Multi-channel fluorescence detection device for qPCR instrument and qPCR instrument

Abstract

The invention relates to a multi-channel fluorescence detection device for a qPCR instrument and the qPCR instrument, the device comprises a light source assembly and an optical channel assembly, the optical channel assembly comprises an excitation assembly and a plurality of emission assemblies, the excitation assembly and the plurality of emission assemblies are rotatably arranged in a light shield, the light shield is provided with a first light inlet hole and a first light passing hole, and the first light inlet hole is communicated with the first light passing hole. The first light inlet hole is communicated with the first light outlet hole of the light source assembly; a plurality of first light passing channels are formed in the excitation assembly, the excitation assembly is rotated to enable the different first light passing channels to communicate with the first light inlet hole and the first light passing hole correspondingly, and excitation light filters and excitation dichroscopes are arranged on the first light passing channels; a second light passing channel is formed in each transmitting assembly, the different second light passing channels are communicated with the different first light passing channels by rotating the multiple transmitting assemblies, and transmitting optical filters and light detection elements are arranged on the second light passing channels. The problem that the number of optical channels on a fluorescence detection device is small is solved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of molecular diagnosis technology, and in particular to a multi-channel fluorescence detection device for a qPCR instrument and a qPCR instrument. Background Art

[0002] Molecular diagnostic technology uses DNA and RNA as diagnostic materials and molecular biology techniques to diagnose human conditions and diseases by detecting the presence, defects, or abnormal expression of genes. Its basic principle is to detect changes in the structure, quantity, and expression function of DNA or RNA to determine whether the subject has abnormal genetic changes. This is of great significance for the prevention, prediction, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of diseases. In simple terms, all methodological techniques based on molecular biology, such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and gene sequencing, fall under the category of molecular diagnostic technology.

[0003] PCR technology is a molecular biology technology used to amplify specific DNA fragments in the sample to be tested. The basic principle is similar to the natural replication process of DNA. It consists of three basic reaction steps: denaturation (denaturation of template DNA) - annealing (annealing (renaturation) of template DNA and primers) - extension (extension of primers). By repeating the three processes of denaturation - annealing - extension, more "semi-conservative replication chains" can be obtained, and this new chain can become the template for the next cycle.

[0004] Quantitative Real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction (qPCR) is a method of adding a reporter group to a specific DNA fragment in the PCR reaction system of the sample to be tested. The intensity of the fluorescent signal emitted by the reporter group increases with each reaction cycle (that is, after each replication) of the specific DNA fragment. By detecting the change in the fluorescence signal intensity after each reaction cycle, the change in the amount of the reaction product can be monitored in real time. Based on the monitoring results, qualitative and quantitative analysis of the sample to be tested can be performed.

[0005] A qPCR instrument is a key instrument for implementing qPCR technology. It includes a temperature control unit and a fluorescence detection unit. The fluorescence detection unit is used to collect the fluorescent signal emitted by the reporter group after each reaction cycle. The fluorescence detection unit typically includes multiple optical channels, each of which can only collect the fluorescent signal emitted by a specific reporter group. Therefore, the more optical channels a fluorescence detection unit has, the more detection indicators it can achieve for a sample. Existing solutions for increasing the number of optical channels in fluorescence detection modules still have a small upper limit due to instrument size limitations. Further increasing the number of optical channels based on existing instruments is not only a challenge, but also a major area of advancement for qPCR instruments.

[0006] Currently, no effective solution has been provided to the problem in the related art that a small number of optical channels can be set on the fluorescence detection device due to the limitations of its own structure and size.

[0007] Therefore, the present invention proposes a multi-channel fluorescence detection device for a qPCR instrument and a qPCR instrument to overcome the defects of the prior art. Summary of the Invention

[0008] The purpose of the present invention is to provide a multi-channel fluorescence detection device and a qPCR instrument for a qPCR instrument, which can effectively increase the number of optical channels on the basis of the existing qPCR instrument to meet the use requirements of a large number of detection indicators.

[0009] The purpose of the present invention can be achieved by adopting the following scheme:

[0010] The present invention provides a multi-channel fluorescence detection device for a qPCR instrument, comprising:

[0011] A light source assembly having a first light exit hole, and configured to emit full-spectrum excitation light through the first light exit hole;

[0012] An optical channel assembly, the optical channel assembly comprising a light shield, an excitation assembly, and a plurality of emission assemblies, the excitation assembly and the plurality of emission assemblies being rotatably disposed within the light shield, the light shield having a first light entrance hole and a first light exit hole, the first light entrance hole being in communication with the first light exit hole of the light source assembly;

[0013] A plurality of first light passages are formed in the excitation component. By rotating the excitation component, different first light passages are connected to the first light entrance hole and the first light passage, respectively. An excitation filter and an excitation dichroic mirror are provided on the first light passage. The first light passage is used to allow the full-spectrum excitation light incident from the first light entrance hole to be sequentially filtered by the excitation filter and reflected by the excitation dichroic mirror before being emitted from the first light passage, and to allow the emission light incident from the first light passage to be transmitted by the excitation dichroic mirror before being emitted toward the emission component opposite thereto.

[0014] A second light passage is formed in each of the emitting components. By rotating the multiple emitting components, different second light passages are connected to different first light passages respectively. An emission filter and a light detection element are provided on the second light passage. The second light passage is used to allow the incident emission light to pass through the emission filter and be collected by the light detection element.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of emission dichroic mirrors are provided on the second light passage, the reflection surfaces of the plurality of emission dichroic mirrors are arranged opposite to each other in sequence, and the emission filter and the light detection element are provided on opposite sides of the reflection surfaces of the emission dichroic mirrors;

[0016] The plurality of emission dichroic mirrors are used to reflect and transmit emission lights of different wavelength bands.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the emission filter and the light detection element are provided at the entrance of the second light passage.

[0018] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the launch assembly includes a hollow box body, one side of which is connected to the outer wall of a rotating shaft so as to drive the box body to rotate through the rotating shaft;

[0019] Three emitting dichroic mirrors are arranged in the box body, and the three emitting dichroic mirrors are respectively a first emitting dichroic mirror, a second emitting dichroic mirror and a third emitting dichroic mirror. The reflecting surfaces of the first emitting dichroic mirror, the second emitting dichroic mirror and the third emitting dichroic mirror are arranged opposite to each other in sequence. The box body has a third light entrance hole connected to the second light passage, and the third light entrance hole can be rotated to a position vertically opposite to the excitation dichroic mirror.

[0020] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the first emitting dichroic mirror is arranged in the axial extension direction of the third light entrance hole, the first emitting dichroic mirror is arranged at an angle to the edge of the box body, and the reflective surface of the first emitting dichroic mirror faces the third light entrance hole;

[0021] The second emitting dichroic mirror is arranged at a position symmetrical to the first emitting dichroic mirror with respect to the vertical center axis of the box body, the second emitting dichroic mirror is arranged at an angle to the edge of the box body, and the reflecting surface of the second emitting dichroic mirror faces the first emitting dichroic mirror;

[0022] The third emitting dichroic mirror is arranged at a position symmetrical to the second emitting dichroic mirror about the transverse central axis of the box body, the third emitting dichroic mirror is arranged at an angle to the edge of the box body, and the reflecting surface of the third emitting dichroic mirror faces the second emitting dichroic mirror;

[0023] A hollow area in the box body that is connected to the third light entrance hole, the first emission dichroic mirror, the second emission dichroic mirror, and the third emission dichroic mirror forms the second light passage.

[0024] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the first emitting dichroic mirror forms an angle of 45° with the edge of the box body, and / or the second emitting dichroic mirror forms an angle of 45° with the edge of the box body, and / or the third emitting dichroic mirror forms an angle of 45° with the edge of the box body.

[0025] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the excitation component has a plurality of second light entrance holes, a plurality of second light passage holes and a plurality of second light exit holes, each of the first light passages is respectively connected to the corresponding second light entrance hole, the second light passage hole and the second light exit hole, the excitation filter is arranged at the second light entrance hole, and the excitation dichroic mirror is located between the second light entrance hole, the second light passage hole and the second light exit hole, the reflecting surface of the excitation dichroic mirror faces the excitation filter, and the reflecting surface of the excitation dichroic mirror is set at an angle to the direction of the second light passage hole, so that the full-spectrum excitation light is reflected by the excitation filter and the excitation dichroic mirror in turn and then emitted from the second light passage hole, and the emission light injected from the first light passage is transmitted through the second light passage hole and the excitation dichroic mirror and then emitted from the second light exit hole.

[0026] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the excitation assembly further includes an upper cover and a lower cover, both of which are disc-shaped; a plurality of second light holes are circumferentially spaced apart on an end surface of the upper cover and penetrate the upper cover; a plurality of second light inlet holes are circumferentially spaced apart on a side wall of the lower cover; a plurality of second light outlet holes are circumferentially spaced apart on a bottom surface of the lower cover; the upper cover is disposed on the top of the lower cover; a plurality of first light passages are formed inside the lower cover; and a plurality of second light inlet holes, a plurality of second light outlet holes, and a plurality of second light outlet holes are respectively connected to corresponding first light passages;

[0027] The axial direction of the second light-emitting hole is perpendicular to the axial direction of the second light-incoming hole, and the second light-passing hole is vertically connected to the second light-emitting hole.

[0028] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the multi-channel fluorescence detection device for a qPCR instrument further includes a double-stacked motor and the rotating shaft, the excitation assembly is located above the rotating shaft, a plurality of the emission assemblies are arranged on the outer wall of the rotating shaft at intervals along the circumference of the rotating shaft, and the double-stacked motor is located below the rotating shaft;

[0029] The double-stacked motor has an output shaft in the form of an inner and outer stack. The output shaft of the double-stacked motor is respectively connected to the rotating shaft and the excitation component to respectively drive the multiple emission components and the excitation component to rotate.

[0030] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the optical channel assembly also includes a first base plate, the light shield is arranged on the top surface of the first base plate to enclose a accommodating cavity between the light shield and the top surface of the first base plate, the rotating shaft, the excitation assembly and the plurality of emitting assemblies are all arranged in the accommodating cavity, and the bottom of the rotating shaft is rotatably connected to the top surface of the first base plate.

[0031] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the double-stacked motor includes a first motor and a second motor, the second motor has a second cylindrical output shaft, the first motor is stacked below the second motor, and the first output shaft of the first motor passes through the second output shaft to form an inner and outer cylindrical structure, the second output shaft passes through the rotating shaft and is connected to the rotating shaft, and the first output shaft passes through the second output shaft and is connected to the excitation component.

[0032] The present invention provides a qPCR instrument, which includes the above-mentioned multi-channel fluorescence detection device for the qPCR instrument.

[0033] As described above, the characteristics and advantages of the multi-channel fluorescence detection device for qPCR instrument and qPCR instrument of the present invention are:

[0034] The fluorescence detection device of the present invention has an excitation component and multiple emission components. Through the rotatable setting of the excitation component and the multiple emission components, the multiple first light paths in an excitation component can be aligned with the second light paths in different emission components. Specifically, different first light paths are provided with excitation filters for filtering excitation light of different bands and excitation dichroic mirrors for reflecting excitation light of different bands and transmitting emission light of different bands, while different second light paths are provided with emission filters for filtering emission light of different bands. They can be combined according to actual needs to form different optical channels, and finally fluorescence information is collected through light detection elements. Without changing the structure and size of the original qPCR instrument, the number of optical channels can be effectively increased to meet the use requirements of a large number of detection indicators. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0035] The following drawings are only intended to illustrate and explain the present invention, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

[0036] in:

[0037] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a conventional optical channel in the prior art;

[0038] Figure 2 This is a three-dimensional diagram of the multi-channel fluorescence detection device for a qPCR instrument of the present invention;

[0039] Figure 3 This is a stereoscopic diagram of a light source assembly in a multi-channel fluorescence detection device for a qPCR instrument according to the present invention;

[0040] Figure 4 Schematic cross-sectional view of a light source assembly in a multi-channel fluorescence detection device for a qPCR instrument according to the present invention;

[0041] Figure 5 This is a stereoscopic diagram of an optical channel assembly in a multi-channel fluorescence detection device for a qPCR instrument according to the present invention;

[0042] Figure 6 Schematic diagram of the internal structure of the optical channel assembly in the multi-channel fluorescence detection device for a qPCR instrument of the present invention;

[0043] Figure 7 This is a three-dimensional diagram of the excitation component in the multi-channel fluorescence detection device for a qPCR instrument of the present invention;

[0044] Figure 8 Schematic cross-sectional view of an excitation component in a multi-channel fluorescence detection device for a qPCR instrument according to the present invention;

[0045] Figure 9This is an exploded view of the excitation component in the multi-channel fluorescence detection device for a qPCR instrument of the present invention;

[0046] Figure 10 Schematic diagram of a cross section of an optical channel assembly in a multi-channel fluorescence detection device for a qPCR instrument according to the present invention;

[0047] Figure 11 Schematic diagram of the cross section of the multi-channel fluorescence detection device for qPCR instrument of the present invention.

[0048] The accompanying drawings in the present invention are:

[0049] 100. Light source; 200. Photodetector;

[0050] 300, sample tube; 400, optical fiber;

[0051] 1. Light source assembly; 101. First light exit hole;

[0052] 102. Light source convergence path; 103. Light source path;

[0053] 104. light source; 105. light source converging lens;

[0054] 106. Reflector; 107. Second base plate;

[0055] 108. Light source box; 2. Optical channel assembly;

[0056] 201, light shield; 2011, first light entrance hole;

[0057] 2012, first light hole; 2013, excitation lens;

[0058] 202, excitation component; 2021, first light path;

[0059] 2022, excitation filter; 2023, excitation dichroic mirror;

[0060] 2024, second light entrance hole; 2025, second light passing hole;

[0061] 2026. Second light exit hole; 2027. Lower cover;

[0062] 2028, upper cover; 203, launch assembly;

[0063] 2031, second light path; 2032, emission dichroic mirror;

[0064] 2033, emission filter; 2034, light detection element;

[0065] 2035, third light entrance hole; 204, first bottom plate;

[0066] 205, accommodating chamber; 3, double stacked motor;

[0067] 301, first motor; 3011, first output shaft;

[0068] 302, second motor; 3021, second output shaft;

[0069] 4. Rotation axis. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0070] The technical solution of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. It should be understood that these embodiments are only used to illustrate the present invention and are not used to limit the scope of the present invention. After reading the present invention, modifications of various equivalent forms of the present invention by those skilled in the art all fall within the scope defined by the claims attached to this application.

[0071] It should be noted that when an element is referred to as being "disposed on" another element, it may be directly on the other element or there may be an element centered thereon. When an element is referred to as being "connected to" another element, it may be directly connected to the other element or there may be an element centered thereon. The terms "vertical," "horizontal," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," and similar expressions used herein are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent the only implementations.

[0072] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which this application pertains. The terms used herein in the specification of this application are intended only to describe specific embodiments and are not intended to limit this application. The term "and / or" as used herein includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0073] Regarding the working principle of the optical channel of the fluorescence detection device in the qPCR instrument, Figure 1As shown, the light source (LED) 100 emits excitation light, which is filtered by the excitation filter 2022 to obtain excitation light of the desired wavelength band. The filtered excitation light can be transmitted to the sample tube 300 through the optical fiber 400, irradiating the liquid (the sample to be tested) in the sample tube 300, thereby exciting emission light. The emission light is transmitted through the optical fiber 400 to the emission filter 2033, which filters the emission light of the desired wavelength band. The filtered emission light is finally collected and recorded by the photodetector 200. The core components of the optical channel are the excitation filter 2022 and the emission filter 2033. Due to the variety of excitation filters 2022 and emission filters 2033, different excitation filters 2022 can be combined with different emission filters 2033 to form different optical channels.

[0074] Implementation Method 1

[0075] like Figures 2 to 11 As shown, the present invention provides a multi-channel fluorescence detection device for a qPCR instrument, which includes a light source assembly 1 and an optical channel assembly 2. The light source assembly 1 has a first light output hole 101, and the light source assembly 1 is used to emit full-spectrum excitation light (i.e., full-band excitation light) through the first light output hole 101; the optical channel assembly 2 includes a light shield 201, an excitation assembly 202 and multiple emission assemblies 203, and the excitation assembly 202 and the multiple emission assemblies 203 can be rotatably arranged in the light shield 201, and the light shield 201 has a first light entrance hole 2011 and a first light through hole 2012. The first light entrance hole 2011 is connected to the first light output hole 101 of the light source assembly 1 (i.e., the first light entrance hole 2011 is connected to the first light output hole 101, and the two are coaxially arranged).

[0076] Among them, a plurality of first light passages 2021 are formed in the excitation component 202. When in use, the excitation component 202 can be rotated to make different first light passages 2021 connected to the first light entrance hole 2011 and the first light hole 2012 respectively. The first light passage 2021 is provided with an excitation filter 2022 and an excitation dichroic mirror 2023. The first light passage 2021 is used to make the full spectrum excitation light injected from the first light entrance hole 2011 be filtered by the excitation filter 2022 and reflected by the excitation dichroic mirror 2023 in turn and then emitted from the first light hole 2012, and make the full spectrum excitation light injected from the first light entrance hole 2011 be filtered by the excitation filter 2022 and reflected by the excitation dichroic mirror 2023 in turn and then emitted from the first light hole 2012. The emission light incident from the first light hole 2012 is transmitted through the excitation dichroic mirror 2023 and then emitted to the emission component 203 opposite thereto; a second light passage 2031 is formed in each emission component 203, and the multiple emission components 203 are rotated to make different second light passages 2031 connected to different first light passages 2021 respectively. An emission filter 2033 and a light detection element 2034 are provided on the second light passage 2031, and the second light passage 2031 is used to allow the incident emission light to pass through the emission filter 2033 and then be collected by the light detection element 2034.

[0077] The multi-channel fluorescence detection device for a qPCR instrument of the present invention comprises an excitation component 202 and multiple emission components 203. Through the rotatable setting of the excitation component 202 and the multiple emission components 203, the multiple first light passages 2021 in one excitation component 202 can be aligned with the second light passages 2031 in different emission components 203. Specifically, different first light passages 2021 are provided with excitation filters 2022 for filtering excitation light of different wavelength bands and excitation dichroic mirrors 2023 for reflecting excitation light of different wavelength bands and transmitting emission light of different wavelength bands, while different second light passages 2031 are provided with emission filters 2033 for filtering emission light of different wavelength bands. Thus, they can be combined according to actual needs to form different optical channels, and finally, fluorescence information is collected through the light detection element 2034. Without changing the structure and size of the original qPCR instrument, the number of optical channels can be effectively increased to meet the use requirements of a large number of detection indicators.

[0078] The light detection element 2034 in the present invention may be, but is not limited to, a photodetector.

[0079] In an optional embodiment of the present invention, Figures 2 to 4As shown, the light source assembly 1 includes a light source convergence passage 102, multiple light source passages 103, and multiple light sources 104. The multiple light source passages 103 are separated from each other, and the multiple light sources 104 are used to emit excitation light of different wavelength bands. The multiple light sources 104 are respectively arranged at one end of the corresponding light source passage 103, and the other ends of the multiple light source passages 103 are all connected to the light source convergence passage 102. The end of the light source convergence passage 102 is connected to the first light exit hole 101. Excitation light of different wavelength bands is emitted by the multiple light sources 104 (the excitation light emitted by two light sources 104 is allowed to have some of the same wavelength band). The excitation light of different wavelength bands is converged by the multiple light source passages 103 into the light source convergence passage 102 to form full-spectrum excitation light. The full-spectrum excitation light is then emitted into the optical channel assembly 2 so that the required excitation light and emission light can be received and processed by the optical channel assembly 2.

[0080] The light source 104 can be, but is not limited to, an incandescent lamp, an LED lamp, and / or a halogen lamp. This ensures that different light sources 104 can emit excitation light of different wavelengths, and that the excitation light emitted by multiple light sources 104 converges to form full-spectrum excitation light. In the present invention, the excitation light emitted by multiple light sources 104 converges to form full-spectrum excitation light. Compared to excitation light emitted by only a white light source, the full-spectrum excitation light in the present invention can ensure sufficient light intensity in all wavelengths, thereby ensuring the accuracy of subsequent detection.

[0081] Further, such as Figure 4 As shown, a light source converging lens 105 is provided in the light source passage 103, and a reflector 106 is provided at the connection position of the light source passage 103 and the light source converging passage 102. The light source converging lens 105 is located between the light source 104 and the reflector 106. The excitation light emitted by the light source 104 is converged by the light source converging lens 105 and then concentrated toward the reflector 106, and then reflected by the reflector 106 to change direction, and the excitation light in the light source passage 103 is reflected to the light source converging passage 102, so that the excitation light of different bands reflected from different light source passages 103 are converged in the light source converging passage 102 to form full-spectrum excitation light, and the formed full-spectrum excitation light is emitted from the first light output hole 101.

[0082] Further, such as Figure 4 As shown, the axial direction of the light source passage 103 is perpendicular to the axial direction of the light source convergence passage 102, and the axial direction of the light source passage 103 is parallel to the optical path of the excitation light emitted by the light source 104. The light source convergence passage 102 passes through all the light source passages 103 in sequence along its axial direction. There is an angle between the reflective surface of the reflector 106 and the axial or radial direction of the light source passage 103, and the reflective surface of the reflector 106 is inclined toward the first light exit hole 101. In some specific embodiments, such as Figure 4As shown, the axes of the multiple light source passages 103 can extend in the vertical direction, and the axes of the light source convergence passages 102 extend in the horizontal direction. The multiple light sources 104 are respectively arranged at the bottom ends of the corresponding light source passages 103, and the top ends of the multiple light source passages 103 are connected with the light source convergence passage 102 in sequence along the axes of the light source convergence passage 102, and a reflector 106 is provided at the connection position between each light source passage 103 and the light source convergence passage 102, and the reflecting surface of the reflector 106 has an angle of 45° with the axial or radial direction of the light source passage 103.

[0083] In this embodiment, if Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the light source assembly 1 includes a horizontally arranged second base plate 107 and a rectangular light source box 108. The light source box 108 is arranged on the top panel of the second base plate 107. The first light exit hole 101 is located on the light source box 108 and faces the side of the optical channel assembly 2. The above-mentioned light source convergence passage 102 and multiple light source passages 103 are formed inside the light source box 108 between the panel of the second base plate 107 and the first light exit hole 101; multiple light sources 104 are fixedly arranged on the top panel of the second base plate 107.

[0084] In an optional embodiment of the present invention, Figure 10 As shown, the second light passage 2031 is provided with a plurality of emission dichroic mirrors 2032. The reflective surfaces of the plurality of emission dichroic mirrors 2032 are arranged in sequence relative to each other, and emission filters 2033 and light detection elements 2034 are disposed on opposite sides of the reflective surfaces of each emission dichroic mirror 2032. In addition, an emission filter 2033 and light detection element 2034 are also disposed at the entrance of the second light passage 2031. The plurality of emission dichroic mirrors 2032 are used to reflect and transmit emission light of different wavelength bands. During the propagation of the emission light through the second light passage 2031, it is sequentially reflected and transmitted by the plurality of emission dichroic mirrors 2032. The emission light of different wavelength bands is then filtered out by the plurality of emission filters 2033, thereby obtaining emission light of the desired wavelength band. The emission light is then received by the corresponding light detection element 2034, thereby satisfying the purpose of collecting emission light of different wavelength bands.

[0085] In the present invention, the excitation filters 2022 on the multiple first light passages 2021 are used to filter out excitation light of different bands, and the excitation dichroic mirrors 2023 on the multiple first light passages 2021 are used to reflect excitation light of different bands and transmit emission light of different bands. Different optical channels are formed by combining different excitation filters 2022 and excitation dichroic mirrors 2023 on the multiple first light passages 2021 with multiple emission dichroic mirrors 2032 and emission filters 2033 on the multiple second light passages 2031 to meet the detection requirements of emission light of different bands.

[0086] In an optional embodiment of the present invention, Figures 7 to 10 As shown, the excitation component 202 has a plurality of second light entrance holes 2024, a plurality of second light passing holes 2025 and a plurality of second light exit holes 2026, and the plurality of second light entrance holes 2024, the plurality of second light passing holes 2025 and the plurality of second light exit holes 2026 correspond to the plurality of first light passing passages 2021 one by one, and each first light passing passage 2021 is connected to the corresponding second light entrance hole 2024, the second light passing hole 2025 and the second light exit hole 2026, respectively. The excitation filter 2022 is arranged at the second light entrance hole 2024, and the excitation dichroic mirror 2023 is located at the second light entrance hole 2024. Between the first light hole 2012 and the second light hole 2024, the second light hole 2025, and the second light exit hole 2026, the reflective surface of the excitation dichroic mirror 2023 faces the excitation filter 2022, and the reflective surface of the excitation dichroic mirror 2023 is arranged at an angle to the second light hole 2025. This allows the full-spectrum excitation light to be sequentially reflected by the excitation filter 2022 and the excitation dichroic mirror 2023 before being emitted from the second light hole 2025. Furthermore, the emission light entering through the first light hole 2012 is transmitted through the second light hole 2025 and the excitation dichroic mirror 2023 before being emitted from the second light exit hole 2026. The reflective surface of the excitation dichroic mirror 2023 forms a 45° angle with the second light hole 2025.

[0087] Specifically, such as Figures 7 to 10As shown, the excitation component 202 also includes an upper cover 2028 and a lower cover 2027, both of which are disc-shaped, a plurality of second light holes 2025 are spaced apart along the circumferential direction and evenly opened on the end face of the upper cover 2028 and pass through the upper cover 2028, a plurality of second light entrance holes 2024 are spaced apart along the circumference of the lower cover 2027 and evenly opened on the side wall of the lower cover 2027, a plurality of second light exit holes 2026 are spaced apart along the circumference of the lower cover 2027 and evenly opened on the bottom surface of the lower cover 2027, the upper cover 2028 is assembled on the top of the lower cover 2027, a plurality of first light passages 2021 are all formed inside the lower cover 2027, and the plurality of second light entrance holes 2024, the plurality of second light holes 2025 and the plurality of second light exit holes 2026 are respectively connected to the corresponding first light passages 2021. Among them, the axial direction of the second light output hole 2026 is perpendicular to the axial direction of the second light input hole 2024, the second light hole 2025 is vertically connected to the second light output hole 2026, and the excitation filter 2022 at each second light input hole 2024 is a different excitation filter 2022, so that the excitation light of different bands can be filtered out, and each excitation dichroic mirror 2023 can also be a different excitation dichroic mirror 2023, so that the excitation light of different bands can be reflected and the emission light of different bands can be transmitted. During the assembly process, multiple excitation filters 2022 and multiple excitation dichroic mirrors 2023 are first installed at the corresponding positions of the lower cover 2027, and then the upper cover 2028 and the lower cover 2027 are aligned and assembled. After the assembly is completed, the excitation filters 2022 and the excitation dichroic mirrors 2023 are firmly installed in the assembly position to ensure that the excitation filters 2022 and the excitation dichroic mirrors 2023 will not shake or shift after installation, so as to ensure that the light can be accurately transmitted during subsequent use.

[0088] In an optional embodiment of the present invention, Figure 10 As shown, an excitation lens 2013 is provided at the first light hole 2012, and the emission light entering the first light hole 2012 is collimated and adjusted by the excitation lens 2013 so that it can be emitted in a preset direction, thereby preventing the emission light entering the emission component 203 from being scattered in other directions.

[0089] In an optional embodiment of the present invention, Figure 2 and Figure 11As shown, the multi-channel fluorescence detection device for a qPCR instrument further includes a double-stacked motor 3 and a cylindrical rotating shaft 4. The rotating shaft 4 is arranged vertically, the excitation assembly 202 is located above the rotating shaft 4, and multiple emission assemblies 203 are spaced and evenly arranged on the outer wall of the rotating shaft 4 along the circumference of the rotating shaft 4, and the double-stacked motor 3 is located below the rotating shaft 4. The double-stacked motor 3 has an output shaft that is stacked inside and outside. The output shaft of the double-stacked motor 3 is connected to the rotating shaft 4 and the excitation assembly 202, respectively. Therefore, the double-stacked motor 3 can drive the multiple emission assemblies 203 and the excitation assembly 202 to rotate, thereby enabling the excitation filters 2022 and excitation dichroic mirrors 2023 in different first light paths 2021 of the excitation assembly 202 to be relatively aligned with different emission assemblies 203, thereby forming different optical channels.

[0090] Specifically, such as Figure 5 、 Figure 6 、 Figure 10 、 Figure 11 As shown, the optical channel assembly 2 further includes a first bottom plate 204 disposed horizontally. A light shield 201 is disposed on the top surface of the first bottom plate 204 to enclose a housing cavity 205 between the light shield 201 and the top surface of the first bottom plate 204. The rotating shaft 4, the excitation assembly 202, and the plurality of emission assemblies 203 are all disposed within the housing cavity 205, and the bottom of the rotating shaft 4 is rotatably connected to the top surface of the first bottom plate 204. The double-stacked motor 3 includes a first motor 301 and a second motor 302. The second motor 302 has a second cylindrical output shaft 3021 extending vertically upward. The first motor 301 is stacked below the second motor 302. The first output shaft 3011 of the first motor 301 extends vertically upward and passes through the hollow inner cavity of the second output shaft 3021 to form an inner-outer-outer sleeve structure. The first output shaft 3011 and the second output shaft 3021 are coaxially disposed. The second output shaft 3021 passes through the rotating shaft 4 and is connected to the rotating shaft 4. The first output shaft 3011 passes through the second output shaft 3021 and is connected to the excitation assembly 202. In actual use, the first motor 301 drives the first output shaft 3011 to rotate, which in turn drives the excitation assembly 202 to rotate. The second motor 302 drives the second output shaft 3021 to rotate, which in turn drives the rotating shaft 4 to rotate. That is, the second output shaft 3021 drives the multiple emission assemblies 203 to rotate. The dual motors 3 can be used to control the simultaneous rotation of the excitation assembly 202 and the multiple emission assemblies 203, or to control the rotation of the excitation assembly 202 or the multiple emission assemblies 203 individually, thereby achieving the purpose of forming different optical channels.

[0091] In a specific embodiment of the present invention, Figure 10As shown, the emitting assembly 203 comprises a rectangular hollow box body, which is vertically arranged on one side of the rotating shaft 4, with its long side connected to the outer wall of the rotating shaft 4, so as to drive the box body to rotate via the rotating shaft 4. Three emitting dichroic mirrors are disposed within the box body, namely, emitting dichroic mirrors 2032, which include a first emitting dichroic mirror, a second emitting dichroic mirror, and a third emitting dichroic mirror. The box body also has a third light inlet 2035 at a top corner near the rotating shaft 4, which is connected to the second light passage 2031.

[0092] Furthermore, the rotating shaft 4 can drive the third light entrance hole 2035 to rotate to a position vertically opposite to the excitation dichroic mirror 2023 in the excitation component 202, that is, the setting position of the box body on the rotating shaft 4 needs to ensure that the axis of the third light entrance hole 2035, the axis of the second light exit hole 2026 located above it, and the axis of the second light passing hole 2025 are all located on the same vertical axis, so as to ensure that the emitted light can be collimated and injected into the box body and enter the second light passing path 2031, thereby improving the accuracy of detection.

[0093] like Figure 10 As shown, the third light entrance hole 2035 is located at a vertex corner of the box body, and the first emitting dichroic mirror, the second emitting dichroic mirror and the third emitting dichroic mirror are respectively arranged at the positions of the other three vertex corners in the box body or near the positions of the other three vertex corners, that is, the first emitting dichroic mirror is arranged in the axial extension direction of the third light entrance hole 2035, the first emitting dichroic mirror is arranged at an angle to the short side of the box body, and the reflecting surface of the first emitting dichroic mirror faces the third light entrance hole 2035; the second emitting dichroic mirror is arranged at a position symmetrical to the first emitting dichroic mirror with respect to the vertical center axis of the box body. The second emitting dichroic mirror is arranged at an angle to the short side of the box body, and the reflective surface of the second emitting dichroic mirror faces the first emitting dichroic mirror; a third emitting dichroic mirror is arranged at a position symmetrical to the second emitting dichroic mirror with respect to the transverse central axis of the box body, and the third emitting dichroic mirror is arranged at an angle to the short side of the box body, and the reflective surface of the third emitting dichroic mirror faces the second emitting dichroic mirror; a hollow area in the box body connecting the third light inlet 2035, the first emitting dichroic mirror, the second emitting dichroic mirror and the third emitting dichroic mirror forms the above-mentioned second light passage 2031. The design of this structure ensures that the emitted light can be directed to each target position in sequence, and multiple emitting dichroic mirrors can be arranged in a smaller assembly space as much as possible to meet the needs of collecting emitted light of multiple different wavelengths, making the structure of the entire emitting assembly more compact.

[0094] In an optional embodiment of the present invention, Figure 10 As shown, the first emitting dichroic mirror forms an angle of 45° with the short side of the box body, the second emitting dichroic mirror forms an angle of 45° with the short side of the box body, and the third emitting dichroic mirror forms an angle of 45° with the short side of the box body.

[0095] The complete optical path and working process of the multi-channel fluorescence detection device for qPCR instrument of the present invention are described below:

[0096] The full-spectrum excitation light emitted by the light source component 1 enters the first light entrance hole 2011 on the light shield 201 of the optical channel component 2, continues to enter the second light entrance hole 2024 on the excitation component 202, is filtered by the excitation filter 2022 installed therein, and then is emitted to the excitation dichroic mirror 2023. The excitation light is reflected by the excitation dichroic mirror 2023 and moves toward the second light through hole 2025 and passes through the second light through hole 2025 and the first light through hole 2012 on the light shield 201 in sequence, and then passes through the excitation lens 2013 on the light shield 201 and irradiates the external sample tube (the sample tube contains the sample to be tested) to excite emission light. The emission light is reflected back and passes through the first light through hole 2012, the excitation dichroic mirror 2023, and the second light through hole 2025 in sequence to enter the first light through path 2021 and The emitted light is emitted from the second light exit hole 2026, enters the box body through the third light entrance hole 2035, and reaches the first emission dichroic mirror. At this time, part of the emitted light passes through the first emission dichroic mirror and the emission filter 2033 located on the back side of the first emission dichroic mirror and is received by the light detection element 2034. Part of the emitted light is reflected by the first emission dichroic mirror to the second emission dichroic mirror. This part of the emitted light is again partially reflected by the second emission dichroic mirror, and part of it passes through the second emission dichroic mirror and the emission filter 2033 located on the back side of the second emission dichroic mirror and is received by the light detection element 2034. The reflected part of the emitted light then reaches the third emission dichroic mirror, part of the emitted light is reflected, and part of the emitted light passes through the third emission dichroic mirror and the emission filter 2033 located on the back side of the third emission dichroic mirror and is received by the light detection element 2034.

[0097] In the specific embodiments provided by the present invention, Figure 6 and Figure 10 As shown, by rotating the excitation component 202 and the multiple emission components 203 respectively, the multiple excitation filters 2022 on the excitation component 202 can be aligned and combined with different emission components 203 respectively. Each time a combination is completed, four optical channels can be formed at the same time (each combination can collect the corresponding emission light through the light detection elements 2034 at four different positions). In the existing instrument, one emission component 203 is usually only provided with one emission filter 2033 and collects the emission light once, which is far less than the number of optical channels formed by the combination of the present application. For example: in the emission component 203 of the present invention, n emission filters 2033 are provided at different positions on the second light passage 2031. If there are m emission components 203, the number of optical channels that can be formed is 4m×n. Compared with the existing instrument that can only form m×n optical channels, the present invention can greatly improve the upper limit of the detection index of the instrument.

[0098] The characteristics and advantages of the multi-channel fluorescence detection device for qPCR instrument of the present invention are:

[0099] 1. In the multi-channel fluorescence detection device for a qPCR instrument, an excitation component 202 and multiple emission components 203 are provided. Through the rotatable setting of the excitation component 202 and the multiple emission components 203, multiple first light passages 2021 in one excitation component 202 can be aligned (connected) with the second light passages 2031 in different emission components 203, thereby forming multiple different optical channels. Without changing the original structure and size of the qPCR instrument, the number of optical channels can be effectively increased to meet the use requirements of a large number of detection indicators.

[0100] 2. In the multi-channel fluorescence detection device for a qPCR instrument, different first light paths 2021 are provided with excitation filters 2022 for filtering excitation light of different wavelengths, and excitation dichroic mirrors 2023 for reflecting excitation light of different wavelengths and transmitting emission light of different wavelengths. Different second light paths 2031 are provided with emission filters 2033 for filtering emission light of different wavelengths. These optical channels can be combined according to actual needs to form different optical channels. Finally, fluorescence information is collected through a light detection element 2034, thereby improving the upper limit of the detection indicators of the qPCR instrument to meet the use requirements of a large number of detection indicators.

[0101] Implementation Method 2

[0102] The present invention provides a qPCR instrument, which includes the above-mentioned multi-channel fluorescence detection device for the qPCR instrument.

[0103] The qPCR instrument of the present invention has the characteristics and advantages of the above-mentioned multi-channel fluorescence detection device for qPCR instrument, which will not be described in detail here.

[0104] It should be noted that, in the description of this application, the terms "first," "second," etc., are used solely for descriptive purposes and to distinguish similar objects. There is no order of precedence between the two, nor should they be understood to indicate or imply relative importance. Furthermore, in the description of this application, unless otherwise specified, "plurality" means two or more.

[0105] The above-mentioned various embodiments in this specification are described in a progressive manner. The same or similar parts between the various embodiments can be referenced to each other. Each embodiment focuses on the differences from other embodiments.

[0106] The above are only a few embodiments of the present invention. Although the embodiments disclosed in the present invention are as above, the contents are only for the purpose of facilitating understanding of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. Any equivalent changes and modifications made by any person skilled in the art without departing from the concept and principle of the present invention shall fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A multi-channel fluorescence detection device for a qPCR instrument, characterized in that: include: A light source assembly having a first light exit hole, and configured to emit full-spectrum excitation light through the first light exit hole; An optical channel assembly, the optical channel assembly comprising a light shield, an excitation assembly, and a plurality of emission assemblies, the excitation assembly and the plurality of emission assemblies being rotatably disposed within the light shield, the light shield having a first light entrance hole and a first light exit hole, the first light entrance hole being in communication with the first light exit hole of the light source assembly; A plurality of first light passages are formed in the excitation component. By rotating the excitation component, different first light passages are connected to the first light entrance hole and the first light passage, respectively. An excitation filter and an excitation dichroic mirror are provided on the first light passage. The first light passage is used to allow the full-spectrum excitation light incident from the first light entrance hole to be sequentially filtered by the excitation filter and reflected by the excitation dichroic mirror before being emitted from the first light passage, and to allow the emission light incident from the first light passage to be transmitted by the excitation dichroic mirror before being emitted toward the emission component opposite thereto. A second light passage is formed in each of the emitting components. By rotating the multiple emitting components, different second light passages are connected to different first light passages respectively. An emission filter and a light detection element are provided on the second light passage. The second light passage is used to allow the incident emission light to pass through the emission filter and be collected by the light detection element.

2. The multi-channel fluorescence detection device for qPCR instrument according to claim 1, characterized in that: A plurality of emission dichroic mirrors are provided on the second light passage, the reflection surfaces of the plurality of emission dichroic mirrors are arranged opposite to each other in sequence, and the emission filter and the light detection element are provided on opposite sides of the reflection surfaces of the emission dichroic mirrors; The plurality of emission dichroic mirrors are used to reflect and transmit emission lights of different wavelength bands.

3. The multi-channel fluorescence detection device for qPCR instrument according to claim 2, characterized in that: The emission filter and the light detection element are provided at the entrance of the second light passage.

4. The multi-channel fluorescence detection device for a qPCR instrument according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The launching assembly includes a hollow box body, one side of which is connected to the outer wall of a rotating shaft so as to drive the box body to rotate through the rotating shaft; Three emitting dichroic mirrors are arranged in the box body, and the three emitting dichroic mirrors are respectively a first emitting dichroic mirror, a second emitting dichroic mirror and a third emitting dichroic mirror. The reflecting surfaces of the first emitting dichroic mirror, the second emitting dichroic mirror and the third emitting dichroic mirror are arranged opposite to each other in sequence. The box body has a third light entrance hole connected to the second light passage, and the third light entrance hole can be rotated to a position vertically opposite to the excitation dichroic mirror.

5. The multi-channel fluorescence detection device for qPCR instrument according to claim 4, characterized in that: The first emitting dichroic mirror is arranged in the axial extension direction of the third light incident hole, the first emitting dichroic mirror is arranged at an angle to the edge of the box body, and the reflective surface of the first emitting dichroic mirror faces the third light incident hole; The second emitting dichroic mirror is arranged at a position symmetrical to the first emitting dichroic mirror with respect to the vertical center axis of the box body, the second emitting dichroic mirror is arranged at an angle to the edge of the box body, and the reflecting surface of the second emitting dichroic mirror faces the first emitting dichroic mirror; The third emitting dichroic mirror is arranged at a position symmetrical to the second emitting dichroic mirror about the transverse central axis of the box body, the third emitting dichroic mirror is arranged at an angle to the edge of the box body, and the reflecting surface of the third emitting dichroic mirror faces the second emitting dichroic mirror; A hollow area in the box body that is connected to the third light entrance hole, the first emission dichroic mirror, the second emission dichroic mirror, and the third emission dichroic mirror forms the second light passage.

6. The multi-channel fluorescence detection device for qPCR instrument according to claim 5, characterized in that: The first emitting dichroic mirror forms an angle of 45° with the edge of the box body, and / or the second emitting dichroic mirror forms an angle of 45° with the edge of the box body, and / or the third emitting dichroic mirror forms an angle of 45° with the edge of the box body.

7. The multi-channel fluorescence detection device for qPCR instrument according to claim 2, characterized in that: The excitation component has multiple second light entrance holes, multiple second light passing holes and multiple second light exit holes, each of the first light passing paths is respectively connected to the corresponding second light entrance hole, the second light passing hole and the second light exit hole, the excitation filter is arranged at the second light entrance hole, and the excitation dichroic mirror is located between the second light entrance hole, the second light passing hole and the second light exit hole, the reflecting surface of the excitation dichroic mirror faces the excitation filter, and the reflecting surface of the excitation dichroic mirror is set at an angle to the direction of the second light passing hole, so that the full-spectrum excitation light is reflected by the excitation filter and the excitation dichroic mirror in turn and then emitted from the second light passing hole, and the emission light injected from the first light passing hole is transmitted through the second light passing hole and the excitation dichroic mirror and then emitted from the second light exit hole.

8. The multi-channel fluorescence detection device for qPCR instrument according to claim 7, characterized in that: The excitation assembly further includes an upper cover and a lower cover, both of which are disc-shaped; a plurality of second light holes are circumferentially spaced apart on an end surface of the upper cover and penetrate the upper cover; a plurality of second light inlet holes are circumferentially spaced apart on a side wall of the lower cover; a plurality of second light outlet holes are circumferentially spaced apart on a bottom surface of the lower cover; the upper cover is disposed on the top of the lower cover; a plurality of first light passages are formed inside the lower cover; and a plurality of second light inlet holes, a plurality of second light holes, and a plurality of second light outlet holes are respectively connected to corresponding first light passages; The axial direction of the second light-emitting hole is perpendicular to the axial direction of the second light-incoming hole, and the second light-passing hole is vertically connected to the second light-emitting hole.

9. The multi-channel fluorescence detection device for qPCR instrument according to claim 4, characterized in that: The multi-channel fluorescence detection device for a qPCR instrument further includes a double-stacked motor and the rotating shaft, the excitation assembly is located above the rotating shaft, a plurality of the emission assemblies are arranged on the outer wall of the rotating shaft at intervals along the circumference of the rotating shaft, and the double-stacked motor is located below the rotating shaft; The double-stacked motor has an output shaft in the form of an inner and outer stack. The output shaft of the double-stacked motor is respectively connected to the rotating shaft and the excitation component to respectively drive the multiple emission components and the excitation component to rotate.

10. A qPCR instrument, characterized in that A multi-channel fluorescence detection device for a qPCR instrument comprising any one of claims 1 to 9.

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