Centrifuge tube sample incubation mechanism

Abstract

The invention provides a centrifuge tube sample incubation mechanism which comprises a base module and a cover opening and closing module, the base module comprises a centrifuge tube placing seat and a tube frame, a containing groove is formed in the centrifuge tube placing seat, the tube frame is arranged in the containing groove, an inserting hole used for inserting a centrifuge tube is formed in the tube frame, and the cover opening and closing module comprises a cover opener. The cap opener is rotatably arranged above the tube frame, a tube cap locking groove is formed in the cap opener, and the tube cap locking groove is used for limiting a tube cap of a centrifugal tube placed on the tube frame, so that the cap opener can rotate to drive the tube cap to be opened or closed, and the experiment efficiency is greatly improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of life science instruments, and in particular to a centrifuge tube sample incubation mechanism. Background Art

[0002] In biological or medical experiments, it is often necessary to incubate samples to detect and analyze various biological materials or tissue samples. The incubation process usually requires the use of an incubation mechanism, which is a mechanism that can heat or cool the centrifuge tube containing the sample to promote a specific reaction, culture or test process of the sample in the centrifuge tube.

[0003] However, in the related art, when heating or cooling the centrifuge tube, the experimenter needs to manually open the cover of the centrifuge tube to add samples and close the cover for subsequent processing after adding samples. This takes a lot of time and is difficult to automate, affecting the experimental efficiency. Summary of the invention

[0004] The present application provides a centrifuge tube sample incubation mechanism, which aims to realize automatic opening and closing of the cover of the centrifuge tube, thereby improving the automation level of the incubation mechanism and improving the experimental efficiency.

[0005] The specific technical solutions are as follows:

[0006] The embodiment of the first aspect of the present application provides a centrifuge tube sample incubation mechanism, which comprises:

[0007] A base module, wherein the base module comprises a centrifuge tube placement seat and a tube rack, wherein a receiving groove is formed on the centrifuge tube placement seat, the tube rack is arranged in the receiving groove, and the tube rack has a plug hole for inserting the centrifuge tube;

[0008] The switch cover module includes a cover opener, which is rotatably arranged above the tube rack. A tube cover locking groove is formed on the cover opener, and the tube cover locking groove is used to limit the tube cover of the centrifuge tube placed on the tube rack so that the cover opener can be rotated to drive the tube cover to open or close.

[0009] In some embodiments, a lateral side of the centrifuge tube placement seat is provided with a tube insertion port connected to the receiving groove, and the tube rack is inserted into the receiving groove through the tube insertion port;

[0010] A lock buckle is arranged at the insertion port, and the lock buckle can be rotated to the outside of the insertion port.

[0011] In some embodiments, the number of the plug holes is multiple, and the multiple plug holes are arranged at intervals along the extension direction of the pipe rack;

[0012] The pipe rack also has a positioning plate, which is located at one side of the insertion hole. A positioning groove is formed on the positioning plate, and the positioning groove is arranged corresponding to the insertion hole.

[0013] In some embodiments, the centrifuge tube sample incubation mechanism comprises a shell, the base module is located in the shell, and a sample addition port is provided at a notch of the shell corresponding to the accommodating groove;

[0014] The switch cover module also includes a driving motor and a rotating shaft arranged in the shell, the cover opener is rotatably arranged at the sample adding port through the rotating shaft, and the driving motor is drivingly connected to the rotating shaft.

[0015] In some embodiments, the number of the base modules is two, the housing is provided with a sample loading port at a position corresponding to each of the base modules, and the number of the cover opener and the rotating shaft is the same as the number of the base modules, and they are arranged in a one-to-one correspondence;

[0016] The switch cover module further includes two mutually meshing transmission gears, and one transmission gear is correspondingly arranged at the end of each rotating shaft.

[0017] In some embodiments, the cover opener includes a cover body and a bending portion, the rotating shaft is arranged on one side of the cover body, and the bending portion is arranged on the other side of the cover body and is arranged toward the notch of the accommodating groove;

[0018] The tube cover locking groove is formed on the bent portion and is extended along the extension direction of the tube rack.

[0019] In some embodiments, the switch cover module further includes a tube cover heating element, which is disposed on the cover opener and located above the notch of the accommodating groove.

[0020] In some embodiments, the base module includes an electric heater, which is disposed on the centrifuge tube placement seat and is used to heat the centrifuge tube placement seat;

[0021] The centrifuge tube sample incubation mechanism also includes a coolant supply module, which includes a cooling liquid storage tank and a control valve. The cooling liquid storage tank stores cooling liquid, and the centrifuge tube placement seat has a cooling liquid channel, which is connected to the cooling liquid storage tank. The control valve is arranged between the cooling liquid channel and the cooling liquid storage tank.

[0022] In some embodiments, the cooling liquid supply module further includes an electric cooling element, which is disposed on the cooling liquid containing tank and is used to cool the cooling liquid containing tank;

[0023] The electric refrigeration element has a refrigeration side and a heat release side, the cooling liquid containing tank is arranged on the refrigeration side, and the cooling liquid supply module further includes a heat sink, which is arranged on the heat release side.

[0024] In some embodiments, the coolant supply module further includes a liquid inlet pipe and a drive pump, the coolant containing tank and the coolant channel are connected via the liquid inlet pipe, and the drive pump is disposed on the liquid inlet pipe.

[0025] In some embodiments, the centrifuge tube sample incubation mechanism also includes a cooling liquid recovery module, which includes a waste liquid collection box and a waste liquid valve. The waste liquid collection box is connected to the cooling liquid channel, and the waste liquid valve is arranged between the waste liquid collection box and the cooling channel.

[0026] The centrifuge tube sample incubation mechanism of the embodiment of the present application includes a base module and a switch cover module, wherein the base module includes a centrifuge tube placement seat and a tube rack for placing centrifuge tube samples, the tube rack has a plug hole for inserting the centrifuge tube, and a receiving groove is formed on the centrifuge tube placement seat, and the tube rack with the centrifuge tube samples can be placed in the receiving groove. On this basis, the switch cover module includes a cover opener, which is rotatably arranged above the tube rack and has a tube cover locking groove formed thereon. The tube cover locking groove is used to limit the tube cover of the centrifuge tube placed on the tube rack, so that the cover opener can be rotated to drive the tube cover to open or close. In this way, when using the centrifuge tube sample incubation mechanism, the experimenter does not need to manually open or close the covers of all the centrifuge tubes one by one, but can use the cover opener to realize the switch cover operation of all the centrifuge tubes at the same time, thereby greatly saving the operation time of the experimenter and greatly improving the experimental efficiency. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of a centrifuge tube sample incubation mechanism provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0028] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the structure of the base of the centrifuge tube sample incubation mechanism provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0029] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the bottom structure of the base of the centrifuge tube sample incubation mechanism provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0030] Figure 4 A schematic structural diagram of the shell of the centrifuge tube sample incubation mechanism provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0031] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the structure of a base module of a centrifuge tube sample incubation mechanism provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0032] Figure 6A structural schematic diagram of a base module of a centrifuge tube sample incubation mechanism provided in an embodiment of the present application from another perspective;

[0033] Figure 7 for Figure 6 A magnified schematic diagram of part A;

[0034] Figure 8 A schematic diagram of the structure of a centrifuge tube placement seat of a centrifuge tube sample incubation mechanism provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0035] Fig. 9 A schematic diagram of the structure of the switch cover module of the centrifuge tube sample incubation mechanism provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0036] Fig.10 A schematic structural diagram of the open state of the switch cover module of the centrifuge tube sample incubation mechanism provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0037] Fig.11 A schematic diagram of the structure of a power assembly of a switch cover module of a centrifuge tube sample incubation mechanism provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0038] Fig.12 A schematic diagram of the structure of a cooling liquid supply module of a centrifuge tube sample incubation mechanism provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0039] Fig.13 A schematic structural diagram of a coolant recovery module of a centrifuge tube sample incubation mechanism provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0040] Description of reference numerals:

[0041] 10. Base module;

[0042] 11. Centrifuge tube placement seat; 111. Accommodation groove; 112. Insertion port; 113. Liquid inlet; 114. Liquid outlet; 12. Tube rack; 121. Insertion hole; 13. First mounting seat; 14. Lock buckle; 15. Handle; 16. Positioning plate; 161. Positioning groove;

[0043] 20. Switch cover module;

[0044] 21. cover opener; 211. tube cover locking groove; 212. cover body; 213. bending part; 22. second mounting seat; 23. rotating shaft; 24. power assembly; 241. third mounting seat; 242. driving motor; 243. power gear; 25. transmission gear; 26. induction sheet; 27. origin sensor;

[0045] 30. Centrifuge tube;

[0046] 31. Pipe body; 32. Pipe cover; 33. Connection tongue;

[0047] 40. Shell;

[0048] 41. base; 411. bottom plate; 412. side plate; 413. tube fixing seat; 42. housing; 421. sample adding port; 422. avoidance port; 43. door cover; 44. door lock; 45. socket;

[0049] 50. Coolant supply module;

[0050] 51. Coolant storage box; 52. Drive pump; 53. Tubular liquid level sensor; 54. Electric refrigeration element; 55. Fourth mounting seat; 56. Heat sink; 57. Coolant level sensor; 58. Observation tank;

[0051] 60. Coolant recovery module;

[0052] 61. Waste liquid collection box; 62. Box cover; 63. Waste liquid level sensor;

[0053] 70. Indicator light module;

[0054] 71. fifth mounting seat; 72. indicator light;

[0055] 80. Control module. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0056] In order to make the purpose, technical solution and advantages of the present application more clearly understood, the present application 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 application and are not used to limit the present application.

[0057] In the description of the present application, it should be understood that if the terms "up", "down", "left", "right", etc. indicate directions or positional relationships based on the directions or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, it is only for the convenience of describing the present application and simplifying the description, and does not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific direction, be constructed and operated in a specific direction. Therefore, the terms describing the positional relationship in the drawings are only used for illustrative purposes and cannot be understood as limitations on the present application. For ordinary technicians in this field, the specific meanings of the above terms can be understood according to specific circumstances.

[0058] In addition, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be understood as suggesting or implying relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of the features. In the description of this application, the meaning of "plurality" is at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise clearly and specifically defined.

[0059] In the description of this application, unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, the terms "installed", "connected", "connected", "fixed" and the like should be understood in a broad sense, for example, it can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium, it can be the internal connection of two elements or the interaction relationship between two elements, unless otherwise clearly defined. For ordinary technicians in this field, the specific meanings of the above terms in this application can be understood according to specific circumstances.

[0060] In biological or medical experiments, incubation is a crucial step that involves the processing of various biological materials or tissue samples for subsequent testing and analysis. The incubation process usually needs to be carried out under specific temperature conditions. To achieve this purpose, experimenters usually use an incubator that can heat or cool the centrifuge tube containing the sample to promote the specific reaction, culture or test process of the sample in the centrifuge tube.

[0061] However, as mentioned in the background technology section, although the incubation mechanism plays an indispensable role in biological and medical experiments, the existing technology still has some limitations in practical applications. In the related art, when heating or cooling the centrifuge tube, the experimenter needs to manually open the cover of the centrifuge tube to add the sample and close the cover for subsequent processing after adding the sample, which takes a lot of time and affects the experimental efficiency.

[0062] Based on the above situation, the applicant of the present application proposed the technical solution in the embodiment of the present application. Specifically, a centrifuge tube sample incubation mechanism is provided, which realizes the opening and closing of the centrifuge tube by setting a switch cover module, replacing the traditional method of manual opening and closing of the cover by experimenters, thereby greatly improving the experimental efficiency.

[0063] The above is the core idea of ​​this application. The technical solutions in the embodiments of this application will be described clearly and completely below in conjunction with the drawings in the embodiments of this application. Based on the embodiments in this application, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without creative work are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0064] like Figure 1-Figure 3 As shown, an embodiment of the present application provides a centrifuge tube sample incubation mechanism, which includes a base module 10 and a switch cover module 20.

[0065] The base module 10 includes a centrifuge tube placement seat 11 and a tube rack 12 . The centrifuge tube placement seat 11 is formed with a receiving groove 111 for placing the centrifuge tube 30 . The tube rack 12 is arranged in the receiving groove 111 . The tube rack 12 has a socket 121 for inserting the centrifuge tube 30 .

[0066] Specifically, the receiving groove 111 can be opened at the top of the centrifuge tube placement seat 11, so as to facilitate the placement of the centrifuge tube sample and enable the centrifuge tube 30 to maintain a stable state of vertical placement. When setting the position of the receiving groove 111, the receiving groove 111 can be located at the midline position of the top of the centrifuge tube placement seat 11, and an opening is formed on one side, so as to facilitate the placement of the centrifuge tube sample from one side of the receiving groove 111. In addition, the size of the receiving groove 111 can be set to be just enough to accommodate the tube rack 12.

[0067] The centrifuge tube 30 with a sealing cover generally includes a tube body 31 and a tube cover 32, and the tube body 31 and the tube cover 32 are connected by a connecting tongue 33, and the connecting tongue 33 is arranged at the opening edge of the tube body 31. Exemplarily, the tube rack 12 is generally provided with a plurality of insertion holes 121, and all the insertion holes 121 are arranged at intervals along the extension direction of the tube rack 12. When in use, each insertion hole 121 can be placed in a centrifuge tube 30.

[0068] The tube cover locking groove 211 can make the side of the tube cover 32 of the centrifuge tube 30 be located in the tube cover locking groove 211 when the tube rack 12 is placed into the centrifuge tube placement seat 11 from one side of the accommodating groove 111. In this way, when the cover opener 21 rotates, the cover opener 21 can apply an upward opening force to the tube cover 32, so that all the centrifuge tubes 30 on the tube rack 12 can be opened by the cover opener 21, and the operator does not need to open the covers of the centrifuge tubes 30 one by one, which greatly improves the experimental efficiency and the degree of automation of the centrifuge tube sample incubation mechanism.

[0069] In a specific implementation, the tube cover locking groove 211 is extended along the extension direction of the tube rack 12 to match the arrangement direction of the centrifuge tube 30, and the height of the tube cover locking groove 211 is the height of the tube cover 32 of the centrifuge tube 30 placed on the tube rack 12. In this way, when the tube rack 12 is inserted into the accommodating groove 111, one side of the tube cover 32 of the centrifuge tube 30 is correspondingly inserted into the tube cover locking groove 211, that is, when the tube rack 12 is placed, the tube cover 32 is limited, thereby facilitating the subsequent opening and closing of the tube cover.

[0070] In summary, the centrifuge tube sample incubation mechanism provided in this embodiment includes a base module 10 and a switch cover module 20, wherein the base module 10 includes a centrifuge tube placement seat 11 for placing centrifuge tube samples and a tube rack 12, the tube rack 12 has a plug hole 121 for inserting a centrifuge tube 30, and a receiving groove 111 is formed on the centrifuge tube placement seat 11. The tube rack 12 with the centrifuge tube sample can be placed in the receiving groove 111. On this basis, the switch cover module 20 includes a cover opener 21, which can be rotatably arranged on the tube rack 12. The tube cover locking groove 211 is used to limit the tube cover 32 of the centrifuge tube 30 placed on the tube rack 12, so that the cover opener 21 can rotate to drive the tube cover 32 to open or close. In this way, when using the centrifuge tube sample incubation mechanism, the experimenter does not need to manually open or close the covers of all the centrifuge tubes 30 one by one, but can use the cover opener 21 to realize the opening and closing operations of all the centrifuge tubes 30 at the same time, thereby greatly saving the operation time of the experimenter and improving the experimental efficiency.

[0071] like Figure 4 As shown, in a specific implementation, the centrifuge tube sample incubation mechanism further includes a housing 40, and the base module 10 is located in the housing 40. Since the function of the centrifuge tube sample incubation mechanism is to achieve heating and cooling treatment of the centrifuge tube sample, the centrifuge tube sample incubation mechanism further includes a coolant supply module, which is used to cool the centrifuge tube placement seat 11, and the base module 10 further includes an electric heating element, which is arranged on the centrifuge tube placement seat 11 and is used to heat the centrifuge tube placement seat 11, thereby achieving heating and cooling treatment of the centrifuge tube 30.

[0072] Exemplarily, the electric heating element can be powered by a power supply, specifically, the centrifuge tube sample incubation mechanism is electrically connected to the power supply. The electric heating element can generate heat after being energized. Since the electric heating element is arranged on the centrifuge tube placement seat 11, the temperature of the electric heating element will be transferred to the centrifuge tube placement seat 11 after the temperature rises, so that the centrifuge tube placement seat 11 is also heated synchronously. Since the tube rack 12 with the centrifuge tube sample is placed in the receiving groove 111 on the centrifuge tube placement seat 11, heat exchange can be performed between the centrifuge tube 30 and the centrifuge tube placement seat 11, thereby finally heating the centrifuge tube 30. In specific implementation, the electric heating element realizes the heating effect by energizing the electric heating element. On the contrary, the heating can be stopped by de-energizing the electric heating element.

[0073] For example, the electric heating element may be an electric heating film, which is attached to the wall of the receiving tank 111, so as to heat the tube rack 12 and the centrifuge tube sample in the receiving tank 111. In addition, the electric heating element may be attached to the wall of the receiving tank 111 to improve the heating efficiency and ensure the heating effect.

[0074] Furthermore, the coolant supply module 50 includes a coolant storage tank 51 and a control valve. The coolant is stored in the coolant storage tank 51. The centrifuge tube placement seat 11 has a coolant channel, which is connected to the coolant storage tank 51. The control valve is arranged between the coolant channel and the coolant storage tank 51.

[0075] Since the cooling liquid channel is connected to the cooling liquid storage box 51, and the cooling liquid storage box 51 stores cooling liquid, the cooling liquid in the cooling liquid storage box 51 can enter the cooling liquid channel of the centrifuge tube placement seat 11. In this way, the cooling liquid can cool the centrifuge tube placement seat 11. When the temperature of the centrifuge tube placement seat 11 is reduced, the centrifuge tube sample placed in the storage tank 111 can be cooled by the centrifuge tube placement seat 11 after cooling.

[0076] The control valve is used to control the opening and closing between the cooling liquid channel and the cooling liquid storage box 51. That is, when the centrifuge tube placement seat 11 needs to be cooled by the cooling liquid, the control valve is opened to connect the cooling liquid channel with the cooling liquid storage box 51, and the cooling liquid can enter the cooling liquid channel. When the centrifuge tube sample does not need to be cooled, the control valve is closed to disconnect the connection between the cooling liquid channel and the cooling liquid storage box 51, and the cooling liquid cannot enter the centrifuge tube placement seat 11, thereby failing to cool the centrifuge tube sample.

[0077] The coolant may be a liquid, such as water, or a liquid material with higher heat conductivity. In addition, the control valve may be a conventional solenoid valve that is used to control the on and off of the liquid and can be controlled by electricity. Of course, in other embodiments, the control valve may also be a valve of other types.

[0078] When the centrifuge tube sample incubation mechanism is used, the centrifuge tube 30 is first placed in the accommodating groove 111 on the centrifuge tube placement seat 11, and then according to the experimental requirements, that is, when the centrifuge tube 30 needs to be heated, the electric heating element is energized, and the electric heating element heats the centrifuge tube placement seat 11, thereby realizing the heating of the centrifuge tube sample. When the centrifuge tube 30 needs to be cooled, the control valve can be opened to connect the coolant channel and the coolant accommodating box 51, and the coolant enters the centrifuge tube placement seat 11, thereby cooling the centrifuge tube placement seat 11, and the centrifuge tube placement seat 11 can cool the centrifuge tube sample. After the sample processing is completed, the sample is taken out, and after the next batch of samples that need to be incubated are re-placed, the centrifuge tube sample incubation mechanism can carry out the next round of heating and cooling treatment.

[0079] The centrifuge tube sample incubation mechanism provided in this embodiment can be used in a variety of fields such as disease control centers, clinical disease diagnosis, blood transfusion safety, forensic identification, environmental microbial detection, food safety detection, animal husbandry and molecular biology research. As long as it involves heating or cooling treatment of centrifuge tube samples, the centrifuge tube sample incubation mechanism provided in this embodiment can be used. In addition, the centrifuge tube sample incubation mechanism provided in this embodiment can be specifically applied to EP tubes, that is, the incubation of samples in centrifuge tubes of smaller sizes. Of course, in other embodiments, the centrifuge tube sample incubation mechanism can also be applied to centrifuge tubes of other sizes or specifications.

[0080] In order to realize the integration and integration of the centrifuge tube sample incubation mechanism, the base module 10 and the cooling liquid supply module 50 are both arranged in the installation chamber. Exemplarily, the housing 40 further includes a base 41 and a shell 42, the shell 42 is covered on the top of the base 41, and together with the base 41 defines the installation chamber, which can be seen in detail. Figure 4 As shown. The base 41 is used to place all the module structures so that the centrifuge tube sample incubation mechanism forms a structural whole, which is convenient for movement and transportation. Exemplarily, the base 41 may further include a bottom plate 411 and a plurality of side plates 412, all of which are arranged around the sides of the bottom plate 411 and extend downward from the sides of the bottom plate 411 to support the bottom plate 411.

[0081] The housing 40 can cover and shield all the module structures to prevent external dust from entering the mechanism and affecting the normal use of the mechanism. For example, the outer contour of the housing 40 can be designed according to the outer contour of all the structural modules on the base 41, so as to reduce the space occupied by the housing 40 as much as possible and make the structure more compact.

[0082] In specific implementation, each module structure is first installed on the base 41, and then the base 41 is placed on the operating table, and the shell 40 is further covered on the base 41 to place all the module structures in the installation chamber formed by the base 41 and the shell 40. The shell 40 and the base 41 are connected in a detachable manner, such as by snapping, or by fasteners. In addition, all the structural modules can be exposed by opening the shell 40, so that the detection and maintenance of each structural module are convenient.

[0083] Furthermore, a sample adding port 421 is provided at a position of the notch of the housing 40 corresponding to the housing 111. The sample adding port 421 can expose the housing 111 without disassembling the housing 42, so as to facilitate observation of the centrifuge tube sample, sample addition or sampling. Specifically, the sample adding port 421 is provided on the housing 42, and the size of the sample adding port 421 needs to be not less than the notch size of the housing 111, so as to facilitate the taking and placing of the centrifuge tube 30.

[0084] like Figure 5-Figure 7 As shown, in some embodiments, a tube insertion port 112 is opened on one lateral side of the centrifuge tube placement seat 11 , and the tube insertion port 112 is connected to the accommodating groove 111 .

[0085] The provision of the tube insertion port 112 facilitates the insertion of the tube rack 12 into the receiving groove 111. Specifically, the tube insertion port 112 can be provided on a side wall of the centrifuge tube placement seat 11 facing the outside of the base module 10. The size of the tube insertion port 112 is set to enable the tube rack 12 to be smoothly inserted. In addition, the height of the tube rack 12 can be slightly higher than the depth of the receiving groove 111, so that the tube mouth of the centrifuge tube 30 is exposed. In addition, the shape of the receiving groove 111 can match the shape of the tube rack 12, so as to ensure the stability of the tube rack 12 after being placed in the receiving groove 111 and the fit between the tube rack 12 and the groove wall of the receiving groove 111, so as to perform better heat exchange with the centrifuge tube placement seat 11.

[0086] Specifically, a plurality of insertion holes 121 may be provided on the tube rack 12, and the plurality of insertion holes 121 may be evenly distributed along the insertion direction, and a certain distance is reserved between two adjacent insertion holes 121 to prevent the possibility of collision between two adjacent centrifuge tubes 30 when placing the centrifuge tubes 30. The depth of the insertion hole 121 is set to two-thirds of the height of the centrifuge tube 30, so that the sample can be located inside the insertion hole 121 while the opening of the centrifuge tube 30 is exposed to the outside, so as to facilitate the addition of the sample.

[0087] See also Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, in a specific implementation, the base module 10 may include a first mounting seat 13, and the centrifuge tube placement seat 11 may be specifically mounted on the base 41 through the first mounting seat 13. In addition, a relief opening 422 may be provided at a position corresponding to the insertion port 112 of the housing 42, so that the tube rack 12 may be inserted into the centrifuge tube placement seat 11 without opening the housing 42. On this basis, a door cover 43 may also be provided on the base 41, and the door cover 43 is rotatably connected to the edge of the relief opening 422. The door cover 43 may cover the relief opening 422, thereby further sealing and protecting the installation chamber, and when the tube rack 12 needs to be inserted, it may be flipped to expose the relief opening 422.

[0088] Exemplarily, the hinged position of the door cover 43 and the base 41 is located at the lower edge of the avoidance opening 422. When the door cover 43 is opened, the door cover 43 can be flipped to 180° with the plane where the avoidance opening 422 is located. This can prevent the door cover 43 from occupying the horizontal space outside the avoidance opening 422, making it convenient for the operator to insert or remove the pipe rack 12 without interfering or colliding with the pipe rack 12 or the operator.

[0089] Therefore, in order to keep the door cover 43 in an immobile state when covering the avoidance opening 422, a door lock 44 may be further provided on the base 41. The door lock 44 is provided at a position corresponding to the door cover 43 in the installation chamber. Figure 2-Figure 4 As shown. For example, the door cover 43 may be made of a metal plate, and correspondingly, the door lock 44 may be made of a magnet, so that when the door cover 43 covers the avoidance opening 422 , the door lock 44 may suck and hold the door cover 43 in place, so as to continuously cover the avoidance opening 422 .

[0090] Of course, in other embodiments, the door cover 43 may be fixed relative to the avoidance opening 422 in other ways, such as by snapping the door cover 43 and the door lock 44 together.

[0091] like Figure 7 As shown, in some embodiments, a lock buckle 14 is further provided at the tube insertion port 112, and the lock buckle 14 is rotatably connected to the centrifuge tube placement seat 11, and can be rotated to the outside of the tube insertion port 112. The setting of the lock buckle 14 can realize the locking and positioning of the tube rack 12. That is, when the tube rack 12 is inserted into the receiving groove 111, the tube insertion port 112 is blocked by rotating the lock buckle 14, thereby preventing the tube rack 12 from slipping out of the receiving groove 111.

[0092] In a specific implementation, the lock buckle 14 can be set as a rod-shaped structure, and one end of the lock buckle 14 is rotatably connected to one side of the tube insertion port 112 of the centrifuge tube placement seat 11, so that when the lock buckle 14 rotates, the other end of the lock buckle 14 can rotate to a position outside the tube insertion port 112, thereby blocking the tube insertion port 112. In addition, the length and number of the lock buckles 14 can be flexibly set according to needs, as long as it can ensure that the displacement of the tube rack 12 can be blocked.

[0093] like Figure 5-Figure 8 As shown, in some embodiments, the centrifuge tube placement assembly further includes a handle 15, which is arranged on the tube rack 12 to facilitate the operator to pick up the entire tube rack 12 or insert it into the receiving groove 111. Specifically, the handle 15 is arranged on the side of the tube rack 12 facing the outside of the tube insertion port 112, so as to facilitate pushing the tube rack 12 into the groove or taking the tube rack 12 out of the tube insertion port 112. Further, in an achievable manner, the handle 15 can also be arranged to be detachably connected to the tube rack 12, so that when the tube rack 12 is pushed into the receiving groove 111 by the handle 15, the handle 15 can be removed to save space outside the centrifuge tube placement seat 11, and will not collide with the handle 15 when the operator operates the mechanism. In specific implementation, the connection between the handle 15 and the tube rack 12 can be, for example, a card connection, or a rotation and rear limit connection method.

[0094] In addition, in order to facilitate the storage of the removed handle 15, a socket 45 may be provided on the housing 40. Figure 4The socket 45 can be specifically arranged at a position of the housing 40 close to the avoidance opening 422, so that the operator can find the handle 15 in time when it is needed, and store the handle 15 when it is not needed to avoid loss.

[0095] like Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, in some embodiments, a positioning plate 16 is further provided on the pipe rack 12 . The positioning plate 16 is provided on one side of the insertion hole 121 . A plurality of positioning grooves 161 are provided on the positioning plate 16 . The positioning grooves 161 are provided in a one-to-one correspondence with the insertion holes 121 .

[0096] When using centrifuge tubes 30 with sealing caps, if the centrifuge tubes 30 can be placed neatly in the same direction, the speed of subsequent opening the caps and placing the samples will also be accelerated. Through the positioning plate 16 provided in this embodiment, when placing the centrifuge tubes 30, the connecting tongues 33 on the centrifuge tubes 30 can be matched with the positioning grooves 161, that is, when placing the centrifuge tubes 30, the connecting tongues 33 can be correspondingly inserted into the positioning grooves 161 on the positioning plate 16, so that all the centrifuge tubes 30 can be placed in the same direction.

[0097] It should be noted that the shape of the positioning groove 161 can be set to match the specific structure and specifications of the centrifuge tube 30. And it is necessary to ensure that there is a sufficient non-interference distance between adjacent centrifuge tubes 30. In addition, in other embodiments, for different types of centrifuge tubes 30 with covers, the shape of the positioning groove 161 can be flexibly adjusted to facilitate matching.

[0098] like Figure 1 As shown, in some embodiments, the number of base modules 10 can be set to two, and the two base modules 10 are spaced apart on the base 41, so that the centrifuge tube sample incubation mechanism can process more samples at one time and improve the experimental efficiency. In other embodiments, the base modules 10 can also be set to other numbers, as long as it is ensured that the base modules 10 do not interfere with each other and can operate normally. Correspondingly, a sample loading port 421 is provided at the position corresponding to each base module 10 of the housing 40, so as to facilitate the loading of samples on both base modules 10. On this basis, the number of the cover opener 21 and the rotating shaft 23 is the same as the number of the base modules 10, and they are arranged one by one.

[0099] First, the cover opening and closing module 20 can cover or reveal the sample adding port 421. Thus, when the centrifuge tube 30 needs to be revealed, the cover opener 21 can be rotated to open the sample adding port 421; when the centrifuge tube 30 needs to be sealed in the housing 40 for incubation, the cover opener 21 can be rotated to cover the sample adding port 421 accordingly.

[0100] In a specific implementation, the switch cover module 20 may further include a second mounting seat 22, and the cover opener 21 is arranged at the sample loading port 421 through the second mounting seat 22. In addition, the second mounting seat 22 may be slightly higher than and slightly larger than the centrifuge tube placement seat 11, so that the cover opener 21 can be mounted above the notch of the accommodating groove 111. Furthermore, the switch cover module 20 also includes a rotating shaft 23, and the cover opener 21 is fixed to the second mounting seat 22 through the rotating shaft 23 to achieve a rotation connection relative to the housing 40.

[0101] like Figure 8 As shown, in some embodiments, the cover opening and closing module 20 includes a power assembly 24, which is used to provide a rotational driving force for the rotating shaft 23. By providing the power assembly 24, the automatic flipping of the cover opener 21 can be realized, that is, the automatic opening and closing of the cover of the centrifuge tube sample incubation mechanism is realized. In this way, when the operator uses the centrifuge tube sample incubation mechanism, there is no need for manual operation, and the cover can be opened and closed through the control mechanism or a defined program, thereby further improving the automation level of the centrifuge tube sample incubation mechanism.

[0102] Furthermore, the power assembly 24 includes a third mounting seat 241, a drive motor 242 and a power gear 243. The drive motor 242 is fixed to the base 41 through the third mounting seat 241. The drive motor 242 is transmission-connected to the rotating shaft 23 to provide a rotational driving force to the rotating shaft 23, so that the rotating shaft 23 drives the cover opener 21 to rotate forward and reverse.

[0103] In a specific implementation, the cover opener 21 is a plate-shaped structure adapted to the sample loading port 421, and the rotating shaft 23 is arranged at one side of the cover opener 21, and the cover opener 21 is rotatably connected to the second mounting seat 22 via the rotating shaft 23. In addition, a transmission gear 25 may be arranged at one end of the rotating shaft 23, and the transmission gear 25 is coaxial with the rotating shaft 23. The power gear 243 of the power assembly 24 may mesh with the transmission gear 25, so that the rotational driving force of the driving motor 242 is transmitted to the rotating shaft 23 via the power gear 243 and the transmission gear 25.

[0104] When installing the switch cover module 20, the power assembly 24 can be correspondingly arranged on one side of the second mounting seat 22 and the centrifuge tube placement seat 11. For details, see Figure 1 As shown, such an arrangement can minimize the number of transmission components between the power assembly 24 and the rotating shaft 23, thereby reducing structural complexity and occupied space.

[0105] like Figure 1As shown, when there are two base modules 10, two sets of switch cover modules 20 can be provided, that is, the number of the cover opener 21 and the cover opener 21 and the rotating shaft 23 are both two, and the cover opener 21 is provided in one-to-one correspondence with the rotating shaft 23. On this basis, the transmission gears 25 of the two switch cover modules 20 can be meshed with each other, and a transmission gear 25 is provided at the end of each rotating shaft 23.

[0106] It should be noted that when there are multiple base modules 10 and switch cover modules 20, the number of sample loading ports 421 and the number of avoidance ports 422 on the housing 42 also need to be adaptively adjusted according to the number of switch cover modules 20. Alternatively, the sample loading ports 421 and avoidance ports 422 may be set to a size that allows all centrifuge tube samples to be exposed.

[0107] In order to further realize the automatic operation of the switch cover module 20, the switch cover module 20 may also include a sensing sheet 26 and an origin sensor 27. The origin sensor 27 is arranged on the base 41, and the sensing sheet 26 is arranged on the transmission gear 25. When the cover opener 21 is in the initial state of covering the sample loading port 421, the sensing sheet 26 is just located in the sensing area of ​​the origin sensor 27. With this arrangement, the position state of the cover opener 21 can be monitored by the sensor, thereby controlling the operation of the drive motor 242 through the control program.

[0108] like Figure 2-3 As shown, in some embodiments, the cover opener 21 includes a cover body 212 and a bending portion 213, the rotating shaft 23 is arranged on one side of the cover body 212, the bending portion 213 is arranged on the other side of the cover body 212, and is arranged toward the notch of the accommodating groove 111, and the tube cover locking groove 211 is formed on the bending portion 213 and is extended along the extension direction of the tube rack 12.

[0109] In some embodiments, the cover opening and closing module 20 further includes a tube cover heater, which is disposed on the cover opener 21 and is located above the notch of the receiving groove 111. The tube cover heater can heat the position of the tube cover 32 of the centrifuge tube sample, thereby preventing the water vapor generated by the temperature increase of the centrifuge tube 30 from condensing at the tube cover 32 of the centrifuge tube 30 when the centrifuge tube 30 is heated. In specific implementation, the tube cover heater can be a ceramic heating plate attached to the inner side of the cover opener 21.

[0110] Regarding the setting of the cooling liquid supply module 50 provided in this embodiment, first, the cooling liquid storage box 51 and the cooling liquid channel of the centrifuge tube placement seat 11 are connected, for example, the cooling liquid supply module 50 may include a liquid inlet pipe, and the cooling liquid storage box 51 and the cooling liquid channel are connected through the liquid inlet pipe. Further, the cooling liquid supply module 50 also includes a driving pump 52, which is arranged on the liquid inlet pipe and is used to drive the cooling liquid in the liquid inlet pipe to flow into the cooling liquid channel.

[0111] In specific implementation, a tube fixing seat 413 can be provided on the base 41 to fix the liquid inlet pipe on the base 41. A liquid inlet 113 connected to the coolant channel is provided at the position of the centrifuge tube placement seat 11 corresponding to the liquid inlet pipe, and the liquid inlet 113 is used to communicate with the liquid inlet pipe. Furthermore, a tubular liquid level sensor 53 can also be provided on the base 41 to sense whether there is liquid in the liquid inlet pipe, so as to cooperate with the control valve and the drive pump 52 to inlet or discharge liquid.

[0112] The coolant channel in the centrifuge tube placement seat 11 can be configured as an annular channel arranged around the accommodating groove 111, and the coolant channel can be extended in a spiral shape from bottom to top, so that as much coolant as possible can flow into the centrifuge tube placement seat 11, thereby improving the heat exchange efficiency between the coolant and the centrifuge tube placement seat 11.

[0113] On this basis, the centrifuge tube sample incubation mechanism also includes a cooling liquid recovery module 60, which includes a waste liquid collection box 61 and a waste liquid valve. The waste liquid collection box 61 is connected to the cooling liquid channel, and the waste liquid valve is arranged between the waste liquid collection box 61 and the cooling channel. Fig.13 As shown. The waste liquid collection box 61 is used to collect the coolant after heat exchange with the coolant containing box 51, so the waste liquid collection box 61 is connected to the coolant channel. In specific implementation, a drain port 114 can be opened on the centrifuge tube placement seat 11, and the drain port 114 is connected to the coolant channel.

[0114] It should be noted that the liquid inlet 113 and the liquid outlet 114 are respectively located at the most upstream and the most downstream of the cooling liquid channel, so that the cooling liquid can achieve sufficient heat exchange with the centrifuge tube placement seat 11. In addition, the liquid outlet 114 can be connected to the waste liquid collection box 61 through a liquid drain pipe. The waste liquid collection box 61 can be arranged on one side of the outside of the centrifuge tube sample incubation mechanism, so that it is convenient for the operator to drain the waste liquid when the waste liquid collection box 61 is full of liquid.

[0115] like Fig.13 As shown, further, a box cover 62 can be provided at the top opening of the waste liquid collection box 61 to facilitate dumping of waste liquid and observing the amount of waste liquid. In addition, a waste liquid level sensor 63 can also be provided on the waste liquid collection box 61 to monitor the amount of waste liquid in the waste liquid collection box 61.

[0116] In order to enhance the cooling effect of the coolant on the centrifuge tube placement seat 11, the coolant can be cooled before entering the coolant channel. Therefore, in some embodiments, the coolant supply module 50 can also include an electric refrigeration component 54, which is arranged on the coolant storage box 51 to cool the coolant storage box 51.

[0117] like Fig.12As shown, the cooling liquid supply module 50 may include a fourth mounting seat 55, and the cooling liquid storage tank 51 may be arranged on the base 41 through the fourth mounting seat 55. In addition, the cooling liquid storage tank 51 may be arranged at a position higher than the centrifuge tube placement seat 11, so that the cooling liquid has an initial tendency to flow toward the centrifuge tube placement seat 11 below. The electric refrigeration component 54 may be arranged at the bottom of the cooling liquid storage tank 51. On this basis, the electric refrigeration component 54 has a cooling side and a heat release side, and the cooling liquid storage tank 51 is specifically arranged on the cooling side. In specific implementation, the electric refrigeration component 54 may use a Peltier, so that the cooling of the cooling liquid storage tank 51 can be achieved when the Peltier is powered on.

[0118] For example, Fig.12 As shown, in some embodiments, the cooling liquid supply module 50 further includes a heat sink 56, which is disposed on the heat release side of the electric cooling element 54. The heat sink 56 is used to dissipate heat from the electric cooling element 54, so that the high temperature on the electric cooling element 54 can be dissipated as quickly as possible to ensure that the electric cooling element 54 has a cooling effect on the cooling liquid containing tank 51.

[0119] In a specific implementation, the heat sink 56 may use a metal box and a fan, the metal box is arranged at the bottom of the coolant container 51, and the electric refrigeration element 54 is sandwiched between the coolant container 51 and the metal box. Furthermore, a heat dissipation fan is also arranged on the metal box, and the heat dissipation fan is arranged on the metal box to dissipate heat and cool the metal box.

[0120] like Fig.12 As shown, in some embodiments, the coolant supply module 50 also includes a coolant level sensor 57, which is disposed at the bottom of the coolant storage tank 51 and is used to sense the amount of liquid in the coolant storage tank 51, so as to remind the operator to replenish the coolant when the coolant is insufficient.

[0121] On this basis, the centrifuge tube sample incubation mechanism can further include an indicator light module 70. The indicator light module 70 includes a fifth mounting seat 71 and an indicator light 72. The indicator light 72 is mounted on the base 41 through the fifth mounting seat 71, and the indicator light 72 is electrically connected to the coolant level sensor 57, so that when the coolant level sensor 57 detects that the liquid in the coolant storage tank 51 is insufficient, the indicator light 72 sends a signal to light up the indicator light 72, thereby reminding the operator that the coolant is insufficient, so that the operator can replenish the coolant in time.

[0122] In one practicable manner, an observation tank 58 may be provided on one side of the coolant storage tank 51, and the bottom of the observation tank 58 is flush with and connected to the bottom of the coolant storage tank 51, so that the liquid level in the observation tank 58 represents the liquid level in the coolant storage tank 51. On this basis, an observation window may be provided on the observation tank 58, so that the liquid level in the observation tank 58, that is, the liquid level in the coolant storage tank 51, can be directly seen from the outside. Specifically, the structure of the coolant storage tank 51 and the observation tank 58 can be seen in Fig.12 shown.

[0123] In some embodiments, the centrifuge tube sample incubation mechanism further includes a control module 80, which is disposed at the bottom of the base 41, and the control module 80 is electrically connected to the electric heating element and the control valve. The control module 80 is used to control the opening and closing of the electric heating element and the control valve, thereby controlling the operation of the centrifuge tube sample incubation mechanism. On this basis, the control module 80 is also electrically connected to the drive pump 52, the electric refrigeration element 54, the heat sink 56, the drive motor 242, etc., thereby realizing the overall control and operation of the centrifuge tube sample incubation mechanism.

[0124] The centrifuge tube sample incubation mechanism provided in this embodiment can be used according to the following process:

[0125] The operator opens the door cover 43, pulls out the tube rack 12 from the centrifuge tube placement seat 11, and then sequentially places the centrifuge tube samples on the tube rack 12. When placing the centrifuge tube samples, the connecting tongues 33 of all the centrifuge tubes 30 are stuck in the positioning grooves 161 of the positioning plate 16 on the tube rack 12. Then the tube rack 12 is pushed in from the tube insertion port 112. During this process, the tube covers 32 of all the centrifuge tubes 30 on the tube rack 12 are simultaneously stuck in the tube cover locking grooves 211. When the entire tube rack 12 is deeply inserted into the accommodating groove 111, the handle 15 is removed and placed in the socket 45 on the housing 42.

[0126] By means of a button or a computer output signal, the control component is operated to start controlling the operation of each mechanism. Specifically, when it is necessary to heat the centrifuge tube sample, the electric heater is energized, and the centrifuge tube placement seat 11 is heated, thereby heating the centrifuge tube sample. After heating to a set time or a set temperature, the control component disconnects the electrical connection between the electric heater and the power supply, and the heating process stops. Similarly, when it is necessary to cool the centrifuge tube sample, the control valve is opened, and the coolant flows into the coolant channel in the centrifuge tube placement seat 11, and the coolant cools the centrifuge tube placement seat 11. After cooling to a set time or a set temperature, the control component operates the control valve to disconnect the connection between the coolant channel and the coolant storage tank 51, and the cooling process stops.

[0127] The above contents are only specific implementation methods of the present application, but the protection scope of the present application is not limited thereto. Any technician familiar with the technical field can easily think of changes or substitutions within the technical scope disclosed in the present application, which should be included in the protection scope of the present application. Therefore, the protection scope of the present application should be based on the protection scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A centrifuge tube sample incubation mechanism, characterized in that: include: A base module (10), the base module (10) comprising a centrifuge tube placement seat (11) and a tube rack (12), the centrifuge tube placement seat (11) being formed with a receiving groove (111), the tube rack (12) being arranged in the receiving groove (111), and the tube rack (12) being provided with an insertion hole (121) for inserting a centrifuge tube (30); A switch cover module (20), the switch cover module (20) comprising a cover opener (21), the cover opener (21) being rotatably arranged above the tube rack (12), a tube cover locking groove (211) being formed on the cover opener (21), the tube cover locking groove (211) being used to limit the tube cover (32) of the centrifuge tube (30) placed on the tube rack (12), so that the cover opener (21) can be rotated to drive the tube cover (32) to open or close.

2. The centrifuge tube sample incubation mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that: A tube insertion opening (112) connected to the accommodating groove (111) is provided on one lateral side of the centrifuge tube placement seat (11), and the tube holder (12) is inserted into the accommodating groove (111) through the tube insertion opening (112); a lock buckle (14) is provided at the tube insertion opening (112), and the lock buckle (14) can be rotated to the outside of the tube insertion opening (112).

3. The centrifuge tube sample incubation mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that: The number of the insertion holes (121) is multiple, and the multiple insertion holes (121) are arranged at intervals along the extension direction of the pipe rack (12); The pipe rack (12) also has a positioning plate (16), the positioning plate (16) is located on one side of the insertion hole (121), a positioning groove (161) is provided on the positioning plate (16), and the positioning groove (161) is arranged corresponding to the insertion hole (121).

4. The centrifuge tube sample incubation mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that: The centrifuge tube sample incubation mechanism comprises a shell (40), the base module (10) is located in the shell (40), and a sample addition port (421) is provided at a notch of the shell (40) corresponding to the accommodating groove (111); The cover opening and closing module (20) further comprises a driving motor (242) and a rotating shaft (23) arranged in the housing (40); the cover opener (21) is rotatably arranged at the sample loading port (421) via the rotating shaft (23); and the driving motor (242) is drivingly connected to the rotating shaft (23).

5. The centrifuge tube sample incubation mechanism according to claim 4, characterized in that: The number of the base modules (10) is two, the housing (40) is provided with a sample loading port (421) at a position corresponding to each of the base modules (10), the number of the cover openers (21) and the rotating shafts (23) is the same as the number of the base modules (10), and they are arranged in a one-to-one correspondence; The switch cover module (20) comprises two mutually meshing transmission gears (25), and one transmission gear (25) is correspondingly arranged at the end of each rotating shaft (23).

6. The centrifuge tube sample incubation mechanism according to claim 4, characterized in that: The cover opener (21) comprises a cover body (212) and a bending portion (213), wherein the rotating shaft (23) is arranged on one side of the cover body (212), and the bending portion (213) is arranged on the other side of the cover body (212) and is arranged toward the notch of the accommodating groove (111); The tube cover locking groove (211) is formed on the bent portion (213) and is extended along the extension direction of the tube rack (12).

7. The centrifuge tube sample incubation mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that: The switch cover module (20) further comprises a tube cover heating element, which is arranged on the cover opener (21) and is located above the notch of the accommodating groove (111).

8. The centrifuge tube sample incubation mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that: The base module (10) comprises an electric heating element, which is arranged on the centrifuge tube placement seat (11) and is used to heat the centrifuge tube placement seat (11); The centrifuge tube sample incubation mechanism also includes a coolant supply module (50), the coolant supply module (50) includes a coolant storage box (51) and a control valve, the coolant storage box (51) stores coolant, the centrifuge tube placement seat (11) has a coolant channel, the coolant channel is connected to the coolant storage box (51), and the control valve is arranged between the coolant channel and the coolant storage box (51).

9. The centrifuge tube sample incubation mechanism according to claim 8, characterized in that: The cooling liquid supply module (50) further comprises an electric cooling element (54), wherein the electric cooling element (54) is arranged on the cooling liquid containing tank (51) and is used to cool the cooling liquid containing tank (51); The electric refrigeration element (54) has a refrigeration side and a heat release side, the cooling liquid storage tank (51) is arranged on the refrigeration side, and the cooling liquid supply module (50) further comprises a heat dissipation element (56), and the heat dissipation element (56) is arranged on the heat release side.

10. The centrifuge tube sample incubation mechanism according to claim 8, characterized in that: The coolant supply module (50) further comprises a liquid inlet pipe and a drive pump (52), the coolant storage box (51) and the coolant channel are connected via the liquid inlet pipe, and the drive pump (52) is arranged on the liquid inlet pipe; And / or, the centrifuge tube sample incubation mechanism also includes a cooling liquid recovery module (60), the cooling liquid recovery module (60) includes a waste liquid collection box (61) and a waste liquid valve, the waste liquid collection box (61) is connected to the cooling liquid channel, and the waste liquid valve is arranged between the waste liquid collection box (61) and the cooling channel.

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