Incubation device and chemiluminescence immunity analyzer

Abstract

The invention relates to an incubation device and a chemiluminescence immunoassay analyzer, on one hand, the incubation device has an incubation function, and also has a photometry function and a waste discharge function, a reaction container after magnetic separation and cleaning is arranged in a second insertion part and is driven by an incubation disc to move, and when the reaction container moves to a position corresponding to a photometry piece, the photometry piece is driven by the incubation disc to move; the light measuring piece can carry out light measuring treatment on the reaction container located at the second inserting part, and when the light measuring piece moves to the position corresponding to the first operation opening, the waste discharging mechanism can discharge liquid in the reaction container corresponding to the first operation opening through the first operation opening; when the reaction container subjected to waste discharge treatment moves to a position corresponding to the second pick-and-place opening, the reaction container is taken out through the second pick-and-place opening. Therefore, the incubation function, the photometry function and the waste discharge function are all integrated in the incubation device, and a device part for realizing the photometry function and the waste discharge function does not need to be independently arranged, so that the volume miniaturization can be favorably realized, and meanwhile, the test flux can be favorably improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the field of in vitro diagnostic technology, and in particular to an incubation device and a chemiluminescence immunoassay analyzer. Background Art

[0002] Chemiluminescent immunoassay (CLIA) is an immunoassay method that directly labels antigens or antibodies with chemiluminescent reagents. It has experienced rapid global development over the past decade. Among related technologies, fully automated CLIA instruments are mostly large cabinet-type units. For space-critical applications, such as emergency departments, small clinics, and medical departments, CLIA analyzers are either oriented toward point-of-care (POCT) testing (POC) and utilize single-use luminescence, which precludes the use of the common reagents and consumables used in fully automated systems. Alternatively, small, automated desktop units are employed. However, due to design difficulties, these units often suffer from certain limitations, such as low test speed or insufficient automation. This is generally due to the complexity of the luminescent testing process, making it difficult to streamline the number of components or reduce the size of the instrument while maintaining high test speed, a high degree of automation, and supporting a variety of testing processes. This ultimately results in space redundancy or performance compromises. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Based on this, it is necessary to overcome the defects of the existing technology and provide an incubation device and a chemiluminescence immunoassay analyzer, which can be conducive to miniaturization and at the same time can be conducive to improving the test throughput.

[0004] An incubation device, comprising:

[0005] base;

[0006] An incubation tray, the incubation tray being rotatably mounted on the base, the incubation tray being provided with a plurality of first inserting portions and a plurality of second inserting portions into which reaction vessels can be inserted, the first inserting portions being used to incubate the reaction vessels, the second inserting portions being arranged at intervals along the circumference of the incubation tray, and the outer peripheral sidewall of the incubation tray being provided with test holes corresponding to and communicating with the second inserting portions;

[0007] A cover shell, wherein the cover shell is arranged on the outside of the incubation tray, and the top surface of the cover shell is provided with at least one first taking-in and putting port, at least one second taking-in and putting port and a first operation port; when the opening area of ​​the first taking-in and putting port covers at least one first insertion part, the reaction container in the first insertion part is taken in or taken out; when the opening area of ​​the second taking-in and putting port covers at least one second insertion part, the reaction container in the second insertion part is taken in or taken out; when the first operation port correspondingly covers at least one second insertion part, the liquid inside the reaction container in the second insertion part is discharged;

[0008] a light measuring element, the light measuring element being disposed on the cover shell and capable of performing light measurement on the reaction container located at the second insertion portion through the test hole; and

[0009] A waste discharge mechanism is configured to discharge the liquid in the reaction container corresponding to the position of the first operation port through the first operation port.

[0010] In one embodiment, the second insertion parts are arranged at equal intervals; when one of the second insertion parts is rotated to a position opposite to the light measuring part, the first operating port is opposite to the position of another second insertion part, and the second taking and placing port is opposite to the position of another second insertion part.

[0011] In one embodiment, the incubation tray rotates along the direction of the light measuring element, the waste discharge mechanism and the second access port.

[0012] In one embodiment, the waste discharge mechanism includes a first lifting mechanism and a suction needle connected to the first lifting mechanism. The first lifting mechanism drives the suction needle through the first operating port into the interior of the reaction container. The suction needle is used to absorb the waste liquid inside the reaction container.

[0013] In one embodiment, at least three test holes are provided; and / or the cover is a light-shielding cover.

[0014] A chemiluminescent immunoassay analyzer comprises the incubation device.

[0015] In one embodiment, the chemiluminescence immunoassay analyzer further includes: a sample and reagent loading device for loading samples and reagents, a dispensing device for aspirating and discharging samples and reagents, a magnetic separation and cleaning device for separation and cleaning, a reaction vessel loading device for providing a reaction vessel, a gripping device for transporting the reaction vessel, a first mixing device for mixing the reagent and sample in the reaction vessel, and a liquid path device;

[0016] The gripping device transfers the reaction container of the reaction container loading device to the first mixing device; the dispensing device is located above the sample and reagent loading device and is capable of transferring the sample and reagent to the reaction container of the first mixing device respectively; the gripping device transfers the reaction container from the first mixing device to the incubation device for incubation, and the gripping device also transfers the reaction container after incubation to the magnetic separation and cleaning device for separation and cleaning, and transfers the reaction container after separation and cleaning to the incubation device for luminescence detection and waste disposal;

[0017] The liquid circuit device is connected to the dispensing device and the magnetic separation and cleaning device respectively. The liquid circuit device controls the dispensing device to absorb and discharge samples or reagents and clean the dispensing device. The liquid circuit device is also used to inject or discharge cleaning liquid into the magnetic separation and cleaning device.

[0018] In one embodiment, the chemiluminescence immunoassay instrument further includes a substrate filling device and a second mixing device, both of which are connected to the magnetic separation and cleaning device. The substrate filling device is used to add luminescent substrate to the reaction container after magnetic separation and cleaning, and the second mixing device is used to mix the reaction container filled with the luminescent substrate.

[0019] In one embodiment, the dispensing device includes a first swing arm mechanism, a fourth lifting mechanism, and a sample reagent needle; the first swing arm mechanism is connected to the fourth lifting mechanism, the fourth lifting mechanism is connected to the sample reagent needle, and the liquid path device is connected to the sample reagent needle;

[0020] The grabbing device includes a second swing arm mechanism, a fifth lifting mechanism and a grabbing assembly; the second swing arm mechanism is connected to the fifth lifting mechanism, the fifth lifting mechanism is connected to the grabbing assembly, and the grabbing assembly can grab the reaction container;

[0021] The first mixing device is located at the intersection of the horizontal rotation tracks of the dispensing device and the grasping device.

[0022] In one embodiment, the chemiluminescence immunoassay instrument further includes a working platform, and the sample reagent loading device, the first swing arm mechanism, the reaction vessel loading device, the incubation device, the first mixing device, the magnetic separation and cleaning device, and the second swing arm mechanism are all arranged on the working platform; wherein, the reaction vessel loading device, the incubation device, the first mixing device, and the magnetic separation and cleaning device are circumferentially arranged around the rotation center of the second swing arm mechanism; the sample reagent loading device is arranged on the side of the first mixing device away from the second swing arm mechanism, and the first swing arm mechanism is located at an interval position between the sample reagent loading device and the incubation device.

[0023] In one embodiment, the sample reagent loading device includes a reagent loading device and a sample loading device that can rotate independently; the reagent loading device includes a rotatable second tray, which is used to place reagent containers; the sample loading device includes a rotating bracket rotatably arranged on the periphery of the reagent loading device, and the rotating bracket is used to place multiple sample containers.

[0024] In one embodiment, the reaction vessel loading device includes a hopper, a slide and a cup supply turntable for placing the reaction vessel; the hopper is connected to the cup supply turntable through the slide; a lifting device is provided in the hopper to push the reaction vessel into the slide; the reaction vessel falls into the vacant cup position of the cup supply turntable through the slide, and is rotated by the cup supply turntable to the graspable position of the grasping device.

[0025] The above-mentioned incubation device and chemiluminescence immunoassay, on the one hand, not only have an incubation function, but also install a reaction container containing a mixed solution of samples and reagents on the first inserting part, and perform incubation treatment under the rotation of the incubation disk, and the reaction container after incubation treatment is taken out through the first take-in and put-out port; on the other hand, it also has a photometric function and a waste discharge function, and installs the reaction container after magnetic separation and cleaning on the second inserting part, and moves under the rotation of the incubation disk. When it moves to the position corresponding to the photometric component, the photometric component can perform photometric treatment on the reaction container located in the second inserting part, and when it moves to the position corresponding to the first operating port, the waste discharge mechanism can discharge the liquid inside the reaction container corresponding to the position of the first operating port through the first operating port, and when the reaction container after waste discharge treatment moves to the position corresponding to the second take-in and put port, it is taken out through the second take-in and put port. It can be seen that the incubation function, photometry function and waste discharge function are all integrated into the incubation device, and there is no need to set up separate components to realize the photometry function and waste discharge function, which can help to achieve miniaturization and at the same time help to improve the test throughput. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the structure of a chemiluminescence immunoassay analyzer according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0027] Figure 2 for Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the structure of the incubation device in the shown structure.

[0028] Figure 3 for Figure 2 Diagram of the incubation tray in the configuration shown.

[0029] 10. Incubation device; 11. Base; 12. Incubation tray; 121. First insertion portion; 122. Second insertion portion; 123. Test hole; 13. Cover; 131. First access port; 132. Second access port; 133. First operation port; 14. Photometric element; 15. Waste discharge mechanism; 151. Suction needle; 16. Driving mechanism; 20. Reaction container; 30. Sample and reagent loading device; 31. Reagent loading device; 32. Sample loading device; 40. Dispensing device; 41. First swing arm mechanism; 50. Magnetic separation and cleaning device; 60. Reaction container loading device; 70. Grasping device; 71. Second swing arm mechanism; 80. First mixing device; 90. Working platform. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] To make the above-mentioned objects, features, and advantages of the present application more clearly understood, the specific embodiments of the present application are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The following description sets forth many specific details to facilitate a full understanding of the present application. However, the present application can be implemented in many other ways than those described herein, and those skilled in the art can make similar improvements without violating the scope of the present application. Therefore, the present application is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0031] See Figures 1 to 3 , Figure 1 A schematic structural diagram of a chemiluminescence immunoassay analyzer according to an embodiment of the present application is shown. Figure 2 Shown Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the structure of the incubation device 10 in the shown structure. Figure 3 Shown Figure 2 Structural diagram of the incubation tray 12 in the structure shown. An incubation device 10 is provided in one embodiment of the present application, and the incubation device 10 includes: a base 11, an incubation tray 12, a cover 13, a photometric element 14 and a waste discharge mechanism 15. The incubation tray 12 is rotatably arranged on the base 11, and the incubation tray 12 is provided with a plurality of first insertion portions 121 and a plurality of second insertion portions 122 that can be inserted into the reaction vessel 20. The first insertion portion 121 is used to incubate the reaction vessel 20, and the second insertion portions 122 are arranged at intervals along the circumference of the incubation tray 12. A test hole 123 corresponding to the second insertion portion 122 is provided on the outer side wall of the incubation tray 12. The cover 13 is arranged on the outside of the incubation tray 12, and the top surface of the cover 13 is provided with at least one first take-in and put-out port 131, at least one second take-in and put-out port 132 and a first operation port 133. When the opening area of ​​the first access port 131 covers at least one first insertion portion 121, the reaction vessel 20 in the first insertion portion 121 is taken in or out; when the opening area of ​​the second access port 132 covers at least one second insertion portion 122, the reaction vessel 20 in the second insertion portion 122 is taken in or out; and when the first operating port 133 covers at least one second insertion portion 122, the liquid inside the reaction vessel 20 in the second insertion portion 122 is discharged. The photometric element 14 is disposed on the housing 13. When the test hole 123 rotates to a position corresponding to the photometric element 14, the photometric element 14 can perform photometric processing on the reaction vessel 20 in the second insertion portion 122. When the reaction vessel 20 in the second insertion portion 122 rotates to the first operating port 133, the waste discharge mechanism 15 can discharge the liquid inside the reaction vessel 20 corresponding to the position of the first operating port 133 through the first operating port 133.

[0032] Among them, the first taking and releasing port 131 can be set to one, and cover one, two or more first inserting parts 121, so that one, two or more reaction containers 20 can be installed or taken at one time when the incubation tray 12 is in a static position. After the incubation tray 12 is rotated, the first inserting parts 121 at the remaining positions are positioned relative to the first taking and releasing port 131, so as to realize the installation or taking operation of the reaction containers 20 of the first inserting parts 121 at the remaining positions. In addition, the first taking and releasing port 131 can be set to two, three or other more numbers, so that it can be more conducive to the installation or taking operation of the reaction containers 20. The specific setting can be flexibly adjusted and set according to actual needs and is not limited here.

[0033] Similar to the first taking-in and taking-out port 131 , the second taking-in and taking-out port 132 is not limited to being set to one, and can be set to two or more, as long as the installation or removal operation of the reaction container 20 is satisfied.

[0034] It should be noted that the first access opening 131 and the second access opening 132 may be interconnected to form a window, or may be disconnected from each other.

[0035] In some embodiments, the first inserting portion 121 and the second inserting portion 122 are independently configured, including but not limited to a jack, a slot, a recess, etc., which can be flexibly adjusted and configured according to actual needs.

[0036] The above-mentioned incubation device 10, on the one hand, not only has an incubation function, but also installs the reaction container 20 containing the mixed solution of the sample and the reagent on the first inserting part 121, and performs incubation treatment under the rotation of the incubation disk 12. The reaction container 20 after the incubation treatment is taken out through the first take-in and put-out port 131; on the other hand, it also has a photometric function and a waste discharge function, and installs the reaction container 20 after the magnetic separation and cleaning on the second inserting part 122, and moves under the rotation of the incubation disk 12. When it moves to the position corresponding to the photometric component 14, the photometric component 14 can perform photometric treatment on the reaction container 20 located in the second inserting part 122. When it moves to the position corresponding to the first operating port 133, the waste discharge mechanism 15 can discharge the liquid inside the reaction container 20 corresponding to the position of the first operating port 133 through the first operating port 133. When the reaction container 20 after the waste discharge treatment moves to the position corresponding to the second take-in and put port 132, it is taken out through the second take-in and put port 132. It can be seen that the incubation function, light measurement function and waste discharge function are all integrated into the incubation device 10, and there is no need to set up separate components to realize the light measurement function and waste discharge function, which can help to achieve miniaturization and at the same time help to improve the test throughput.

[0037] In addition, the reaction container 20 that has completed the photometric treatment is moved to the first operating port 133 for waste discharge treatment under the rotation drive of the incubation tray 12, without the need to adopt the additional driving mechanism 16 in the related technology. Based on the rotatable incubation tray 12, the transfer steps of the reaction container 20 are reduced, and under the same technical conditions, a higher throughput can be supported.

[0038] In one embodiment, the incubation device 10 further includes a driving mechanism 16 disposed on the base 11. The driving mechanism 16 drives the incubation tray 12 to rotate.

[0039] In some embodiments, at least one second operating port (not shown in the figure) is further provided on the top surface of the cover 13. The second operating port can cover at least one first inserting portion 121 and / or at least one second inserting portion 122. Specifically, while the reaction vessel 20 is subjected to photometric processing and waste discharge processing, the reaction vessel 20 opposite to it is subjected to pre-dilution and pre-treated sample aspiration operations through the second operating port. It can be seen that incubation, photometric measurement, waste discharge and pretreatment are combined and managed by the same component, which greatly saves the space for separately designed photometric, waste discharge and pretreatment components, thereby being conducive to miniaturization and at the same time being conducive to improving test throughput.

[0040] In some embodiments, the photometric element 14 can be provided as a single one, which simplifies the overall structure, occupies a small volume, and is low-cost. Alternatively, the photometric element 14 can be provided as a plurality of photometric elements, with the plurality of photometric elements 14 spaced apart and corresponding to the plurality of second insertion portions 122, so that photometric processing can be performed on each reaction vessel 20 within the plurality of second insertion portions 122 at once. This embodiment will be described specifically using the example of a single photometric element 14.

[0041] The number of the second inserting portions 122 is, for example, at least three, and the number of the testing holes 123 is correspondingly at least three.

[0042] See also Figures 1 to 3 In one embodiment, the second insertion sections 122 are arranged at equal intervals. When one of the second insertion sections 122 is rotated to a position opposite the photometric element 14, the first operating port 133 is aligned with another second insertion section 122, and the second access port 132 is aligned with yet another second insertion section 122. Thus, because the photometric element 14, the first operating port 133, and the second access port 132 are arranged correspondingly to the three second insertion sections 122, photometric processing, waste disposal, and access operations can be performed simultaneously on the three reaction vessels 20, streamlining the process and improving test throughput.

[0043] Specifically, the line connecting the center of the position where the photometric element 14 is located and the center of the incubation tray 12 is a first line, the line connecting the center of the position where the first operating port 133 is located and the center of the incubation tray 12 is a second line, and the line connecting the center of the position where the second access port 132 is located and the center of the incubation tray 12 is a third line. The angle between the first line and the second line is an integer multiple of the central angle of two adjacent second insertion portions 122 with respect to the center of the incubation tray 12, and the angle between the first line and the third line is an integer multiple of the central angle of two adjacent second insertion portions 122 with respect to the center of the incubation tray 12.

[0044] Specifically, there are four second insertion portions 122. The center of the photometric element 14 and the center of the first operating port 133 form a central angle of 90° with respect to the center of the incubation tray 12. The center of the second access port 132 and the center of the first operating port 133 form a central angle of 90° with respect to the center of the incubation tray 12.

[0045] In some embodiments, the light measuring element 14, the waste discharge mechanism 15 and the second pick-up and release port 132 are arranged in sequence along the circumference of the incubation tray 12, so that during operation, the incubation tray 12 rotates along the direction of the light measuring element 14, the waste discharge mechanism 15 and the second pick-up and release port 132, thereby being able to perform light measurement, waste discharge and reaction container picking actions in sequence, with high work efficiency.

[0046] In some embodiments, the incubation tray 12 is provided with one or more circles of first inserting portions 121. Each circle of first inserting portions 121 is arranged in a circular shape with the center of the incubation tray 12 as the center of the circle, so that when the incubation tray 12 rotates, it is convenient to perform the operation of taking and placing the reaction container 20 at the first taking and placing port 131.

[0047] In this embodiment, four circles of insertion portions are provided on the incubation tray 12, and the insertion portions are also used for placing the reaction vessels 20, including but not limited to the first insertion portion 121 and the second insertion portion 122. Each circle of placement positions has a unique position on the top surface of the cover 13 for the grasping device 70 to pick up and place the reaction vessel 20. Four of the outermost circle placement positions are second insertion portions 122, and the central angle between two adjacent second insertion portions 122 is 90°. When a second insertion portion 122 is aligned with the photometric element 14, the adjacent second insertion portion 122 is exactly located directly below the waste discharge mechanism 15, and the second insertion portion 122 on the opposite side is exactly located at a position that can be grasped by the grasping device 70. The last second insertion portion 122 is used for removing pre-treated / pre-diluted samples. In this way, when one reaction container 20 is performing photometry, another reaction container 20 can simultaneously perform waste discharge, and another reaction container 20 can be transferred by the gripping device 70, and the last reaction container can perform sample pretreatment / pre-dilution, which greatly saves the space for separately designing photometry, waste discharge, and pretreatment components, thereby achieving the effect of saving space while improving the test throughput. In addition, there is a specific opening on the cover 13, which allows the dispensing device 40 to insert the sample reagent needle into the non-photometry position of the outer ring to transfer the pretreatment / pre-dilution sample while performing the above-mentioned photometry and waste discharge. In order to further improve the test throughput, the incubation tray can be rotated along the direction of the photometric component 14, the waste discharge mechanism 15, the gripping device 70, and the dispensing device 40, so that each process can be implemented in sequence in the same incubation tray, thereby improving the test speed.

[0048] In some embodiments, three of the outermost placement positions are second insertion portions 122, and the central angle between two adjacent second insertion portions 122 is 120°. When one second insertion portion 122 is aligned with the photometric element 14, the adjacent second insertion portion 122 is located directly below the waste discharge mechanism 15, and the third second insertion portion 122 is located at a position where the gripping device 70 can grip it. To further increase the test throughput, the incubation tray can rotate along the direction of the photometric element 14, the waste discharge mechanism 15, and the gripping device 70. Please refer to Figures 1 to 3 In one embodiment, the waste discharge mechanism 15 includes a first lifting mechanism and a suction needle 151 connected to the first lifting mechanism. The first lifting mechanism drives the suction needle 151 to pass through the first operating port 133 and enter the interior of the reaction container 20. The suction needle 151 is used to suck the waste liquid inside the reaction container 20. In this way, when the reaction container 20 moves to a position opposite to the first operating port 133, the first lifting mechanism drives the suction needle 151 to pass through the first operating port 133 and enter the interior of the reaction container 20. The suction needle 151 sucks the waste liquid inside the reaction container 20 and discharges the waste liquid inside the reaction container 20; after the waste liquid inside the reaction container 20 is discharged, the first lifting mechanism drives the suction needle 151 to move upward, remove it from the interior of the reaction container 20, and prepare to drain the next reaction container 20.

[0049] In some embodiments, the light measuring element 14 includes but is not limited to a spectrometer.

[0050] In some embodiments, the incubation device 10 further includes a heating mechanism for heating the incubation tray 12 to a preset temperature according to actual needs, thereby incubating the reaction container 20 .

[0051] In one embodiment, the housing 13 is a light-shielding housing 13 and / or a heat-insulating housing 13. Thus, the light-shielding housing 13 provides light-shielding, thereby improving the detection accuracy of the light-detecting element 14. Furthermore, the heat-insulating housing 13 provides heat preservation, thereby improving the incubation effect of the liquid within the reaction vessel 20.

[0052] See also Figures 1 to 3 In one embodiment, a chemiluminescent immunoassay analyzer includes the incubation device 10 of any of the above embodiments, and also includes: a sample and reagent loading device 30 for loading samples and reagents, a dispensing device 40 for aspirating and discharging samples and reagents, a magnetic separation and cleaning device 50 for separation and cleaning, a reaction container loading device 60 for providing a reaction container 20, a grasping device 70 for transporting the reaction container 20, a first mixing device 80 for mixing the reagent and sample inside the reaction container 20, and a liquid path device. Among them, the grasping device 70 transfers the reaction container 20 of the reaction container loading device 60 to the first mixing device 80; the dispensing device 40 is located above the sample and reagent loading device 30, and can transfer the sample and reagent to the reaction container 20 of the first mixing device 80 respectively; the grasping device 70 transfers the reaction container 20 from the first mixing device 80 to the incubation device 10 for incubation, and the grasping device 70 also transfers the incubated reaction container 20 to the magnetic separation and cleaning device 50 for separation and cleaning, and then transfers the reaction container 20 after separation and cleaning to the incubation device 10 for luminescence detection and waste disposal;

[0053] The liquid circuit device is connected to the dispensing device 40 and the magnetic separation cleaning device 50 respectively. The liquid circuit device controls the dispensing device 40 to absorb and discharge samples or reagents and clean the dispensing device 40. The liquid circuit device is also used to inject or discharge cleaning liquid into the magnetic separation cleaning device 50.

[0054] The above-mentioned chemiluminescence immunoassay instrument, on the one hand, not only has an incubation function, but also has a photometric function and a waste discharge function. The reaction container 20 containing the mixed solution of the sample and the reagent is installed in the first inserting portion 121, and the incubation treatment is carried out under the rotation of the incubation disk 12. The reaction container 20 after the incubation treatment is taken out through the first take-in and put-out port 131; on the other hand, it also has a photometric function and a waste discharge function. The reaction container 20 after the magnetic separation and cleaning is installed in the second inserting portion 122, and moves under the rotation of the incubation disk 12. When it moves to the position corresponding to the photometric component 14, the photometric component 14 can perform photometric treatment on the reaction container 20 located in the second inserting portion 122. When it moves to the position corresponding to the first operating port 133, the waste discharge mechanism 15 can discharge the liquid inside the reaction container 20 corresponding to the position of the first operating port 133 through the first operating port 133. When the reaction container 20 after the waste discharge treatment moves to the position corresponding to the second take-in and put port 132, it is taken out through the second take-in and put port 132. It can be seen that the incubation function, light measurement function and waste discharge function are all integrated into the incubation device 10, and there is no need to set up separate components to realize the light measurement function and waste discharge function, which can help to achieve miniaturization and at the same time help to improve the test throughput.

[0055] See also Figures 1 to 3 In one embodiment, the chemiluminescent immunoassay instrument further comprises a substrate filling device and a second mixing device. The substrate filling device and the second mixing device are both connected to the magnetic separation and cleaning device 50. The substrate filling device is used to fill the reaction vessel 20 after the magnetic separation and cleaning with luminescent substrate, and the second mixing device is used to mix the reaction vessel 20 filled with the luminescent substrate. In this way, in order to increase the luminescence value during the detection of the analyte, the luminescent substrate is added to the reaction vessel 20 after separation and cleaning, and the luminescent substrate adheres to the analyte, which can increase the luminescence value of the analyte and ensure the accuracy of the sample detection. Specifically, after the reaction vessel 20 completes the magnetic separation and cleaning operation in the magnetic separation and cleaning device 50, the luminescent substrate is added to the reaction vessel 20 by the substrate filling device, and the reaction vessel 20 filled with the luminescent substrate is mixed by the second mixing device. In this way, there is no need to transfer the reaction vessel 20 that has completed the magnetic separation and cleaning to another location for the addition and mixing of the luminescent substrate as required in the related art, that is, the transfer step of the reaction vessel 20 is omitted, thereby further improving the test throughput.

[0056] See also Figures 1 to 3In some embodiments, the substrate filling device is connected to the liquid circuit device, which can also provide power to control the substrate filling device to fill the luminescent substrate into the reaction vessel 20 and control the filling amount of the luminescent substrate. Optionally, the substrate filling device includes a second lifting mechanism and a substrate filling needle. The second lifting mechanism is connected to the substrate filling needle. When the reaction vessel 20 moves to the substrate filling station after magnetic separation and cleaning, the second lifting mechanism drives the substrate filling needle to move up and down, so that the substrate filling needle enters the interior of the reaction vessel 20 and fills the luminescent substrate into the interior of the reaction vessel 20. After the luminescent substrate is filled, on the one hand, the reaction vessel 20 filled with the luminescent substrate is mixed by the second mixing device, and on the other hand, the second lifting mechanism synchronously drives the substrate filling needle to move in the opposite direction, so that the substrate filling needle leaves the reaction vessel 20 to prepare for the substrate filling operation of the next reaction vessel 20.

[0057] In some embodiments, the magnetic separation and cleaning device 50 is provided with a plurality of rotatable support parts, each of which is used to support the reaction container 20. The second mixing device is respectively connected to each support part and is used to drive each support part to rotate, thereby driving the reaction container 20 on each support part to rotate, thereby realizing non-contact mixing processing of each reaction container 20.

[0058] Of course, the second mixing device can also use other methods to achieve the mixing operation of the luminescent substrate inside the reaction vessel 20, for example, by inserting a needle to repeatedly suck and spit out the liquid inside the reaction vessel 20 to achieve mixing; for example, magnetic beads are placed inside the reaction vessel 20, and the magnetic force acts on the magnetic beads to drive the magnetic beads to reciprocate inside the reaction vessel 20, thereby achieving the mixing operation of the luminescent substrate inside the reaction vessel 20.

[0059] In some embodiments, the magnetic separation cleaning device 50 only needs to be satisfied with cleaning the test object and impurities in the reaction container 20 to remove the impurities in the reaction container 20 so that only the test object exists in the reaction container 20. Various types of magnetic separation cleaning devices 50 in the relevant technology can be used, and are not specifically limited here. In the present embodiment, the magnetic separation cleaning device 50 includes a magnetic separation disk and a third lifting mechanism. Among them, the magnetic separation disk includes a first tray rotating around the axis, an outer shell and a magnet array. A third access port for the grabbing device 70 to pick up and place the reaction container 20 is provided on the top surface of the outer shell. After the reaction container 20 is placed on the first tray, it is driven by the first tray to transfer between the various magnetic separation cleaning stations, and is taken out from the third access port after cleaning is completed. During the transfer process, the third lifting mechanism can extend the cleaning waste discharge needle into the reaction container 20, and the injection and discharge of the cleaning liquid are realized under the drive of the liquid path device. Specifically, a substrate injection position is also provided on the outer shell, and the luminescent substrate can be injected into the cleaned reaction container 20 in the magnetic separation cleaning device 50. The second mixing device is disposed below the magnetic separation disk and can perform non-contact mixing on the reaction container 20 into which the luminescent substrate is injected.

[0060] See also Figure 1 In one embodiment, the dispensing device 40 includes a first swing arm mechanism 41, a fourth lifting mechanism and a sample reagent needle. The first swing arm mechanism 41 is connected to the fourth lifting mechanism, the fourth lifting mechanism is connected to the sample reagent needle, and the liquid path device is connected to the sample reagent needle. In addition, the grasping device 70 includes a second swing arm mechanism 71, a fifth lifting mechanism and a grasping assembly. The second swing arm mechanism 71 is connected to the fifth lifting mechanism, the fifth lifting mechanism is connected to the grasping assembly, and the grasping assembly can grasp the reaction container 20. In addition, the first mixing device 80 is located at the intersection of the horizontal rotation trajectory of the dispensing device 40 and the grasping device 70.

[0061] In some embodiments, the first swing arm mechanism 41 and the second swing arm mechanism 71 have similar specific structures. The first swing arm mechanism 41 can drive the fourth lifting mechanism to rotate horizontally, driving the sample reagent needle to move to a position corresponding to the reagent loading mechanism, the sample loading mechanism, or the first mixing device 80, thereby enabling operations such as aspirating reagents and samples and releasing reagents and samples. Similarly, the second swing arm mechanism 71 can drive the fifth lifting mechanism to rotate horizontally, driving the gripping member to move to a position corresponding to the reaction vessel loading device 60, the first mixing device 80, and the first access port 131, the second access port 132, and the third access port, thereby enabling the reaction vessel 20 to be transferred to the first mixing device 80, the incubation tray 12, the magnetic separation and cleaning device 50, etc. In addition, the fourth lifting mechanism and the fifth lifting mechanism have similar specific structures, both of which achieve lifting and lowering movements, thereby enabling the motion mechanism of the gripping device 70 to be similar to the motion mechanism of the dispensing device 40, thereby reducing the accessory cost of the chemiluminescence immunoassay. In addition, the dispensing device 40 adopts a first swing arm mechanism 41, and the grasping device 70 adopts a second swing arm mechanism 71, that is, a rotary transfer of sample reagents or reaction containers 20 is adopted, which can fully utilize the depth of the instrument (front and back direction when viewed from a top angle) and reduce the width of the instrument.

[0062] In some embodiments, the chemiluminescent immunoassay analyzer further includes a controller. The controller is electrically connected to the first swing arm mechanism 41, the second swing arm mechanism 71, the first lifting mechanism, the second lifting mechanism, the third lifting mechanism, the fourth lifting mechanism, the fifth lifting mechanism, the photometric element 14, the waste discharge mechanism 15, the liquid path device, the first mixing device 80, the substrate injection device, and the second mixing device, and the controller coordinates the operation of the components.

[0063] In some embodiments, in order to more accurately control the operation of the grasping device 70 and the dispensing device 40, the chemiluminescence immunoassay analyzer also includes at least one position sensor, which is electrically connected to the controller. The position sensor senses the respective movement positions of the grasping device 70 and the dispensing device 40, and sends the position signals of the grasping device 70 and the dispensing device 40 to the controller, and operates under the control of the controller.

[0064] In one embodiment, the chemiluminescence immunoassay instrument further includes a working platform 90. The sample reagent loading device 30, the first swing arm mechanism 41, the reaction vessel loading device 60, the incubation device 10, the first mixing device 80, the magnetic separation and cleaning device 50, and the second swing arm mechanism 71 are all arranged on the working platform 90. Among them, the reaction vessel loading device 60, the incubation device 10, the first mixing device 80, and the magnetic separation and cleaning device 50 are arranged circumferentially around the rotation center of the second swing arm mechanism 71; the sample reagent loading device 30 is arranged on the side of the first mixing device 80 away from the second swing arm mechanism 71, and the first swing arm mechanism 41 is located at an interval between the sample reagent loading device 30 and the incubation device 10. In this way, the various components of the entire machine are compactly arranged, occupying a small space, and can achieve miniaturization, maintain efficient coordination, and achieve high throughput and high performance indicators.

[0065] See also Figure 1 In one embodiment, the sample and reagent loading device 30 includes a reagent loading device 31 and a sample loading device 32, which are independently rotatable. The reagent loading device 31 includes a rotatable second tray for placing reagent containers. The sample loading device 32 includes a rotating bracket rotatably disposed on the periphery of the reagent loading device 31, which is used to place multiple sample containers.

[0066] The reagent containers are arranged, for example, in a star-shaped pattern on a second tray that can rotate about its axis. By rotating the reagent to be drawn to a specific position, the dispensing device 40 can insert a sample reagent needle into the reagent container to remove the reagent. Furthermore, the rotating bracket is a ring bracket that includes multiple positions for placing sample containers and can rotate about an axis coaxial with the second tray. Similarly, by rotating the sample container to be drawn to a specific position, the dispensing device 40 can insert a sample reagent needle into the sample container to remove the sample.

[0067] It can be seen that in terms of space, samples and reagents are combined and managed by the same component, saving space for separately designed sample management components; in terms of cost, since only one set of pipetting components, namely the dispensing device 40, is used, the instrument cost can be reduced.

[0068] In some embodiments, the rotating bracket may be omitted, and the sample loading device 32 and the reagent loading device 31 do not need to rotate independently, but instead the sample loading device 32 and the reagent loading device 31 rotate synchronously. Specifically, each sample container is placed on the second tray.

[0069] See also Figure 1In one embodiment, the reaction vessel loading device 60 includes a hopper for placing reaction vessels 20, a slide, and a cup supply carousel. The hopper is connected to the cup supply carousel via the slide. A lifting device within the hopper pushes the reaction vessel 20 onto the slide. The reaction vessel 20 falls through the slide into an empty cup position on the cup supply carousel, which then rotates the cup supply carousel to a position where it can be grasped by the grasping device 70.

[0070] In the description of this application, it should be understood that if the terms "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "up", "down", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inside", "outside", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential", etc. appear, the orientation or position relationship indicated by these terms is based on the orientation or position relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, which is only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and does not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore cannot be understood as a limitation on this application.

[0071] In addition, if the terms "first" or "second" appear, these terms are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be understood to indicate or imply relative importance or implicitly specify the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature specified as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of such features. In the description of this application, if the term "plurality" appears, "plurality" means at least two, for example, two, three, etc., unless otherwise specifically defined.

[0072] In this application, unless otherwise specified or limited, the terms "mounted," "connected," "connected," "fixed," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, these terms may refer to fixed connections, removable connections, or integration; mechanical connections or electrical connections; direct connections or indirect connections through an intermediary; and internal communication between two components or interaction between two components, unless otherwise specified. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meanings of these terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0073] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, if a first feature is described as being "above" or "below" a second feature, or similar descriptions, this may mean that the first and second features are in direct contact, or that the first and second features are in indirect contact through an intermediate medium. Furthermore, when a first feature is described as being "above," "above," or "above" a second feature, it may mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply means that the first feature is at a higher level than the second feature. When a first feature is described as being "below," "below," or "below" a second feature, it may mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply means that the first feature is at a lower level than the second feature.

[0074] It should be noted that if an element is referred to as being "fixed to" or "disposed on" another element, it may be directly on the other element or there may be an intermediate element. If an element is considered to be "connected to" another element, it may be directly connected to the other element or there may be an intermediate element. If any, the terms "vertical", "horizontal", "upper", "lower", "left", "right" and similar expressions used in this application are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent the only embodiment.

[0075] The technical features of the above-mentioned embodiments can be combined arbitrarily. In order to make the description concise, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above-mentioned embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0076] The above-described embodiments merely represent several implementation methods of the present application. While the descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the patent application. It should be noted that a person of ordinary skill in the art may make various modifications and improvements without departing from the spirit of the present application, and these modifications and improvements fall within the scope of protection of the present application. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present patent application shall be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. An incubation device, characterized in that: The incubation device comprises: base; An incubation tray, the incubation tray being rotatably mounted on the base, the incubation tray being provided with a plurality of first inserting portions and a plurality of second inserting portions into which reaction vessels can be inserted, the first inserting portions being used to incubate the reaction vessels, the second inserting portions being arranged at intervals along the circumference of the incubation tray, and the outer peripheral sidewall of the incubation tray being provided with test holes corresponding to and communicating with the second inserting portions; A cover shell, wherein the cover shell is arranged on the outside of the incubation tray, and the top surface of the cover shell is provided with at least one first taking-in and putting port, at least one second taking-in and putting port and a first operation port; when the opening area of ​​the first taking-in and putting port covers at least one first insertion part, the reaction container in the first insertion part is taken in or taken out; when the opening area of ​​the second taking-in and putting port covers at least one second insertion part, the reaction container in the second insertion part is taken in or taken out; when the first operation port correspondingly covers at least one second insertion part, the liquid inside the reaction container in the second insertion part is discharged; a light measuring element, the light measuring element being disposed on the cover shell and capable of performing light measurement on the reaction container located at the second insertion portion through the test hole; and A waste discharge mechanism is configured to discharge the liquid in the reaction container corresponding to the position of the first operation port through the first operation port.

2. The incubation device according to claim 1, characterized in that The second insertion parts are arranged at equal intervals; when one of the second insertion parts rotates to a position opposite to the light measuring part, the first operating port is opposite to the position of another second insertion part, and the second taking and placing port is opposite to the position of another second insertion part.

3. The incubation device according to claim 2, characterized in that The incubation tray rotates along the direction of the light measuring component, the waste discharge mechanism and the second taking and placing port.

4. The incubation device according to claim 1, characterized in that The waste discharge mechanism includes a first lifting mechanism and a suction needle connected to the first lifting mechanism. The first lifting mechanism drives the suction needle to pass through the first operating port and enter the interior of the reaction container. The suction needle is used to suck waste liquid from the interior of the reaction container.

5. The incubation device according to claim 1, characterized in that There are at least three test holes; and / or the cover is a light-shielding cover.

6. A chemiluminescence immunoassay instrument, characterized in that: The chemiluminescence immunoassay analyzer comprises the incubation device according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The chemiluminescence immunoassay analyzer according to claim 6, characterized in that: The chemiluminescence immunoassay analyzer further includes: a sample and reagent loading device for loading samples and reagents, a dispensing device for aspirating and discharging samples and reagents, a magnetic separation and cleaning device for separation and cleaning, a reaction vessel loading device for providing a reaction vessel, a gripping device for transporting the reaction vessel, a first mixing device for mixing the reagent and sample in the reaction vessel, and a liquid path device; The gripping device transfers the reaction container of the reaction container loading device to the first mixing device; the dispensing device is located above the sample and reagent loading device and is capable of transferring the sample and reagent to the reaction container of the first mixing device respectively; the gripping device transfers the reaction container from the first mixing device to the incubation device for incubation, and the gripping device also transfers the reaction container after incubation to the magnetic separation and cleaning device for separation and cleaning, and transfers the reaction container after separation and cleaning to the incubation device for luminescence detection and waste disposal; The liquid circuit device is connected to the dispensing device and the magnetic separation and cleaning device respectively. The liquid circuit device controls the dispensing device to absorb and discharge samples or reagents and clean the dispensing device. The liquid circuit device is also used to inject or discharge cleaning liquid into the magnetic separation and cleaning device.

8. The chemiluminescence immunoassay analyzer according to claim 7, characterized in that: The chemiluminescence immunoassay instrument also includes a substrate filling device and a second mixing device. Both the substrate filling device and the second mixing device are connected to the magnetic separation and cleaning device. The substrate filling device is used to add luminescent substrate to the reaction container after magnetic separation and cleaning, and the second mixing device is used to mix the reaction container filled with the luminescent substrate.

9. The chemiluminescence immunoassay analyzer according to claim 7, characterized in that: The dispensing device includes a first swing arm mechanism, a fourth lifting mechanism and a sample reagent needle; the first swing arm mechanism is connected to the fourth lifting mechanism, the fourth lifting mechanism is connected to the sample reagent needle, and the liquid path device is connected to the sample reagent needle; The grabbing device includes a second swing arm mechanism, a fifth lifting mechanism and a grabbing assembly; the second swing arm mechanism is connected to the fifth lifting mechanism, the fifth lifting mechanism is connected to the grabbing assembly, and the grabbing assembly can grab the reaction container; The first mixing device is located at the intersection of the horizontal rotation tracks of the dispensing device and the grasping device.

10. The chemiluminescence immunoassay analyzer according to claim 9, characterized in that: The chemiluminescence immunoassay instrument also includes a working platform, and the sample reagent loading device, the first swing arm mechanism, the reaction container loading device, the incubation device, the first mixing device, the magnetic separation and cleaning device, and the second swing arm mechanism are all arranged on the working platform; wherein, the reaction container loading device, the incubation device, the first mixing device, and the magnetic separation and cleaning device are arranged circumferentially around the rotation center of the second swing arm mechanism; the sample reagent loading device is arranged on the side of the first mixing device away from the second swing arm mechanism, and the first swing arm mechanism is located at a spaced position between the sample reagent loading device and the incubation device.

11. The chemiluminescence immunoassay analyzer according to claim 7, characterized in that: The sample reagent loading device includes a reagent loading device and a sample loading device that can rotate independently; the reagent loading device includes a rotatable second tray, which is used to place reagent containers; the sample loading device includes a rotating bracket rotatably arranged on the periphery of the reagent loading device, and the rotating bracket is used to place multiple sample containers.

12. The chemiluminescence immunoassay analyzer according to any one of claims 7 to 11, characterized in that: The reaction vessel loading device includes a hopper, a slide and a cup supply turntable for placing reaction vessels; the hopper is connected to the cup supply turntable through the slide; a lifting device is provided in the hopper to push the reaction vessel into the slide; the reaction vessel falls into the vacant cup position of the cup supply turntable through the slide, and is rotated by the cup supply turntable to the graspable position of the grasping device.

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