Automatic sample adding device for PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) expansion

Abstract

The invention discloses a PCR expansion automatic sample adding device which comprises a base, a test tube conveying system, a Y-axis driving module, a Z-axis driving module, an X-axis driving module, an automatic sample adding mechanism and a control system, the test tube conveying system and the Y-axis driving module are arranged on the base, the Z-axis driving module is movably arranged on the Y-axis driving module, and the X-axis driving module is movably arranged on the X-axis driving module. The Y-axis driving module is movably arranged on the Y-axis driving module, the Z-axis driving module is movably arranged on the Y-axis driving module, the X-axis driving module is movably arranged on the Z-axis driving module, the automatic sample adding mechanism is movably arranged on the X-axis driving module and located above the test tube conveying system, and the signal output end of the control system is connected with the Y-axis driving module, the Z-axis driving module, the X-axis driving module and the automatic sample adding mechanism. The automatic sample adding mechanism automatically adds samples into test tubes conveyed on the test tube conveying system under the combined action of the Y-axis driving module, the Z-axis driving module and the X-axis driving module. According to the invention, automatic sample adding can be realized, the labor cost is greatly reduced, the working efficiency is improved, and the detection error caused by manual operation is avoided.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to the technical field of PCR detection, and in particular to an automatic sample adding device for PCR expansion. Background Art

[0002] PCR instrument, also known as gene amplifier, is mainly used for scientific research and clinical gene amplification, qualitative PCR gene amplification, fluorescence / enzyme-immunoassay endpoint quantitative DNA gene amplification, gene chip and other gene analysis applications. Samples need to be added during the use of the PCR instrument. Currently, sample addition to the PCR instrument is done manually, which has high labor costs and manual operations may result in errors. Adding too much or too little sample may cause errors in the test data. Summary of the invention

[0003] The purpose of the present invention is to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art and provide a PCR expansion automatic sample adding device, which can realize automatic sample adding, replace the manual operation mode, greatly reduce the labor cost, improve the work efficiency, avoid the detection error caused by manual operation, and ensure the accuracy of PCR detection.

[0004] The technical solution of the present invention is as follows:

[0005] A PCR expansion automatic sample adding device comprises a base, a test tube conveying system, a Y-axis driving module, a Z-axis driving module, an X-axis driving module, an automatic sample adding mechanism and a control system. The test tube conveying system and the Y-axis driving module are arranged on the base, the Y-axis driving module is located at one side of the test tube conveying system, the Z-axis driving module is movably arranged on the Y-axis driving module, and can be driven by the Y-axis driving module to move along the Y-axis, the X-axis driving module is movably arranged on the Z-axis driving module, and can be driven by the Z-axis driving module to move along the Z-axis, the automatic sample adding mechanism is movably arranged on the X-axis driving module and is located above the test tube conveying system, and can be driven by the X-axis driving module to move along the X-axis, the signal output end of the control system is respectively connected to the Y-axis driving module, the Z-axis driving module, the X-axis driving module and the automatic sample adding mechanism, the action is controlled by the control system, and the automatic sample adding mechanism automatically adds the sample into the test tube conveyed by the test tube conveying system under the joint action of the Y-axis driving module, the Z-axis driving module and the X-axis driving module.

[0006] Furthermore, the test tube transport system includes a transport track, a test tube holding fixture and a plurality of test tubes. The test tube holding fixture is movably arranged on the transport track and can be transported along the Y-axis direction. The test tube holding fixture is provided with a plurality of test tube sockets in a matrix, and the lower part of the test tube is inserted into the test tube socket and fixed.

[0007] Furthermore, a liquid level sensor is provided on the wall of each test tube jack, and the liquid level sensor is connected to the signal input end of the control system. The liquid level sensor is used to detect the liquid level of the sample in the test tube placed on the test tube holding fixture, and sends a sample adding signal to the control system when the sample liquid level is lower than the set value. After receiving the sample signal, the control system controls the Y-axis drive module, the Z-axis drive module, the X-axis drive module, and the automatic sample adding mechanism to add the sample to the test tube to be added.

[0008] Furthermore, a visual sensor is provided on the automatic sample loading mechanism, and the visual sensor is connected to the control system signal, and is used to find the test tube corresponding to the liquid level sensor that sends the sample adding signal through vision, and send a position signal to the control system. The control system then prompts the automatic sample loading mechanism to complete the sample loading according to the position signal.

[0009] Furthermore, one side of the openings of the plurality of test tube jacks of the test tube holding fixture is marked with identification marks for identification by a visual sensor, and the plurality of identification marks are arranged in alphabetical order.

[0010] Furthermore, the automatic loading mechanism includes a shell, a pressure pump, a feed pipe, a loading tube and a loading needle, the pressure pump is arranged in the shell, the upper end of the loading tube penetrates into the shell and is connected to the pressure pump, the lower end of the loading tube is connected to the loading needle, one end of the feed pipe penetrates into the shell and is connected to the loading tube, the other end of the feed pipe extends upward, the signal output end of the control system is connected to the pressure pump, and the visual sensor is arranged at the lower part of the shell.

[0011] Furthermore, a filter is provided on the output end of the sample adding tube.

[0012] Furthermore, a flow regulator is provided between the filter and the sample addition needle.

[0013] Furthermore, the Z-axis drive module includes a first shell, a first drive motor, a first threaded rod, a first slide rod and a second slide rod. The first threaded rod, the first slide rod and the second slide rod are vertically and parallelly arranged in the first shell. The first threaded rod is located between the first slide rod and the second slide rod. The first drive motor is arranged at the top of the first shell, and its motor shaft is connected to the first threaded rod. The X-axis drive module is connected to the first threaded rod through a sliding sleeve, and is slidably connected to the first slide rod and the second slide rod. The signal output end of the control system is connected to the first drive motor.

[0014] Furthermore, the X-axis drive module includes a second shell, a second drive motor, a second threaded rod, a third slide rod and a fourth slide rod. The second threaded rod, the third slide rod and the fourth slide rod are arranged horizontally and parallel in the second shell. The second threaded rod is located between the third slide rod and the fourth slide rod. The second drive motor is arranged on one side of the second shell, and its motor shaft is connected to the second threaded rod. The automatic loading mechanism is connected to the second threaded rod through a sliding sleeve, and is slidably connected to the third slide rod and the fourth slide rod. The signal output end of the control system is connected to the second drive motor.

[0015] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows: the present invention can realize automatic sample addition, replace the manual operation mode, greatly reduce the labor cost, and improve the work efficiency. Specifically, the test tube is transported by the test tube transport system, and the sample is added in combination with the Y-axis drive module, the Z-axis drive module, the X-axis drive module and the automatic sample addition mechanism. The actions of the Y-axis drive module, the Z-axis drive module, the X-axis drive module and the automatic sample addition mechanism are all controlled by the control system. The liquid level of the sample in the test tube is sensed in real time by the liquid level sensor. When the sample liquid level is lower than the set value, the sample addition signal is sent to the control system. When the sample reaches the liquid level setting value, the sample addition stops. There will be no situation of too much or too little sample addition, thereby ensuring the detection accuracy of PCR. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention, the drawings required for use in the embodiments or the description of the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without paying creative work.

[0017] Figure 1 A front view of a PCR expansion automatic sample adding device provided by the present invention;

[0018] Figure 2 A top view of a PCR expansion automatic sample adding device provided by the present invention;

[0019] Figure 3 A principle block diagram of a PCR expansion automatic sample adding device provided by the present invention;

[0020] Figure 4 It is a structural schematic diagram of the automatic sample adding mechanism of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the Z-axis drive module of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 6 It is a structural schematic diagram of the X-axis drive module of the present invention.

[0023] Description of reference numerals:

[0024] 1--Base 2--Test tube transport system

[0025] 3--Y-axis drive module 4--Z-axis drive module

[0026] 5--X-axis drive module 6--Automatic loading mechanism

[0027] 7--Control system 8--Liquid level sensor

[0028] 9--Visual sensor 21--Conveyor track

[0029] 22--Test tube holder 23--Test tube

[0030] 41--First housing 42--First drive motor

[0031] 43--First threaded rod 44--First sliding rod

[0032] 45--Second slide bar 51--Second housing

[0033] 52--Second drive motor 53--Second threaded rod

[0034] 54--The third slide bar 55--The fourth slide bar

[0035] 61--housing 62--pressurization pump

[0036] 63--Feeding pipe 64--Sample adding pipe

[0037] 65--Sampling needle 66--Filter

[0038] 67--Flow regulator 221--Identification. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0039] In order to make the purpose, technical solution and advantages of the present invention more clearly understood, the present invention is further described in detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only used to explain the present invention and are not used to limit the present invention.

[0040] In order to illustrate the technical solution of the present invention, a specific embodiment is provided below for illustration.

[0041] Example

[0042] See also Figures 1 to 3The present embodiment provides a PCR expansion automatic sample adding device, including a base 1, a test tube conveying system 2, a Y-axis driving module 3, a Z-axis driving module 4, an X-axis driving module 5, an automatic sample adding mechanism 6 and a control system 7. The test tube conveying system 2 and the Y-axis driving module 3 are arranged on the base 1. The test tube conveying system 2 is used for test tube conveying, and includes a conveying track 21, a test tube holding fixture 22 and a plurality of test tubes 23. The test tube holding fixture 22 is movably arranged on the conveying track 21 and can be conveyed along the Y-axis direction. The test tube holding fixture 22 is provided with a plurality of test tube jacks in a matrix. The lower part of the test tube 23 is inserted into the test tube jack and fixed. A liquid level sensor 8 is arranged on the hole wall of each test tube jack. The liquid level sensor 8 is connected to the signal input end of the control system 7. The liquid level sensor 8 is used to detect the liquid level of the sample in the test tube placed on the test tube holding fixture 22, and sends a sample adding signal to the control system 7 when the sample liquid level is lower than the set value; the Y-axis driving module 3 is located on one side of the test tube conveying system 2, and the Z-axis driving module 4 is movably arranged on the Y-axis driving module 3, and can be controlled by the Y-axis driving module 3 is driven to move along the Y axis, the X axis driving module 5 is movably arranged on the Z axis driving module 4, and can be driven to move along the Z axis by the Z axis driving module 4, the automatic sample adding mechanism 6 is movably arranged on the X axis driving module 5, and is located above the test tube conveying system 2, and can be driven to move along the X axis by the X axis driving module 5, the signal output end of the control system 7 is respectively connected with the Y axis driving module 3, the Z axis driving module 4, the X axis driving module 5 and the automatic sample adding mechanism 6, and the action is controlled by the control system 7, the automatic sample adding mechanism 6 automatically adds the sample into the test tube conveyed by the test tube conveying system 2 under the joint action of the Y axis driving module 3, the Z axis driving module 4 and the X axis driving module 5, and after receiving the sample signal, the control system 7 controls the Y axis driving module 3, the Z axis driving module 4, the X axis driving module 5 and the automatic sample adding mechanism 6 to add the sample into the test tube to be added.

[0043] Furthermore, the automatic sample adding mechanism 6 is provided with a visual sensor 9, which is connected to the control system 7 by signal, and is used to find the test tube corresponding to the liquid level sensor 8 that sends a sample adding signal through vision, and send a position signal to the control system 7. The control system 7 then prompts the automatic sample adding mechanism 6 to complete the sample adding according to the position signal.

[0044] Furthermore, one side of the openings of the plurality of test tube insertion holes of the test tube holding fixture 22 is marked with identification marks 221 for identification by the visual sensor 9 , and the plurality of identification marks 221 are arranged in alphabetical order.

[0045] Combination Figure 4As shown, the automatic loading mechanism 6 includes a shell 61, a pressure pump 62, a feed pipe 63, a loading tube 64 and a loading needle 65. The pressure pump 62 is arranged in the shell 61. The upper end of the loading tube 64 penetrates into the shell 61 and is connected to the pressure pump 62. The lower end of the loading tube 64 is connected to the loading needle 65. One end of the feed pipe 64 penetrates into the shell 61 and is connected to the loading tube 64. The other end of the feed pipe 63 extends upward. By turning on the pressure pump 62, the sample is input through the feed pipe 63, and is loaded into the test tube 23 through the loading tube 64 and the loading needle 65. The signal output end of the control system 7 is connected to the pressure pump 62. The pressure pump 62 is controlled by the control system 7. The visual sensor 9 is arranged at the lower part of the shell.

[0046] Preferably, a filter 66 is provided at the output end of the sample adding tube 64. The sample is filtered through the filter 66, thereby ensuring the purity of the sample.

[0047] Preferably, a flow regulator 67 is further provided between the filter 66 and the sample adding needle 65. The flow regulator 67 can adjust different flow rates for different flow rates during sample addition.

[0048] Combination Figure 5 As shown, the Z-axis driving module 4 includes a first shell 41, a first driving motor 42, a first threaded rod 43, a first slide bar 44 and a second slide bar 45. The first threaded rod 43, the first slide bar 44 and the second slide bar 45 are vertically and parallelly arranged in the first shell 41. The first threaded rod 43 is located between the first slide bar 44 and the second slide bar 45. The first driving motor 42 is arranged at the top of the first shell 41, and its motor shaft is connected to the first threaded rod 43. The X-axis driving module 5 is connected to the first threaded rod 43 through a sliding sleeve, and is slidably connected to the first slide bar 44 and the second slide bar 45. The X-axis driving module 5 can move up and down along the first slide bar 44 and the second slide bar 45 under the transmission action of the first driving motor 42 and the first threaded rod 43. The signal output end of the control system 7 is connected to the first driving motor 42, and the first driving motor 42 is controlled by the control system 7.

[0049] Combination Figure 6As shown, the X-axis driving module 5 includes a second shell 51, a second driving motor 52, a second threaded rod 53, a third slide bar 54 and a fourth slide bar 55. The second threaded rod 53, the third slide bar 54 and the fourth slide bar 55 are arranged horizontally and parallel in the second shell 51. The second threaded rod 53 is located between the third slide bar 54 and the fourth slide bar 55. The second driving motor 52 is arranged on one side of the second shell 51, and its motor shaft is connected to the second threaded rod 53. The automatic loading mechanism 6 is connected to the second threaded rod 53 through a sliding sleeve, and is slidably connected to the third slide bar 54 and the fourth slide bar 55. The automatic loading mechanism 6 can move left and right along the third slide bar 54 and the fourth slide bar 55 under the transmission action of the second driving motor 52 and the second threaded rod 53. The signal output end of the control system 7 is connected to the second driving motor 52, and the second driving motor 52 is controlled by the control system 7.

[0050] Its specific working principle is as follows:

[0051] The test tube 23 used by the PCR instrument is placed on the test tube holding fixture 22 and transported through the conveying track 21. When the liquid level sensor 8 on the wall of the test tube insertion hole senses that the sample in the test tube 23 is lower than the set value, the test tube holding fixture 22 stops, and the control system 7 drives the automatic sample loading mechanism 6 to move to the top of the test tube to be loaded with samples in conjunction with the Y-axis drive module 3 and the X-axis drive module 5 according to the mark of the test tube corresponding to the liquid level sensor 8 that sends the sample adding signal (the automatic sample loading mechanism 6 finds the mark 221 of the corresponding test tube through the visual sensor 9 during the movement), and then controls the Z-axis drive module 4 to drive the sample loading needle 65 of the automatic sample loading mechanism 6 to descend and extend into the test tube to be loaded with samples, and finally controls the pressure pump 62 to load the sample into the test tube 23. When the sample in the test tube meets the liquid level setting value of the liquid level sensor 8, the pressure pump stops, and the Z-axis drive module 4 drives the automatic sample loading mechanism 6 to reset, waiting for the next sample loading to repeat the above actions.

[0052] In summary, the present invention replaces the manual operation mode and realizes automatic PCR sample addition, which greatly reduces labor costs and improves work efficiency. At the same time, it avoids the detection errors caused by manual operation, and there will be no situation of too much or too little sample addition, thereby ensuring the detection accuracy of PCR.

[0053] The above are only preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included in the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A PCR expansion automatic sample adding device, characterized in that: The invention comprises a base, a test tube conveying system, a Y-axis driving module, a Z-axis driving module, an X-axis driving module, an automatic sample loading mechanism and a control system. The test tube conveying system and the Y-axis driving module are arranged on the base, the Y-axis driving module is located at one side of the test tube conveying system, the Z-axis driving module is movably arranged on the Y-axis driving module, and can be driven to move along the Y-axis by the Y-axis driving module, the X-axis driving module is movably arranged on the Z-axis driving module, and can be driven to move along the Z-axis by the Z-axis driving module, the automatic sample loading mechanism is movably arranged on the X-axis driving module and is located above the test tube conveying system, and can be driven to move along the X-axis by the X-axis driving module, the signal output end of the control system is respectively connected with the Y-axis driving module, the Z-axis driving module, the X-axis driving module and the automatic sample loading mechanism, and the action is controlled by the control system, and the automatic sample loading mechanism automatically adds the sample into the test tube conveyed by the test tube conveying system under the joint action of the Y-axis driving module, the Z-axis driving module and the X-axis driving module.

2. A PCR expansion automatic sample adding device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The test tube conveying system includes a conveying track, a test tube holding fixture and a plurality of test tubes. The test tube holding fixture is movably arranged on the conveying track and can be conveyed along the Y-axis direction. The test tube holding fixture is provided with a plurality of test tube sockets in a matrix, and the lower part of the test tube is inserted into the test tube socket and fixed.

3. A PCR expansion automatic sample adding device according to claim 2, characterized in that: A liquid level sensor is provided on the hole wall of each test tube jack, and the liquid level sensor is connected to the signal input end of the control system. The liquid level sensor is used to detect the liquid level of the sample in the test tube placed on the test tube holding fixture, and sends a sample adding signal to the control system when the sample liquid level is lower than the set value. After receiving the sample signal, the control system controls the Y-axis drive module, the Z-axis drive module, the X-axis drive module, and the automatic sample adding mechanism to add the sample to the test tube to be added.

4. A PCR expansion automatic sample adding device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The automatic sample adding mechanism is provided with a visual sensor, which is connected to the control system signal and is used to find the test tube corresponding to the liquid level sensor that sends the sample adding signal through vision, and send the position signal to the control system. The control system then prompts the automatic sample adding mechanism to complete the sample adding according to the position signal.

5. A PCR expansion automatic sample adding device according to claim 4, characterized in that: One side of the openings of the plurality of test tube insertion holes of the test tube holding fixture is marked with identification marks for identification by a visual sensor, and the plurality of identification marks are arranged in alphabetical order.

6. The PCR expansion automatic sample adding device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The automatic loading mechanism comprises a shell, a pressure pump, a feed pipe, a loading tube and a loading needle. The pressure pump is arranged in the shell, the upper end of the loading tube penetrates into the shell and is connected to the pressure pump, the lower end of the loading tube is connected to the loading needle, one end of the feed pipe penetrates into the shell and is connected to the loading tube, the other end of the feed pipe extends upward, the signal output end of the control system is connected to the pressure pump, and the visual sensor is arranged at the lower part of the shell.

7. The PCR expansion automatic sample adding device according to claim 6, characterized in that: A filter is arranged on the output end of the sample adding tube.

8. The PCR expansion automatic sample adding device according to claim 7, characterized in that: A flow regulator is arranged between the filter and the sample adding needle.

9. The PCR expansion automatic sample adding device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The Z-axis drive module includes a first shell, a first drive motor, a first threaded rod, a first slide rod and a second slide rod. The first threaded rod, the first slide rod and the second slide rod are vertically and parallelly arranged in the first shell. The first threaded rod is located between the first slide rod and the second slide rod. The first drive motor is arranged at the top of the first shell, and its motor shaft is connected to the first threaded rod. The X-axis drive module is connected to the first threaded rod through a sliding sleeve, and is slidably connected to the first slide rod and the second slide rod. The signal output end of the control system is connected to the first drive motor.

10. The PCR expansion automatic sample adding device according to claim 9, characterized in that: The X-axis drive module includes a second shell, a second drive motor, a second threaded rod, a third slide rod and a fourth slide rod. The second threaded rod, the third slide rod and the fourth slide rod are arranged in parallel in the second shell, the second threaded rod is located between the third slide rod and the fourth slide rod, the second drive motor is arranged on one side of the second shell, and its motor shaft is connected to the second threaded rod. The automatic loading mechanism is connected to the second threaded rod through a sliding sleeve, and is slidably connected to the third slide rod and the fourth slide rod. The signal output end of the control system is connected to the second drive motor.

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