular to a reagent transport device and a mass spectrometer and a method of using the same. Background Technology

[0002] Mass spectrometry (MS) is a spectroscopic method parallel to spectroscopy. Generally speaking, it refers to a specialized technique widely used across various disciplines to identify compounds by preparing, separating, and detecting gaseous ions. MS can provide rich structural information in a single analysis, and combining separation techniques with MS represents a breakthrough in separation science. Among numerous analytical methods, mass spectrometry is considered a universally applicable method that possesses both high specificity and high sensitivity.

[0003] Currently, mass spectrometry analysis of samples generally involves four steps: sample acquisition, sample pretreatment, analysis and detection, and data processing and result reporting. The entire analysis process requires multiple steps of sample processing, such as adding detection reagents, adding cleaning agents, and adding magnetic beads for separation.

[0004] Currently, there is an automated mass spectrometry detection device, including a housing and a mounting platform, sample turntable, transfer gripper, sample track, capping device, sample loading assembly, purification assembly, and rotating plate assembly installed within the housing. The sample turntable is mounted on the mounting platform, and its side is sequentially equipped with a reagent tank, needle holder, and reagent rack. The sample track is mounted on the side of the sample turntable. Although this device solves the problem of automated detection, it requires the establishment of a production line to process samples, resulting in a large footprint and increased detection costs. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To reduce testing costs, this application provides a reagent transport device and a mass spectrometer.

[0006] On the one hand, the reagent transport device and mass spectrometer provided in this application adopt the following technical solution:

[0007] A reagent transport device and a mass spectrometer, comprising:

[0008] The enclosure forms the space for the structural installation of reagent transfer equipment;

[0009] A cup arranger is used to arrange and organize reaction cups.

[0010] The magnetic bead reagent compartment is located inside the box and on one side of the cup sorter, and is used to hold the magnetic beads that need to be placed into the reaction cup;

[0011] A reagent delivery device is disposed on the side of the cup unscrambler away from the magnetic bead reagent compartment. The reagent delivery device includes multiple liquid supply pumps disposed on the side of the cup unscrambler, a reagent mixing assembly connected to the liquid supply pumps, and a connecting pipe disposed between the liquid supply pumps and the reagent mixing assembly.

[0012] A transition assembly is disposed on one side of the magnetic bead reagent compartment and the reagent transport device. The transition assembly includes a motion rail disposed inside the housing and a transition trolley that travels on the motion rail.

[0013] A robotic arm assembly is disposed on the top of the housing, and multiple robotic arm assemblies are provided;

[0014] A mass spectrometer is located on the side of the housing near the reagent compartment where the magnetic beads are installed, and is used to detect the reagents after the operation.

[0015] By adopting the above technical solution, when reaction cups need to be processed, multiple reaction cups are arranged by a cup sorter inside the chamber. A robotic arm assembly places the reaction cups at the reagent delivery device, an internal standard solution is added by a supply pump, and then the robotic arm assembly places the reaction cups on a transition trolley. Magnetic beads are then added to the reaction cups, and the robotic arm assembly places the reaction cups back at the reagent delivery device. A reagent mixing assembly then agitates the mixture before finally delivering it to the mass spectrometer for detection. During operation, the robotic arm assembly moves back and forth between the reagent delivery device, the transition trolley, and the magnetic bead reagent compartment. The reagent delivery device, the transition trolley, and the magnetic bead reagent compartment are arranged around the cup sorter, saving space in the reagent transfer equipment. Furthermore, the transition trolley can move the reaction cups linearly, enabling sample loading and detection operations, further saving space in the reagent transfer equipment. Therefore, a streamlined sample processing line is not required, reducing the cost of detection.

[0016] Optionally, the transition trolley includes a magnetic base mounted on the motion rail and a cup holder embedded in the magnetic base. A magnetic groove is formed along the width direction of the magnetic base, and a cup groove is formed on the cup holder. The cup groove and the magnetic groove are positioned correspondingly. A magnet is embedded in the magnetic groove. A fixing member for fixing the magnet is embedded on the magnetic base. A control member for controlling the lifting and lowering of the magnet is provided at the bottom of the magnetic groove.

[0017] By adopting the above technical solution, during operation, the reaction cup is placed on the cup slot of the transition cart by the robotic arm assembly. The magnetic beads in the magnetic bead reagent chamber are placed into the reaction cup, and the magnet is raised by the control component, so that it can sense the magnetic beads in the reaction cup, thereby adsorbing the substances in the reaction cup that do not need to be detected, and retaining the required supernatant.

[0018] Optionally, the cross-section of the transition trolley is convex, the magnetic base is disposed on both sides of the cup holder and is lower than the cup holder, the length of the magnetic base is less than the length of the cup holder, and the number of magnetic slots is at least one less than the number of cup slots.

[0019] By adopting the above technical solution, the transition trolley can place reaction cups that need to be magnetically attracted, or it can place supernatant after dilution. The test tube cups containing supernatant do not need to be magnetically attracted, which can be used for reagent position transition and is suitable for positive and negative detection in this test. The height setting of the magnetic base makes the magnetic attraction point close to the bottom of the reaction cup, so that the supernatant to be detected can be better drawn out.

[0020] Optionally, the robotic arm assembly includes a column, a slide rail perpendicular to and slidably connected to the column, a slider slidably connected to the slide rail, and a gripper arm rotatably connected to the slider. The gripper arm is capable of gripping a reaction cup and moving the reaction cup to the reagent mixing assembly or the cup holder. The slider is connected to a drive unit.

[0021] By adopting the above technical solution, the robotic arm assembly can be used to move the reaction cup. When the reaction cup needs to be moved, the drive unit is activated, causing the drive unit to move the slider within the slide rail, thereby moving the gripper arm above the position of the reaction cup. The gripper arm is rotated so that the inner wall of the gripper arm abuts against the outer wall of the reaction cup. The reaction cup is then lifted by rotating the gripper arm. The drive unit is activated again, and the slider moves the reaction cup to the desired position. The reaction cup is then lowered. The vertical displacement of the gripper arm is achieved by the movement of the slide rail relative to the column.

[0022] Optionally, the reagent mixing assembly includes a mounting plate disposed on the side of the cup holder away from the magnetic bead reagent compartment, a drive motor disposed in the mounting plate, a rotating disk connected to the output shaft of the drive motor, and a track disk disposed outside the rotating disk. The drive motor can drive the rotating disk to rotate eccentrically on the track disk.

[0023] By adopting the above technical solution, when it is necessary to mix the substances in the reaction vessel, the drive motor is activated. The output shaft of the drive motor drives the rotating disk to move eccentrically along the area formed by the inner wall of the track disk. The track disk not only limits the rotation range of the rotating disk, but also reduces the mixing amplitude, preventing reagents from splashing out of the reaction vessel and avoiding deviations in test data. The drive motor is installed inside the mounting plate, further saving the space required for the overall device, thereby further reducing testing costs.

[0024] Optionally, one end of the rotating disk has a placement groove for placing the reaction cup, and the other end of the rotating disk has an installation groove. An eccentric rod is fixedly placed in the installation groove. The drive shaft of the drive motor is connected to the eccentric rod. A rotating rod is inserted into the center of the track disk and passes through the rotating disk. The rotating disk can perform eccentric motion around the rotating rod. The drive motor is located at the bottom of the track disk.

[0025] By adopting the above technical solution, when the drive motor starts, the output shaft of the drive motor is connected to the eccentric rod, so that the output shaft can drive the eccentric rod to rotate, thereby driving the rotating disk to rotate. At this time, a rotating rod is also set in the center of the rotating disk. The rotating rod further restricts the rotation range of the rotating disk, so that the rotating disk can perform eccentric motion around the rotating rod. When the rotating disk rotates, the rotation trajectory of the rotating disk around the rotating rod is in the shape of an 8, making the mixing more uniform.

[0026] Optionally, the bottom of the track tray is also provided with a magnetic attraction device, which includes a magnet disposed on the placement slot and a lifting assembly disposed below the magnet. The lifting assembly is used to drive the magnet to rise or fall along the axial direction of the placement slot.

[0027] By adopting the above technical solution, when the cleaning solution is added to the reaction cup, the lifting component drives the magnet to move away from the reaction cup, and the attraction between the magnet and the magnetic bead continuously decreases. At this time, the oscillation device drives the reaction cup to shake, so that the magnetic bead and the cleaning solution are fully mixed. In this way, the magnetic bead can be fully mixed with the cleaning solution during the cleaning process, so as to reduce the residue of non-target substances on the magnetic bead and increase the concentration of target substances.

[0028] On the other hand, this application also provides a reagent transport device and a method for using a mass spectrometer, which adopts the following technical solution:

[0029] Optional steps include:

[0030] S1. Upper reaction cup: Place the reaction cup in the cup sorter, and use the gripper to place the cup sorter on the transition trolley;

[0031] S2. Add internal standard: Move the reaction cup to the reagent mixing component using the gripper arm, and add internal standard solution using the liquid supply pump;

[0032] S3. Sample loading: The gripper moves to the magnetic bead reagent chamber to pick up the sample, moves to the transfer cart, and injects the reagent into the reaction cup;

[0033] S4. Adding magnetic beads: The grab arm moves to the magnetic bead reagent chamber to draw up the magnetic bead liquid, moves to the transfer cart, and injects the reagent into the reaction cup;

[0034] S5, Vortex Oscillation: The grab arm places the reaction cup into the placement tank and mixes it through the reagent mixing component;

[0035] S6. Magnetic attraction: The reaction cup is moved back to the cup slot of the transition cart by the grab arm, and the magnetic beads in the reaction cup are magnetically attracted by the magnet in the magnetic slot for 55s-1min5s.

[0036] S7. Add diluent: Add the diluent from the magnetic bead reagent chamber to the reaction cup on the transition cart, and aspirate the supernatant using a pipette;

[0037] S8. Transfer and detect the supernatant: The supernatant extracted from the reaction vessel is moved to the sample vessel by the gripper arm, and the sample vessel is sent to the mass spectrometer for detection.

[0038] By adopting the above technical solution, during operation, the reaction cups are first placed in the cup arranger to sort and arrange them. Then, they are placed on the transition trolley by the gripper arm to facilitate the subsequent addition of internal standards and sample loading. Then, the magnetic beads are added to the reaction cups by the robotic arm assembly. The reaction cups are then moved to the reagent mixing assembly for mixing. After mixing, different magnetic adsorption methods can be used for forward and reverse detection according to different detection requirements. Finally, the detection liquid is obtained by adding diluent and taking the supernatant, which is then sent to the mass spectrometer for detection.

[0039] Optionally, the mixing is performed using a reagent mixing assembly, including the following steps: starting the drive motor, the output shaft of the drive motor drives the eccentric rod to rotate, thereby driving the rotating disk to rotate, at which time the rotating disk performs eccentric motion around the rotating rod.

[0040] By adopting the above technical solution, the liquid in the reaction cup needs to be mixed before magnetic attraction. The specific operation is as follows: turn on the drive motor, and the output shaft of the drive motor can drive the eccentric shaft to start driving the rotating disk to make eccentric motion around the rotating rod, thereby realizing the shaking of the test liquid and finally achieving uniformity.

[0041] Optionally, the magnetic beads in the reaction cup are magnetically attracted by the magnet in the magnetic slot for 55s-1min5s, including the following steps: placing the reaction cup onto the cup slot of the transition cart by the robotic arm assembly, placing the magnetic beads in the magnetic bead reagent chamber into the reaction cup, controlling the magnet to rise by the control component, and the magnet induction with the magnetic beads in the reaction cup to adsorb the substances that do not need to be detected in the reaction cup.

[0042] By adopting the above technical solution, during the magnetic attraction process, the reaction cup is first placed on the transition carriage by the robotic arm assembly, and the magnet is raised by the control component. The magnet then attracts the magnetic beads in the reaction cup, thereby attracting the liquid to be tested or the liquid that does not need to be tested in the reaction cup, which is convenient for subsequent testing.

[0043] In summary, this application includes at least one of the following beneficial technical effects:

[0044] The system comprises a housing, a cup sorter, a magnetic bead reagent chamber, a reagent transport device, a liquid supply pump, a reagent mixing assembly, connecting pipes, a transition assembly, a motion track, a transition trolley, a robotic arm assembly, and a mass spectrometer. When reaction cups need to be processed, the cup sorter inside the housing arranges multiple reaction cups, allowing them to be transported sequentially to other components by the robotic arm. The robotic arm assembly then places the reaction cups in the reagent transport device, where the liquid supply pump adds internal standard solution. The robotic arm assembly then places the reaction cups on the transition trolley, adds magnetic beads, and places them back in the reagent transport device. The reagent mixing assembly agitates the mixture, and after magnetic attraction, diluent is added, the mixture is allowed to stand, and the supernatant is collected. Finally, the robotic arm assembly delivers the supernatant to the mass spectrometer for detection. During use, the robotic arm assembly will move back and forth between the reagent transport device, the transition trolley, and the magnetic bead reagent chamber. The reagent transport device, the transition trolley, and the magnetic bead reagent chamber are arranged around the cup unscrambler, saving space in the reagent transfer equipment. Furthermore, the transition trolley can drive the reaction cups to move in a straight line, enabling the reaction cups to perform sample loading, detection, and other operations, further saving space in the reagent transfer equipment. As a result, there is no need to establish an assembly line to process samples, reducing the cost required for detection.

[0045] By incorporating a hopper, chute, conveying mechanism, transfer channel, reaction cup holder, lifting mechanism, and baffle, the system operates as follows: The reaction cup is placed in the hopper, and under the action of the ramp, it slides out from the outlet and falls onto the chute. Because the top of the reaction cup forms an rim, it is secured to the chute and, under gravity, slides to the bottom. The conveying mechanism then transfers the reaction cup to the reaction cup holder via the transfer channel. This achieves automatic stacking and transfer of the reaction cups. If the top of the reaction cup slides out from the outlet first, it cannot fall into the chute. The lifting mechanism raises the baffle, pushing the reaction cup back. Under the action of the ramp, the reaction cup changes direction and falls smoothly into the chute.

[0046] By setting up a magnetic base, cup holder, magnet slot, cup slot, magnet, fixing component, and control component, during operation, the reaction cup is placed on the cup slot of the transition cart by the robotic arm assembly. By placing the magnetic beads in the magnetic bead reagent chamber into the reaction cup, the magnet is raised by the control component, so that it can sense the magnetic beads in the reaction cup, thereby adsorbing the substances that do not need to be detected in the reaction cup, and retaining the required supernatant. Attached Figure Description

[0047] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of this application.

[0048] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure from another perspective of this application.

[0049] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the cup sorting device in this application.

[0050] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the cup-making device from another perspective.

[0051] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the transition component in this application.

[0052] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the robotic arm assembly of this application.

[0053] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the robotic arm assembly from another perspective.

[0054] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the drug transport device of this application.

[0055] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the drug mixing component of this application.

[0056] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached drawings: 1. Box body; 2. Cup unscrambler; 21. Hopper; 22. Slide rail; 23. Reaction cup holder; 24. Baffle; 3. Magnetic bead reagent chamber; 4. Reagent transport device; 41. Liquid supply pump; 42. Reagent mixing assembly; 421. Mounting plate; 422. Drive motor; 423. Rotating plate; 424. Track plate; 425. Eccentric rod; 426. Rotating rod; 5. Placement slot; 6. Mounting slot; 7. Connecting pipe; 8. Transition assembly; 81. Motion rail; 82. Transition trolley; 821. Magnetic holder; 822. Cup holder; 824. Fixing component; 9. Magnet slot; 10. Cup slot; 11. Robotic arm assembly; 111. Column; 112. Slide rail; 113. Slider; 114. Grappling arm; 12. Drive component; 13. Magnetic suction device; 131. Magnet; 14. Mass spectrometer. Detailed Implementation

[0057] The following is in conjunction with the appendix Figure 1-9 This application will be described in further detail.

[0058] On the one hand, embodiments of this application disclose a reagent transport device and a mass spectrometer.

[0059] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2A reagent transport device and a mass spectrometer include a housing 1 forming a space for the structural installation of the reagent transport device; a cup arranger 2 disposed within the housing 1 for arranging and organizing reaction cups; a magnetic bead reagent chamber 3 disposed inside the housing 1 and on one side of the cup arranger 2; a reagent transport device 4 disposed on the side of the cup arranger 2 away from the magnetic bead reagent chamber 3; a transition assembly 8 disposed inside the reagent transport device 4 and the magnetic bead reagent chamber 3; a robotic arm assembly 11 disposed on the top of the inner wall of the housing 1; and a mass spectrometer 14 disposed on the outer side of the housing 1 near where the magnetic bead reagent chamber 3 is installed.

[0060] The magnetic bead reagent compartment 3 is used to hold the magnetic beads and reagents to be placed in the reaction cup, facilitating the addition of magnetic beads and reagents by the robotic arm assembly 11; the reagent transport device 4 includes multiple liquid supply pumps 41 located on one side of the cup unscrambler 2, a reagent mixing assembly 42 connected to the liquid supply pumps 41, and a connecting pipe 7 located between the liquid supply pumps 41 and the reagent mixing assembly 42; the transition assembly 8 includes a motion rail 81 located inside the housing 1 and a transition trolley 82 traveling on the motion rail 81; multiple robotic arm assemblies 11 are provided, and different substances can be transported or added through different robotic arm assemblies 11; the mass spectrometer 14 is used to detect the reagents after the operation.

[0061] When the reaction cups need to be processed, multiple reaction cups are arranged by the cup unscrambler 2 inside the housing 1, so that the reaction cups can be transported to other components in sequence by the robotic arm. Then, the reaction cups are placed at the reagent transport device 4 by the robotic arm assembly 11, and the internal standard solution is added by the liquid supply pump 41. The reaction cups are then placed on the transition trolley 82 by the robotic arm assembly 11, and magnetic beads are added to the reaction cups. The reaction cups are then placed at the reagent transport device 4 by the robotic arm assembly 11, and shaken by the reagent mixing assembly 42. After magnetic attraction, diluent is added, the supernatant is collected after standing, and finally transported to the mass spectrometer 14 for detection by the robotic arm assembly 11.

[0062] During use, the robotic arm assembly 11 will move back and forth between the reagent transport device 4, the transition trolley 82, and the magnetic bead reagent chamber 3. The reagent transport device 4, the transition trolley 82, and the magnetic bead reagent chamber 3 are arranged around the cup handler 2, saving space in the reagent transfer equipment. Furthermore, the transition trolley 82 can drive the reaction cup to move in a straight line, enabling the reaction cup to perform operations such as sample loading and detection, further saving space in the reagent transfer equipment. As a result, there is no need to establish an assembly line to process samples, reducing the cost required for detection.

[0063] Reference Figure 3 and Figure 4The cup sorter 2 includes a hopper 21, a slide 22, a conveying mechanism (not shown in the figure) located at the bottom of the slide 22, and a transfer channel (not shown in the figure) located at the bottom of the slide 22. A reaction cup holder 23 is also provided on the side of the slide 22 away from the hopper 21. The hopper 21 has a ramp formed inside and a discharge port. The slide 22 is located below the discharge port to receive the reaction cups poured out of the discharge port. In use, after the reaction cup is placed in the hopper 21, it slides out of the discharge port under the action of the ramp and falls onto the slide 22. Since the top of the reaction cup has a cup rim, the reaction cup can be stuck on the slide 22 and slide down to the bottom of the slide 22 under the action of gravity. The conveying mechanism transfers the reaction cup to the reaction cup holder 23 through the transfer channel. In this way, the automatic stacking and transfer of reaction cups is realized.

[0064] The cup sorter 2 also includes a lifting mechanism (not shown in the figure) and a baffle 24. The baffle 24 is vertically mounted on the hopper 21. The lifting mechanism drives the baffle 24 to rise and fall. The baffle 24 is located near the discharge port. When the top of the reaction cup slides out of the discharge port first, the reaction cup cannot fall into the slide 22. The lifting mechanism drives the baffle 24 to rise, pushing the reaction cup back. Under the action of the ramp, the reaction cup changes direction and falls smoothly into the slide 22.

[0065] Of course, multiple sensors are installed on the cup unloader 2 to ensure normal and continuous operation; however, they will not be described in detail in this embodiment. Both the conveying mechanism and the lifting mechanism are mechanisms known to those skilled in the art, and only need to meet the requirements; therefore, neither the conveying mechanism nor the lifting mechanism will be described or limited in detail in this embodiment.

[0066] Reference Figure 5 The transition trolley 82 is positioned on the side of the reaction cup holder 23 away from the hopper 21. The transition trolley 82 includes a magnetic base 821 mounted on a motion rail 81 and a cup holder 822 embedded within the magnetic base 821. A magnet groove 9 is formed along the width of the magnetic base 821, and a cup groove 10 is formed on the cup holder 822. The cup groove 10 and the magnet groove 9 are positioned correspondingly. A magnet 131 is embedded in the magnet groove 9. A fixing member 824 for fixing the magnet 131 is embedded in the magnetic base 821. In this application, the fixing member 824 can be a screw, bolt, or other fixing member 824. Since this is prior art, it will not be described in detail here. A control member (not shown in the figure) for controlling the lifting and lowering of the magnet 131 is provided at the bottom of the magnet groove 9.

[0067] During operation, the reaction cup is placed on the cup slot 10 of the transition trolley 82 via the robotic arm assembly 11. The magnetic beads in the magnetic bead reagent chamber 3 are placed into the reaction cup, and the magnet 131 is raised by the control component, so that it can sense the magnetic beads in the reaction cup, thereby adsorbing the substances in the reaction cup that do not need to be detected, and retaining the required supernatant.

[0068] The transition trolley 82 has a convex cross-section. Magnetic seats 821 are located on both sides of the cup holder 822 and are lower than the cup holder 822. The length of the magnetic seats 821 is less than the length of the cup holder 822. The number of magnetic slots 9 is at least one less than the number of cup slots 10. In the schematic diagram of this application, the example is set with 4 cup slots 10 and 2 magnetic slots 9, which means that two reaction cups that do not require magnetic attraction and two reaction cups that require magnetic attraction can be placed.

[0069] The transition cart 82 can hold reaction cups that require magnetic attraction, or it can hold supernatant after adding diluent. Test tube cups holding supernatant do not require magnetic attraction, so they can be placed in cup holders 10 without magnet slots 9. This allows for reagent placement transitions, accommodating both positive and negative detection in this assay. The height of the magnetic holder 821 is designed so that the magnetic attraction point is close to the bottom of the reaction cup, thus enabling better extraction of the supernatant to be detected.

[0070] Reference Figure 6 and Figure 7 The robotic arm assembly 11 is configured to move the reaction cup and to add reagents by attaching a suction tube. The robotic arm assembly 11 includes a column 111, a slide rail 112 perpendicular to and slidably connected to the column 111, a slider 113 slidably connected to the slide rail 112, and a gripper arm 114 rotatably connected to the slider 113. The gripper arm 114 can grasp the reaction cup and move it to the reagent mixing assembly 42 or the cup holder 822. The slider 113 is connected to a drive component 12, which can be a drive motor 422, a gear rack, etc., which is prior art and will not be described in detail here.

[0071] When the reaction cup needs to be moved, the drive unit 12 is activated, causing the slider 113 to slide within the slide rail 112. This moves the gripper arm 114 above the position of the reaction cup. The gripper arm 114 is then rotated so that its inner wall abuts against the outer wall of the reaction cup. The reaction cup is then lifted by rotating the gripper arm 114. The drive unit 12 is then activated again, and the slider 113 moves the reaction cup to the desired position. The reaction cup is then lowered. The vertical displacement of the gripper arm 114 is achieved by moving the slide rail 112 relative to the column 111. This embodiment only uses the transportation of the reaction cup as an example. When the gripper arm 114 is connected to the suction tube, it can be moved to the magnetic bead reagent compartment 3 to suction and move the magnetic beads or reagents, and then add the magnetic beads or reagents into the reaction cup. Of course, the final suction of the supernatant from the reagent cup can also be achieved by moving the gripper arm 114, with the same principle as described above, and will not be repeated here.

[0072] Reference Figure 8 and Figure 9The reagent mixing assembly 42 includes a mounting plate 421 disposed on the side of the cup holder 2 away from the magnetic bead reagent chamber 3, a drive motor 422 disposed within the mounting plate 421, a rotating plate 423 connected to the output shaft of the drive motor 422, and a track plate 424 disposed outside the rotating plate 423. The drive motor 422 can drive the rotating plate 423 to rotate eccentrically on the track plate 424. One end of the rotating plate 423 has a placement groove 5 for placing reaction cups, and the other end of the rotating plate 423 has a mounting groove 6. An eccentric rod 425 is fixedly placed in the mounting groove 6. The drive shaft of the drive motor 422 is connected to the eccentric rod 425. A rotating rod 426 is inserted into the center of the track plate 424 and passes through the rotating plate 423. The rotating plate 423 can perform eccentric motion around the rotating rod 426. The drive motor 422 is disposed at the bottom of the track plate 424.

[0073] When it is necessary to mix the substances in the reaction vessel, the drive motor 422 is activated. The output shaft of the drive motor 422 drives the rotating disk 423 to move eccentrically along the area formed by the inner wall of the track disk 424. The track disk 424 not only limits the rotation range of the rotating disk 423, but also reduces the mixing amplitude, preventing reagents from splashing out of the reaction vessel and avoiding deviations in test data. The drive motor 422 is installed inside the mounting plate 421, further saving the space required for the overall device, thereby further reducing testing costs. Specifically, when the drive motor 422 starts, the output shaft of the drive motor 422 is connected to the eccentric rod 425, so that the output shaft can drive the eccentric rod 425 to rotate, thereby driving the rotating disk 423 to rotate. At this time, a rotating rod 426 is also provided inserted in the center of the rotating disk 423. The rotating rod 426 further restricts the rotation range of the rotating disk 423, so that the rotating disk 423 can perform eccentric motion around the rotating rod 426. When the rotating disk 423 rotates, the rotation trajectory of the rotating disk 423 around the rotating rod 426 is in the shape of an 8, making the mixing more uniform.

[0074] A magnetic suction device 13 is also provided at the bottom of the track plate 424. The magnetic suction device 13 includes a magnet 131 disposed on the placement groove 5 and a lifting component (not shown in the figure) disposed below the magnet 131. The lifting component is used to drive the magnet 131 to rise or fall along the axis of the placement groove 5. When cleaning fluid is added to the reaction cup, the lifting component drives the magnet 131 to move away from the reaction cup. The attraction between the magnet 131 and the magnetic beads continuously decreases. At this time, the oscillation device drives the reaction cup to shake, so that the magnetic beads and cleaning fluid are fully mixed. In this way, the magnetic beads can be fully mixed with the cleaning fluid during the cleaning process, thereby reducing the residue of non-target substances on the magnetic beads and increasing the concentration of the target substance.

[0075] The implementation principle of the reagent transfer device and mass spectrometer in this application embodiment is as follows: After the reaction cup is placed in the hopper 21, it slides out of the outlet under the action of the ramp and falls onto the slide 22. Since the top of the reaction cup has a cup rim, the reaction cup can be stuck on the slide 22 and slides to the bottom of the slide 22 under the action of gravity. The conveying mechanism transfers the reaction cup to the reaction cup holder 23 through the transfer channel. When the top of the reaction cup slides out of the outlet first, the lifting mechanism drives the baffle 24 to rise and push the reaction cup back. Under the action of the ramp, the reaction cup changes direction and falls smoothly into the slide 22. Then, the reaction cup is placed at the reagent transport device 4 by the robotic arm assembly 11, and the internal standard solution is added by the liquid supply pump 41. Then, the reaction cup is placed on the transition trolley 82 by the robotic arm assembly 11, and then the magnetic bead is added to the reaction cup. The reaction cup is then placed on the reagent transport device 4 by the robotic arm assembly 11. The drive motor 422 is started, and its output shaft is connected to the eccentric rod 425, allowing the output shaft to drive the eccentric rod 425 to rotate, which in turn drives the rotating disk 423 to rotate. At this time, a rotating rod 426 is also installed at the center of the rotating disk 423, which further restricts the rotation range of the rotating disk 423, allowing the rotating disk 423 to perform eccentric motion around the rotating rod 426. After magnetic attraction, a diluent is added, and after settling, the supernatant is collected and finally transported to the mass spectrometer 14 for detection by the robotic arm assembly 11.

[0076] On the other hand, embodiments of this application also disclose a method for using a reagent transport device and a mass spectrometer.

[0077] Including the following steps:

[0078] S1. Place the reaction cup in the cup sorter 2 and place the cup sorter 2 in the cup slot 10 with magnetic suction groove on the transition trolley 82 by the gripper arm 114.

[0079] S2. Add internal standard: Move the reaction cup to the reagent mixing component 42 via the gripper arm 114, and add internal standard solution via the liquid supply pump 41.

[0080] S3, Sample loading: The gripper arm 114 moves to the magnetic bead reagent chamber 3 to pick up the sample, moves to the transition cart 82, and injects the reagent into the reaction cup;

[0081] S4. Adding magnetic beads: The grab arm 114 moves to the magnetic bead reagent chamber 3 to draw up the magnetic bead liquid, moves to the transition cart 82, and injects the reagent into the reaction cup;

[0082] S5, vortex oscillation: The grab arm 114 places the reaction cup in the placement tank 5 and mixes it through the reagent mixing component 42;

[0083] S51. Start the drive motor 422. The output shaft of the drive motor 422 drives the eccentric rod 425 to rotate, thereby driving the rotating disk 423 to rotate. At this time, the rotating disk 423 performs eccentric motion around the rotating rod 426.

[0084] Before magnetic attraction, the liquid in the reaction cup needs to be mixed. The specific operation is as follows: turn on the drive motor 422. The output shaft of the drive motor 422 can drive the eccentric shaft to start driving the rotating disk 423 to make eccentric motion around the rotating rod 426, thereby realizing the shaking of the test liquid and finally achieving uniformity.

[0085] S6, Magnetic attraction: The reaction cup is moved again into the cup slot 10 of the transition trolley 82 by the grab arm 114, and the magnetic beads in the reaction cup are magnetically attracted by the magnet 131 in the magnetic slot 9 for 55s-1min5s.

[0086] S61. The reaction cup is placed on the cup slot 10 of the transition trolley 82 by the robotic arm assembly 11. The magnetic beads in the magnetic bead reagent chamber 3 are placed into the reaction cup. The magnet 131 is raised by the control component. The magnet 131 is inductive with the magnetic beads in the reaction cup and adsorbs the substances that do not need to be detected in the reaction cup.

[0087] During the magnetic attraction process, the reaction cup is first placed on the transition carriage 82 by the robotic arm assembly 11. The magnet 131 is raised by the control component, so that the magnet 131 attracts the magnetic beads in the reaction cup, thereby attracting the liquid to be tested or the liquid not to be tested in the reaction cup, which is convenient for subsequent testing.

[0088] S7. Add diluent: Add the diluent from the magnetic bead reagent chamber 3 to the reaction cup on the transition cart 82, and aspirate the supernatant using a pipette;

[0089] S8. Transfer and detect the supernatant: The supernatant extracted from the reaction vessel is moved to the sample vessel by the gripper arm 114, and the sample vessel is sent to the mass spectrometer 14 for detection.

[0090] During operation, the reaction cups are first placed in the cup arranger 2 to sort and arrange them. Then, they are placed on the transition carriage 82 by the gripper arm 114 to facilitate the subsequent addition of internal standards and sample loading. Then, the magnetic beads are added to the reaction cups by the robotic arm assembly 11. The reaction cups are then moved to the reagent mixing assembly 42 for mixing. After mixing, different magnetic adsorption methods can be used for forward and reverse detection according to different detection requirements. Finally, the detection liquid is obtained by adding diluent and taking the supernatant, which is then sent to the mass spectrometer 14 for detection.

[0091] The above are all preferred embodiments of this application, and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, all equivalent changes made in accordance with the structure, shape and principle of this application should be covered within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. A reagent transport device and a mass spectrometer, characterized in that: include: The housing (1) forms a space for the installation of the reagent transfer equipment; A cup arranger (2) is used to arrange and organize reaction cups; The magnetic bead reagent compartment (3) is located inside the box (1) and on one side of the cup sorter (2) for holding the magnetic beads and reagents to be placed in the reaction cup; A drug delivery device (4) is disposed on the side of the cup cleaner (2) away from the magnetic bead reagent chamber (3). The drug delivery device (4) includes a plurality of liquid supply pumps (41) disposed on the side of the cup cleaner (2), a drug mixing assembly (42) connected to the liquid supply pumps (41), and a connecting pipe (7) disposed between the liquid supply pumps (41) and the drug mixing assembly (42). A transition component (8) is provided on one side of the magnetic bead reagent chamber (3) and the reagent transport device (4). The transition component (8) includes a motion rail (81) provided in the housing (1) and a transition trolley (82) that travels on the motion rail (81). A robotic arm assembly (11) is disposed on the top of the housing (1), and multiple robotic arm assemblies (11) are provided; A mass spectrometer (14) is installed on the side of the housing (1) near the magnetic bead reagent compartment (3) where the magnetic beads are installed, for detecting the reagents after the operation. The reagent mixing assembly (42) includes a mounting plate (421) disposed on the side of the cup holder (2) away from the magnetic bead reagent chamber (3), a drive motor (422) disposed in the mounting plate (421), a rotating disk (423) connected to the output shaft of the drive motor (422), and a track disk (424) disposed outside the rotating disk (423). The drive motor (422) can drive the rotating disk (423) to rotate eccentrically on the track disk (424). One end of the rotating disk (423) is provided with a placement groove (5) for placing the reaction cup, and the other end of the rotating disk (423) is provided with a mounting groove (6). An eccentric rod (425) is fixedly placed in the mounting groove (6). The drive shaft of the drive motor (422) is connected to the eccentric rod (425). A rotating rod (426) is inserted into the center of the track disk (424). The rotating rod (426) passes through the rotating disk (423). The rotating disk (423) can make eccentric movements around the rotating rod (426). The drive motor (422) is located at the bottom of the track disk (424).

2. The reagent transport device and mass spectrometer according to claim 1, characterized in that: The transition trolley (82) includes a magnetic base (821) mounted on the motion rail (81) and a cup holder (822) embedded in the magnetic base (821). A magnet groove (9) is provided along the width direction of the magnetic base (821), and a cup groove (10) is provided on the cup holder (822). The cup groove (10) and the magnet groove (9) are positioned correspondingly. A magnet (131) is embedded in the magnet groove (9), and a fixing member (824) for fixing the magnet (131) is embedded on the magnetic base (821).

3. The reagent transport device and mass spectrometer according to claim 2, characterized in that: The cross-section of the transition trolley (82) is convex. The magnetic seat (821) is located on both sides of the cup holder (822) and is lower than the cup holder (822). The length of the magnetic seat (821) is less than the length of the cup holder (822). The number of magnetic slots (9) is at least one less than the number of cup slots (10).

4. The reagent transport device and mass spectrometer according to claim 3, characterized in that: The robotic arm assembly (11) includes a column (111), a slide rail (112) perpendicular to and slidably connected to the column (111), a slider (113) slidably connected to the slide rail (112), and a gripper (114) rotatably connected to the slider (113). The gripper (114) is capable of gripping the reaction cup and moving the reaction cup to the reagent mixing assembly (42) or the cup holder (822). The slider (113) is connected to a drive unit (12).

5. The reagent transport device and mass spectrometer according to claim 1, characterized in that: The bottom of the track plate (424) is also provided with a magnetic suction device (13). The magnetic suction device (13) includes a magnet (131) disposed on the placement groove (5) and a lifting assembly disposed under the magnet (131). The lifting assembly is used to drive the magnet (131) to rise or fall along the axial direction of the placement groove (5).

6. The method of using the reagent transport device and mass spectrometer according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that: Including the following steps: S1. Place the reaction cup in the cup sorter (2) and place the cup sorter (2) on the transition trolley (82) by the gripper (114); S2, Add internal standard: The grab arm (114) goes to the magnetic bead reagent chamber (3) to draw the internal standard solution, goes to the transition cart (82), and injects the reagent into the reaction cup; S3, Sample loading: The gripper (114) goes to the magnetic bead reagent chamber (3) to pick up the sample, goes to the transition cart (82) to inject the reagent into the reaction cup; S4. Add magnetic beads: The grab arm (114) goes to the magnetic bead reagent chamber (3) to draw up the magnetic bead liquid, goes to the transition cart (82) and injects the reagent into the reaction cup; S5, Vortex Oscillation: The grab arm (114) places the reaction cup in the placement slot (5) and mixes it through the reagent mixing component (42); S6, magnetic attraction: The reaction cup is moved again to the cup slot (10) of the transition trolley (82) by the grab arm (114), and the magnetic beads in the reaction cup are magnetically attracted by the magnet (131) in the magnetic slot (9) for 55s-1min5s. S7. Add diluent: Add the diluent in the magnetic bead reagent chamber (3) to the reaction cup on the transition cart (82), and draw the supernatant through a pipette; S8. Transfer and detect the supernatant: The supernatant extracted from the reaction vessel is moved to the sample vessel by the gripper (114), and the sample vessel is sent to the mass spectrometer (14) for detection.

7. The method of using the reagent transport device and mass spectrometer according to claim 6, characterized in that: The mixing is performed by the drug mixing assembly (42), including the following steps: starting the drive motor (422), the output shaft of the drive motor (422) drives the eccentric rod (425) to rotate, thereby driving the rotating disk (423) to rotate. At this time, the rotating disk (423) moves eccentrically around the rotating rod (426).

8. The method of using the reagent transport device and mass spectrometer according to claim 7, characterized in that: The magnetic beads in the reaction cup are magnetically attracted by the magnet (131) in the magnet slot (9) for 55s-1min5s, including the following steps: the reaction cup is placed on the cup slot (10) of the transition trolley (82) by the robotic arm assembly (11), the magnetic beads in the magnetic bead reagent chamber (3) are placed into the reaction cup, the magnet (131) is raised by the control component, the magnet (131) is inductive with the magnetic beads in the reaction cup, and the substances that do not need to be detected in the reaction cup are adsorbed.

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