Micro-fluidic chip clamp

Abstract

The invention provides a micro-fluidic chip clamp. According to the micro-fluidic chip clamp, the containing cavity is formed in the bottom plate, an operator can install the micro-fluidic chip in the containing cavity, and after the upper cover plate and the lower bottom plate are rotated to be attached, the micro-fluidic chip can be preliminarily fixed, so that the operator can conduct cell culture, screening and characterization analysis on the micro-fluidic chip. A liquid inlet pipe and a liquid outlet pipe which can be connected with the micro-fluidic chip are arranged, then the liquid inlet pipe and the liquid outlet pipe are connected with an external liquid supply assembly and an external waste liquid assembly, the liquid supply assembly can supply liquid to the liquid inlet pipe, and the liquid flows through the micro-fluidic chip and is discharged from the liquid outlet pipe, so that a liquid loop on the micro-fluidic chip can be formed, and the micro-fluidic chip is cooled.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application belongs to the field of microfluidics technology, and more specifically, relates to a microfluidics chip fixture. Background Art

[0002] Microfluidics originated from gas chromatographs fabricated on silicon wafers using photolithography, and later evolved into microfluidic capillary electrophoresis instruments and microreactors. One of the key characteristics of microfluidics is the unique fluid properties found in microscale environments, such as laminar flow and droplets. Leveraging these unique fluid phenomena, microfluidics enables a range of micromachining and micromanipulation techniques that are difficult to achieve using conventional methods. Currently, microfluidics holds enormous potential for development and broad application prospects in biomedical research. Existing fixtures typically require a separate cooling platform, but this alone provides slow feedback to cells on the microfluidic chip, preventing timely cooling. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of the embodiments of the present application is to provide a microfluidic chip fixture to solve the technical problem in the prior art that traditional chip fixtures cannot be cooled quickly.

[0004] To achieve the above-mentioned purpose, the technical solution adopted by the present application is as follows: The present application provides a microfluidic chip fixture for mounting a microfluidic chip, characterized in that it includes: A bottom plate, wherein a receiving cavity for mounting the microfluidic chip is defined in the middle of the bottom plate, and the bottom plate has a first side and a second side opposite to each other; an upper cover plate rotatably connected to the first side of the bottom plate, and the upper cover plate is buckled and connected to the second side of the bottom plate, an observation window is opened in the middle of the upper cover plate, and when the bottom plate and the upper cover plate are buckled, the projection of the observation window on the bottom plate is larger than the range of the accommodating cavity; a liquid inlet pipe, provided on the upper cover plate and capable of connecting to the microfluidic chip through the observation window; and The liquid outlet pipe is arranged on the upper cover plate and can be connected to the microfluidic chip through the observation window.

[0005] Optionally, a first connecting piece is provided on the inner wall of the observation window extending toward the liquid inlet of the microfluidic chip, and the first connecting piece is provided with a first perforation corresponding to the position of the liquid inlet of the microfluidic chip, and the liquid inlet tube passes through the first perforation and is connected to the liquid inlet of the microfluidic chip.

[0006] Optionally, a first gasket is provided on a side of the first through-hole facing the accommodating cavity to prevent liquid leakage from the liquid inlet pipe.

[0007] Optionally, an inner wall of the observation window extends towards the liquid outlet of the microfluidic chip and is provided with a second connecting member, the second connecting member is provided with a second through hole corresponding to the position of the liquid outlet of the microfluidic chip, and the liquid inlet pipe is connected with the liquid outlet of the microfluidic chip through the second through hole.

[0008] Optionally, the side of the second through hole facing the accommodating cavity is provided with a second gasket for preventing liquid leakage of the liquid outlet pipe.

[0009] Optionally, the second side of the bottom plate is provided with a first locking member, the upper cover plate is provided with a second locking member corresponding to the position of the first locking member, and the first locking member and the second locking member are locked and connected when the upper cover plate and the bottom plate are pressed together.

[0010] Optionally, the bottom plate is provided with a magnetic member on both sides of the first locking member, and the cover plate is provided with a magnet corresponding to the position of the magnetic member.

[0011] The microfluidic chip clamp of the embodiment of the application has at least the following beneficial effects: the microfluidic chip clamp of the embodiment of the application is provided with an accommodating cavity on the bottom plate, the operator can install the microfluidic chip in the accommodating cavity, the upper cover plate and the bottom plate are turned to be attached, and the microfluidic chip can be preliminarily fixed, so that the operator can culture, screen and characterize the cells on the microfluidic chip. The liquid inlet pipe and the liquid outlet pipe that can be connected with the microfluidic chip are further provided, and the liquid inlet pipe and the liquid outlet pipe are further connected with the external liquid supply assembly and the waste liquid assembly. The liquid supply assembly can supply liquid to the liquid inlet pipe, and the liquid flows through the microfluidic chip and is discharged from the liquid outlet pipe. In this way, a liquid circuit on the microfluidic chip is formed, and the cooling of the microfluidic chip is realized. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0012] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the application, the following will briefly introduce the drawings needed to be used in the embodiments or prior art description. Obviously, the drawings in the following description are only some embodiments of the application, and other drawings can be obtained by those skilled in the art without creative labor.

[0013] Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a structural schematic diagram of the microfluidic chip clamp in the embodiment of the application; Figure 2 FIG. 2 is a structural schematic diagram of the upper cover plate in the embodiment of the application; Figure 3 FIG. 3 is a structural schematic diagram of the bottom plate in the embodiment of the application.

[0014] In the drawings, the various signs are as follows: 10-bottom plate; 11-accommodating cavity; 12-first side; 13-second side; 14-first locking member; 20 - upper cover plate; 21 - observation window; 22 - first connecting member; 221 - first through hole; 222 - first gasket; 23 - second connecting member; 231 - second through hole; 232 - second gasket; 24 - second locking member; 30 - liquid inlet tube; 40 - liquid outlet tube. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0015] In order to make the technical problems to be solved by the present application, technical solutions and beneficial effects clearer, the present application will be further described in detail below in combination with the drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only used to explain the present application and not intended to limit the present application.

[0016] It should be noted that when a component is referred to as "fixed to" or "disposed on" another component, it can be directly on the other component or indirectly on the other component. When a component is referred to as "connected to" another component, it can be directly or indirectly connected to the other component. The terms "upper", "lower", "left", "right", etc. indicate the orientation or positional relationship shown in the drawings, and are only for the convenience of description, and do not indicate or imply that the devices or elements referred to must have a particular orientation, be constructed and operated in a particular orientation, and therefore cannot be understood as limiting the present patent. For those skilled in the art, the specific meanings of the above terms can be understood according to the specific circumstances. The terms "first", "second" are only for the purpose of convenient description, and cannot be understood as indicating or implying relative importance or implying the number of technical features. The meaning of "a plurality of" is two or more, unless otherwise specifically limited.

[0017] As Figures 1-3 shown, the present application provides a microfluidic chip clamp for installing a microfluidic chip, characterized in that it comprises a bottom plate 10, an upper cover plate 20, a liquid inlet tube 30 and a liquid outlet tube 40. The middle part of the bottom plate 10 is provided with a receiving cavity 11 for installing a microfluidic chip, and the size of the receiving cavity 11 corresponds to the size of the microfluidic chip, so as to avoid the microfluidic chip from moving due to shaking after being installed. The bottom plate 10 has opposite first and second sides 12 and 13. The upper cover plate 20 is rotationally connected to the first side 12 of the bottom plate 10, and the upper cover plate 20 is snap-fit connected to the second side 13 of the bottom plate 10. The middle part of the upper cover plate 20 is provided with an observation window 21. When the bottom plate 10 and the upper cover plate 20 are snap-fit, the projection of the observation window 21 on the bottom plate 10 is larger than the range of the receiving cavity 11. The liquid inlet tube 30 is arranged on the upper cover plate 20 and can be connected to the microfluidic chip from the observation window 21. The liquid outlet tube 40 is arranged on the upper cover plate 20 and can be connected to the microfluidic chip from the observation window 21.

[0018] The microfluidic chip clamp has at least the following beneficial effects: the microfluidic chip clamp provided by the embodiment of the application can accommodate the microfluidic chip in the accommodating cavity 11, and the upper cover plate 20 and the lower bottom plate 10 can be rotated to be attached to preliminarily fix the microfluidic chip, so that the operator can culture, screen and characterize the cells on the microfluidic chip. The liquid inlet pipe 30 and the liquid outlet pipe 40 can be connected to the microfluidic chip, and the liquid inlet pipe 30 and the liquid outlet pipe 40 can be connected to the external liquid supply assembly and the waste liquid assembly. The liquid supply assembly can supply liquid to the liquid inlet pipe 30, and the liquid flows through the microfluidic chip and is discharged from the liquid outlet pipe 40, so that a liquid circuit on the microfluidic chip is formed, and the cooling of the microfluidic chip is realized.

[0019] Specifically, the cells and other microorganisms are cultured on the microfluidic chip, and a complete liquid circuit is formed by the liquid supply assembly, the liquid inlet pipe 30, the microfluidic chip, the liquid outlet pipe 40 and the waste liquid assembly. The liquid suitable for the cells is used as the cooling liquid, and the liquid can also provide a living and dividing environment for the cells. In addition, the flowing liquid can provide a suitable temperature environment for the cells.

[0020] Alternatively, as shown in Figure 2 The inner wall of the observation window 21 extends towards the liquid inlet of the microfluidic chip and is provided with a first connecting piece 22. The first connecting piece 22 is provided with a first perforation 221 corresponding to the position of the liquid inlet of the microfluidic chip. The liquid inlet pipe 30 is connected to the liquid inlet of the microfluidic chip through the first perforation 221. By arranging the first connecting piece 22, the operator only needs to press and connect the upper cover plate 20 and the bottom plate 10 to connect the liquid inlet pipe 30 to the liquid inlet of the microfluidic chip, without the need for additional manual adjustment of the position, which can effectively prevent liquid leakage.

[0021] Of course, as shown in Figure 2 In order to prevent liquid leakage between the liquid inlet pipe 30 and the liquid inlet of the microfluidic chip, the side of the first perforation 221 facing the accommodating cavity 11 is provided with a first gasket 222 for preventing liquid leakage of the liquid inlet pipe 30. The liquid inlet pipe 30 passes through the first gasket 222, and the first gasket 222 is fixed by being pressed when the upper cover plate 20 and the bottom plate 10 are pressed together. In this way, the outlet of the liquid inlet pipe 30 can be fixed, further preventing liquid leakage.

[0022] Optionally, the inner wall of the observation window 21 extends towards the liquid outlet of the microfluidic chip and is provided with a second connecting piece 23. The second connecting piece 23 is provided with a second through hole 231 corresponding to the position of the liquid outlet of the microfluidic chip. The liquid inlet pipe 30 passes through the second through hole 231 and is connected to the liquid outlet of the microfluidic chip. In this way, by arranging the second connecting piece 23, the operator only needs to press and connect the upper cover plate 20 and the bottom plate 10, and the liquid outlet pipe 40 can be connected to the liquid outlet of the microfluidic chip. No additional manual adjustment is required, which can effectively prevent liquid leakage.

[0023] Of course, as Figure 2 shown, in order to prevent liquid leakage between the liquid outlet pipe 40 and the liquid outlet of the microfluidic chip, the side of the second through hole 231 facing the accommodating cavity 11 is provided with a second gasket 232 for preventing liquid leakage of the liquid outlet pipe 40. The liquid outlet pipe 40 passes through the second gasket 232. When the upper cover plate 20 and the bottom plate 10 are pressed together, the second gasket 232 will be fixed due to being pressed. In this way, the inlet of the liquid outlet pipe 40 can be fixed, further preventing liquid leakage.

[0024] Optionally, as Figure 1 or Figure 2 shown, the second side 13 of the bottom plate 10 is provided with a first locking piece 14, and the upper cover plate 20 is provided with a second locking piece 24 corresponding to the position of the first locking piece 14. When the upper cover plate 20 and the bottom plate 10 are pressed together, the first locking piece 14 and the second locking piece 24 are locked and connected. Through the detachable connection of the first locking piece 14 and the second locking piece 24, the upper cover plate 20 and the bottom plate 10 can be locked, and the first gasket 222 and the second gasket 232 can be fixed by pressing.

[0025] Optionally, the bottom plate 10 is provided with a magnetic piece on both sides of the first locking piece 14, and the cover plate is provided with a magnet corresponding to the position of the magnetic piece. Through the fixation of the magnetic piece and the magnet, the position can be pre-fixed when the upper cover plate 20 and the bottom plate 10 are pressed together. Then, the operator only needs to lock and connect the first locking piece 14 and the second locking piece 24.

[0026] The above is only a preferred embodiment of the present application and is not intended to limit the present application. Any modification, equivalent replacement and improvement made within the spirit and principle of the present application shall be included in the protection scope of the present application.

Claims

1. A microfluidic chip fixture for mounting a microfluidic chip, characterized in that: include: A bottom plate, wherein a receiving cavity for mounting the microfluidic chip is defined in the middle of the bottom plate, and the bottom plate has a first side and a second side opposite to each other; an upper cover plate rotatably connected to the first side of the bottom plate, and the upper cover plate is buckled and connected to the second side of the bottom plate, an observation window is opened in the middle of the upper cover plate, and when the bottom plate and the upper cover plate are buckled, the projection of the observation window on the bottom plate is larger than the range of the accommodating cavity; a liquid inlet pipe, provided on the upper cover plate and capable of connecting to the microfluidic chip through the observation window; as well as The liquid outlet pipe is arranged on the upper cover plate and can be connected to the microfluidic chip through the observation window.

2. The microfluidic chip fixture according to claim 1, characterized in that: A first connecting piece is provided on the inner wall of the observation window extending toward the liquid inlet of the microfluidic chip. The first connecting piece is provided with a first through-hole corresponding to the position of the liquid inlet of the microfluidic chip. The liquid inlet tube passes through the first through-hole and is connected to the liquid inlet of the microfluidic chip.

3. The microfluidic chip fixture according to claim 2, characterized in that: A first gasket is provided on a side of the first through-hole facing the accommodating cavity to prevent liquid leakage from the liquid inlet pipe.

4. The microfluidic chip fixture according to claim 1, characterized in that: A second connecting piece is provided on the inner wall of the observation window extending toward the liquid outlet of the microfluidic chip. The second connecting piece is provided with a second through-hole corresponding to the position of the liquid outlet of the microfluidic chip. The liquid inlet pipe passes through the second through-hole and is connected to the liquid outlet of the microfluidic chip.

5. The microfluidic chip fixture according to claim 4, characterized in that: A second gasket is provided on a side of the second through-hole facing the accommodating cavity to prevent liquid leakage from the liquid outlet pipe.

6. The microfluidic chip fixture according to claim 1, characterized in that: A first locking member is provided on the second side of the bottom plate, and a second locking member is provided on the upper cover plate corresponding to the position of the first locking member. When the upper cover plate is pressed against the bottom plate, the first locking member is locked and connected with the second locking member.

7. The microfluidic chip fixture according to claim 1, characterized in that: The bottom plate is provided with magnetic elements on both sides of the first locking element, and the cover plate is provided with magnets corresponding to the positions of the magnetic elements.

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