Adjusting device for microwell plate reader and microwell plate reader

Abstract

The present invention relates to an adjustment device for a microplate reader, comprising: an actuation mechanism coupled to a housing of the microplate reader; the adjustable aperture comprises an aperture opening, and the adjustable aperture is driven by the actuating mechanism to move in the axial direction; and a diaphragm opening adjustment member disposed to be movable with respect to a center of the aperture opening to define an adjustable diaphragm opening in the adjustable aperture, in which the diaphragm opening can be adjusted as the adjustable aperture moves toward or away from the microwell plate in an axial direction, and the diaphragm opening adjustment member is disposed to be movable with respect to the center of the aperture opening to define an adjustable diaphragm opening in the adjustable aperture. The diaphragm opening adjustment member moves between a first position and a second position, and an opening size of the adjustable diaphragm opening in the first position is greater than an opening size of the adjustable diaphragm opening in the second position. According to the adjusting device, the size of the opening of the adjustable diaphragm can be changed while the axial position of the adjustable diaphragm is changed. In addition, the invention also relates to a microplate reader comprising such an adjusting device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an adjustment device for a microplate reader, and more particularly to an aperture adjustment device for adjusting the size and position of an aperture opening so as to be used for, for example, fluorescence measurement and chemiluminescence measurement functions of a microplate reader. In addition, the present invention also relates to a microplate reader comprising such an adjustment device. Background Art

[0002] Microplate readers can be widely used in fields such as scientific research and detection such as life sciences. Microplate readers can usually be used in conjunction with microplates. The microplate can be provided with a sample well array including a plurality of sample wells, and each sample well can be provided with a sample to be detected. The microplate reader can detect biological, chemical or physical phenomena of the sample provided in the sample well.

[0003] A microplate reader may have an aperture or an orifice and may support both fluorescence measurement and chemiluminescence assay. When used for fluorescence measurement, in order to improve detection accuracy, it is desired that more excitation light from the sample enters the orifice, while in chemiluminescence measurement, due to the presence of multiple sample wells, light emitted from adjacent sample wells may enter the orifice at the same time, thereby possibly causing crosstalk light from samples in non-measured sample wells, which reduces measurement accuracy. However, such microplate readers in the prior art are not well adapted to the microplate reader performing fluorescence measurement and chemiluminescence assay in multiple modes.

[0004] Therefore, there is an urgent need to optimize the microplate reader in the prior art, which can overcome one or more disadvantages existing in the prior art. Summary of the invention

[0005] The object of the present invention is to provide a microplate reader comprising an adjustment device, which allows the microplate reader to be conveniently used for fluorescence measurement and chemiluminescence determination. Specifically, the adjustment device can adjust the aperture size of the diaphragm opening while changing the axial position of the aperture to adapt to the different requirements of the aperture size and position of the diaphragm opening for fluorescence measurement and chemiluminescence determination.

[0006] Another object of the present invention is to optimize the structure of the adjustment device of the microplate reader so as to provide an improved adjustment device.

[0007] Another object of the present invention is to provide an adjustment device for a microplate reader, which allows the size of the aperture of the diaphragm opening to be changed in linear proportion to the change in the axial position of the aperture. In addition, the adjustment device according to the present invention can more accurately control the size of the aperture of the diaphragm opening, and preferably, the adjustment device also allows the size of the aperture to be changed continuously and linearly.

[0008] According to one aspect of the present invention, an adjustment device for a microplate reader is proposed, which may include: an actuating mechanism, which may be connected to the housing of the microplate reader; an adjustable aperture, which may include an aperture opening, wherein the adjustable aperture is driven by the actuating mechanism to move in an axial direction; and an aperture opening adjustment member, which is configured to be able to move relative to the center of the aperture opening to define an adjustable aperture opening in the adjustable aperture, wherein, as the adjustable aperture moves toward or away from the microplate in the axial direction, the aperture opening adjustment member is able to move between a first position and a second position, and the opening size of the adjustable aperture opening in the first position is larger than the opening size of the adjustable aperture opening in the second position.

[0009] The adjustment device can change the size of the adjustable aperture opening while the axial position of the adjustable aperture is changed, thereby allowing the microplate reader to be used for fluorescence or chemiluminescence detection. With this arrangement, the aperture (size) and position (e.g., axial relative position) of the adjustable aperture opening or orifice through which light passes can be adjusted to accommodate different measurement modes. For example, in a multi-mode microplate reader, it can support fluorescence measurement and luminescence measurement with the same microplate reader.

[0010] When used for fluorescence measurement, it is necessary to allow a sufficient amount of light to pass through the adjustable iris opening. Preferably, the aperture of the adjustable iris opening or orifice can be made close to or equal to the aperture of the aperture opening in size by adjusting the position of the device to allow as much light as possible to pass through the adjustable iris opening. When used for luminescence measurement, the relative position between the adjustable iris opening or orifice and the sample well is closer than that for fluorescence measurement to limit the crosstalk effect caused by interfering light from adjacent sample wells. Preferably, the aperture of the adjustable iris opening or orifice can be close to or equal to the aperture of the sample well of the microplate.

[0011] Preferably, the actuating mechanism may include a first driving portion, which is capable of rotating around a rotation axis and is provided with a first spiral portion; and the adjustable aperture is provided with a second spiral portion, which cooperates with the first spiral portion to convert the movement of the first driving portion in a circumferential direction into the movement of the adjustable aperture in an axial direction.

[0012] In this way, based on the arrangement of the adjustment device according to the present invention, a fine change and / or a continuous change of the aperture size of the adjustable diaphragm opening is allowed to be achieved to further improve the measurement accuracy.

[0013] Preferably, an axial guide member may be further included, which limits the movement of the adjustable aperture in the circumferential direction and allows the adjustable aperture to move in the axial direction. By means of such a guide member, it is possible to ensure that the adjustable aperture only moves axially without rotating with the first drive unit.

[0014] Preferably, the actuating mechanism may further include a stepping motor and a synchronous belt, wherein the first driving part may be formed as a synchronous wheel and driven by the stepping motor via the synchronous belt.

[0015] In this way, by driving the first driving part formed as a synchronous wheel with a stepping motor, automatic control can be achieved and the accuracy of the synchronous wheel can be improved, thereby accurately adjusting the distance of the adjustable aperture moving in the axial direction and the size of the adjustable aperture opening. In addition, the synchronous wheel can also effectively prevent accidental blocking or slipping, and avoid the reduction of adjustment accuracy caused by wear of components such as belts.

[0016] Preferably, the aperture opening adjustment component can be configured such that as the adjustable aperture moves in a first direction along the axial direction, the adjustable aperture opening transitions toward a reduced state, and as the adjustable aperture moves in a second direction opposite to the first direction along the axial direction, the adjustable aperture opening transitions toward an expanded state.

[0017] Through this arrangement, the adjustment device according to the present invention can be applied to a microplate reader with a fluorescence measurement mode and a chemiluminescence measurement mode. Preferably, in fluorescence measurement, the aperture of the adjustable diaphragm can be close to the physical limit opening size of the aperture opening, because adjacent holes will not receive the excitation light, and no crosstalk will be generated, and the large aperture is conducive to the system obtaining more fluorescence and improving the measurement signal-to-noise ratio. In luminescence measurement (such as chemiluminescence), the aperture cannot be too large, otherwise the unexpected light signal from the adjacent hole will also enter through the adjustable diaphragm and be collected by the detector, so that the crosstalk signal affects the reading of the display device.

[0018] Preferably, the aperture opening adjustment member may include a first adjustment mechanism, which may include: a plurality of driving arms, which may include a radial guide portion and an actuating portion which is angled with the radial guide portion, wherein the radial guide portion is used to guide the driving arm to reciprocate in a radial direction or in a direction parallel to the radial direction, and the actuating portion is arranged in a guide groove in a circumferential wall of the adjustable aperture; and a constraint frame, which may be arranged around the actuating portion, and as the adjustable aperture moves in a first direction along an axial direction, the constraint frame pushes against the actuating portion to force the first adjustment mechanism to move toward the second position under the guidance of the radial guide portion.

[0019] Through this first adjustment mechanism, the axial position change of the adjustable aperture is proportional to the change in the opening size of the adjustable aperture. In addition, this structure has high strength, and the expansion or contraction of the adjustable aperture opening is achieved through the combined movement of the friction force and the spring force between the driving arm and the restraining frame, and this movement form is relatively simple, the number of parts is small, the structure is simple, and the manufacturing and maintenance costs are low.

[0020] Preferably, the first adjustment mechanism may further include a first elastic member, which is attached to the receiving portion of the driving arm and biases the first adjustment mechanism toward the first position. In this way, with the biasing force of the first elastic member, the driving arm can automatically reset when the external pushing force is lost, thereby facilitating the adjustment operation and facilitating automated adjustment.

[0021] Preferably, the aperture opening adjustment component may include a second adjustment mechanism, which may include: a plurality of blades, which may be arranged around the aperture opening and enclose an adjustable aperture opening, and a first end of each of the plurality of blades is pivotally fixed to the adjustable aperture; an actuating ring, which may be arranged concentrically with the aperture opening and capable of pivoting around the aperture opening, wherein a second end of each of the plurality of blades opposite to the first end is pivotally fixed to the actuating ring, so that the size of the adjustable aperture opening changes as the actuating ring pivots.

[0022] Through this second adjustment mechanism, the axial position change of the adjustable aperture is proportional to the change in the opening size of the adjustable aperture, and the axial installation space can be reduced. In addition, the adjustment accuracy of this adjustment mechanism is relatively high, and the application of rotational / rolling friction makes the mechanism movement smoother, more fluent and more stable.

[0023] Preferably, the second adjustment mechanism may further include: a guide plate, which is fixed relative to the housing and has an inclined guide surface, and the actuating ring may further include an actuating rod, which extends from a guide opening formed in the circumferential wall of the adjustable aperture and cooperates with the guide surface so that as the adjustable aperture moves in the axial direction, the actuating ring is guided by the guide surface to move in the circumferential direction.

[0024] This arrangement allows the actuating rod to move in an inclined direction along the guide surface while being guided by the guide piece while moving axially, so as to finally achieve circumferential movement of the actuating ring. In addition, the linear proportional relationship between the axial movement distance of the adjustable aperture and the size of the adjustable aperture opening can be adjusted by replacing the guide piece.

[0025] Preferably, the second adjustment mechanism may further include a second elastic member, which is disposed between the actuating rod and the adjustable aperture and biases the second adjustment mechanism toward the second position.

[0026] Likewise, by means of the biasing force of the second elastic member, when the guide piece moves away from the guide rod (for example, moves upward), the actuating rod can be automatically reset, thereby facilitating the adjustment operation and facilitating automated adjustment.

[0027] According to another aspect of the present invention, a microplate reader is proposed, which may include: an adjustment device according to the above aspects, and a microplate carrier, which can be used to carry a microplate, the microplate including a sample well, and the sample to be measured is arranged in the sample well, wherein the adjustable aperture of the adjustment device can be located above the microplate, and the microplate reader can also include a detector, which can detect light from the sample to be measured and passing through the adjustable aperture.

[0028] The microplate reader can simultaneously adjust the distance between the adjustable aperture and the sample hole and the sample and the size of the adjustable aperture opening, so that the microplate reader can be applied to a variety of measurement application scenarios.

[0029] According to the above aspects of the present invention, preferably, the microplate reader may further include: the microplate includes a plurality of sample wells, and the microplate reader further includes: a light source system, the light emitted by the light source system can reach the sample disposed in the sample well via the adjustable aperture opening of the adjustment device; and a displacement module, the displacement module is used to change the relative position between the microplate carrier and the adjustable aperture to allow light from samples in different sample wells placed in the plurality of sample wells to pass through the adjustable aperture to be detected by the detector. Such a microplate reader allows light such as laser to be emitted, and can be used to perform fluorescence measurement on the sample.

[0030] Preferably, the microplate reader is capable of operating in a fluorescence intensity measurement mode and a chemiluminescence measurement mode, wherein, in the fluorescence intensity measurement mode, light from the light source system reaches a sample disposed in a sample well via an adjustable aperture opening, and the aperture opening adjustment member is located in a first position, while in the chemiluminescence measurement mode, light from the sample in the sample well is capable of passing through the adjustable aperture to be detected by a detector, and the aperture opening adjustment member is located in a second position.

[0031] Through this arrangement, the microplate reader according to the present invention can be applied to fluorescence measurement mode and chemiluminescence measurement mode. In fluorescence measurement, the aperture of the adjustable diaphragm is larger, because adjacent holes are not easy to receive excitation light, and no crosstalk will be generated. The large aperture is conducive to the system to obtain more fluorescence and improve the measurement signal-to-noise ratio. In luminescence measurement (such as chemiluminescence), the aperture cannot be too large, otherwise the unexpected light signal of the adjacent hole will also enter through the adjustable diaphragm and be collected by the detector, so that the crosstalk signal affects the reading of the display device.

[0032] According to the above aspect of the present invention, preferably, in the chemiluminescence measurement mode, the ratio of the difference between the aperture of the adjustable diaphragm opening and the aperture of the sample well to be measured to the aperture of the adjustable diaphragm opening is less than 20%.

[0033] In addition, it is further preferred that, in the chemiluminescence measurement mode, the aperture of the adjustable aperture opening is substantially equal to the aperture of the sample well to be measured. In this way, while preventing the unexpected light signal in the adjacent well from entering through the adjustable aperture, the light flux of the expected light in the well to be measured entering through the adjustable aperture can be increased, thereby increasing the detection sensitivity and accuracy.

[0034] Therefore, the adjustment device of the present invention can meet the use requirements, overcome the shortcomings of the prior art and achieve the predetermined purpose. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0035] In order to further clearly describe the regulating device according to the present invention, the present invention will be described in detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. In the accompanying drawings:

[0036] Figure 1 A schematic diagram showing the main components of a microplate reader according to the present invention;

[0037] Figure 2 Schematic light paths of a microplate reader according to the present invention in a fluorescence measurement mode and a chemiluminescence measurement mode are shown;

[0038] Figure 3 shows a schematic perspective view of a microplate reader comprising a regulating device according to a first non-limiting embodiment of the present invention;

[0039] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A partial cutaway view of a microplate reader is shown;

[0040] Figure 5 yes Figure 3 An exploded perspective view of a microplate reader is shown;

[0041] Figure 6 It passes through Figure 3 A side elevational view of a cross section of a microplate reader is shown;

[0042] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of an axial guide member of an adjustment device according to a non-limiting embodiment of the present invention;

[0043] Figure 8 is a side view of a first adjustment mechanism of an adjustment device according to a non-limiting embodiment of the present invention, wherein the first adjustment mechanism is in a first position;

[0044] Fig. 9 yes Figure 8 A top view of the first adjustment mechanism shown;

[0045] Fig.10 yes Figure 8 A bottom view of the first adjustment mechanism shown;

[0046] Fig.11 is a side view of a first adjustment mechanism of an adjustment device according to a non-limiting embodiment of the present invention, wherein the first adjustment mechanism is in a second position;

[0047] Fig.12 yes Fig.11 A top view of the first adjustment mechanism shown;

[0048] Fig.13 yes Fig.11 A bottom view of the first adjustment mechanism shown;

[0049] Fig.14 is a schematic diagram of a drive arm of an adjustment device according to a non-limiting embodiment of the present invention;

[0050] Fig.15 yes Fig.14 A side view of the drive arm is shown;

[0051] Fig.16 yes Fig.14 A top view of the drive arm shown;

[0052] Fig.17 yes Fig.14 a bottom view of the drive arm shown;

[0053] Fig.18 is a top view of a first elastic member of an adjustment device according to a non-limiting embodiment of the present invention;

[0054] Fig.19 yes Fig.18 a side view of the first elastic member shown;

[0055] Fig. 20 A schematic diagram showing a microplate reader including a conditioning device according to a second non-limiting embodiment of the present invention;

[0056] Fig.21 yes Fig. 20 Schematic diagrams of a microplate reader shown from different angles;

[0057] Fig. 22 yes Fig. 20 A side cutaway view of a microplate reader is shown;

[0058] Fig.23 yes Fig. 20An exploded perspective view of a microplate reader is shown;

[0059] Fig.24 is a top view of a blade of an adjustment device according to a non-limiting embodiment of the present invention;

[0060] Fig.25 yes Fig.24 A side view of the blade shown;

[0061] Fig.26 is a schematic perspective view of an actuating ring of an adjustment device according to a non-limiting embodiment of the present invention;

[0062] Fig. 27 yes Fig.26 a side view of the actuator ring shown;

[0063] Fig.28 is a schematic perspective view of an adjustable aperture of an adjustment device according to a non-limiting embodiment of the present invention;

[0064] Fig.29 yes Fig.28 A side view of the adjustable aperture is shown;

[0065] Fig.30 is a schematic perspective view of a guide piece of an adjustment device according to a non-limiting embodiment of the present invention;

[0066] Fig.31 yes Fig.30 a side view of the guide tab shown;

[0067] Fig.32 is a side view of a second adjustment mechanism of an adjustment device according to a non-limiting embodiment of the present invention, wherein the second adjustment mechanism is in a first position; and

[0068] Fig.33 is a side view of a second adjustment mechanism of an adjustment device according to a non-limiting embodiment of the present invention, wherein the second adjustment mechanism is in a second position.

[0069] The above drawings are merely schematic and are not drawn strictly to scale.

[0070] List of reference numerals in the figures and embodiments:

[0071] 1000-well microplate reader, including:

[0072] 1000A-housing;

[0073] 100-Adjustment device, including:

[0074] 10- Actuating mechanism, comprising:

[0075] 11- A first driving unit, comprising:

[0076] 11A-first spiral portion;

[0077] 12-stepping motor;

[0078] 13- Timing belt;

[0079] 20-Adjustable aperture, including:

[0080] 21- aperture opening;

[0081] 22-Adjustable diaphragm opening;

[0082] 20A-second spiral portion;

[0083] 23- guide groove;

[0084] 24- guide opening;

[0085] 25 - pivot opening;

[0086] 210- Base part, including:

[0087] 210A-guide hole;

[0088] 220-cover;

[0089] 30- Aperture opening adjustment member, comprising:

[0090] 40- A first adjustment mechanism, comprising:

[0091] 41- Driving arm, including:

[0092] 411-guiding part;

[0093] 412-actuating unit;

[0094] 413-accommodation part;

[0095] 414-curved contour portion;

[0096] 415-neighboring department;

[0097] 42- Restraint frame, including;

[0098] 42A - actuation opening;

[0099] 43-a first elastic member;

[0100] 50- The second regulating mechanism comprises:

[0101] 51- Blades, including:

[0102] 511-first pivot pin; 512-second pivot pin; 513-blade body;

[0103] 513A-arc portion;

[0104] 52-Actuating ring, comprising:

[0105] 521 - actuating ring opening; 522 - actuating ring groove;

[0106] 52A - actuating rod;

[0107] 52B - actuating wheel;

[0108] 53-Guide piece, including;

[0109] 53A - guide surface;

[0110] 54- a second elastic member;

[0111] 60 - axial guide member;

[0112] 200-microplate carrier;

[0113] 201-Microplate, including:

[0114] 201A-sample hole;

[0115] 201B-sample;

[0116] 300-light source system;

[0117] 400-displacement module;

[0118] 500-detection module;

[0119] 600-lens group;

[0120] D-sample hole diameter;

[0121] D1-first aperture diameter;

[0122] D2-second aperture diameter;

[0123] X-axis of rotation;

[0124] A-axial direction;

[0125] C - circumferential direction. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0126] A microplate reader, also known as a microplate detector or reader, is a multi-module measurement system that can measure fluorescence intensity, spontaneous luminescence intensity, absorbance, turbidity, etc. on a microplate. The instrument can be provided with several detection modules.

[0127] For example, a microplate reader can be provided with a fluorescence (FL, Fluorescence) measurement and a self-luminescence (or chemiluminescence) measurement module, and the fluorescence intensity and self-luminescence measurement are performed from the top of the sample well. The fluorescence measurement and luminescence measurement modules can be used for the fluorescence intensity measurement mode and the chemiluminescence measurement mode of the microplate reader.

[0128] In the present application, the fluorescence measurement and chemiluminescence measurement modules of the microplate reader 1000 are mainly described. Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a microplate reader 1000 according to the present invention is shown.

[0129] like Figure 1 As shown and as a non-limiting example, the microplate reader 1000 may mainly include an adjustment device 100 , a microplate carrier 200 , a light source system 300 , a displacement module 400 , a detection module 500 and other parts.

[0130] The adjusting device 100 can be arranged adjacent to the microplate carrier 200, for example, the adjusting device 100 can be positioned at a predetermined distance above the microplate carrier 200 to allow fluorescence measurement or chemiluminescence measurement. The microplate carrier 200 can carry a microplate 201, and the microplate 201 can include one or more sample wells 201A, and the sample 201B to be measured can be placed in one or more sample wells 201A. The adjusting device 100 can be used to adjust the light flux incident on the sample well 201A of the microplate 201, or adjust the light flux incident on the detection module 500 from the sample well 201A, for example, by adjusting the size of the diaphragm opening or orifice. In addition, the adjusting device 100 can adjust the position of the diaphragm opening or orifice from the sample well 201A, such as the axial relative position between them.

[0131] The light source system 300 may include, for example, an excitation light source for performing fluorescence measurement on the sample 201B.

[0132] The displacement module 400 can be used to change the relative position between the microplate carrier 200 and the adjustable aperture 20, and further change the relative position between the microplate 201 and the adjustable aperture 20, so as to allow light from samples placed in different sample wells 201A of the microplate 201 to pass through the adjustable aperture 20 to be detected by the detector of the detection module 500. For example, the displacement module 400 can control the microplate 201 to move in a plane perpendicular to the central axis of the sample well 201A, so that the sample well 201A is aligned with the adjustable aperture 20, especially their central axes are aligned.

[0133] The detection module 500 may include a detector and corresponding light processing components. The detector can be used to receive and measure parameters such as the intensity of light from the sample 201B, and display these parameters in a corresponding display device, or send them to a controller with an access device for further processing, analysis, storage or display.

[0134] It should be understood that Figure 1 The division of each module shown in the figure is only for the convenience of explanation and not for the purpose of limitation. In addition, in order to more clearly illustrate the working principle of the microplate reader of the present invention, Figure 1 The schematic diagram does not show the specific optical and electronic components and the specific arrangement of the incident / exit light paths.

[0135] Figure 2 Schematic light paths of the microplate reader 1000 according to the present invention in the fluorescence measurement mode and the chemiluminescence measurement mode are shown.

[0136] Figure 2 The left side view shows a schematic light path of the fluorescence measurement mode, and incident light is required to be irradiated onto the sample 201B in the sample hole 201A to make the sample 201B emit light, and at this time, only the sample 201B irradiated by the incident light emits light.

[0137] For example, in the fluorescence measurement mode, a xenon flash lamp can be used as an excitation light source. The excitation light will pass through the excitation optical system and the filter wheel to generate a narrowband light beam. A portion of the light beam will pass through the lens group 600 of the optical system and excite the sample 201B set in the sample hole 201A. The emitted light passes through the lens group 600 and is collected by the optical system, so that the light intensity of a specific wavelength is measured by the detector of the detection module 500.

[0138] It should be understood that Figure 2 The lens group 600 is only schematic, and the lens group 600 may include one or more lenses according to the specific light path arrangement requirements, such as any one or more of a convex lens, a concave lens, a semi-transparent mirror, a semi-reflective mirror, etc.

[0139] Figure 2 The right side view of shows a schematic light path of the chemiluminescence measurement mode, in which there is no additional incident light and the samples 201B in the plurality of sample wells 201A are able to emit light by themselves. For example, in the luminescence measurement mode, the light emitted by the sample 201B in the sample well 201A passes through the lens group 600 and is collected by the optical system, so as to be measured by the detector.

[0140] Figure 3 shows a schematic perspective view of a microplate reader 1000 including an adjustment device 100 according to a first non-limiting embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 and 5 They are Figure 3 A partial cross-sectional view and an exploded perspective view of the microplate reader 1000 shown; and Figure 6 It passes through Figure 3 A side cross-sectional view of a cross section of microplate reader 1000 is shown.

[0141] like Figure 3-6 As shown in FIG. 1 and as a non-limiting example, the adjustment device 100 may mainly include: an actuation mechanism 10 , an adjustable aperture 20 , and an aperture opening adjustment member 30 .

[0142] The actuating mechanism 10 may be, for example, a rotary actuating mechanism as shown in the drawings. The actuating mechanism 10 is coupled to (eg, fixed to or mounted to) a housing 1000A of the microplate reader 1000 and may include a first driving portion 11, a stepping motor 12, and a timing belt 13. Figure 5 As shown in detail in the figure, the first drive part 11 can be a synchronous wheel with teeth on a part of its outer surface (e.g., the upper part), and the first drive part 11 is an annular structure, has a rotation axis X and is provided with a first spiral portion 11A on its inner surface. As an example, the first spiral portion 11A can be an internal thread. The synchronous wheel cooperates with a synchronous belt 13, and the synchronous belt 13 can have teeth or a similar structure that cooperates with the teeth of the first drive part 11 to transmit the movement of the stepper motor 12 to the first drive part 11. The stepper motor 12 can be, for example, a stepper motor, and can be various types of stepper motors in the art. In this way, the first drive part 11 can be driven by the stepper motor 12 to rotate around the rotation axis X.

[0143] It should be understood that although the present invention describes the actuator mechanism 10 in conjunction with a synchronous wheel and a stepper motor, the actuator mechanism 10 may include other types of structures, including but not limited to automatic actuators / drives, such as linear drives (e.g., pneumatic or hydraulic cylinders), rotary drives, manual drives, and combinations thereof, and the first drive portion 11 may have a shape other than a wheel structure, such as a polygonal shape, etc.

[0144] The adjustable aperture 20 may be at least partially arranged inside the actuation mechanism 10, and may include a generally cylindrical main body structure and a base portion 210 extending outward from the main body structure. During measurement, the adjustable aperture 20 of the adjustment device 100 may be positioned adjacent to the microplate carrier 200 and the microplate, for example, above the microplate carrier 200. Preferably, the center of the adjustable aperture 20 may be aligned with respect to the center of the sample well 201A of the microplate resting on the microplate carrier 200 to receive light emitted from the sample well 201A, that is, to allow light from the sample 201B to be measured and passing through the adjustable aperture 20 to be detected by the detector of the detection module 500.

[0145] The cylindrical main structure may include an aperture opening 21 and an adjustable aperture opening 22. The base portion 210 of the adjustable aperture 20 may be provided with a second spiral portion 20A, which may cooperate with the first spiral portion 11A. The light emitted by the light source system 300 can reach the sample 201B disposed in the sample hole 201A via the adjustable aperture opening 22 of the adjustment device 100.

[0146] In an embodiment where the first helical portion 11A is an internal thread, the second helical portion 20A may be an external thread provided on the circumferential outer surface of the base portion 210 .

[0147] As an example, the circumferential dimensions and / or the pitch of the thread of the first spiral portion 11A and the second spiral portion 20A can be selected or set to adjust the opening size of the adjustable aperture opening 22 and the accuracy of the axial position change, as well as the proportional relationship between the opening size change and the axial position change of the adjustable aperture opening 22.

[0148] like Figure 5 and 6 As shown and as a non-limiting example, the base portion 210 can have a generally circular hollow portion so that its cross-section forms a generally "L"-shaped structure, wherein the height of the outer peripheral portion of the base portion 210 is greater than the height of the central portion of the base portion 210 to allow for an increase in the length or number of threads of the external threaded portion, and to facilitate the accommodation of the cover portion 220 described below in the central portion.

[0149] In alternative embodiments (e.g., in conjunction with Figure 20-23 In the illustrated embodiment), the base portion 210 may also have substantially the same height, that is, be formed into a disk shape with substantially parallel upper and lower surfaces.

[0150] In this way, as the first driving portion 11 rotates in the circumferential direction C, the movement of the first driving portion 11 in the circumferential direction C can be converted into the movement of the adjustable aperture 20 in the axial direction A.

[0151] The term “axial direction” as used herein refers to a direction substantially along the central axis of the adjustable aperture 20 or a direction substantially parallel to the central axis of the adjustable aperture 20 .

[0152] like Figure 5-6 As shown in FIG. 2 , the size of the aperture opening 21 may be fixed, and the aperture opening adjustment member 30 may be arranged around the aperture opening 21 and define the size of the adjustable aperture opening 22 .

[0153] For example, the diaphragm opening adjustment member 30 may be movable between a first position and a second position, and in the first position the adjustable diaphragm opening 22 may be in an expanded state, while in the second position the adjustable diaphragm opening 22 is in a reduced state.

[0154] Return to reference Figure 2 ,exist Figure 2 In the left view, the adjustable aperture opening 22 may be in an expanded state, at which point the diameter of the adjustable aperture opening 22 may be a first aperture diameter D1, which may be larger than the aperture D of the sample hole. Figure 2 In the view on the right side, the adjustable iris opening 22 may be in a reduced state, at which point the diameter of the adjustable iris opening 22 may be a second iris diameter D2, which may be substantially equal to the aperture D of the sample well. For example, the difference between the aperture of the adjustable iris opening 22 and the aperture of the sample well 201A to be measured of the microplate 200 may be less than 20% of the aperture of the adjustable iris opening 22. It should be understood that the "difference" described herein is an absolute value without positive or negative / directionality, and therefore, the aperture of the adjustable iris opening 22 may be greater than, less than, or preferably equal to the aperture of the sample well 201A to be measured of the microplate 200.

[0155] In addition, it should be understood that, according to the specific chemiluminescence measurement scenario, a person skilled in the art can select a specific proportional relationship between the aperture of the adjustable aperture opening 22 and the aperture of the sample hole 201A to be measured in the microplate 200, and can simultaneously change the relative position between the adjustable aperture opening 22 and the sample hole 201A (for example, the relative position in the axial direction), so as to allow as much light as possible from the sample hole 201A to be measured to pass through the adjustable aperture opening 22, and on the other hand, limit the crosstalk effect caused by the interfering light from the adjacent sample holes, thereby improving the measurement accuracy.

[0156] Specifically, as a non-limiting example, the aperture of the adjustable iris opening 22 may be larger than the aperture of the sample well 201A to be measured of the microplate 200. For example, the aperture of the sample well 201A to be measured of the microplate 200 may be 20%, 10%, 5%, or 1% smaller than the aperture of the adjustable iris opening 22. As another non-limiting example, the aperture of the adjustable iris opening 22 may be smaller than the aperture of the sample well 201A to be measured of the microplate 200. For example, the aperture of the sample well 201A to be measured of the microplate 200 may be 20%, 10%, 5%, or 1% larger than the aperture of the adjustable iris opening 22.

[0157] In addition, if Figure 5As shown, the base portion 210 may be provided with a plurality of guide holes 210A extending in the axial direction A. The axial guide member 60 may extend through the guide holes 210A and one end (e.g., the upper end shown in the drawings) of the axial guide member 60 may be fixed to the frame or housing of the microplate reader 1000. The axial guide member 60 is capable of limiting the movement of the adjustable aperture 20 in the circumferential direction C and allowing the movement of the adjustable aperture 20 in the axial direction A.

[0158] In this way, the stepping motor 12 drives the first driving part 11 to rotate via the synchronous belt 13 , and the first driving part 11 can drive the adjustable aperture 20 to move in the axial direction by means of the threaded fitting and the guide structure.

[0159] Preferably, two or more axial guide members 60 can be provided, and these axial guide members 60 can be arranged symmetrically about the center of the base part 210, so that when the first drive part 11 is tensioned by the synchronous belt 13, the stability of the first drive part 11 and the adjustable aperture 20 can still be ensured, thereby ensuring the stability and accuracy of the adjustment device.

[0160] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of an axial guide member 60 of an adjustment device 100 according to a non-limiting embodiment of the present invention.

[0161] As shown, the axial guide member 60 is shaped in the form of a guide pin and includes a first end 61 and a second end 62. The first end 61 may include an external thread that can cooperate with an internal thread in the frame or housing 1000A of the microplate reader 1000 to screw the axial guide member 60 thereon. The second end 62 may include a receiving portion for actuating or screwing the axial guide member 60, which may be shaped to cooperate with a hand tool such as an Allen wrench or a screwdriver.

[0162] Combine the following Figure 8-13 An exemplary structure of the first adjustment mechanism 40 of the adjustment device 100 according to a non-limiting embodiment of the present invention is described in detail.

[0163] Figure 8 is a side view of the first adjustment mechanism 40, wherein the first adjustment mechanism 40 is in a first position; and Fig. 9 and Fig.10 They are Figure 8 A top view and a bottom view of the first adjustment mechanism 40 are shown. Fig.11 is a side view of the first adjustment mechanism 40, wherein the first adjustment mechanism 40 is in the second position; and Fig.12 and Fig.13 They are Fig.11 A top view and a bottom view of the first adjustment mechanism 40 are shown.

[0164] As shown, the first adjustment mechanism 40 may be a claw-type adjustment mechanism and may include a plurality of drive arms 41 and a restraining frame 42. The plurality of drive arms 41 are arranged around the aperture opening 21, and each drive arm 41 may be disposed in a guide groove 23 in the circumferential wall of the adjustable aperture 20. Figure 8 and 11 As shown in FIG. 2 , the driving arm 41 is disposed obliquely in the guide groove 23 , thereby forming a generally conical structure having a smaller circumferential dimension at the bottom and a larger circumferential dimension at the top.

[0165] The restraint frame 42 is generally annular and has an actuation opening 42A, which can be circumferentially arranged around the outer circumference of the drive arm 41. According to this embodiment of the present invention, the circumferential dimension of the actuation opening 42A is between the circumferential dimensions of the bottom and top of the generally conical structure formed by the plurality of drive arms 41, so that as the bottoms of the plurality of drive arms 41 pass through the actuation opening 42A, the restraint frame 42 will gather and actuate the drive arms 41 with the aid of the actuation opening 42A, so that they move toward the center, that is, move in the radially inward direction.

[0166] For example, the plurality of drive arms 41 can be actuated by the restraining frame 42 to move from Figure 8-10 The first position shown is towards Figure 11-13 Thus, in the first position, the adjustable iris opening 22 enclosed by the plurality of drive arms 41 is in an expanded state, while in the second position, the adjustable iris opening 22 is in a reduced state. Thus, the opening size of the adjustable iris opening 22 in the first position can be larger than the opening size of the adjustable iris opening 22 in the second position.

[0167] In the microplate reader according to the present invention, in the fluorescence intensity measurement mode, the diaphragm opening adjustment member 30 is located at the first position, and in the chemiluminescence measurement mode, the diaphragm opening adjustment member 30 is located at the second position.

[0168] Figure 14-17 Schematic diagrams of different viewing angles of the driving arm 41 of the adjustment device 100 according to a non-limiting embodiment of the present invention.

[0169] As an example, the driving arm 41 may be a substantially L-shaped structure and may include a radial guide portion 411 and an actuating portion 412 angled with the radial guide portion 411 , and an accommodating portion 413 may be formed at an inner corner where the radial guide portion 411 and the actuating portion 412 are joined.

[0170] The radial guide portion 411 may include a straight guide portion that cooperates with a matching guide portion (e.g., in the form of a slide groove) in the end surface of the adjustable aperture 20 (e.g., the inner surface of the end of the adjustable aperture 20) to allow the drive arm 41 to reciprocate in a direction parallel to the radial direction.

[0171] The actuating portion 412 may be formed substantially cylindrically and have a smooth outer surface, and in particular, the surface portion that cooperates with the actuating opening 42A of the restraining frame 42 is smooth. The actuating portion 412 may be disposed in the guide groove 23 in the circumferential wall of the adjustable aperture 20.

[0172] The receiving portion 413 may have an arc-shaped profile and may be combined with the following Figure 18-19 The first elastic member 43 described cooperates.

[0173] In addition, if Fig.14 and Fig.16 As shown in detail in FIG. 1 , the bottom of the driving arm 41 may have a curved profile portion 414, which may be a portion of a circular arc. All driving arms 41 may be arranged around the aperture opening 21, and the curved profile portions 414 of these driving arms 41 may enclose an adjustable aperture opening 22, the size of which changes as the driving arm 41 moves toward or away from the aperture opening 21. For example, when the driving arm 41 moves toward the center of the aperture opening 21, the adjustable aperture opening 22 becomes smaller, and as the driving arm 41 moves away from the center of the aperture opening 21, the adjustable aperture opening 22 may become larger.

[0174] It should be understood that the curved contour portion 414 enclosing the adjustable aperture opening 22 may have a circular or approximately circular shape.

[0175] The driving arm 41 may have an abutment portion 415 at the top thereof. The abutment portion 415 may have a flat upper surface that can contact the cover portion 220 (see FIG. 20 ) of the cover base portion 210. Figure 6 ) to assist the movement of the driving arm 41 toward or away from the center of the aperture opening 21. As described above, the restraining frame 42 can be a substantially annular structure and is disposed around the actuating portion 412. The restraining frame 42 has an opening of a predetermined size, namely, the actuating opening 42A, so that the inner surface of the actuating opening 42A is always in contact with the outer surface of the actuating portion 412.

[0176] Thus, as the adjustable aperture 20 moves away from the first drive portion 11 in the axial direction A, the restraining frame 42 pushes against the actuating portion 412 to force the first adjustment mechanism 40 to move toward the second position, and in this process the size of the adjustable aperture opening 22 decreases. Conversely, as the adjustable aperture 20 moves closer to the first drive portion 11 in the axial direction A, the restraining frame 42 releases the actuating portion 412 to allow the first adjustment mechanism 40 to move toward the first position, and in this process the size of the adjustable aperture opening 22 increases.

[0177] In the present invention, the movement of the adjustable aperture 20 away from the first driving part 11 in the axial direction A can be alternatively referred to as the movement of the adjustable aperture 20 in the first direction along the axial direction A, and the movement of the adjustable aperture 20 close to or approaching the first driving part 11 in the axial direction A can be referred to as the movement of the adjustable aperture 20 in the second direction along the axial direction A, and the second direction can be opposite to the first direction.

[0178] To facilitate the movement of the first adjustment mechanism 40 toward the first position, the first adjustment mechanism 40 further includes a first elastic member 43 that is attached to the receiving portion 413 of the driving arm 41 and biases the first adjustment mechanism 40 toward the first position.

[0179] Fig.18 is a top view of the first elastic member 43 of the adjustment device 100 according to a non-limiting embodiment of the present invention; and Fig.19 yes Fig.18 A side view of the first elastic member 43 is shown.

[0180] As shown in the figure, the first elastic member 43 may be shaped in the form of an elastic ring and bent at both ends to avoid interference with adjacent components. The first elastic member 43 may be made of steel, such as high-strength spring steel.

[0181] When the first adjustment mechanism 40 is in the first position, the first elastic member 43 may be in an initial state or an elastically contracted state, for example, elastically deformed toward its center so that its circumferential size is smaller than the initial size. As the first adjustment mechanism 40 moves toward the second position, the first elastic member 43 continues to elastically deform toward its center to bias the first adjustment mechanism 40 toward the first position.

[0182] according to Figure 3-19 In the embodiment, the rotation of the first driving part 11 will cause the adjustable aperture 20 to move in the axial direction A. As the adjustable aperture 20 moves in the axial direction A, the driving arm 41 can move toward or away from the center of the aperture opening 21 under the action of the restraining frame 42 and the first elastic member 43.

[0183] In this way, the first adjustment mechanism 40 moves between the first position and the second position, and as the adjustable aperture 20 moves away from the first drive unit 11 in the axial direction A, the adjustable aperture opening 22 transitions toward the reduced state, and as the adjustable aperture 20 moves toward the first drive unit 11 in the axial direction A, the adjustable aperture opening 22 transitions toward the enlarged state. At this time, the restraining frame 42 may have been disengaged from the drive arm 41, and the drive arm 41 moves away from the center of the aperture opening 21 by the biasing force of the first elastic member 43.

[0184] Fig. 20 and 21 shows a schematic perspective view of a microplate reader 1000 including an adjustment device 100 according to a second non-limiting embodiment of the present invention; and Fig. 22 and 23 They are Fig. 20 A side cross-sectional view and an exploded perspective view of a microplate reader 1000 are shown.

[0185] In addition to the differences described below, Figure 20-23 The microplate reader 1000 shown in FIG. 1 is similar to Figure 3-19 The microplate reader 1000 is shown, wherein the same or similar elements / components are generally indicated herein by the same or similar reference numerals and may not be reintroduced hereinafter.

[0186] like Figure 20-23 As shown in FIG. 1 and as a non-limiting example, the adjustment device 100 may alternatively include a second adjustment mechanism 50. The second adjustment mechanism 50 may be, for example, a vane-type adjustment mechanism, and may include a plurality of vanes 51 and an actuating ring 52.

[0187] Fig.24 is a top view of a blade 51 of an adjustment device 100 according to a non-limiting embodiment of the present invention; and Fig.25 yes Fig.24 A side view of a blade 51 is shown.

[0188] As shown in the figure, the blade 51 may have a generally arc-shaped structure and include a first pivot pin 511 located at a first end, a second pivot pin 512 located at a second end, and a blade body 513 extending between the first end and the second end. The first pivot pin 511 and the second pivot pin 512 may have a generally cylindrical structure, and the blade body 513 may have an arc portion 513A. The arc portions 513A of the plurality of blades 51 may be arranged around the aperture opening 21 and enclose an adjustable aperture opening 22. Similarly, the adjustable aperture opening 22 enclosed by the plurality of blades 51 may have a circular or generally circular shape.

[0189] Fig.26 is a schematic perspective view of an actuation ring 52 of an adjustment device 100 according to a non-limiting embodiment of the present invention; and Fig. 27 yes Fig.26 A side view of the actuator ring 52 is shown.

[0190] As shown in the figure, the actuating ring 52 may have a substantially annular profile and have an actuating ring opening 521 and an actuating ring groove 522 extending outwardly from the actuating ring opening 521 in a radial direction. The actuating ring opening 521 may be a through opening, and the actuating ring groove 522 may be a through or non-through guide groove. Fig.26 and 27 In the illustrated embodiment, the actuation ring groove 522 is non-through. The actuation ring 52 and the aperture opening 21 may be arranged concentrically and may be pivotable about the aperture opening 21 , for example, by means of an actuation rod 52A connected to the actuation ring opening 521 .

[0191] Fig.28 is a schematic perspective view of an adjustable aperture 20 of an adjustment device 100 according to a non-limiting embodiment of the present invention; and Fig.29 yes Fig.28 A side view of the adjustable aperture 20 is shown.

[0192] As shown in the figure, a guide opening 24 and a pivot opening 25 may be provided in the adjustable aperture 20. The guide opening 24 may be provided on the side wall of the adjustable aperture 20 and formed as an oblong hole extending in the circumferential direction, while the pivot opening 25 may be formed on the inner surface of the bottom of the adjustable aperture 20 and spaced equidistantly around the circumferential direction. The number of the plurality of pivot openings 25 may be equal to the number of the blades 51.

[0193] According to this embodiment of the present invention, the first pivot pin 511 at the first end of each blade 51 can be pivotally arranged in the pivot opening 25 of the adjustable aperture 20 to allow the first pivot pin 511 to pivot in the pivot opening 25. Correspondingly, the second pivot pin 512 at the second end of each blade 51 can be pivotally arranged in the actuating ring groove 522 of the actuating ring 52. Each blade 51 is arranged one by one adjacently stacked, so that the arc portions 513A of the plurality of blades 51 can be arranged around the aperture opening 21 and enclose the adjustable aperture opening 22, and the size of the adjustable aperture opening 22 changes with the pivoting of the actuating ring 52.

[0194] In order to allow the actuating ring 52 to be actuated by the actuating rod 52A, the second adjustment mechanism 50 may further include a guide piece 53 .

[0195] Fig.30 is a schematic perspective view of a guide piece 53 of an adjustment device 100 according to a non-limiting embodiment of the present invention; and Fig.31 yes Fig.30 A side view of the guide piece 53 is shown.

[0196] As shown, the guide piece 53 may have a generally arc-shaped overall structure and have a mounting portion at the top and a guide portion at the bottom. A plurality of threaded holes are provided on the mounting portion, and the guide piece 53 may be fixed to the frame or housing 1000A of the microplate reader 1000 by means of these threaded holes so that the guide piece 53 remains fixed. For example, the guide piece 53 may be fixed relative to the housing 1000A and fixed in the circumferential direction relative to the adjustable aperture 20, thereby allowing the adjustable aperture 20 to move in the axial direction relative to the guide piece 53. An inclined guide surface 53A may be provided on the guide portion of the guide piece 53.

[0197] In this way, the actuating rod 52A can extend from the guide opening 24 formed in the circumferential wall of the adjustable aperture 20 and cooperate with the guide surface 53A so that as the adjustable aperture 20 moves in the axial direction A, the actuating ring 52 can be guided by the guide surface 53A to move in the circumferential direction C.

[0198] The free end of the actuating rod 52A may be provided with an actuating wheel 52B having a concave circumferential surface which may cooperate with the guide surface 53A to facilitate smooth actuation of the actuating rod 52A by the actuating ring 52 .

[0199] The inclination angle of the guide surface 53A of the guide plate 53 and / or the diameter of the actuator wheel 52B can be selected (for example, by calculation) to change the proportional relationship between the rotation angle of the first drive part 11 and the axial movement distance of the adjustable aperture 20 and thus the aperture size of the adjustable aperture opening 22 as needed.

[0200] Fig.32 is a side view of the second adjustment mechanism 50 of the adjustment device 100 according to a non-limiting embodiment of the present invention, wherein the second adjustment mechanism 50 is in a first position; and Fig.33 is a side view of the second adjustment mechanism 50 of the adjustment device 100 according to a non-limiting embodiment of the present invention, wherein the second adjustment mechanism 50 is in a second position.

[0201] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the inclination direction of the guide surface 53A of the guide piece 53, the rotation direction of the first drive unit 11 and / or the arrangement of the first spiral portion 11A and the second spiral portion 20A can be selected so that as the adjustable aperture 20 moves toward or close to the housing 1000A or the first drive unit 11 in the axial direction A, the actuating rod 52A engages with the guide surface 53A and is pushed by the guide piece 53 to move circumferentially, so that the actuating ring 52 is actuated by the actuating rod 52A to rotate in the circumferential direction, so that the second pivot pin 512 at the second end of the plurality of blades 51 can move along the actuating ring groove 522 away from the center of the aperture opening 21, and in the process the size of the adjustable aperture opening 22 becomes larger. In this way, the second adjustment mechanism 50 can be adjusted, for example, from Fig.33 The second position shown in FIG. Fig.32 The first position is shown.

[0202] Conversely, as the adjustable aperture 20 moves away from the housing 1000A or the first drive portion 11 in the axial direction A, the guide surface 53A disengages from the actuating rod 52A to allow the second pivot pin 512 at the second end of the plurality of blades 51 to move along the actuating ring groove 522 toward the center of the aperture opening 21, and in the process the size of the adjustable aperture opening 22 becomes smaller. In this way, the second adjustment mechanism 50 can be adjusted, for example, from Fig.32 The first position shown in FIG. 1 is transformed to Fig.33 The second position is shown.

[0203] To facilitate the movement of the second adjustment mechanism 50 toward the second position, the second adjustment mechanism 50 further includes a second elastic member 54 that is disposed between the actuation rod 52A and the adjustable aperture 20 and biases the second adjustment mechanism 50 toward the second position.

[0204] As a non-limiting example, the second elastic member 54 can be in the form of a linear spring, for example, and one end is connected to the actuating rod 52A, and the other end is connected to the adjustable aperture 20, for example, to a protrusion or attachment portion provided on the outer surface of the adjustable aperture 20.

[0205] As the adjustable aperture 20 moves toward or near the housing 1000A or the first drive unit 11 in the axial direction A, the actuating rod 52A can pivot in the circumferential direction along the guide opening 24 to rotate the actuating ring 52 so that the size of the adjustable aperture opening 22 becomes larger, and the linear spring is elastically deformed (e.g., stretched or compressed) so as to bias the actuating rod 52A toward the initial position. Once the adjustable aperture 20 moves away from the first drive unit 11 in the axial direction A, the force pressing against the actuating rod 52A disappears or decreases, and the actuating rod 52A moves in the opposite circumferential direction with the elastic biasing force of the second elastic member 54 so that the size of the adjustable aperture opening 22 becomes smaller.

[0206] In summary and return to see Figure 2 , using the microplate reader 1000 including the adjustment device 100 according to the non-limiting embodiment of the present invention, fluorescence measurement and chemiluminescence measurement can be conveniently performed. During fluorescence measurement, the adjustment device 100 makes the aperture of the adjustable diaphragm opening 22 or orifice close to or equal to the aperture of the aperture opening 21 in size to allow as much light as possible to pass through the adjustable diaphragm opening 22. At this time, the position of the adjustable diaphragm opening 22 can be far away from the sample hole 201A and positioned close to the lens group 600. When used for luminescence measurement, the aperture of the adjustable diaphragm opening 22 or orifice can be close to or equal to the aperture of the sample hole 201A of the microplate 201, and compared with fluorescence measurement, the relative position between the adjustable diaphragm opening 22 or orifice and the sample hole 201A can be closer to limit the crosstalk effect caused by the interfering light from the adjacent sample hole, thereby improving the measurement accuracy. At this time, the adjustable diaphragm opening 22 or orifice can be farther away from the lens group 600.

[0207] Additionally, it is noteworthy that during switching between these two modes, the axial distance between the lens group 600 and the sample aperture 201A can remain substantially unchanged, while the adjustable aperture opening 22 can change position within the axial range defined by the lens group 600 and the sample aperture 201A.

[0208] As used herein, the terms "upper", "lower", "above" and "below" to indicate position or orientation, and the terms "first", "second", etc. to indicate order are intended only to enable those of ordinary skill in the art to better understand the concept of the present invention as shown in the form of a preferred embodiment, and are not intended to limit the present invention. Unless otherwise specified, all orders, positions or orientations are only used for the purpose of distinguishing one element / component / structure from another element / component / structure, and do not represent any particular order, sequence of operations, direction or orientation unless otherwise specified. For example, in alternative embodiments, the "first position" may be the "second position", and the "first spiral portion" may alternatively refer to the "second spiral portion".

[0209] As used herein, unless otherwise indicated, the term "substantially" is interpreted to mean plus or minus ten percent of the value or range of values, or to mean a deviation of plus or minus ten percent of the shape and / or position.

[0210] In summary, the adjusting device 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention overcomes the shortcomings of the prior art and achieves the intended purpose of the invention.

[0211] Although the adjusting device of the present invention is described above in conjunction with the preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art should recognize that the above examples are only for illustration and cannot be used as limitations of the present invention. Therefore, various modifications and variations can be made to the present invention within the spirit of the claims, and these modifications and variations will fall within the scope required by the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A regulating device (100) for a microplate reader (1000), the regulating device include: an actuation mechanism (10) coupled to a housing (1000A) of the microplate reader (1000); An adjustable aperture (20), comprising an aperture opening (21), wherein the adjustable aperture (20) is driven by the actuating mechanism (10) to move in an axial direction (A); and an aperture opening adjustment member (30) arranged to be movable relative to the center of the aperture opening (21) to define an adjustable aperture opening (22) in the adjustable aperture (20), Wherein, as the adjustable aperture (20) moves toward or away from the microporous plate (201) in the axial direction (A), the aperture opening adjustment member (30) moves between a first position and a second position, and the opening size of the adjustable aperture opening (22) in the first position is larger than the opening size of the adjustable aperture opening (22) in the second position.

2. The adjustment device (100) according to claim 1, It is characterized in that The actuating mechanism (10) comprises a first driving portion (11) which is rotatable about a rotation axis (X) and is provided with a first spiral portion (11A); and The adjustable aperture (20) is provided with a second spiral portion (20A), which cooperates with the first spiral portion (11A) to convert the movement of the first driving portion (11) in the circumferential direction (C) into the movement of the adjustable aperture (20) in the axial direction (A).

3. The adjustment device (100) according to claim 2, It is characterized in that Also included is an axial guide member (60) which limits the movement of the adjustable aperture (20) in the circumferential direction (C) and allows the movement of the adjustable aperture (20) in the axial direction (A).

4. The adjustment device (100) according to claim 2, It is characterized in that The actuating mechanism (10) further comprises a stepping motor (12) and a synchronous belt (13), wherein the first driving part (11) is shaped as a synchronous wheel and is driven by the stepping motor (12) via the synchronous belt (13).

5. The regulating device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, It is characterized in that The aperture opening adjustment member (30) is configured such that: as the adjustable aperture (20) moves in a first direction along the axial direction (A), the adjustable aperture opening (22) changes toward a reduced state, and as the adjustable aperture (20) moves in a second direction opposite to the first direction along the axial direction (A), the adjustable aperture opening (22) changes toward an expanded state.

6. The adjustment device (100) according to claim 5, It is characterized in that The diaphragm opening adjustment component (30) comprises a first adjustment mechanism (40), wherein the first adjustment mechanism comprises: a plurality of driving arms (41), each of the driving arms comprising a radial guide portion (411) and an actuating portion (412) which is angled with the radial guide portion (411), wherein the radial guide portion (411) is used to guide the driving arm (41) to reciprocate in a radial direction or in a direction parallel to the radial direction, and the actuating portion (412) is disposed in a guide groove (23) in a circumferential wall of the adjustable aperture (20); and A restraining frame (42) is arranged around the actuating portion (412), and as the adjustable aperture (20) moves in the first direction along the axial direction (A), the restraining frame (42) pushes against the actuating portion (412) to force the first adjustment mechanism (40) to move toward the second position under the guidance of the radial guiding portion (411).

7. The adjustment device (100) according to claim 6, It is characterized in that The first adjustment mechanism (40) further includes a first elastic member (43) attached to the receiving portion (413) of the drive arm (41) and biasing the first adjustment mechanism (40) toward the first position.

8. The regulating device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, It is characterized in that The diaphragm opening adjustment member (30) comprises a second adjustment mechanism (50), wherein the second adjustment mechanism comprises: a plurality of blades (51), the plurality of blades being arranged around the aperture opening (21) and enclosing the adjustable aperture opening (22), and a first end of each blade of the plurality of blades (51) being pivotally fixed to the adjustable aperture (20); An actuating ring (52) is arranged concentrically with the aperture opening (21) and is capable of pivoting around the aperture opening (21), wherein a second end of each of the plurality of blades (51) opposite to the first end is pivotally fixed to the actuating ring (52), so that the size of the adjustable aperture opening (22) changes as the actuating ring (52) pivots.

9. The adjustment device (100) according to claim 8, It is characterized in that The second adjustment mechanism (50) further comprises: a guide piece (53) which is fixed relative to the housing (1000A) and has an inclined guide surface (53A), and The actuating ring (52) further comprises an actuating rod (52A), which extends from a guide opening (24) formed in a circumferential wall of the adjustable aperture (20) and cooperates with the guide surface (53A) so that as the adjustable aperture (20) moves in the axial direction (A), the actuating ring (52) is guided by the guide surface (53A) to move in the circumferential direction (C).

10. The adjustment device (100) according to claim 9, It is characterized in that The second adjustment mechanism (50) further includes a second elastic member (54) which is disposed between the actuating rod (52A) and the adjustable aperture (20) and biases the second adjustment mechanism (50) toward the second position.

11. A microplate reader (1000), wherein the microplate reader (1000 ) include: The regulating device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, and A microplate carrier (200) is used to carry a microplate (201), wherein the microplate comprises a sample hole (201A), and a sample (201B) to be measured is arranged in the sample hole (201A). The adjustable aperture (20) of the adjustment device (100) is located above the microplate (201), and the microplate reader further comprises a detector for detecting light coming from the sample (201B) to be measured and passing through the adjustable aperture (20).

12. The microplate reader (1000) according to claim 11, It is characterized in that The microplate (201) comprises a plurality of sample wells (201A), and the microplate reader further comprises: A light source system (300), wherein light emitted by the light source system can reach a sample (201B) disposed in the sample hole (201A) via the adjustable aperture opening (22) of the adjustment device (100); and A displacement module (400) is used to change the relative position between the microplate carrier (200) and the adjustable aperture (20) to allow light from samples (201B) placed in different sample wells (201A) among the multiple sample wells to pass through the adjustable aperture (20) to be detected by the detector.

13. The microplate reader (1000) according to claim 12, It is characterized in that The microplate reader is capable of operating in a fluorescence intensity measurement mode and a chemiluminescence measurement mode, wherein, in the fluorescence intensity measurement mode, light from the light source system (300) reaches the sample (201B) disposed in the sample hole (201A) via the adjustable aperture opening (22), and the aperture opening adjustment member (30) is located in the first position, while in the chemiluminescence measurement mode, light from the sample (201B) in the sample hole (201A) is able to pass through the adjustable aperture (20) to be detected by the detector, and the aperture opening adjustment member (30) is located in the second position.

14. The microplate reader (1000) according to claim 13, It is characterized in that In the chemiluminescence measurement mode, the ratio of the difference between the aperture of the adjustable diaphragm opening (22) and the aperture of the sample hole (201A) to be measured to the aperture of the adjustable diaphragm opening (22) is less than 20%.

15. The microplate reader (1000) according to claim 13, It is characterized in that In the chemiluminescence measurement mode, the aperture of the adjustable diaphragm opening (22) is substantially equal to the aperture of the sample hole (201A) to be measured.

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