Centrifuge tube sample incubation mechanism

Abstract

The application provides a centrifugal tube sample incubation mechanism, which comprises a base module and a switch cover module, the base module comprises a centrifugal tube placing seat and a tube rack, the centrifugal tube placing seat is formed with a containing groove, the tube rack is arranged in the containing groove, the tube rack is provided with a plug hole for inserting a centrifugal tube, the switch cover module comprises a cover opener, the cover opener is rotatably arranged above the tube rack, the cover opener is formed with a tube cover locking groove, the tube cover locking groove is used for limiting a tube cover of a centrifugal tube placed on the tube rack, so that the cover opener can be rotated to drive the tube cover to be opened or closed, and the experimental efficiency is greatly improved.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

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

[0002] In biological or medical experiments, it is often necessary to incubate samples for detection and analysis of various biological materials or tissue samples. The incubation process usually requires the use of an incubation mechanism, which is a mechanism capable of heating or cooling a centrifuge tube in which the sample is placed, to facilitate the 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, add the sample, and then close the cover for subsequent processing, which takes a lot of time and is difficult to automate, affecting the experimental efficiency. SUMMARY

[0004] The present application provides a centrifuge tube sample incubation mechanism, which aims to automatically open and close 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] An embodiment of the first aspect of the present application provides a centrifuge tube sample incubation mechanism, which comprises:

[0007] a base module, the base module comprising a centrifuge tube placement seat and a tube rack, the centrifuge tube placement seat forming a receiving groove thereon, the tube rack being arranged in the receiving groove, and the tube rack having a plurality of insertion holes for inserting centrifuge tubes;

[0008] a cover opening and closing module, the cover opening and closing module comprising an opener, the opener being rotatably arranged above the tube rack, the opener forming a cover locking groove thereon, the cover locking groove being used for limiting the cover of the centrifuge tube placed on the tube rack, so that the opener can rotate to open or close the cover.

[0009] In some embodiments, a tube insertion port is formed on one lateral side of the centrifuge tube placement seat and communicates with the receiving groove, and the tube rack is inserted into the receiving groove through the tube insertion port.

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

[0011] In some embodiments, the number of insertion holes is a plurality, and the plurality of insertion holes are arranged at intervals along the extension direction of the tube rack.

[0012] The tube rack further has a positioning plate on one side of the jack, the positioning plate is provided with a positioning groove, and the positioning groove is arranged correspondingly to the jack.

[0013] In some embodiments, the centrifugal tube sample incubation mechanism comprises a shell, the base module is located in the shell, and the shell is provided with a sample adding port at a slot corresponding to the accommodation slot;

[0014] The switch cover module further comprises 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 in transmission connection with the rotating shaft.

[0015] In some embodiments, the number of base modules is two, the shell is provided with the sample adding port at a position corresponding to each base module, the number of cover openers and rotating shafts is the same as that of base modules, and each base module is correspondingly arranged;

[0016] The switch cover module further comprises two transmission gears meshing with each other, and the end of each rotating shaft is correspondingly provided with one transmission gear.

[0017] In some embodiments, the cover opener comprises a cover body and a bent portion, the rotating shaft is arranged on one side of the cover body, and the bent portion is arranged on the other side of the cover body and faces the slot of the accommodation slot;

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

[0019] In some embodiments, the switch cover module further comprises a tube cover heating element, the tube cover heating element is arranged on the cover opener and located above the slot of the accommodation slot.

[0020] In some embodiments, the base module comprises an electric heating element, the electric heating element is arranged on the centrifugal tube placing seat and used for heating the centrifugal tube placing seat.

[0021] The centrifugal tube sample incubation mechanism further comprises a cooling liquid supply module, the cooling liquid supply module comprises a cooling liquid accommodation box and a control valve, the cooling liquid accommodation box stores cooling liquid, the centrifugal tube placing seat has a cooling liquid channel, the cooling liquid channel is in communication with the cooling liquid accommodation box, and the control valve is arranged between the cooling liquid channel and the cooling liquid accommodation box.

[0022] In some embodiments, the cooling liquid supply module further comprises an electric refrigeration element, the electric refrigeration element is arranged on the cooling liquid accommodation box and used for cooling the cooling liquid accommodation box.

[0023] The electric refrigerating component has a refrigerating side and a heat releasing side, the cooling liquid accommodating box is arranged on the refrigerating side, and the cooling liquid supply module further comprises a heat radiating component arranged on the heat releasing side.

[0024] In some embodiments, the cooling liquid supply module further comprises an inlet pipe and a driving pump, the cooling liquid accommodating box and the cooling liquid channel are communicated through the inlet pipe, and the driving pump is arranged on the inlet pipe.

[0025] In some embodiments, the centrifugal tube sample incubation mechanism further comprises a cooling liquid recovery module, the cooling liquid recovery module comprises a waste liquid collecting box and a waste liquid valve, the waste liquid collecting box is communicated with the cooling liquid channel, and the waste liquid valve is arranged between the waste liquid collecting box and the cooling liquid channel.

[0026] The centrifugal tube sample incubation mechanism provided by the embodiment of the present application comprises a base module and a switch cover module, wherein the base module comprises a centrifugal tube placing seat for placing centrifugal tube samples and a tube rack, the tube rack is provided with a plug hole for inserting the centrifugal tube, the centrifugal tube placing seat is formed with a containing groove, and the tube rack on which the centrifugal tube sample is placed can be placed in the containing groove; on this basis, the switch cover module comprises a cover opener, the cover opener is rotatably arranged above the tube rack, and a tube cover locking groove is formed on the cover opener, the tube cover locking groove is used for limiting the tube cover of the centrifugal tube placed on the tube rack, so that the cover opener can rotate to drive the tube cover to be opened or closed. Therefore, when the centrifugal tube sample incubation mechanism is used by the experimenter, the experimenter does not need to manually open or close the tube cover of each centrifugal tube one by one, but can realize the opening and closing operation of the tube cover of all the centrifugal tubes at the same time through the cover opener, thereby greatly saving the operation time of the experimenter and greatly improving the experimental efficiency. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0027] Figure 1 A structural schematic diagram of the centrifugal tube sample incubation mechanism provided by the embodiment of the present application is shown;

[0028] Figure 2 A structural schematic diagram of the base of the centrifugal tube sample incubation mechanism provided by the embodiment of the present application is shown;

[0029] Figure 3 A bottom structural schematic diagram of the base of the centrifugal tube sample incubation mechanism provided by the embodiment of the present application is shown;

[0030] Figure 4 A structural schematic diagram of the shell of the centrifugal tube sample incubation mechanism provided by the embodiment of the present application is shown;

[0031] Figure 5 A structural schematic diagram of the base module of the centrifugal tube sample incubation mechanism provided by the embodiment of the present application is shown;

[0032] Figure 6Another perspective view of the base module of the centrifugal tube sample incubation mechanism provided by the embodiments of the present application;

[0033] Figure 7 An enlarged view of part A in the above figure; Figure 6 An enlarged view of part A in the above figure;

[0034] Figure 8 A structure diagram of the centrifugal tube placement seat of the centrifugal tube sample incubation mechanism provided by the embodiments of the present application;

[0035] Figure 9 A structure diagram of the switch cover module of the centrifugal tube sample incubation mechanism provided by the embodiments of the present application;

[0036] Figure 10 A structure diagram of the switch cover module of the centrifugal tube sample incubation mechanism provided by the embodiments of the present application in an open state;

[0037] Figure 11 A structure diagram of the power assembly of the switch cover module of the centrifugal tube sample incubation mechanism provided by the embodiments of the present application;

[0038] Figure 12 A structure diagram of the cooling liquid supply module of the centrifugal tube sample incubation mechanism provided by the embodiments of the present application;

[0039] Figure 13 A structure diagram of the cooling liquid recovery module of the centrifugal tube sample incubation mechanism provided by the embodiments of the present application.

[0040] Explanation of reference numerals:

[0041] 10, base module;

[0042] 11, centrifugal 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 catch; 15, handle; 16, positioning plate; 161, positioning groove;

[0043] 20, switch cover module;

[0044] 21, cover opener; 211, tube cover lock groove; 212, cover body; 213, bent portion; 22, second mounting seat; 23, rotating shaft; 24, power assembly; 241, third mounting seat; 242, driving motor; 243, power gear; 25, transmission gear; 26, inductive sheet; 27, origin sensor;

[0045] 30, centrifugal tube;

[0046] 31, tube body; 32, tube cover; 33, connecting tongue;

[0047] 40, housing;

[0048] 41, base; 411, bottom plate; 412, side plate; 413, pipe fixing seat; 42, outer shell; 421, sample adding port; 422, avoiding port; 43, door cover; 44, door lock; 45, socket;

[0049] 50, cooling liquid supply module;

[0050] 51, cooling liquid containing tank; 52, driving pump; 53, pipe type liquid level sensor; 54, electric refrigerating element; 55, fourth mounting seat; 56, heat dissipation element; 57, cooling liquid level sensor; 58, observation groove;

[0051] 60, cooling liquid recovery module;

[0052] 61, waste liquid collecting tank; 62, tank 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 scheme and advantages of the present application more clear, the present application is further described in detail below in combination with the drawings and examples. It should be understood that the specific examples described herein are only used to explain the present application and not to limit the present application.

[0057] In the description of the present application, it should be understood that if the orientation or position relationship indicated by the terms "upper", "lower", "left", "right" and the like is based on the orientation or position relationship shown in the 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 indicated must have a particular orientation, be constructed and operated in a particular orientation, therefore the terms describing the position relationship in the drawings are only used for exemplary description, and cannot be understood as a limitation of the present application, for those skilled in the art, the specific meaning of the above terms can be understood according to the specific circumstances.

[0058] In addition, the terms "first", "second" are only for the purpose of description, and cannot be understood as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of indicated technical features. Therefore, the features defined with "first", "second" can explicitly or implicitly include one or more features. In the description of the present application, the meaning of "multiple" is at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0059] In the description of the present application, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "mounting", "connection", "connecting", "fixing" and the like should be understood in a broad sense, for example, can be fixed connection, can also be detachable connection, or integral; can be mechanical connection, can also be electrical connection; can be directly connected, can also be indirectly connected through an intermediate medium, can be the internal communication of two elements or the interaction relationship of two elements, unless otherwise explicitly limited. For those skilled in the art, the specific meaning of the above terms in the present application can be understood according to the 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 detection and analysis. Incubation processes often require specific temperature conditions, and to achieve this, experimenters typically use incubation mechanisms that can heat or cool centrifuge tubes containing samples to facilitate specific reactions, cultures, or tests within the tubes.

[0061] However, as mentioned in the background section, although incubation mechanisms play an indispensable role in biological and medical experiments, existing technologies still have some limitations in practical applications. In related technologies, when heating or cooling centrifuge tubes, experimenters need to manually open the lid of the centrifuge tube to add samples and close the lid for subsequent processing after adding samples, which takes a lot of time and affects experimental efficiency.

[0062] Based on the above situation, the applicant of the present application proposes the technical scheme in the embodiments 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 lid opening and closing module, replacing the traditional manual opening and closing method of experimenters, greatly improving the experimental efficiency.

[0063] The above is the core idea of the present application, and the technical scheme in the embodiments of the present application will be described clearly and completely in combination with the drawings in the embodiments of the present application. Based on the embodiments in the present application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative labor fall within the scope of protection of the present application.

[0064] As shown in Figures 1-3 The embodiments of the present application provide a centrifuge tube sample incubation mechanism, which includes a base module 10 and a lid opening and closing module 20.

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

[0066] Specifically, the accommodation groove 111 can be formed at the top of the centrifugal tube placing seat 11 to facilitate placing the centrifugal tube sample and to enable the centrifugal tube 30 to maintain a stable state of vertical placement. When setting the position of the accommodation groove 111, the accommodation groove 111 can be located at the centerline position of the top of the centrifugal tube placing seat 11 and is formed with an opening at one side, thereby facilitating placing the centrifugal tube sample from one side of the accommodation groove 111. In addition, the size of the accommodation groove 111 can be set to be just capable of accommodating the size of the tube rack 12.

[0067] The centrifugal tube 30 with a sealing cover generally comprises a tube body 31 and a tube cover 32, which are connected through a connecting tongue 33 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, all of which are arranged at intervals along the extension direction of the tube rack 12. In use, the centrifugal tube 30 can be placed in each insertion hole 121.

[0068] The tube cover locking groove 211 can enable the side of the tube cover 32 of the centrifugal tube 30 to be located in the tube cover locking groove 211 when the tube rack 12 is placed into the centrifugal tube placing seat 11 from one side of the accommodation groove 111. In this way, when the cover opener 21 is rotated, the cover opener 21 can exert an upward opening force on the tube cover 32, thereby enabling the cover opener 21 to perform the opening operation on all the centrifugal tubes 30 on the tube rack 12, without the need for the operator to open the centrifugal tubes 30 one by one, greatly improving the experimental efficiency and the automation degree of the centrifugal tube sample incubation mechanism.

[0069] Specifically, the tube cover locking groove 211 is arranged to extend along the extension direction of the tube rack 12 to match the arrangement direction of the centrifugal tube 30, and the height of the tube cover locking groove 211 is the height of the tube cover 32 of the centrifugal tube 30 placed on the tube rack 12. In this way, when the tube rack 12 is inserted into the accommodation groove 111, one side of the tube cover 32 of the centrifugal tube 30 is correspondingly clamped into the tube cover locking groove 211, that is, the tube cover 32 is limited when the tube rack 12 is placed, thereby facilitating subsequent opening and closing of the tube cover.

[0070] In summary, the centrifuge tube sample incubation mechanism provided in the embodiment includes a base module 10 and an opening and closing cover module 20. The base module 10 includes a centrifuge tube placement seat 11 for placing a centrifuge tube sample and a tube rack 12. The tube rack 12 has a hole 121 for inserting a centrifuge tube 30. The centrifuge tube placement seat 11 has a receiving groove 111. The tube rack 12 with the centrifuge tube sample can be placed in the receiving groove 111. The opening and closing cover module 20 includes an opener 21 rotatably arranged above the tube rack 12. The opener 21 has a cover locking groove 211 for limiting the cover 32 of the centrifuge tube 30 placed on the tube rack 12. The opener 21 can be rotated to open or close the cover 32. Therefore, the experimenter does not need to manually open or close the covers of all the centrifuge tubes 30 one by one. Instead, the experimenter can simultaneously open or close the covers of all the centrifuge tubes 30 by using the opener 21. Therefore, the operation time of the experimenter is greatly saved, and the experimental efficiency is improved.

[0071] As shown in Figure 4 the centrifuge tube sample incubation mechanism also includes a housing 40. The base module 10 is located in the housing 40. Since the centrifuge tube sample incubation mechanism is used for heating and cooling the centrifuge tube sample, the centrifuge tube sample incubation mechanism also includes a coolant supply module for cooling the centrifuge tube placement seat 11. The base module 10 also includes an electric heating element arranged on the centrifuge tube placement seat 11 for heating the centrifuge tube placement seat 11, thereby achieving heating and cooling of the centrifuge tube 30.

[0072] For example, 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 powered on. Since the electric heating element is arranged on the centrifuge tube placement seat 11, the temperature of the electric heating element can be transmitted to the centrifuge tube placement seat 11 after the temperature of the electric heating element rises, thereby synchronously heating the centrifuge tube placement seat 11. Since the tube rack 12 with the centrifuge tube sample is placed in the receiving groove 111 of the centrifuge tube placement seat 11, heat exchange can occur between the centrifuge tube 30 and the centrifuge tube placement seat 11, thereby ultimately achieving heating of the centrifuge tube 30. In specific implementation, the electric heating element is powered on to achieve heating. Conversely, the electric heating element is powered off to stop heating.

[0073] For example, the electric heating element can be an electric heating film. The electric heating film is attached to the groove wall of the receiving groove 111, thereby facilitating heating of the tube rack 12 and the centrifuge tube sample in the receiving groove 111. In addition, the electric heating element can be attached to the groove wall of the receiving groove 111 to improve the heating efficiency and ensure the heating effect.

[0074] Further, the cooling liquid supply module 50 comprises a cooling liquid storage tank 51 and a control valve. The cooling liquid storage tank 51 stores cooling liquid, and the centrifugal tube placement seat 11 has a cooling liquid passage that is in communication with the cooling liquid storage tank 51. The control valve is arranged between the cooling liquid passage and the cooling liquid storage tank 51.

[0075] Since the cooling liquid passage is in communication with the cooling liquid storage tank 51 and the cooling liquid storage tank 51 stores cooling liquid, the cooling liquid in the cooling liquid storage tank 51 can enter the cooling liquid passage of the centrifugal tube placement seat 11. In this way, the cooling liquid can cool the centrifugal tube placement seat 11. When the temperature of the centrifugal tube placement seat 11 is reduced, the centrifugal tube sample placed in the accommodation groove 111 can be cooled by the centrifugal tube placement seat 11 that has been cooled.

[0076] The control valve is used to control the on-off of the cooling liquid passage and the cooling liquid storage tank 51. That is, when it is necessary to cool the centrifugal tube placement seat 11 by the cooling liquid, the control valve is opened to make the cooling liquid passage in communication with the cooling liquid storage tank 51, and the cooling liquid can enter the cooling liquid passage. When it is not necessary to cool the centrifugal tube sample, the control valve is closed to disconnect the cooling liquid passage and the cooling liquid storage tank 51, so that the cooling liquid cannot enter the centrifugal tube placement seat 11, thereby failing to cool the centrifugal tube sample.

[0077] The cooling liquid can be a liquid such as water, or a liquid material with higher heat conduction performance. In addition, the control valve can be an electromagnetic valve that is commonly used to control the on-off of a liquid and can be controlled by electricity. Of course, in other embodiments, the control valve can also be other types of valves.

[0078] In use, the centrifugal tube sample incubation mechanism first places the centrifugal tube 30 in the accommodation groove 111 on the centrifugal tube placement seat 11, and then according to the experimental requirements, that is, when it is necessary to heat the centrifugal tube 30, the electric heating element is powered on to heat the centrifugal tube placement seat 11, thereby achieving heating of the centrifugal tube sample. When it is necessary to cool the centrifugal tube 30, the control valve is opened to make the cooling liquid passage and the cooling liquid storage tank 51 in communication, and the cooling liquid enters the centrifugal tube placement seat 11 to cool the centrifugal tube placement seat 11, which can cool the centrifugal tube sample. After the sample processing is completed, the sample is taken out, and after the next batch of samples to be incubated is placed, the centrifugal tube sample incubation mechanism can perform the next round of heating and cooling processing.

[0079] The centrifugal tube sample incubation mechanism provided by the embodiment can be applied in various fields such as disease control center, clinical disease diagnosis, blood transfusion safety, forensic identification, environmental microorganism detection, food safety detection, animal husbandry and molecular biology research, as long as it involves heating or cooling treatment of the centrifugal tube sample. In addition, the centrifugal tube sample incubation mechanism provided by the embodiment can be applied to EP tube, that is, the incubation of the sample in the centrifugal tube with small size. Of course, in other embodiments, the centrifugal tube sample incubation mechanism can also be applied to centrifugal tubes of other sizes or specifications.

[0080] In order to realize the integration and integration of the centrifugal tube sample incubation mechanism, the base module 10 and the cooling liquid supply module 50 are arranged in the installation cavity. For example, the shell 40 further comprises a base 41 and a shell 42, the shell 42 is arranged on the top of the base 41, and the base 41 and the shell 42 jointly define the installation cavity. For details, see Figure 4 The base 41 is used to place all the module structures, so that the centrifugal tube sample incubation mechanism forms a structural whole, which is convenient for moving and carrying. For example, the base 41 can further comprise a bottom plate 411 and a plurality of side plates 412, all the side plates 412 are arranged around the four side edges of the bottom plate 411 and extend downward from the side edges of the bottom plate 411 to support the bottom plate 411.

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

[0082] In specific implementation, first, install each module structure on the base 41, then place the base 41 on the operation table top, and further cover the base 41 with the shell 40 to place all the module structures in the installation cavity formed by the base 41 and the shell 40. The shell 40 and the base 41 are connected in a detachable manner, such as clamping or connecting through fasteners. And opening the shell 40 can expose all the structural modules, so as to facilitate detection and maintenance of each structural module.

[0083] Further, the shell 40 is provided with a sample adding port 421 at the position of the slot of the accommodating groove 111. The sample adding port 421 can expose the accommodating groove 111 without disassembling the shell 42, so as to facilitate observation of the centrifugal tube sample and sample adding or taking. Specifically, the sample adding port 421 is arranged on the shell 42, and the size of the sample adding port 421 is not less than the size of the slot of the accommodating groove 111, so as to facilitate taking and placing of the centrifugal tube 30.

[0084] AsFigures 5-7 As shown, in some embodiments, the lateral side of the centrifugal tube placement seat 11 is provided with a tube insertion port 112 which is communicated to the accommodation groove 111.

[0085] The provision of the tube insertion port 112 facilitates the insertion of the tube rack 12 into the accommodation groove 111. Specifically, the tube insertion port 112 can be provided on the side wall of the centrifugal tube placement seat 11 which faces the outside of the base module 10. The size of the tube insertion port 112 can be set to be able to smoothly put the tube rack 12. In addition, the height of the tube rack 12 can be slightly higher than the depth of the accommodation groove 111, so as to facilitate the exposure of the tube opening of the centrifugal tube 30. In addition, the shape of the accommodation 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 accommodation groove 111 and the fit between the groove wall of the accommodation groove 111, so as to better exchange heat with the centrifugal tube placement seat 11.

[0086] Specifically, a plurality of insertion holes 121 can be provided on the tube rack 12, and the plurality of insertion holes 121 can be uniformly distributed along the insertion direction. A certain distance is reserved between adjacent two insertion holes 121 to prevent the possibility of collision between adjacent two centrifugal tubes 30 when the centrifugal tubes 30 are placed. The depth of the insertion hole 121 is set to be two-thirds of the height of the centrifugal tube 30, so that the sample can be located inside the insertion hole 121 while facilitating the exposure of the opening of the centrifugal tube 30 for the addition of the sample.

[0087] Referring to Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, in specific implementation, the base module 10 can include a first mounting seat 13, and the centrifugal tube placement seat 11 can be mounted on the base 41 through the first mounting seat 13. In addition, an avoiding port 422 can be provided at the position of the shell 42 corresponding to the tube insertion port 112, so that the tube rack 12 can be inserted into the centrifugal tube placement seat 11 without opening the shell 42. On this basis, a door cover 43 can also be provided on the base 41, which is rotationally connected to the edge of the avoiding port 422. The door cover 43 can cover the avoiding port 422, so as to further seal and protect the installation chamber, and be flipped to expose the avoiding port 422 when the tube rack 12 needs to be inserted.

[0088] For example, the hinge position of the door cover 43 and the base 41 is located at the lower edge of the avoiding port 422. When the door cover 43 is opened, the door cover 43 can be flipped to be 180° with the plane where the avoiding port 422 is located. In this way, the door cover 43 can avoid occupying the space outside the avoiding port 422 in the lateral direction, so as to facilitate the insertion or removal of the tube rack 12 by the operator and avoid interference and collision with the tube rack 12 or the operator.

[0089] Therefore, in order to keep the door cover 43 in a fixed state when covering the escape port 422, a door lock 44 can also be arranged on the base 41, which is arranged at a position corresponding to the door cover 43 in the installation chamber. Specifically, as shown in Figures 2-4 For example, the door cover 43 can be made of a metal plate, and the door lock 44 can be made of a magnet, so that the door cover 43 is fixed by being attracted by the door lock 44 when covering the escape port 422, thereby continuously covering the escape port 422.

[0090] Of course, in other embodiments, the fixation of the door cover 43 relative to the escape port 422 can also be achieved in other ways, such as clamping between the door cover 43 and the door lock 44.

[0091] As shown in Figure 7 In some embodiments, a lock catch 14 is arranged at the insertion port 112, which is rotatably connected to the centrifugal tube placing seat 11 and can be rotated to the outside of the insertion port 112. The arrangement of the lock catch 14 can achieve locking and positioning of the tube rack 12. That is, after the tube rack 12 is inserted into the accommodation groove 111, the insertion port 112 is blocked by rotating the lock catch 14, thereby preventing the tube rack 12 from sliding out of the accommodation groove 111.

[0092] Specifically, the lock catch 14 can be arranged in a rod-shaped structure, one end of the lock catch 14 is rotatably connected to one side of the insertion port 112 of the centrifugal tube placing seat 11, so that when the lock catch 14 is rotated, the other end of the lock catch 14 can be rotated to a position outside the insertion port 112, thereby blocking the insertion port 112. In addition, the length and number of the lock catch 14 can be flexibly arranged according to requirements, as long as the displacement of the tube rack 12 can be blocked.

[0093] As shown in Figures 5-8 In some embodiments, the centrifugal tube placing assembly further includes a handle 15 arranged on the tube rack 12 to facilitate an operator to pick up or insert the entire tube rack 12 into the accommodation groove 111. Specifically, the handle 15 is arranged on the side of the tube rack 12 facing away from the insertion port 112, so as to facilitate pushing the tube rack 12 into the groove or taking the tube rack 12 out of the insertion port 112. Further, in an implementable manner, the handle 15 can also be arranged in a detachable connection with the tube rack 12, so that after the tube rack 12 is pushed into the accommodation groove 111 by the handle 15, the handle 15 can be detached, so as to save the space outside the centrifugal tube placing seat 11, and avoid collision with the handle 15 when the operator operates the mechanism. Specifically, the connection between the handle 15 and the tube rack 12 can be clamping, or a rotating and limiting connection, etc.

[0094] In addition, in order to facilitate the storage of the detached handle 15, a socket 45 can also be arranged on the shell 40. Specifically, as shown in Figure 4The socket 45 can be arranged at a position close to the escape hole 422 of the housing 40, so that the operator can find it in time when the handle 15 is needed to be used, and it can be stored when the handle 15 is not needed to be used, so as to avoid loss.

[0095] As shown in Figure 6 and Figure 7 In some embodiments, the tube rack 12 is further provided with a positioning plate 16 arranged on one side of the insertion hole 121, and a plurality of positioning grooves 161 are arranged on the positioning plate 16 and correspond to the insertion hole 121 one by one.

[0096] When the centrifugal tube 30 with a sealing cover is used, if the centrifugal tubes 30 can be placed in the same direction in an orderly manner, the subsequent opening of the cover and the placement of the sample can be accelerated. Through the positioning plate 16 arranged in the embodiment, the connecting tongue 33 on the centrifugal tube 30 can be matched with the positioning groove 161 when the centrifugal tube 30 is placed, that is, the connecting tongue 33 is correspondingly clamped into the positioning groove 161 on the positioning plate 16 when the centrifugal tube 30 is placed, so that the centrifugal tubes 30 are placed in the same direction.

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

[0098] As shown in Figure 1 In some embodiments, the number of base modules 10 can be two, and the two base modules 10 are arranged at intervals on the base 41, so that the centrifugal tube sample incubation mechanism can process more samples at a time and improve the experimental efficiency. In other embodiments, the base modules 10 can also be arranged in other numbers, as long as the base modules 10 do not interfere with each other and can operate normally. Correspondingly, the housing 40 is provided with a sample adding hole 421 corresponding to each base module 10, so as to realize sample adding for the two base modules 10. On this basis, the number of the cover openers 21 and the shafts 23 is the same as that of the base modules 10, and they are arranged one by one.

[0099] Firstly, the cover opening module 20 can cover or expose the sample adding hole 421. In this way, when the centrifugal tube 30 needs to be exposed, the cover opener 21 can be rotated to open the sample adding hole 421; when the centrifugal tube 30 needs to be sealed in the housing 40 for incubation, the cover opener 21 can be correspondingly rotated to cover the sample adding hole 421.

[0100] In a specific implementation, the switch cover module 20 further includes a second mounting base 22, and the cover opener 21 is arranged at the sample adding port 421 through the second mounting base 22. In addition, the second mounting base 22 is slightly higher and larger than the centrifugal tube placing base 11, so that the cover opener 21 can be arranged above the slot of the accommodating groove 111. Further, the switch cover module 20 further includes a rotating shaft 23, and the cover opener 21 is fixed on the second mounting base 22 through the rotating shaft 23, so as to realize the rotating connection with respect to the shell 40.

[0101] As shown in Figure 8 some embodiments, the switch cover module 20 includes a power assembly 24 for providing the rotating driving force for the rotating shaft 23. By arranging the power assembly 24, the automatic overturning of the cover opener 21 can be realized, that is, the automatic switching of the cover of the centrifugal tube sample incubation mechanism is realized. In this way, when the operator uses the centrifugal tube sample incubation mechanism, the manual operation is not required, and the switching of the cover can be realized through the control mechanism or the defined program, so that the automation degree of the centrifugal tube sample incubation mechanism is further improved.

[0102] Further, the power assembly 24 includes a third mounting base 241, a driving motor 242 and a power gear 243. The driving motor 242 is fixed on the base 41 through the third mounting base 241, and the driving motor 242 is in transmission connection with the rotating shaft 23, so as to provide the rotating driving force for the rotating shaft 23, and make the rotating shaft 23 drive the cover opener 21 to perform the forward and reverse rotation.

[0103] In a specific implementation, the cover opener 21 is a plate-shaped structure matched with the sample adding port 421, and the rotating shaft 23 is arranged at one side of the cover opener 21. In addition, the cover opener 21 is in rotating connection with the second mounting base 22 through the rotating shaft 23. In addition, a transmission gear 25 can 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 can be engaged with the transmission gear 25, so that the rotating driving force of the driving motor 242 is transmitted to the rotating shaft 23 through the power gear 243 and the transmission gear 25.

[0104] When the switch cover module 20 is installed, the power assembly 24 can be arranged at one side of the second mounting base 22 and the centrifugal tube placing base 11. As shown in Figure 1 , in this way, the number of transmission members between the power assembly 24 and the rotating shaft 23 can be as small as possible, so as to reduce the structural complexity and the occupied space.

[0105] As shown in Figure 1As shown, when there are two base modules 10, two sets of switch cover modules 20 can be set accordingly. That is, there are two cover openers 21 and two rotating shafts 23, and the cover openers 21 and rotating shafts 23 are set in a one-to-one correspondence. Based on this, the transmission gears 25 of the two switch cover modules 20 can mesh with each other, and a transmission gear 25 is set 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 dispensing ports 421 and clearance ports 422 on the outer shell 42 also need to be adjusted accordingly based on the number of switch cover modules 20. Alternatively, the sample dispensing ports 421 and clearance ports 422 can be set to a size that allows all centrifuge tube samples to be exposed.

[0107] To further automate the operation of the cover opening module 20, the cover opening module 20 can also include a sensing element 26 and a home point sensor 27. The home point sensor 27 is mounted on the base 41, and the sensing element 26 is mounted on the transmission gear 25. When the cover opener 21 is in the initial state of covering the sample dispensing port 421, the sensing element 26 is exactly located in the sensing area of ​​the home point sensor 27. With this configuration, the position 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 Figures 2-3 As shown, in some embodiments, the cap opener 21 includes a cap body 212 and a bending portion 213. The rotating shaft 23 is disposed on one side of the cap body 212, and the bending portion 213 is disposed on the other side of the cap body 212 and is disposed toward the opening of the receiving groove 111. The pipe cap locking groove 211 is formed on the bending portion 213 and extends along the extension direction of the pipe rack 12.

[0109] In some embodiments, the cover opening module 20 further includes a cover heating element disposed on the cover opener 21 and located above the opening of the receiving groove 111. The cover heating element can heat the cover 32 of the centrifuge tube sample, thereby preventing water vapor generated by the temperature rise of the centrifuge tube 30 during heating from condensing at the cover 32 of the centrifuge tube 30. Specifically, the cover heating element can be a ceramic heating plate attached to the inside of the cover opener 21.

[0110] Regarding the configuration of the coolant supply module 50 provided in this embodiment, firstly, the coolant storage tank 51 and the coolant channel of the centrifuge tube placement seat 11 are connected. For example, the coolant supply module 50 can include an inlet pipe, and the coolant storage tank 51 and the coolant channel are connected through the inlet pipe. Furthermore, the coolant supply module 50 also includes a drive pump 52, which is mounted on the inlet pipe and used to drive the coolant in the inlet pipe to flow into the coolant channel.

[0111] In a specific implementation, a tube fixing seat 413 can be arranged on the base 41 to fix the liquid inlet tube on the base 41. The centrifugal tube placement seat 11 is provided with a liquid inlet port 113 corresponding to the position of the liquid inlet tube, which is in communication with the cooling liquid channel and is used to communicate with the liquid inlet tube. Further, the base 41 can be further provided with a tubular liquid level sensor 53 to sense whether there is liquid in the liquid inlet tube, so as to cooperate with the control valve and drive the pump 52 to carry out liquid inlet or liquid discharge.

[0112] The cooling liquid channel in the centrifugal tube placement seat 11 can be arranged as an annular channel surrounding the containing groove 111, and the cooling liquid channel can be arranged in a spiral shape from bottom to top, so that the cooling liquid can flow into the centrifugal tube placement seat 11 as much as possible, thereby improving the heat exchange efficiency of the cooling liquid and the centrifugal tube placement seat 11.

[0113] On this basis, the centrifugal tube sample incubation mechanism further comprises a cooling liquid recovery module 60, which comprises a waste liquid collection tank 61 and a waste liquid valve. The waste liquid collection tank 61 is in communication with the cooling liquid channel, and the waste liquid valve is arranged between the waste liquid collection tank 61 and the cooling channel. For details, please refer to Figure 13 The waste liquid collection tank 61 is used to collect the cooling liquid after heat exchange with the cooling liquid containing tank 51, so the waste liquid collection tank 61 is in communication with the cooling liquid channel. In a specific implementation, a liquid discharge port 114 can be arranged on the centrifugal tube placement seat 11, which is in communication with the cooling liquid channel.

[0114] It should be noted that the liquid inlet port 113 and the liquid discharge port 114 are respectively located at the most upstream and the most downstream of the cooling liquid channel, so that the cooling liquid and the centrifugal tube placement seat 11 can achieve sufficient heat exchange. In addition, the liquid discharge port 114 and the waste liquid collection tank 61 can be communicated through a liquid discharge tube. The waste liquid collection tank 61 can be arranged on the outside of the centrifugal tube sample incubation mechanism, so as to facilitate the operator to pour out the waste liquid when the waste liquid collection tank 61 is full.

[0115] As shown in Figure 13 Further, the top opening of the waste liquid collection tank 61 can be provided with a tank cover 62 to facilitate pouring of waste liquid and observation of the amount of waste liquid. In addition, the waste liquid collection tank 61 can be further provided with a waste liquid level sensor 63 to monitor the amount of waste liquid in the waste liquid collection tank 61.

[0116] In order to enhance the cooling effect of the cooling liquid on the centrifugal tube placement seat 11, the cooling liquid can be cooled before entering the cooling liquid channel. Therefore, in some embodiments, the cooling liquid supply module 50 can further comprise an electric refrigeration device 54 arranged on the cooling liquid containing tank 51 to cool the cooling liquid containing tank 51.

[0117] As shown in Figure 12As shown, the coolant supply module 50 may include a fourth mounting base 55, through which the coolant container 51 can be mounted on the base 41. Furthermore, the coolant container 51 may be positioned higher than the centrifuge tube holder 11, thereby enabling the coolant to initially flow downwards towards the centrifuge tube holder 11. An electro-cooling component 54 may be disposed at the bottom of the coolant container 51. Based on this, the electro-cooling component 54 has a cooling side and a heat dissipation side, with the coolant container 51 specifically disposed on the cooling side. In a specific implementation, the electro-cooling component 54 may use a Peltier resistor, thereby enabling cooling of the coolant container 51 when the Peltier is energized.

[0118] For example, such as Figure 12 As shown, in some embodiments, the coolant supply module 50 further includes a heat sink 56, which is disposed on the heat dissipation side of the electro-cooling component 54. The heat sink 56 is used to dissipate heat from the electro-cooling component 54, thereby enabling the high temperature on the electro-cooling component 54 to dissipate as quickly as possible, so as to ensure the cooling effect of the electro-cooling component 54 on the coolant container 51.

[0119] In a specific implementation, the heat sink 56 can use a metal housing and a fan. The metal housing is located at the bottom of the coolant tank 51, and the electro-cooling component 54 is sandwiched between the coolant tank 51 and the metal housing. Furthermore, a cooling fan is also provided on the metal housing to dissipate heat and cool the metal housing.

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

[0121] Based on this, the centrifuge tube sample incubation mechanism can be further included with an indicator light module 70. The indicator light module 70 includes a fifth mounting base 71 and an indicator light 72. The indicator light 72 is mounted on the base 41 via the fifth mounting base 71. Furthermore, the indicator light 72 is electrically connected to the coolant level sensor 57, so that when the coolant level sensor 57 detects insufficient liquid in the coolant container 51, the indicator light 72 sends a signal to illuminate, thereby reminding the operator that the coolant is low and allowing the operator to replenish the coolant in a timely manner.

[0122] In an implementable mode, an observation groove 58 can be arranged on one side of the coolant accommodating tank 51, the bottom of the observation groove 58 is flush with and communicates with the bottom of the coolant accommodating tank 51, so that the liquid level in the observation groove 58 represents the liquid level in the coolant accommodating tank 51. On this basis, an observation window can be arranged on the observation groove 58, so that the liquid level in the observation groove 58, that is, the liquid level in the coolant accommodating tank 51, can be directly observed from the outside. Specifically, the structures of the coolant accommodating tank 51 and the observation groove 58 can be referred to the structures shown in FIG. 5. Figure 12

[0123] In some embodiments, the centrifugal tube sample incubation mechanism further comprises a control module 80 arranged at the bottom of the base 41, the control module 80 is electrically connected with 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, so as to control the operation of the centrifugal tube sample incubation mechanism. On this basis, the control module 80 is also electrically connected with the driving pump 52, the electric refrigeration element 54, the heat dissipation element 56, the driving motor 242, etc., so as to realize the overall control and operation of the centrifugal tube sample incubation mechanism.

[0124] The centrifugal tube sample incubation mechanism provided by the present embodiment can be used according to the following process:

[0125] The operator opens the door cover 43, takes out the tube rack 12 from the centrifugal tube placing seat 11, and then puts the centrifugal tube samples into the tube rack 12 in sequence. When placing the centrifugal tube samples, the connecting tongues 33 of all the centrifugal tubes 30 are clamped in the positioning grooves 161 of the positioning plates 16 in the tube rack 12. Then the tube rack 12 is pushed into the accommodating groove 111 from the tube insertion port 112, and in this process, the tube covers 32 of all the centrifugal tubes 30 on the tube rack 12 are clamped in the tube cover locking grooves 211 at the same time. When the whole tube rack 12 is deeply inserted into the accommodating groove 111, the handle 15 is detached and put into the socket 45 on the shell 42.

[0126] The control assembly is operated by a button or a computer output signal to start controlling the operation of each mechanism. Specifically, in the case of needing to heat the centrifugal tube samples, the electric heating element is powered on, and the centrifugal tube placing seat 11 is heated, so as to heat the centrifugal tube samples. After heating to a set time or a set temperature, the control assembly disconnects the electric connection between the electric heating element and the power supply, and the heating process stops. Similarly, in the case of needing to cool the centrifugal tube samples, the control valve is opened, and the coolant flows into the coolant channel in the centrifugal tube placing seat 11, so that the coolant cools the centrifugal tube placing seat 11. After cooling to a set time or a set temperature, the control assembly operates the control valve to disconnect the communication between the coolant channel and the coolant accommodating tank 51, and the cooling process stops.

[0127] ​The above merely provides the specific implementation of the present application, but the protection scope of the present application is not limited to this. Any person skilled in the art can easily think of the changes or replacements within the technical range disclosed by the present application, which should be covered in the protection scope of the present application. Therefore, the protection scope of the present application should be subject to the protection scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A centrifuge tube sample incubation mechanism, comprising: The centrifugal tube sample incubation mechanism comprises a shell (40), the base module (10) is located in the shell (40), and a sample adding opening (421) is formed in the shell (40) at a slot opening corresponding to the accommodating groove (111). The switch cover module (20) further comprises a driving motor (242) and a rotating shaft (23) arranged in the shell (40), the cover opener (21) is rotatably arranged at the sample adding opening (421) through the rotating shaft (23), and the driving motor (242) is in transmission connection with the rotating shaft (23). The cover opener (21) comprises a cover body (212) and a bent portion (213), the rotating shaft (23) is arranged on one side of the cover body (212), the bent portion (213) is arranged on the other side of the cover body (212) and faces the slot opening of the accommodating groove (111). The tube cover locking groove (211) is formed on the bent portion (213) and is arranged in extension along the tube rack (12). A tube inserting opening (112) is formed in one lateral side of the centrifugal tube placing seat (11) and communicates with the accommodating groove (111), the tube rack (12) is inserted into the accommodating groove (111) through the tube inserting opening (112), and a lock catch (14) is arranged at the tube inserting opening (112) and can be rotated to the outside of the tube inserting opening (112). The number of the insertion holes (121) is multiple, and the multiple insertion holes (121) are arranged in intervals along the extension direction of the tube rack (12). The tube rack (12) further comprises a positioning plate (16) located on one side of the insertion hole (121), and the positioning plate (16) is provided with a positioning groove (161) corresponding to the insertion hole (121).

2. The centrifuge tube sample incubation mechanism of claim 1, wherein, The number of the base modules (10) is two, the shell (40) is provided with the sample adding opening (421) corresponding to the position of each base module (10), the number of the cover openers (21) and the rotating shafts (23) is the same as that of the base modules (10) and is arranged one by one.

3. The centrifuge tube sample incubation mechanism of claim 1, wherein, ​ ​ 4. The centrifuge tube sample incubation mechanism of claim 1, wherein, ​ The switch cover module (20) comprises two transmission gears (25) engaged with each other, and one transmission gear (25) is arranged at the end of each rotating shaft (23).

5. The centrifuge tube sample incubation mechanism of claim 1, wherein, The switch cover module (20) further comprises a tube cover heating element arranged on the cover opener (21) and above the slot opening of the accommodating slot (111).

6. The centrifuge tube sample incubation mechanism of any of claims 1-5, wherein, The base module (10) comprises an electric heating element arranged on the centrifugal tube placing seat (11) for heating the centrifugal tube placing seat (11). The centrifugal tube sample incubation mechanism further comprises a cooling liquid supply module (50), the cooling liquid supply module (50) comprises a cooling liquid accommodating box (51) and a control valve, the cooling liquid accommodating box (51) stores cooling liquid, the centrifugal tube placing seat (11) has a cooling liquid channel, the cooling liquid channel is in communication with the cooling liquid accommodating box (51), and the control valve is arranged between the cooling liquid channel and the cooling liquid accommodating box (51).

7. The centrifuge tube sample incubation mechanism of claim 6, wherein, The cooling liquid supply module (50) further comprises an electric refrigeration element (54) arranged on the cooling liquid accommodating box (51) for cooling the cooling liquid accommodating box (51). The electric refrigeration element (54) has a refrigeration side and a heat dissipation side, the cooling liquid accommodating box (51) is arranged on the refrigeration side, and the cooling liquid supply module (50) further comprises a heat dissipation element (56) arranged on the heat dissipation side.

8. The centrifuge tube sample incubation mechanism of claim 6, wherein, The cooling liquid supply module (50) further comprises a liquid inlet pipe and a driving pump (52), the cooling liquid accommodating box (51) and the cooling liquid channel are communicated through the liquid inlet pipe, and the driving pump (52) is arranged on the liquid inlet pipe. And / or, the centrifugal tube sample incubation mechanism further comprises a cooling liquid recovery module (60), the cooling liquid recovery module (60) comprises a waste liquid collecting box (61) and a waste liquid valve, the waste liquid collecting box (61) is in communication with the cooling liquid channel, and the waste liquid valve is arranged between the waste liquid collecting box (61) and the cooling liquid channel.

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