Flow cell fixing device, flow cell assembly and biochemical substance reaction device

Abstract

A flow cell fixing device, a flow cell assembly and a biochemical substance reaction device.The flow cell fixing device comprises a frame with a mounting window and a fixing structure arranged on the side, close to the mounting window, of the frame, and the frame is used for generating deformation under the action of external force so as to mount a flow cell on the mounting window; the fixing structure is used for bearing and fixing the flow cell, and a through hole is formed in the fixing structure to be communicated with the flow cell. The flow cell fixing device provided by the invention is simple in structure, and the frame can deform under the action of external force to change the size of the mounting window, so that the flow cell is convenient to mount and fix; the fixing structure is arranged on the frame, and the deformable frame is matched with the fixing structure, so that the stability and the communication airtightness of the flow cell can be improved; the flow cell fixing device is of an integrally-formed structure, is simple in structure and convenient to form, and does not need to be assembled.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the field of biochemical reaction technology, and in particular to a flow cell fixing device, a flow cell assembly and a biochemical substance reaction device. Background Art

[0002] In the field of biochemical reactions, a flow cell is generally configured to carry samples. The flow cell is a sample carrier for loading samples of biochemical substances and performing detection and analysis reactions. It usually contains a cavity for accommodating samples and fluids. In the case of sequencing, the flow cell is a sequencing chip. In other cases, the flow cell may be other sample carriers. In the field of sequencing, the flow cell is also generally referred to as a flow tank, reaction cell, chip, sequencing chip, gene sequencing chip or cassette, etc. During the sequencing process, the flow cell needs to be fixed and transferred by a flow cell fixture. The existing flow cell fixture has a complex structure, and the fixing and positioning operations of the flow cell are cumbersome, and the convenience is low. Summary of the invention

[0003] In order to solve at least one of the above defects, it is necessary to propose a flow pool fixing device.

[0004] In addition, the present application also provides a flow cell assembly and a biochemical substance reaction device using the flow cell assembly.

[0005] An embodiment of the present application provides a flow pool fixing device, which includes a frame having an installation window and a fixing structure arranged on a side of the frame close to the installation window, the frame is used to deform under the action of external force so as to install the flow pool on the installation window, the fixing structure is used to support and fix the flow pool, and a through hole is opened on the fixing structure to connect the flow pool.

[0006] In some possible embodiments, the frame includes a deformation structure, which is elastic and configured to deform under an external force to increase the area of ​​the installation window, and to restore the deformation after the external force is removed.

[0007] In some possible embodiments, the deformation structure is an arc-shaped structure that protrudes in a direction away from the installation window, or the deformation structure includes a plurality of deformation parts that are connected end to end in sequence, and the plurality of deformation parts are folded along the circumference of the frame. The plurality of deformation parts are used to extend along the circumference of the frame under the action of external force to increase the area of ​​the installation window, and the plurality of deformation parts are also used to restore the folded state after the external force is removed.

[0008] In some possible embodiments, the frame includes an inner side wall facing the installation window, the fixing structure includes a fixing portion located on the inner side wall, along the thickness direction of the frame, the thickness of the fixing portion is less than the height of the inner side wall, the fixing portion and the inner side wall form a step, and the step is used to carry the edge of the flow cell;

[0009] The fixing structure further comprises a clamping portion located on the inner side wall, and along the thickness direction of the frame, there is a distance between the clamping portion and the fixing portion, and the distance is adapted to the thickness of the flow pool.

[0010] In some possible embodiments, an injection module is provided on the frame, and the injection module includes an injection hole provided on the frame, and a flow channel connecting the injection hole and the through hole, the injection hole is connected to the flow pool via the flow channel and the through hole, and the injection hole is also used to connect with an external injection device.

[0011] In some possible embodiments, the frame is provided with a gripping structure, which is used for a mobile device to grip and move the flow pool; and / or, the frame is provided with a positioning structure, which is used for providing positioning for the mobile device when moving the flow pool and placing the flow pool on a carrying platform; and / or, the frame is provided with a loading structure, which is used for a loading fixture to provide external force to the frame to deform the frame.

[0012] In some possible embodiments, the grasping structure includes a clamping portion provided on opposite side edges of the frame; and / or the positioning structure is a first hole portion opened on the frame; and / or the loading structure is a second hole portion opened on the frame.

[0013] In some possible embodiments, the fixing structure further includes a plurality of sealing rings, and the plurality of sealing rings are arranged in a one-to-one correspondence with the through holes.

[0014] An embodiment of the present application also provides a flow cell assembly, which includes a flow cell and the flow cell fixing device as described above.

[0015] An embodiment of the present application also provides a biochemical substance reaction device, which is used to load the flow cell assembly as described above and input reaction substances into the flow cell to react the sample in the flow cell; or, the biochemical substance reaction device is further used to detect the sample after the reaction to obtain a signal reflecting the biological characteristics of the sample.

[0016] The frame in the flow cell fixing device provided in the embodiment of the present application can be deformed under the action of external force to change the size of the installation window, which is convenient for the installation and fixation of the flow cell; by arranging a fixing structure on the frame, the deformable frame cooperates with the fixing structure to improve the stability and connectivity air tightness of the flow cell; the flow cell fixing device is an integrated molding structure with a simple structure, which is easy to mold and does not require assembly, so it is convenient for the disassembly, assembly and movement of the flow cell; by arranging a grabbing structure and a positioning structure for transfer between the carrying platforms on the frame, it can ensure high-precision repeated automatic positioning of the flow cell assembly on different carrying platforms, which is beneficial to the sequential or combined loading of multiple sequencing flow cells in the field of gene sequencing. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application, the drawings required for use in the embodiments of the present application will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present application. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without paying creative work.

[0018] Figure 1 It is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of a flow cell assembly in one embodiment of the present application.

[0019] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A three-dimensional schematic diagram of the flow cell assembly shown from another angle.

[0020] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 Exploded view of the flow cell assembly shown.

[0021] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 Magnified view of area A.

[0022] Figure 5 is along Figure 1 A cross-sectional view taken along line VV is shown.

[0023] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 Magnified view of area B is shown.

[0024] Figure 7 It is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of a flow cell assembly in another embodiment of the present application.

[0025] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 A three-dimensional schematic diagram of an angle of a flow cell fixing device in the flow cell assembly shown.

[0026] Fig. 9 yes Figure 8 A three-dimensional schematic diagram of the flow pool fixing device from another angle is shown.

[0027] Fig.10 yes Figure 8 Magnified view of area C.

[0028] Fig.11 It is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of a flow cell assembly in another embodiment of the present application.

[0029] Fig.12 yes Fig.11 A three-dimensional schematic diagram of the flow cell assembly shown from another angle.

[0030] Fig.13 yes Fig.11 A three-dimensional schematic diagram of a flow cell fixing device in the flow cell assembly shown.

[0031] Fig.14 yes Fig.13 An enlarged view of the area where the middle injection module is located after disassembly.

[0032] Fig.15 yes Fig.13 An enlarged view of the area where the middle injection module is located after disassembly from another angle.

[0033] Fig.16 It is a schematic diagram of a biochemical substance reaction device provided in one embodiment of the present application.

[0034] The following specific implementation methods will further illustrate the present application in conjunction with the above-mentioned drawings.

[0035] Main component symbols

[0036] Flow cell components 100,200,300 Second surface 15 Flow Cell 10 Clamping part 16 Front side 101 Grooves 161,19 Back side 102 convex part 162 Cover sheet 103 Positioning structure 17 Base 104 Loading structure 18,18b Flow cell through hole 106 Avoid empty space 191 Flow cell fixture 20,20a,20b Fixed structure 2 frame 1,1a,1b Through Hole 4,33 Deformed structure 11,11a Fixed part 5 Part I 111 Clamping part 6 First End 111a,113a Boss 7 Second end 111b,113b Connectivity 8 Part 2 112 Sealing ring 9 Part 3 113 Injection module 30 Inner wall 12 Filling hole 31 frame 13,13a Filling plug 32 First border part 131 Sealing plug 34 Second frame part 132 Runner 35 First end face 133 Flow channel sealing 36 Second end face 134 Installation Window 3 First surface 14 Biochemical reaction device 1000 DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] The following will be combined with the drawings in the embodiments of the present application to clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present application, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments in the present application, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without creative work are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0038] It should be noted that when a component is referred to as being "fixed to" or "mounted on" another component, it may be directly on the other component or there may be a central component. When a component is considered to be "set on" another component, it may be directly set on the other component or there may be a central component at the same time. The term "and / or" as used herein includes all and any combinations of one or more of the relevant listed items.

[0039] See also Figures 1 to 3As shown, it is a three-dimensional schematic diagram and an exploded view of the flow cell assembly in one embodiment of the present application at two angles. The flow cell assembly 100 includes a flow cell 10 and a flow cell fixture 20. Among them, the flow cell fixture 20 includes a frame 1 and a fixed structure 2, the frame 1 has an installation window 3, and the fixed structure 2 is located on the side of the frame 1 close to the installation window 3. The frame 1 is used to deform under the action of an external force so as to install the flow cell 10 on the installation window 3. The fixed structure 2 is used to carry and fix the flow cell 10, and a through hole 4 is provided on the fixed structure 2 to connect the flow cell 10, so as to realize the liquid inlet, liquid outlet and exhaust of the flow cell 10. The flow cell 10 is detachably mounted on the installation window 3 of the flow cell fixture 20, and can be transferred and positioned between different carrying platforms through the flow cell fixture 20.

[0040] See also Figure 3 As shown, please refer to Figure 5 and Figure 6 The flow cell 10 includes a front side 101 and a back side 102 opposite to the front side 101. The flow cell 10 includes a cover sheet 103 and a substrate 104 from the front side 101 to the back side 102. The cover sheet 103 and the substrate 104 enclose a flow chamber (not shown). The cover sheet 103 allows light to pass through so that the situation in the flow chamber can be observed at the front side 101 of the flow cell 10. In this embodiment, the cover sheet 103 is optical glass, and the substrate 104 is a rectangular cut silicon wafer. Further, the substrate 104 is a rectangular cut silicon wafer of a high-density nano dot array of gene patterned array technology.

[0041] In some embodiments, the flow cell 10 may be rectangular or square, or other polygonal shapes. In some embodiments, the flow cell 10 may be rectangular.

[0042] See also Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown, the frame 1 includes a first surface 14 and a second surface 15 that are arranged opposite to each other, wherein the first surface 14 corresponds to the front side 101 of the flow cell 10, and the second surface 15 corresponds to the back side 102 of the flow cell 10. The frame 1 also includes an inner side wall 12 that connects the first surface 14 and the second surface 15 and is close to the installation window 3, and the fixing structure 2 is arranged on the inner side wall 12.

[0043] Please also read Figure 6As shown, the frame 1 includes a deformation structure 11, which is elastic and can be deformed under the action of an external force to increase the area of ​​the installation window 3. The deformation structure 11 is also used to restore the deformation after the external force is removed, so that the installation window 3 is restored, which is convenient for installing and fixing the flow cell 10 on the installation window 3. For example, the deformation structure 11 can be elastically deformed by applying an outward pulling force to the frame 1, so that the size of the installation window 3 is expanded, which is convenient for placing the flow cell 10 on the fixed structure 2 in the installation window 3. At the same time, since the flow cell 10 is provided with a flow cell through hole 106 corresponding to the through hole 4 on the fixed structure 2, after the flow cell 10 is placed in the installation window 3, the flow cell through hole 106 is aligned with and connected to the through hole 4, so as to realize the liquid inlet, liquid outlet and exhaust of the flow cell 10. After the flow cell 10 is placed in the installation window 3, the external force of the frame 1 is removed, the deformed structure 11 recovers its deformation, and the size of the installation window 3 is restored. The flow cell 10 can be fixed to the installation window 3 through the cooperation between the frame 1 and the fixed structure 2.

[0044] In some embodiments, the frame 1 may include a plurality of frames 13, which are connected end to end to enclose the installation window 3. Specifically, according to the shape of the flow cell 10, the frame 1 may be rectangular or square, or other polygons; the frame 1 may be rectangular or square, or other polygons. In some embodiments, the frame 1 may include four frames 13 to form a rectangular structure to match the rectangular flow cell 10.

[0045] In some embodiments, when the frame 1 includes a plurality of frames 13, each frame 13 is provided with a deformation structure 11, so that the frame 1 can be deformed in multiple directions, so that the size of the installation window 3 changes more evenly in each direction, and it is convenient for the flow cell 10 to be disassembled and assembled. Specifically, along the circumference of the frame 1, the deformation structure 11 can be located in the middle of the frame 13, or at the end of the frame 13.

[0046] In some embodiments, the deformable structure 11 is an arc-shaped structure convex in a direction away from the installation window 3. By adjusting the curvature of the arc-shaped structure, the size of the installation window 3 formed after the frame 1 is deformed can be adjusted to accommodate flow cells 10 of different sizes.

[0047] Please refer again Figure 1As shown, the frame 1 is provided with a plurality of gripping structures, and the gripping structures are gripped by a mobile device (not shown) to move the flow cell 10 to different positions. For example, when the flow cell 10 is used for gene sequencing, the flow cell 10 needs to be repeatedly moved between the fluid reaction area and the optical photographing area. At this time, the mobile device can grip the flow cell 10 through the gripping structure on the frame 1 and can repeatedly move the flow cell 10 between the fluid reaction area and the optical photographing area. In some embodiments, the gripping structure may include two clamping portions 16 disposed on opposite sides of the frame 1. Further, in some embodiments, the gripping structure is disposed on one of the multiple frames 13, and by respectively disposing a gripping portion 16 at opposite ends of a frame 13, the gripping claws of the mobile device grip the two gripping portions 16, thereby moving the flow cell assembly 100. In some embodiments, each of the gripping portions 16 includes a groove 161 disposed on the edge of the frame 13 and a convex portion 162 adjacent to the groove 161, and the groove 161 and the convex portion 162 cooperate to be gripped by the gripping claws of the mobile device. In other embodiments, the grabbing structure may also be a structure such as a hole or a groove provided on the frame 1 .

[0048] Please refer again Figure 1 As shown, the frame 1 is provided with a positioning structure 17, and the positioning structure 17 provides positioning for the mobile device to move and place the flow cell 10 on the carrying platform, so that the flow cell assembly 100 can be accurately positioned on the carrying platform at different positions. In some embodiments, the positioning structure 17 can be a plurality of first hole portions opened on the frame 1. Further, the positioning structure 17 can be a through hole opened on two relatively arranged frames 13. In some embodiments, the plurality of first hole portions can include a precise positioning hole and a plurality of auxiliary positioning holes, wherein the shape of the precise positioning hole can be a special shape, and the shape of the auxiliary positioning hole can be circular. By setting the precise positioning hole to a special shape, the position of the flow cell assembly 100 can be accurately adjusted according to the positioning component on the carrying platform, so that the flow cell assembly 100 can adapt to different carrying platforms, and the auxiliary positioning hole can assist in positioning the other parts of the entire flow cell assembly 100, further improving the positioning accuracy and positioning stability.

[0049] Please refer again Figure 1, a loading structure 18 is provided on the frame 1, and the loading structure 18 is used for a loading fixture (not shown) to provide external force to the frame 1 so as to deform the frame 1. That is, it is necessary to cooperate with the loading fixture to provide external force to the frame 1 so as to deform the frame 1. Therefore, a loading structure 18 needs to be provided on the frame 1 to facilitate cooperation with the device fixture. In some embodiments, the loading structure 18 is a second hole portion provided on the frame 1. Furthermore, when the frame 1 is rectangular, a plurality of the loading structures 18 can be provided on the periphery of the frame 1. For example, the loading structure 18 can be provided on the four corners of the rectangle. Specifically, the loading structure 18 can be a through hole provided on the frame 1, so that the corresponding positioning structure of the device fixture can be extended into the through hole, so as to realize the application of external force to the frame 1 in four directions, so as to expand the size of the installation window 3, so as to maintain the shape of the original installation window 3, so as to cooperate with the shape of the flow cell 10.

[0050] Please refer again Figure 1 , an electronic tag (not shown) is provided on the first surface 14 of the frame 1, and the electronic tag includes not only a machine contactless identifier provided on the outside of the electronic tag, but also a machine sensing identification element provided inside the electronic tag. Further, the electronic tag may also include a text recognition symbol. Among them, in this embodiment, the machine contactless identification symbol may be an optically recognizable symbol such as a one-dimensional code or a two-dimensional code, and the machine sensing identification element may be an RFID (radio frequency identification) module.

[0051] In some embodiments, the first surface 14 of the frame 1 where the electronic tag is set is recessed toward the second surface 15 to form a groove 19, and the electronic tag is accommodated in the groove 19 to prevent the electronic tag from protruding from the first surface 14 of the frame 1 and interfering with other components.

[0052] Please refer again Figure 1 The frame 1 is provided with an avoidance position 191, which can reduce the interference between the flow pool fixing device 20 and some structures on the carrying platform. For example, the avoidance position 191 can be a pressure claw avoidance position, which can avoid the pressure claw of the biochemical module pressing component.

[0053] See also Figure 3 and Figure 4, the fixing structure 2 includes a fixing portion 5 located on the inner side wall 12, and along the thickness direction of the frame 1, the thickness of the fixing portion 5 is less than the height of the inner side wall 12, and the fixing portion 5 and the inner side wall 12 form a step 51, and the edge of the flow cell 10 is mounted on the step 51. In some embodiments, the size of the installation window 3 can be slightly smaller than the size of the flow cell 10, and the flow cell 10 is mounted on the step 51, and the back side 102 of the flow cell 10 is attached to the surface of the fixing portion 5, and then the external force of the frame 1 is removed, so that the flow cell 10 can be clamped by the frame 1, thereby improving the installation stability of the flow cell 10 and ensuring the sealed connection between the flow cell through hole 106 of the flow cell 10 and the through hole 4.

[0054] See also Figure 3 and Figure 4 The fixing structure 2 may further include a snap-fit ​​portion 6 located on the inner side wall 12. Along the thickness direction of the frame 1, there is a distance between the snap-fit ​​portion 6 and the fixing portion 5. The distance is adapted to the thickness of the flow cell 10, so that the flow cell 10 is located between the fixing portion 5 and the snap-fit ​​portion 6. Specifically, the fixing portion 5 may be located at one end of the inner side wall 12 close to the second surface 15, and the snap-fit ​​portion 6 may be located at one end of the inner side wall 12 close to the first surface 14, so that the flow cell 10 can be snapped between the fixing portion 5 and the snap-fit ​​portion 6. In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 5 and Figure 6 , along the thickness direction of the frame 1, the spacing between the clamping portion 6 and the fixing portion 5 is adapted to the thickness of the flow cell 10, so that the flow cell 10 is clamped between the fixing portion 5 and the clamping portion 6, so that the front side 101 of the flow cell 10 is attached to the surface of the clamping portion 6, and the back side 102 is attached to the surface of the fixing portion 5. By adding the clamping portion 6 to the inner side wall 12 of the frame 1, the clamping portion 6 can apply pressure to the flow cell 10 from the front side 101 of the flow cell 10, thereby improving the stability of the flow cell 10 on the flow cell fixing device 20 and the sealing of the inlet and outlet holes.

[0055] In some embodiments, along the circumference of the frame 1, the engaging portion 6 and the fixing portion 5 are staggered, and the length of the fixing portion 5 is greater than the length of the engaging portion 6. The engaging portion 6 and the fixing portion 5 are staggered, and the length of the engaging portion 6 is designed to be smaller, which is convenient for the installation of the flow cell 10. At the same time, the length of the fixing portion 5 is set longer, which can increase the mounting area of ​​the fixing portion 5, so as to improve the stability of the flow cell 10.

[0056] In some embodiments, the width L1 of the engaging portion 6 extending from the inner side wall 12 is smaller than the width L2 of the fixing portion 5 extending from the inner side wall 12, that is, the width L1 of the engaging portion 6 is small, so that the frame 1 can install the flow cell 10 into the installation window 3 from the side where the engaging portion 6 is provided when a small deformation occurs, so as to facilitate the installation of the flow cell 10, and the width L2 of the fixing portion 5 is wide, which can further improve the installation stability of the flow cell 10. In addition, the width L1 of the engaging portion 6 is small, which can effectively avoid the interference problem of the optical scanning system.

[0057] See also Figure 3 and Figure 4 , the fixing structure 2 also includes a boss 7 provided on the inner side wall 12, and when the flow cell 10 is installed between the fixing portion 5 and the clamping portion 6, the boss 7 abuts against the side wall of the flow cell 10. By providing the boss 7 on the inner side wall 12 of the frame 1, the flow cell 10 can be further clamped from the side, thereby improving the stability of the flow cell 10. In some embodiments, the boss 7 is elastic. It can be understood that the size of the installation window 3 can be set larger than the size of the flow cell 10 to facilitate the installation of the flow cell 10. At the same time, the flow cell fixing device 20 can also adapt to flow cells 10 of different sizes.

[0058] In some embodiments, the boss 7 is arranged corresponding to the engaging portion 6, and the boss 7 and the engaging portion 6 are connected together to form an integrated structure, which facilitates the molding and arrangement of the boss 7 and the engaging portion 6. It can be understood that the boss 7 can be arranged at any position of the inner side wall 12 between the engaging portion 6 and the fixing portion 5.

[0059] See also Figure 3 and Figure 4 The fixing structure 2 further comprises a connecting portion 8 provided on the inner side wall 12 of the frame 1, and the through hole 4 is provided on the connecting portion 8. Specifically, the specific position of the connecting portion 8 can be designed according to the specific position of the flow cell through hole 106 on the flow cell 10.

[0060] Please refer to Figure 6 In some embodiments, the connecting portion 8 is disposed at one end of the inner wall 12 close to the second surface 15, and the surface of the connecting portion 8 close to the first surface 14 is flush with the surface of the fixing portion 5 close to the first surface 14, so that the upper surface of the connecting portion 8 can be attached to the back side 102 of the flow pool 10, so that the through hole 4 of the flow pool fixing device 20 is aligned with and connected to the flow pool through hole 106 of the flow pool 10.

[0061] In some embodiments, the fixing structure 2 also includes a plurality of sealing rings 9, and the plurality of sealing rings 9 are arranged one by one corresponding to the through holes 4, which can improve the sealing of the connection between the flow pool fixing device 20 and the flow pool 10. At the same time, the sealing rings 9 can also achieve coordination and sealing with different supporting platforms.

[0062] In some embodiments, two fixing parts 5, two engaging parts 6 and two bosses 7 are provided on the inner side wall 12 of each frame 13. Among them, the deformation structure 11 is located between the two fixing parts 5, and each fixing part 5 is provided with a engaging part 6 at one end away from the deformation structure 11. Along the circumference of the frame 1, the two engaging parts 6 are staggered with the two fixing parts 5, and each engaging part 6 is provided with a boss 7 on the side close to the fixing part 5. In addition, according to the shape of the flow pool 10 and the setting position of the inlet and outlet holes, a connecting part 8 is provided at the connection of two adjacent frames 13. For example, when the frame 1 is rectangular, the connecting parts 8 are respectively provided at the four corners of the rectangle.

[0063] The flow pool fixture 20 is an integrated structure. Specifically, the fixing structure 2 and the frame 1 are an integrated structure. In some embodiments, the fixing portion 5, the engaging portion 6, the boss 7 and the connecting portion 8 are all formed by the inner side wall 12 of the frame 1 protruding toward the side of the installation window 3. It can be understood that the flow pool fixture 20 with an integrated structure can be molded by an injection molding process. The flow pool fixture 20 is an integrated structure, which effectively reduces the complexity of the structure, is easy to mold, does not require assembly, and is convenient for fixing the flow pool 10.

[0064] In summary, the flow cell assembly 100 provided in the embodiment of the present application achieves the following effects: (1) The frame 1 of the flow cell fixing device 20 can be deformed under the action of external force to change the size of the installation window 3, which is convenient for the installation and fixation of the flow cell 10 and can adapt to flow cells 10 of different sizes; (2) By setting a fixing structure 2 on the frame 1, the deformable frame 1 cooperates with the fixing structure 2 to improve the stability and air tightness of the flow cell 10; (3) The flow cell fixing device 20 is an integrated structure with a simple structure, no assembly required, and is convenient for the disassembly and assembly and movement and positioning operation of the flow cell 10; (4) By setting a gripping structure and a positioning structure 17 for transfer between platforms on the frame 1, it can ensure high-precision repeated automatic positioning of the flow cell assembly 100 on different supporting platforms, which is beneficial to the sequential or combined loading of multiple sequencing flow cells in the field of gene sequencing.

[0065] See also Figure 7 FIG. 2 is a schematic three-dimensional diagram of a flow cell assembly 200 in another embodiment of the present application. The flow cell assembly 200 includes a flow cell fixture 20a and a flow cell 10 located in the flow cell fixture 20a.

[0066] Please also read Figures 8 to 10 As shown, refer to Figures 1 to 3 , the flow cell fixing device 20a includes a frame 1a and a fixing structure 2, the frame 1a has an installation window 3, and the fixing structure 2 is located on a side of the frame 1a close to the installation window 3. The frame 1a is used to deform under the action of an external force so as to install the flow cell on the installation window 3. The fixing structure 2 is used to carry and fix the flow cell, and a through hole 4 is provided on the fixing structure 2 to connect the flow cell so as to realize liquid inlet, liquid outlet and exhaust of the flow cell. In this embodiment, the structure of the flow cell can be the same as the structure of the flow cell 10 in the aforementioned embodiment, and no further details are given here.

[0067] Among them, the structure of the flow cell fixing device 20a is basically the same as that of the flow cell fixing device 20 in the aforementioned embodiment, and the main difference is that: the frame 1a includes a deformation structure 11a, and the deformation structure 11a is elastic. The deformation structure 11a can be deformed under the action of an external force to increase the area of ​​the installation window 3. The deformation structure 11a is also used to restore the deformation after the external force is withdrawn, so that the installation window 3 is restored to its original state, which is convenient for installing and fixing the flow cell 10 to the installation window 3. In some embodiments, the deformation structure 11a includes a plurality of deformation parts connected end to end in sequence, and the plurality of deformation parts are folded along the circumference of the frame 1a. The plurality of deformation parts can be extended along the circumference of the frame 1a under the action of an external force to increase the area of ​​the installation window 3. The plurality of deformation parts can also restore the folded state after the external force is withdrawn. That is, each deformation part of the deformation structure 11a is in a folded state when not subjected to force. When stretched by external force, each deformation part stretches, and the length side of the deformation structure 11a is lengthened to increase the size of the installation window 3, thereby facilitating the installation of the flow pool 10. When the external force is removed, each deformation part will return to the folded state, thereby fixing the flow pool 10.

[0068] In some embodiments, the frame 1a includes a plurality of frames 13a, at least one of which is provided with a deformation structure 11a, wherein along the circumference of the frame 1a (that is, the length direction of the frame 13a), the deformation structure 11a may be located in the approximate middle of the frame 13a, or may be located at the end of the frame 13a, specifically, the deformation structure 11 is located in the approximate middle of the frame 13a. In some embodiments, the frame 1a may include a plurality of frames 13a and a frame 13, wherein each frame 13a is provided with a deformation structure 11a, and the frame 13 is provided with a deformation structure 11a and a grasping structure, wherein the specific structures of the frame 13, the deformation structure 11 and the grasping structure are substantially the same as those in the aforementioned embodiment, and will not be described in detail herein.

[0069] In some embodiments, along the circumference of the frame 1a, the frame 13a includes a first frame portion 131 and a second frame portion 132 that are oppositely and spaced apart, and the deformation structure 11a is connected between the first frame portion 131 and the second frame portion 132. Each deformation portion of the deformation structure 11a is in a folded state when not subjected to force, and when stretched by external force, each deformation portion stretches, and the length of the deformation structure 11a is increased, so that the size of the installation window 3 becomes larger, which is convenient for installing the flow cell 10. When the external force is removed, each deformation portion returns to the folded state, thereby fixing the flow cell 10.

[0070] Please refer to Fig. 9 As shown, in some embodiments, the deformation structure 11a includes three deformation parts, namely, a first part 111, a second part 112 and a third part 113 connected in sequence end to end, an end of the first part 111 away from the second part 112 is connected to the first frame part 131, and an end of the third part 113 away from the second part 112 is connected to the second frame part 132. Specifically, the first frame part 131 includes a first end surface 133, and the second frame part 132 includes a second end surface 134, and the first end surface 133 and the second end surface 134 are close to each other. The first end 111a of the first part 111 is connected to the first end surface 133, and the second end 111b is connected to one end of the second part 112; the first end 113a of the third part 113 is connected to the second end surface 134, and the second end 113b is connected to the other end of the second part 112, so that the first part 111 and the third part 113 are folded along the circumference of the frame 1. In some embodiments, the first part 111, the second part 112 and the third part 113 form a U-shaped structure so that the various parts of the deformation structure 11a are folded and arranged between the first frame portion 131 and the second frame portion 132. In this way, when external force acts on the first frame portion 131 and the second frame portion 132, the U-shaped structure of the deformation structure 11a folded under the action of the external force can stretch to achieve the deformation of the deformation structure 11a, thereby increasing the size of the installation window 3. When the external force is removed, the U-shaped structure returns to its original state and the installation window 3 returns to its original size, thereby achieving the purpose of changing the size of the installation window 3.

[0071] In some embodiments, the first end face 133 and the second end face 134 are tilted relative to the length direction of the frame 13a, that is, the first end face 133 and the second end face 134 are roughly parallel and tilted to roughly form a parallelogram spacing, and the deformation structure 11a is tilted between the first end face 133 and the second end face 134, and the deformation structure 11a does not protrude from the outer edge of the frame 13a. Specifically, the first end 111a of the first part 111 is connected to the edge of the first end face 133 away from the installation window 3, and the first end 113a of the third part 113 is connected to the edge of the second end face 134 away from the installation window 3, so that the deformation structure 11a is tilted between the first end face 133 and the second end face 134. At this time, the third part 113 is close to the installation window 3, and the opening of the U-shaped structure faces outward. It can be understood that in other embodiments, the first end 111a of the first part 111 can also be connected to the edge of the first end face 133 close to the installation window 3, and the first end 113a of the third part 113 can also be connected to the edge of the second end face 134 close to the installation window 3, so that the deformation structure 11a is tilted between the first end face 133 and the second end face 134. At this time, the third part 113 is away from the installation window 3, and the opening of the U-shaped structure faces inward. The tilted deformation structure 11a can undergo a larger deformation amount under the action of external force to adapt to flow cells 10 of more sizes, and the deformation structure 11a is just set between the first end face 133 and the second end face 134. The deformation structure 11a does not protrude from the frame 13a, and can make full use of the space of the frame 13a, so that the size of the overall frame 1a is smaller and the structure is more beautiful, and after the flow cell assembly 200 is installed and fixed on the biochemical reaction platform, it will not interfere with other equipment.

[0072] In some embodiments, the thickness of the second portion 112 can be equal to the thickness of the fixing portion 5 in the fixing structure 2, so that the second portion 112 can act as part of the fixing portion 5 to further increase the bearing area of ​​the flow pool 10 and improve the stability and firmness of the flow pool 10.

[0073] Compared with the above-mentioned embodiment, the deformation structure 11a in this embodiment is arranged on the frame 13a in the form of folding multiple deformation parts, which can increase the deformation amount of the deformation structure 11a to adapt to flow pools of more sizes. In addition, the second part 112 in the deformation structure 11a is thinner and can serve as part of the fixing part 5, which is conducive to further increasing the bearing area of ​​the flow pool 10 and improving the stability of the flow pool 10.

[0074] See also Fig.11 and Fig.12As shown, it is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of two angles of a flow cell assembly 300 in another embodiment of the present application. The flow cell assembly 300 includes a flow cell 10 and a flow cell fixture 20b, and the flow cell fixture 20b includes a frame 1b and a fixed structure 2, and the frame 1b has an installation window 3, and the fixed structure 2 is located on the side of the frame 1b close to the installation window 3. The frame 1b is used to deform under the action of an external force to install the flow cell on the installation window 3. The fixed structure 2 is used to carry and fix the flow cell 10, and a through hole is provided on the fixed structure 2 to connect the flow cell 10, so as to realize the liquid inlet, liquid outlet and exhaust of the flow cell 10. In this embodiment, the structure of the flow cell can be the same as the structure of the flow cell 10 in the aforementioned embodiment, and no excessive elaboration is made here.

[0075] Please also read Figures 13 to 15 As shown, refer to Figures 1 to 3 The structure of the flow cell assembly 300 is substantially the same as that of the flow cell assembly 100 in the aforementioned embodiment. The main difference between the frame 1b and the frame 1 in the aforementioned embodiment is that: the frame 1b is provided with an injection module 30, and the injection module 30 includes an injection hole 31 provided on the frame 1b, and a flow channel 35 connecting the injection hole 31 and the through hole 33. The injection hole 31 is connected to the flow cell 10 via the flow channel 35 and the through hole 33. The injection hole 31 is used to communicate with an external injection device to inject liquid into the flow cell 10. Specifically, the injection module 30 also includes an injection plug 32 provided in the injection hole 31 and a sealing plug 34 provided in the through hole 33. When the flow cell 10 is installed in the installation window 3, the through hole 33 is connected to the flow cell through hole on the flow cell 10, and the injection hole 31 is used to be connected to the injection device (not shown) of the biochemical module, and the sample or reagent and other fluids can be injected into the injection hole 31 through the injection device. The fluid then enters the flow cell 10 through the injection hole 31, the flow channel 35, the through hole 33 and the flow cell through hole, so as to achieve the purpose of injecting liquid into the flow cell 10.

[0076] In some embodiments, the frame 1b includes a first surface 14 and a second surface 15 that are arranged opposite to each other, the injection hole 31 and the through hole 33 both penetrate the first surface 14 and the second surface 15, and the injection hole 31 is formed with a groove on one side of the first surface 14 to install the injection plug 32, and the through hole 33 is formed with a groove on one side of the first surface 14 to install the sealing plug 34, and the flow channel 35 is opened on one side of the second surface 15, and a flow channel sealing film 36 is provided on the flow channel 35 to seal the flow channel 35. It can be understood that according to the different functions of the flow cell through hole on the corresponding flow cell 10, the injection module 30 can realize injection, drainage, exhaust, etc.

[0077] In some embodiments, similar to the above embodiments, the through hole 33 is disposed on the connecting portion 8 , and the connecting portion 8 is located on the inner side wall 12 of the frame 1 b .

[0078] The frame 1b includes a loading structure 18b, and the loading structure 18b is used for a loading fixture (not shown) to provide an external force to the frame 1b so as to deform the frame 1b. In some embodiments, a plurality of loading structures 18b may be provided on the frame 1b, and each loading structure 18b may be a second hole portion opened on the frame 1b. Specifically, the difference between the loading structure 18b and the loading structure 18 in the aforementioned embodiment is mainly that each loading structure 18b includes two second hole portions, and the two hole portions are respectively located on both sides of the line connecting the injection hole 31 and the through hole 33. By providing a group of second hole portions as the loading structure 18b on both sides of the line connecting the injection hole 31 and the through hole 33, the frame 1b can be made more stable when deformed by external force, ensuring that the relative position and shape of the injection hole 31 and the through hole 33 will not change due to external force, thereby improving the air tightness of the injection hole 31 and the through hole 33.

[0079] Compared with the above-mentioned embodiment, the present embodiment can realize the connection between the flow cell assembly 300 and the injection device of the biochemical module through the flow cell fixture 20b by providing the injection module 30, so as to facilitate the rapid injection of the flow cell 10. The flow cell fixture 20b is an integrated type with a simple structure, which can realize the rapid fixation and positioning of the flow cell 10 on the biochemical module, and realize the rapid injection, discharge, exhaust, etc. of the flow cell 10. In addition, by providing a second hole portion on the opposite sides of the injection module 30 to form a loading structure 18b, the frame 1b can be made more stable when deformed by external force, ensuring that the relative position and shape of the injection hole 31 and the through hole 33 will not change due to external force, thereby improving the air tightness of the injection hole 31 and the through hole 33.

[0080] See also Fig.16 As shown, a biochemical substance reaction device 1000 using the flow cell assembly 100 (or 200, 300) is shown. The biochemical substance reaction device 1000 is used to load the flow cell assembly 100 (or 200, 300) and input the reaction substance into the flow cell 10 to react the sample in the flow cell 10; or, the biochemical substance reaction device 1000 is further used to detect the sample after the reaction to obtain a signal reflecting the biological characteristics of the sample. The biochemical substance reaction device 1000 can be a gene sequencer, a liquid chromatograph, a biochemical analyzer, a medical device, etc.

[0081] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solution of the present application and are not intended to limit it. Although the present application has been described in detail with reference to the preferred embodiments, a person of ordinary skill in the art should understand that the technical solution of the present application may be modified or replaced by equivalents without departing from the spirit and scope of the technical solution of the present application.

Claims

1. A flow cell fixing device, characterized in that: The flow pool fixing device includes a frame with an installation window and a fixing structure arranged on a side of the frame close to the installation window. The frame is used to deform under the action of external force so as to install the flow pool on the installation window. The fixing structure is used to support and fix the flow pool, and a through hole is opened on the fixing structure to connect the flow pool.

2. The flow cell fixing device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The frame includes a deformation structure, which is elastic and is used to deform under the action of an external force to increase the area of ​​the installation window. The deformation structure is also used to restore the deformation after the external force is removed.

3. The flow cell fixing device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The deformable structure is an arc-shaped structure protruding in a direction away from the installation window, or, The deformation structure includes a plurality of deformation parts connected end to end in sequence, and the plurality of deformation parts are folded along the circumference of the frame. The plurality of deformation parts are used to extend along the circumference of the frame under the action of external force to increase the area of ​​the installation window, and the plurality of deformation parts are also used to restore the folded state after the external force is removed.

4. The flow cell fixing device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The frame includes an inner side wall facing the installation window, the fixing structure includes a fixing portion located on the inner side wall, the thickness of the fixing portion is less than the height of the inner side wall along the thickness direction of the frame, the fixing portion and the inner side wall form a step, and the step is used to carry the edge of the flow cell; The fixing structure further comprises a clamping portion located on the inner side wall, and along the thickness direction of the frame, there is a distance between the clamping portion and the fixing portion, and the distance is adapted to the thickness of the flow pool.

5. The flow cell fixing device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The frame is provided with an injection module, which includes an injection hole provided on the frame, and a flow channel connecting the injection hole and the through hole. The injection hole is connected to the flow pool via the flow channel and the through hole, and the injection hole is also used to connect with an external injection device.

6. The flow cell fixing device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The frame is provided with a grabbing structure, which is used for the mobile device to grab and move the flow pool; and / or, the frame is provided with a positioning structure, which is used for the mobile device to provide positioning when moving the flow pool and placing the flow pool on a carrying platform; and / or, the frame is provided with a loading structure, which is used for a loading fixture to provide external force to the frame to cause the frame to deform.

7. The flow cell fixing device according to claim 6, characterized in that: The grabbing structure includes clamping portions disposed on opposite side edges of the frame; and / or the positioning structure is a first hole portion opened on the frame; and / or the loading structure is a second hole portion opened on the frame.

8. The flow cell fixing device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The fixing structure further includes a plurality of sealing rings, and the plurality of sealing rings are arranged in one-to-one correspondence with the through holes.

9. A flow cell assembly, characterized in that: It comprises a flow cell and a flow cell fixing device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. A biochemical reaction device, characterized in that: The biochemical substance reaction device is used to load the flow cell assembly as described in claim 9 and input reaction substances into the flow cell to react the sample in the flow cell; or, the biochemical substance reaction device is further used to detect the sample after the reaction to obtain a signal reflecting the biological characteristics of the sample.

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