Liquid path cleaning system, cleaning method and gene sequencer

Abstract

The invention discloses a liquid path cleaning system, a cleaning method and a gene sequencer. The liquid path cleaning system comprises a first fluid storage part, a second fluid storage part, a first introduction assembly, a second introduction assembly, a first valve assembly, a first power assembly, a second power assembly and a waste liquid storage device. The first introduction assembly is used for introducing a reagent from the first fluid storage piece, and the second introduction assembly is used for introducing cleaning liquid from the second fluid storage piece. The first introduction assembly and the second introduction assembly selectively communicate with the first valve assembly. The first valve assembly selectively communicates with the waste liquid storage device through a third pipeline, the second power assembly and the fluid use module are both arranged in the third pipeline, and the second power assembly is further used for driving the cleaning liquid introduced from the second introduction assembly to be conveyed along the third pipeline.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the field of in vitro diagnostic technology, and in particular to a liquid path cleaning system, a cleaning method, and a gene sequencer. Background Art

[0002] The fluidic system of biochemical analysis instruments (such as gene sequencers) is used to transport liquid substances (such as samples, biochemical reagents, and solutions). To minimize the risk of liquid residue and cross-contamination within the instrument, the fluidic system must be cleaned after each use (hereinafter referred to as "off-line cleaning"). Existing off-line cleaning requires the user to manually remove the reaction reagent kit after a biochemical reaction is complete, or after an instrument malfunction, and then insert the cleaning fluid cartridge. This rinses each area through which the liquid substance flowed during the biochemical reaction, sequentially. This cumbersome operation and long cleaning time reduce production efficiency. Summary of the Invention

[0003] One purpose of the present application is to provide a liquid path cleaning system, a cleaning method and a gene sequencer, which can achieve efficient and automated cleaning.

[0004] A first aspect of the present application provides a fluid circuit cleaning system, comprising a fluid circuit module for transporting fluid to a fluid using module. The fluid circuit module includes a first fluid storage element, a second fluid storage element, a first introduction component, a second introduction component, a first valve component, a first power component, a second power component, and a waste liquid storage device. The first fluid storage element is used to store reagents involved in biochemical reactions, and the second fluid storage element is used to store cleaning fluid. The first introduction component is used to introduce the reagents from the first fluid storage element, and the second introduction component is used to introduce the cleaning fluid from the second fluid storage element. The first introduction component is selectively connected to the first valve component through a first pipeline, and the second introduction component is selectively connected to the first valve component through a second pipeline. The first valve component is selectively connected to the waste liquid storage device through a third pipeline. The first power component is disposed in the first pipeline, and the second power component and the fluid use module are both disposed in the third pipeline. The first power component and the second power component are disposed on both upstream and downstream sides of the fluid use module. The first power component and the second power component are used to cooperate to drive the reagents introduced from the first introduction component to be transported along the first pipeline and the third pipeline. The second power component is also used to drive the cleaning fluid introduced from the second introduction component to be transported along the second pipeline and the third pipeline.

[0005] According to some embodiments of the present application, the second power component is selectively connected to the first valve component through a fourth pipe, the liquid path cleaning system further comprises a third power component and a second valve component, the third power component is selectively connected to the first valve component through a fifth pipe, the third power component is further connected to the fourth pipe through a sixth pipe, the second valve component is arranged at the connection position of the sixth pipe and the fourth pipe, and the third power component is used to drive the cleaning liquid introduced from the second introduction component to be transported to the first introduction component along the second pipe, the fifth pipe, the sixth pipe, part of the fourth pipe, and the first pipe.

[0006] According to some embodiments of the present application, the liquid path module further comprises a first fluid transfer component and a third valve component, the first fluid transfer component is arranged in the first pipe and located between the first power component and the first introduction component, and the third valve component is connected between the first fluid transfer component and the first introduction component, wherein the first fluid transfer component is used to temporarily store the reagent or the cleaning liquid.

[0007] According to some embodiments of the present application, the liquid path module further comprises a second introduction device, a fourth valve component, a second fluid transfer component, a fifth valve component, and a fourth power component, the second introduction device is connected to the third pipe through a seventh pipe, the fourth valve component is arranged at the connection position of the third pipe and the seventh pipe and located between the fluid use module and the second power component, the second fluid transfer component is opposite to the second introduction device and connected to the third power component through an eighth pipe, the fifth valve component is arranged in the eighth pipe, and the third power component is further used to drive the cleaning liquid introduced from the second introduction component to be transported to the second fluid transfer component along the second pipe, the fifth pipe, and the eighth pipe, wherein the fourth power component is connected in the second fluid transfer component and the waste liquid storage device, and the fourth power component is used to drive the cleaning liquid in the second fluid transfer component to be transported to the waste liquid storage device.

[0008] According to some embodiments of the present application, the first introduction component comprises a catheter and a sleeve, the catheter is connected to the first pipe, the sleeve is sleeved on the outside of the catheter, a flow space is formed between the inner wall of the sleeve and the outer wall of the catheter, and the lower end of the catheter extends out of the sleeve, wherein the third power component is further connected to the flow space through a ninth pipe, and the third power component is further used to drive the cleaning liquid introduced from the second introduction component to be transported to the flow space along the second pipe, the fifth pipe, and the ninth pipe.

[0009] According to some embodiments of the present application, the third power component has a flow rate greater than that of the second power component.

[0010] The second aspect of the present application provides a cleaning method applied to the liquid path cleaning system, the cleaning method comprising:

[0011] Step S1, open the first valve assembly to connect the second pipeline and the fluid use module, open the fourth valve assembly to connect the fluid use module and the second power component, start the second power component, so as to extract the cleaning liquid from the second fluid storage through the second introduction assembly, and drive the cleaning liquid to enter the waste liquid storage device through the second pipeline and the third pipeline.

[0012] According to some embodiments of the present application, the cleaning method further comprises:

[0013] Step S2, open the first valve assembly to connect the second pipeline and the fifth pipeline, open the second valve assembly to connect the fourth pipeline and the sixth pipeline, open the first valve assembly to connect the first pipeline and the fourth pipeline, start the third power component, so as to extract the cleaning liquid from the second fluid storage through the second introduction assembly, and drive the cleaning liquid to enter the first fluid transfer assembly along the second pipeline, the fifth pipeline, the sixth pipeline, the fourth pipeline and the first pipeline;

[0014] Step S3, open the third valve assembly to connect the first fluid transfer assembly and the first introduction assembly, start the first power component, so as to drive the cleaning liquid in the first fluid transfer assembly to enter the first introduction assembly;

[0015] Step S4, open the first valve assembly to connect the second pipeline and the fifth pipeline, open the fifth valve assembly to connect the third power component and the second fluid transfer assembly, start the third power component, so as to extract the cleaning liquid from the second fluid storage through the second introduction assembly, and drive the cleaning liquid to enter the second fluid transfer assembly along the second pipeline, the fifth pipeline and the eighth pipeline;

[0016] Step S5, open the fourth valve assembly to connect the second power component and the second introduction device, move the second introduction device to extend into the second fluid transfer assembly, start the second power component, so as to extract the cleaning liquid from the second fluid transfer assembly through the second introduction device, and drive the cleaning liquid to enter the waste liquid storage device along the seventh pipeline and the third pipeline;

[0017] Step S6: opening the first valve assembly to connect the second pipeline and the fifth pipeline, and activating the third power assembly to extract the cleaning fluid from the second fluid storage element through the second introduction assembly, and driving the cleaning fluid along the second pipeline, the fifth pipeline, and the ninth pipeline into the flow space;

[0018] Step S7: Open the first valve assembly to connect the second pipeline and the fourth pipeline, open the second valve assembly to connect the first valve assembly and the second power assembly, start the second power assembly, thereby extracting the cleaning liquid from the second fluid storage element through the second introduction assembly, and drive the cleaning liquid along the second pipeline, the fourth pipeline and the third pipeline into the waste liquid storage device.

[0019] According to some embodiments of the present application, step S5 and step S6 are run in parallel, or step S5 and step S2 are run in parallel, or step S5 and step S3 are run in parallel, or step S5 and step S4 are run in parallel, or step S3 and step S7 are run in parallel, or step S3 and step S1 are run in parallel.

[0020] A third aspect of the present application provides a gene sequencer, comprising the above-mentioned liquid path cleaning system or used to run the above-mentioned cleaning method.

[0021] The liquid circuit cleaning system provided in the embodiment of the present application is equipped with a second fluid storage component, a second introduction component and a second power component, and the second power component can drive the second introduction component to extract the cleaning fluid from the second fluid storage component and transport the cleaning fluid to the fluid use module and its connected pipelines. During cleaning, there is no need to replace the test kit with a cleaning box, thereby achieving automated cleaning and improving production efficiency. In addition, an additional third power component is configured to be connected to the liquid circuit module. Through the cooperation of each power component and each valve component, all components and pipelines in the liquid circuit module can be cleaned, and the cleaning effect is good. In addition, three power components are configured, and the steps of cleaning driven by different power components can be run in parallel, shortening the cleaning time and improving the cleaning efficiency. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] The above and / or additional aspects and advantages of the present application will become apparent and easily understood from the description of the embodiments in conjunction with the following drawings, in which:

[0023] Figure 1 This is a functional module diagram of a liquid circuit cleaning system provided in one embodiment of the present application.

[0024] Figure 2 This is a schematic structural diagram of a fluid path module provided in one embodiment of the present application.

[0025] Figure 3 This is a schematic structural diagram of a liquid path cleaning system provided in one embodiment of the present application.

[0026] Figure 4 A schematic structural diagram of the first introduction component provided in one embodiment of the present application.

[0027] Figure 5 for Figure 3 The diagram shows the operation of the liquid cleaning system in the first operation mode.

[0028] Figure 6 for Figure 3 The diagram shows the operation of the liquid cleaning system in the second operation mode.

[0029] Figure 7 for Figure 3 The diagram shows the working diagram of the liquid cleaning system in the third working mode.

[0030] Figure 8 for Figure 3 The diagram shows the operation of the liquid cleaning system in the fourth operation mode.

[0031] Figure 9 for Figure 3 The diagram shows the working diagram of the liquid cleaning system in the fifth working mode.

[0032] Figure 10 for Figure 3 The diagram shows the operation of the liquid cleaning system in the sixth operation mode.

[0033] Figure 11 for Figure 3 The diagram shows the working diagram of the liquid cleaning system in the seventh working mode.

[0034] Description of main component symbols

[0035] Liquid cleaning system 100

[0036] Liquid path module 10

[0037] Cleaning module 20

[0038] Control module 30

[0039] Fluid Use Module 40

[0040] First introduction device 13

[0041] Fluid storage device 14

[0042] Waste liquid storage device 15

[0043] First fluid storage element 141

[0044] Second fluid storage element 142

[0045] First introduction component 131

[0046] Second introduction component 132

[0047] First fluid transfer component 16

[0048] Second fluid transfer component 21

[0049] Second introduction device 17

[0050] First power assembly 111

[0051] Second power assembly 112

[0052] The third power assembly 113

[0053] Flow cell 41

[0054] catheter 131a

[0055] Sleeve 131b

[0056] Cleaning pipe 131c

[0057] Mounting piece 131d

[0058] Main body 1311

[0059] Extension 1312

[0060] Flow Space 1313

[0061] First valve assembly 121

[0062] Second valve assembly 122

[0063] The third valve assembly 123

[0064] Fourth valve assembly 124

[0065] Fifth valve assembly 125

[0066] Sixth valve assembly 126

[0067] First pipeline 101

[0068] Second pipeline 102

[0069] The third pipeline 103

[0070] Fourth pipeline 104

[0071] Fifth pipeline 105

[0072] Sixth pipeline 106

[0073] Seventh pipeline 107

[0074] Eighth pipeline 108

[0075] Ninth pipeline 109 DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0076] The technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application are described in detail below. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present application, rather than all of the embodiments. Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as those commonly understood by those skilled in the art of the present application. The terms used in the specification of the present application are only for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the present application.

[0077] In addition, for the sake of brevity and clarity, the size or thickness of various components or layers may be exaggerated in the accompanying drawings. Throughout the text, the same numerical value refers to the same element. As used herein, the terms "and / or" and "and / or" include any and all combinations of one or more related enumerated items. In addition, it should be understood that when element A is referred to as "connecting" element B, element A can be directly connected to element B, or there may be an intermediate element C and element A and element B can be indirectly connected to each other.

[0078] Further, when describing embodiments of the present application, the use of “may” refers to “one or more embodiments of the present application.”

[0079] The technical terms used herein are for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit this application. As used herein, the singular is intended to include the plural, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It should be further understood that the term "comprising", when used in this specification, refers to the presence of the described features, values, steps, operations, elements and / or components, but does not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, values, steps, operations, elements, components and / or combinations thereof.

[0080] It should be understood that although the terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and / or parts, these elements, components, regions, layers and / or parts should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or part from another element, component, region, layer or part. Therefore, the first element, component, region, layer or part discussed below may be referred to as the second element, component, region, layer or part without departing from the teachings of the exemplary embodiments.

[0081] See also Figure 1, one embodiment of the present application provides a liquid circuit cleaning system 100, which can be applied to gene sequencers and other in vitro diagnostic instruments, such as blood cell analyzers, biochemical analyzers, etc. The liquid circuit cleaning system 100 includes a liquid circuit module 10, a cleaning module 20 and a control module 30. The liquid circuit module 10 is used to transport fluid to the fluid use module 40 for use by the fluid use module 40. The fluid use module 40 refers to a system for using fluid, and is the destination for the fluid transported by the liquid circuit module 10. The cleaning module 20 is used to transport cleaning fluid to the liquid circuit module 10 and / or the fluid use module 40. The control module 30 is connected to the liquid circuit module 10 and the cleaning module 20, and is used to control the liquid circuit module 10 and the cleaning module 20 to complete the transportation of the fluid.

[0082] See also Figure 2 The fluid circuit module 10 includes a power unit, a valve unit, a first introduction device 13, a fluid storage device 14, and a waste liquid storage device 15. The fluid storage device 14 is used to store fluid to be transported to the fluid use module 40. The first introduction device 13 is used to introduce fluid from the fluid storage device 14. The power unit is connected to the first introduction device 13 and the fluid use module 40 via the valve unit, so that the fluid introduced by the first introduction device 13 is transported to the fluid use module 40, or the fluid introduced by the first introduction device 13 is transported within the fluid circuit module 10.

[0083] See also Figure 2 The fluid storage device 14 includes a first fluid storage element 141 and a second fluid storage element 142, which are independent of each other. The first fluid storage element 141 is used to store reagents involved in biochemical reactions, and the second fluid storage element 142 is used to store cleaning fluid. The first introduction device 13 includes a first introduction component 131 and a second introduction component 132. The first introduction component 131 is used to introduce reagents involved in biochemical reactions from the first fluid storage element 141, and the second introduction component 132 is used to introduce cleaning fluid from the second fluid storage element 142. The number of first introduction components 131 and first fluid storage elements 141 can both be one or more, and the multiple first introduction components 131 correspond one-to-one to the multiple first fluid storage elements 141. The number of second introduction components 132 and second fluid storage elements 142 can both be one or more, and the multiple second introduction components 132 correspond one-to-one to the multiple second fluid storage elements 142. Figure 2Figure 1 shows two first fluid storage elements 141, two second fluid storage elements 142, two first introduction assemblies 131, and two second introduction assemblies 132. The first fluid storage elements 141 and the second fluid storage elements 142 can be any container capable of holding a fluid. In this embodiment, the first fluid storage elements 141 and the second fluid storage elements 142 are test tubes, which are integrated into a reagent kit. The first introduction assemblies 131 and the second introduction assemblies 132 can be any device capable of extracting a liquid. In this embodiment, the first introduction assemblies 131 and the second introduction assemblies 132 are reagent needles.

[0084] The valve device includes a first valve assembly 121. A first introduction assembly 131 is selectively connected to the first valve assembly 121 via a first pipeline 101, and a second introduction assembly 132 is selectively connected to the first valve assembly 121 via a second pipeline 102. The first valve assembly 121 is selectively connected to the waste liquid storage device 15 via a third pipeline 103. The fluid use module 40 is disposed in the third pipeline 103. The power device includes a first power assembly 111 and a second power assembly 112. The first power assembly 111 is disposed in the first pipeline 101. The second power assembly 112 is disposed in the third pipeline 103, and the first power assembly 111 and the second power assembly 112 are disposed on both upstream and downstream sides of the fluid use module 40. The first power assembly 111 and the second power assembly 112 can both drive fluid movement in both positive and negative directions. The positive direction refers to the direction in which the fluid is driven to flow toward the waste liquid storage device 15, and the negative direction refers to the direction in which the fluid is driven to flow toward the first introduction device 13. The first power assembly 111 and the second power assembly 112 are used to cooperate and drive the reagent introduced from the first introduction component 131 to be transported in the first pipeline 101 and the third pipeline 103. The second power assembly 112 is also used to drive the cleaning fluid introduced from the second introduction component 132 to be transported in the third pipeline 103. When the first valve assembly 121 is connected to the first pipeline 101 and the third pipeline 103, and the first power assembly 111 and the second power assembly 112 are both activated, the reagent can be introduced from the first introduction component 131 and flowed into the fluid use module 40 to participate in the biochemical reaction. When the first valve assembly 121 is connected to the second pipeline 102 and the third pipeline 103, and the second power assembly 112 is activated, the cleaning fluid can be introduced from the second introduction component 132 and flowed through the fluid use module 40 and the third pipeline 103 to complete the cleaning. The first power assembly 111 and the second power assembly 112 can be various types of pumps for driving bidirectional flow of fluids, for example, air pumps, syringe pumps, plunger pumps, diaphragm pumps, gear pumps, peristaltic pumps, etc.

[0085] In some embodiments, a valve assembly (not shown) is disposed within the second power assembly 112. The valve assembly can selectively connect the third conduit 103 to allow the fluid-using module 40 to communicate with the waste liquid storage device 15 via the second power assembly 112, or the valve assembly can disconnect the third conduit 103 to disconnect the fluid-using module 40 from the waste liquid storage device 15. The second power assembly 112 is located downstream of the fluid-using module 40 and the first power assembly 111. When the second power assembly 112 is not activated and the valve assembly within it is not open, the first power assembly 111 cannot drive the fluid introduced by the first introduction device 13 to flow into the fluid-using module 40.

[0086] See also Figure 2 , the second power assembly 112 is also selectively connected to the first valve assembly 121 through the fourth pipeline 104, and the second power assembly 112 is selectively connected to the fourth pipeline 104 through the valve assembly inside it. The second power assembly 112 is also used to cooperate with the first power assembly 111 to drive the reagent introduced from the first introduction assembly 131 to be transported in the first pipeline 101 and the fourth pipeline 104. The second power assembly 112 is also used to drive the cleaning liquid introduced by the second introduction assembly 132 to be transported in the second pipeline 102 and the fourth pipeline 104. When the second power assembly 112 is connected to the third pipeline 103 and the fourth pipeline 104, the reagent introduced by the first introduction assembly 131 or the cleaning liquid introduced by the second introduction assembly 132 can flow directly into the waste liquid storage device 15 through the first valve assembly 121, the fourth pipeline 104, the second power assembly 112 and a portion of the third pipeline 103, without passing through the fluid use module 40.

[0087] See also Figure 2The liquid path module 10 further comprises a first fluid transfer assembly 16. The first fluid transfer assembly 16 is disposed in the first pipe 101 between the first power assembly 111 and the first introduction assembly 131, and is used to temporarily store the fluid flowing in the positive direction or the reverse direction. The first fluid transfer assembly 16 can be a container or a pipe connected between the first power assembly 111 and the first introduction assembly 131, or a cavity of the first power assembly 111 itself. In the embodiment, the first fluid transfer assembly 16 is a container, and the first fluid transfer assembly 16 comprises a plurality of cavities 161 independent of each other, each cavity 161 being connected to a corresponding first introduction assembly 131. The valve device further comprises a third valve assembly 123 connected between the first fluid transfer assembly 16 and the first introduction assembly 131. When the first valve assembly 121 is closed and the third valve assembly 123 is opened, the first power assembly 111 can drive the first introduction assembly 131 to introduce the reagent from the first fluid storage 141 and make it flow into and temporarily store in the first fluid transfer assembly 16, or the first power assembly 111 can also drive the fluid (such as cleaning liquid) temporarily stored in the first fluid transfer assembly 16 to flow into the first introduction assembly 131 for cleaning. In the embodiment, the first power assembly 111 is a gas pump, which can generate negative pressure to make the fluid flow into the first fluid transfer assembly 16 and make the liquid level in the first fluid transfer assembly 16 rise, and can also generate positive pressure to make the fluid flow out of the first fluid transfer assembly 16 and make the liquid level in the first fluid transfer assembly 16 fall.

[0088] Please refer to Figure 2 The liquid path module 10 further comprises a second introduction device 17 connected to the third pipe 103 through a seventh pipe 107. The valve device further comprises a fourth valve assembly 124 disposed at the connection position of the third pipe 103 and the seventh pipe 107 and located between the fluid use module 40 and the second power assembly 112, and the fourth valve assembly 124 and the first valve assembly 121 are located on the upstream and downstream sides of the fluid use module 40. The fourth valve assembly 124 can selectively communicate the second introduction device 17 and the second power assembly 112, or the fluid use module 40 and the second power assembly 112. When the second power assembly 112 communicates with the second introduction device 17 through the fourth valve assembly 124, the second power assembly 112 is used to generate power to make the second introduction device 17 extract the fluid from the container (not shown in the figure) or discharge the fluid into the container. The function of the second introduction device 17 to extract or discharge the fluid is not limited, for example, it can be used for pretreatment of the DNA sample to be tested, such as purification, circularization, rolling circle amplification, etc. In the embodiment, the second introduction device 17 is a reagent needle.

[0089] In some embodiments, the first introduction component 131, the second introduction component 132, and the second introduction device 17 can all perform mechanical movement to extend into the corresponding container to extract or discharge fluid. The control module 30 is also used to control the first introduction component 131, the second introduction component 132, and the second introduction device 17 to perform mechanical movement.

[0090] In some embodiments, a heating element (not shown) is provided in the first fluid transfer assembly 16 for preheating the reagent in the first fluid transfer assembly 16. In other embodiments, the first fluid transfer assembly 16 may also have other functions, such as reducing dissolved gas in the reagent.

[0091] See also Figure 2 In some embodiments, the fluid utilization module 40 uses a slide having a flow cell 41. The slide is provided with at least two openings (not shown), and the fluid flows into the flow cell 41 through one opening and flows out of the flow cell 41 through the other opening.

[0092] See also Figure 3 The cleaning module 20 includes a third power assembly 113 and a second valve assembly 122. The third power assembly 113 is selectively connected to the first valve assembly 121 through the fifth pipeline 105, and is connected to the fourth pipeline 104 through the sixth pipeline 106. The second valve assembly 122 is arranged at the connection position of the sixth pipeline 106 and the fourth pipeline 104, and can selectively connect the second power assembly 112 and the first valve assembly 121, or connect the third power assembly 113 and the first valve assembly 121. When the first valve assembly 121 connects the first pipeline 101 and the fourth pipeline 104, and connects the second pipeline 102 and the fifth pipeline 105, and the second valve assembly 122 connects the fourth pipeline 104 and the sixth pipeline 106, the third power assembly 113 can drive the cleaning fluid along the second pipeline 102, the sixth pipeline 106, the fourth pipeline 104 and the first pipeline 101 to flow into the first fluid transfer assembly 16 for cleaning. The third power assembly 113 can be various types of pumps for driving fluid flow, for example, an air pump, a syringe pump, a plunger pump, a diaphragm pump, a gear pump, a peristaltic pump, and the like.

[0093] See also Figure 3, the cleaning module 20 also includes a second fluid transfer component 21 and a fifth valve component 125. The second fluid transfer component 21 is connected to the third power component 113 through the eighth pipeline 108, and the fifth valve component 125 is arranged in the eighth pipeline 108. The second fluid transfer component 21 is used to temporarily store the inflowing fluid. The second fluid transfer component 21 corresponds to the second introduction device 17, and the second introduction device 17 can extend into the second fluid transfer component 21 and extract the fluid therein. When the first valve component 121 is connected to the second pipeline 102 and the fifth pipeline 105, and the fifth valve component 125 is opened, starting the third power component 113 can drive the cleaning fluid introduced by the second introduction component 132 to flow into the second fluid transfer component 21 for cleaning the second introduction device 17. In other possible embodiments, when the first valve assembly 121 connects the first pipeline 101 and the fourth pipeline 104, the second valve assembly 122 connects the fourth pipeline 104 and the sixth pipeline 106, and the fifth valve assembly 125 is opened, starting the third power assembly 113 can drive the reagent introduced by the first introduction assembly 131 to flow into the second fluid transfer assembly 21 for extraction by the second introduction device 17.

[0094] In some embodiments, there are multiple second introduction devices 17 and multiple second fluid transfer assemblies 21, with each second introduction device 17 corresponding to each second fluid transfer assembly 21. Each second fluid transfer assembly 21 is connected to the third power assembly 113 via the fifth valve assembly 125, and each second introduction device 17 can extend into the corresponding second fluid transfer assembly 21 and extract the fluid therein.

[0095] See also Figure 3 The cleaning module 20 further includes a fourth power assembly 114. The fourth power assembly 114 is connected between the second fluid transfer assembly 21 and the waste liquid storage device 15 and is used to drive the fluid in the second fluid transfer assembly 21 into the waste liquid storage device 15, thereby reducing the risk of fluid overflow from the second fluid transfer assembly 21. The fourth power assembly 114 can be any type of pump for driving fluid flow, such as an air pump, a syringe pump, a plunger pump, a diaphragm pump, a gear pump, a peristaltic pump, and the like.

[0096] See also Figure 4In some embodiments, the first introducing assembly 131 includes a conduit 131a, a sleeve 131b sleeved outside the conduit 131a, a cleaning tube 131c, and a mounting member 131d. The mounting member 131d is used to mount the conduit 131a, the sleeve 131b, and the cleaning tube 131c. The conduit 131a is connected to the third valve assembly 123 through the partial first pipeline 101, and is used to extend into the first fluid storage member 141 to extract reagent. The conduit 131a can be a reagent needle. The mounting member 131d includes a main body 1311 and an extension 1312 extending outwardly from the main body 1311. The mounting member 131d is provided with a mounting hole (not shown in the figure) penetrating through the main body 1311 and the extension 1312, and the conduit 131a is fixedly mounted in the mounting hole. In the present embodiment, the upper end of the conduit 131a extends out of the mounting hole, and the lower end of the conduit 131a is flush with the lower end of the extension 1312. The upper end of the sleeve 131b is fixed to the main body 1311, and the inner wall of the sleeve 131b is arranged separately from the outer wall of the extension 1312, so as to form a flow space 1313 between the sleeve 131b and the extension 1312. The cleaning tube 131c is mounted on the main body 1311 and communicates with the flow space 1313. The cleaning tube 131c is used to introduce cleaning liquid to clean the outer wall of the extension 1312. The lower end of the sleeve 131b is shorter than the lower end of the extension 1312. In other words, the lower end of the extension 1312 extends out of the sleeve 131b, reducing the risk of the sleeve 131b contacting the reagent when the conduit 131a extends into the first fluid storage member 141. In the present application, the lower end of the sleeve 131b refers to the end of the sleeve 131b away from the first pipeline 101, and the lower end of the extension 1312 refers to the end of the extension 1312 away from the first pipeline 101. In other embodiments, the extension 1312 can be omitted, and the flow space 1313 is formed between the inner wall of the sleeve 131b and the outer wall of the conduit 131a.

[0097] For reference Figure 3 The third power assembly 113 also communicates with the cleaning tube 131c of the first introducing assembly 131 through the ninth pipeline 109. The sixth valve assembly 126 is arranged in the ninth pipeline 109. When the first valve assembly 121 communicates the second pipeline 102 and the fifth pipeline 105, and the sixth valve assembly 126 is opened, the third power assembly 113 can drive the cleaning liquid introduced by the second introducing assembly 132 to flow into the cleaning tube 131c.

[0098] In some embodiments, the ninth pipeline 109 includes a plurality of branches 109a, the plurality of branches 109a communicate with the cleaning tubes 131c of the plurality of first introducing assemblies 131, and a valve assembly (not shown in the figure) is arranged on each branch 109a to independently control the cleaning of the outer wall of the conduit 131a of each first introducing assembly 131 by the cleaning liquid.

[0099] In some embodiments, the third power assembly 113 and the second power assembly 112 are both peristaltic pumps, and the flow rate of the third power assembly 113 is greater than that of the second power assembly 112, so as to accelerate the cleaning process of the system.

[0100] The first valve assembly 121, the second valve assembly 122, the third valve assembly 123, the fourth valve assembly 124, the fifth valve assembly 125 and the sixth valve assembly 126 can be various types of rotary valves, slide valves, solenoid valves or combinations thereof.

[0101] The control module 30 is connected to each power assembly and each valve assembly to control the opening or closing of each power assembly and each valve. By controlling the opening and closing of each power assembly and each valve, multiple cleaning modes of the fluid path cleaning system 100 can be realized. The multiple cleaning modes are described below.

[0102] First cleaning mode

[0103] In the first cleaning mode, the first valve assembly 121, the fluid use module 40, the fourth valve assembly 124 and the second power assembly 112 on the third fluid path 103 are cleaned.

[0104] Referring to Figure 5 In the first cleaning mode, the first valve assembly 121 is opened to connect the second fluid path 102 and the fluid use module 40, and the fourth valve assembly 124 is opened to connect the fluid use module 40 and the second power assembly 112, while the remaining valve assemblies are closed, and the second power assembly 112 is started while the remaining power assemblies are closed, so that the cleaning fluid is extracted from the second fluid storage 142 through the second inlet assembly 132, and is driven to flow along the first valve assembly 121, the fluid use module 40, the fourth valve assembly 124 and the second power assembly 112 through the second fluid path 102 into the waste storage 15, thereby cleaning the third fluid path 103 and the first valve assembly 121, the fluid use module 40, the fourth valve assembly 124 and the second power assembly 112 arranged in the third fluid path 103.

[0105] In the first cleaning mode, when the fourth valve assembly 124 is not arranged in the third fluid path 103, the fourth valve assembly 124 does not need to be opened.

[0106] Second cleaning mode

[0107] In the second cleaning mode, the first fluid transfer assembly 16 and the first fluid path 101 are cleaned.

[0108] Referring to Figure 6In the second cleaning mode, the first valve assembly 121 is opened to connect the second conduit 102 and the fifth conduit 105, the second valve assembly 122 is opened to connect the fourth conduit 104 and the sixth conduit 106, then the first valve assembly 121 is opened to connect the first conduit 101 and the fourth conduit 104, and the rest of the valve assemblies are closed, the third power assembly 113 is started, and the rest of the power assemblies are closed, so that the cleaning liquid is extracted from the second fluid storage 142 through the second introduction assembly 132, and is driven to flow along the second conduit 102, enter the fifth conduit 105 through the first valve assembly 121, then enter the sixth conduit 106 through the third power assembly 113, then enter the fourth conduit 104 between the second valve assembly 122 and the first valve assembly 121 through the second valve assembly 122, and then enter the first conduit 101 again through the first valve assembly 121, so as to enter the first fluid transfer assembly 16, and complete the cleaning of the fourth conduit 104 between the second valve assembly 122 and the first valve assembly 121, the first valve assembly 121, the first conduit 101 and the first fluid transfer assembly 16.

[0109] Third cleaning mode

[0110] In the third cleaning mode, the inner wall of the third valve assembly 123 and the first introduction assembly 131 is cleaned. The third cleaning mode is executed after the second cleaning mode.

[0111] Please refer to Figure 6 and Figure 7 , the third cleaning mode is executed, when the cleaning liquid driven into the first fluid transfer assembly 16 through the third power assembly 113 reaches the preset liquid level, the third power assembly 113 is closed to stop delivering the cleaning liquid into the first fluid transfer assembly 16. Then, the third valve assembly 123 is opened to connect the first fluid transfer assembly 16 and the first introduction assembly 131, the rest of the valve assemblies are closed, the first power assembly 111 is started, and the rest of the power assemblies are closed, so that the positive pressure is generated in the cavity 161 to compress the cleaning liquid in the first fluid transfer assembly 16 to enter the third valve assembly 123 through part of the first conduit 101, then enter the first introduction assembly 131 through part of the first conduit 101, and complete the cleaning of the first conduit 101 between the third valve assembly 123, the first fluid transfer assembly 16 and the first introduction assembly 131, and the inner wall of the first introduction assembly 131.

[0112] In some embodiments, a liquid level sensor (not shown in the figure) is arranged in the first fluid transfer assembly 16. The liquid level sensor is connected with the control module 30 and is used to detect the liquid level of the cleaning liquid in the first fluid transfer assembly 16. When the detected liquid level reaches the preset liquid level, the control module 30 controls the third power assembly 113 to stop working, so as to stop delivering the cleaning liquid into the first fluid transfer assembly 16.

[0113] In another embodiment, the control module 30 controls the third power assembly 113 to stop working when the working time of the third power assembly 113 reaches a preset working time, or when the working flow of the third power assembly 113 reaches a preset working flow. The preset working time and the preset working flow both correspond to the preset liquid level of the cleaning liquid in the first fluid transfer assembly 16.

[0114] Fourth cleaning mode

[0115] In the fourth cleaning mode, the cleaning liquid is delivered into the second fluid transfer assembly 21 for cleaning of the second introduction device 17.

[0116] Referring to Figure 8 In the fourth cleaning mode, the first valve assembly 121 is opened to connect the second pipeline 102 and the fifth pipeline 105, the fifth valve assembly 125 is opened to connect the third power assembly 113 and the second fluid transfer assembly 21, and the other valve assemblies are closed. The third power assembly 113 is started, and the other power assemblies are closed, so that the cleaning liquid is extracted from the second fluid storage 142 by the second introduction assembly 132, and is driven to flow along the second pipeline 102 through the first valve assembly 121 into the fifth pipeline 105, and then into the second fluid transfer assembly 21 through the third power assembly 113, the fifth valve assembly 125 and the eighth pipeline 108.

[0117] In the fourth cleaning mode, the fourth power assembly 114 is also started simultaneously with the third power assembly 113, for delivering the excess cleaning liquid in the second fluid transfer assembly 21 into the waste liquid storage 15.

[0118] Fifth cleaning mode

[0119] In the fifth cleaning mode, the second introduction device 17 is cleaned. The fourth cleaning mode and the fifth cleaning mode can be executed in parallel or sequentially. When the cleaning liquid delivered into the second fluid transfer assembly 21 in the fourth cleaning mode is sufficient for the cleaning liquid required by the fifth cleaning mode, the fourth cleaning mode can be executed first, and then the fifth cleaning mode is executed. When the cleaning liquid delivered into the second fluid transfer assembly 21 in the fourth cleaning mode is less than the cleaning liquid required by the fifth cleaning mode, the fourth cleaning mode and the fifth cleaning mode are executed simultaneously.

[0120] Referring to Figure 9In the fifth cleaning mode, the fourth valve assembly 124 is opened to connect the second power assembly 112 and the second introducing device 17, the remaining valve assemblies are closed, the second introducing device 17 is moved to extend into the second fluid transfer assembly 21, the second power assembly 112 is started, and the remaining power assemblies are closed, so that the cleaning solution is extracted from the second fluid transfer assembly 21 through the second introducing device 17, and the cleaning solution is driven to flow into the waste liquid storage device 15 through the second introducing device 17, the seventh pipeline 107, the fourth valve assembly 124, the third pipeline 103 between the fourth valve assembly 124 and the second power assembly 112, the second power assembly 112, and the third pipeline 103 between the second power assembly 112 and the waste liquid storage device 15, to complete the cleaning of the inner wall and the outer wall of the second introducing device 17, the seventh pipeline 107, the fourth valve assembly 124, the third pipeline 103 between the fourth valve assembly 124 and the second power assembly 112, the second power assembly 112, and the third pipeline 103 between the second power assembly 112 and the waste liquid storage device 15. When the second introducing device 17 is moved to extend into the second fluid transfer assembly 21, the second introducing device 17 is immersed in the cleaning solution contained in the second fluid transfer assembly 21 to clean the outer wall of the second introducing device 17.

[0121] Sixth cleaning mode

[0122] In the sixth cleaning mode, the outer wall of the first introducing assembly 131 is cleaned.

[0123] Please refer to Figure 4 and Figure 10 In the sixth cleaning mode, the first valve assembly 121 is opened to connect the second pipeline 102 and the fifth pipeline 105, the sixth valve assembly 126 is opened to connect the third power assembly 113 and the cleaning pipe 131c of the first introducing assembly 131, the remaining valve assemblies are closed, the third power assembly 113 is started, and the remaining power assemblies are closed, so that the cleaning solution is extracted from the second fluid storage member 142 through the second introducing assembly 132, and the cleaning solution is driven to flow into the flow space 1313 through the second pipeline 102, the first valve assembly 121, the fifth pipeline 105, the third power assembly 113, the sixth valve assembly 126, and the cleaning pipe 131c, to clean the outer wall of the extension 1312.

[0124] When the cleaning pipes 131c of multiple first inlet assemblies 131 are connected to the third power assembly 113 via multiple branches 109a, the valve assembly on the corresponding branch 109a is opened according to the first inlet assembly 131 to be cleaned, and the third power assembly 113 is activated, driving the cleaning liquid along the opened valve assembly on the branch 109a into the cleaning pipe 131c to clean the outer wall of the first inlet assembly 131 to be cleaned. In some embodiments, the valve assembly may not be provided on the branch 109a, and the third power assembly 113 drives the cleaning liquid into each branch 109a to clean the outer walls of all first inlet assemblies 131 simultaneously.

[0125] Seventh cleaning mode

[0126] In the seventh cleaning mode, the entire fourth pipeline 104 is cleaned.

[0127] See also Figure 11 In the seventh cleaning mode, the first valve assembly 121 is opened to connect the second pipeline 102 and the fourth pipeline 104, the second valve assembly 122 is opened to connect the first valve assembly 121 and the second power assembly 112, the remaining valve assemblies are closed, the second power assembly 112 is started, and the remaining power assemblies are closed, thereby extracting the cleaning liquid from the second fluid storage element 142 through the second introduction assembly 132, and driving the cleaning liquid through the second pipeline 102, the first valve assembly 121, the fourth pipeline 104 between the first valve assembly 121 and the second valve assembly 122, the fourth pipeline 104 between the second valve assembly 122 and the second power assembly 112, the second power assembly 112 and part of the third pipeline 103 into the waste liquid storage device 15, completing the cleaning of the entire fourth pipeline 104.

[0128] At least some of the above cleaning modes can operate in parallel. In one embodiment, the fourth cleaning mode is first executed to deliver the cleaning fluid to the second fluid transfer component 21, and then the fifth cleaning mode is executed to clean the second introduction device 17, and the sixth cleaning mode is simultaneously executed to clean the outer wall of the first introduction component 131; or, while executing the fifth cleaning mode, the second cleaning mode is simultaneously executed to clean the first fluid transfer component 16, and then the third cleaning mode is executed to clean the inner wall of the first introduction component 131. In another embodiment, the second cleaning mode is first executed to clean the first fluid transfer component 16, and then the third cleaning mode is executed to clean the inner wall of the first introduction component 131, and the seventh cleaning mode is simultaneously executed to clean the entire fourth pipeline 104; or, while executing the third cleaning mode, the first cleaning mode is simultaneously executed to clean the fluid use module 40; or, while executing the third cleaning mode, the fourth cleaning mode and the fifth cleaning mode are simultaneously executed.

[0129] One embodiment of the present application also provides a cleaning method for the above-mentioned liquid path cleaning system 100. According to different needs, the order of the steps of the above-mentioned cleaning method can be changed, and some steps can be omitted or combined. The above-mentioned cleaning includes the following steps:

[0130] In step S1 , the first valve assembly 121 is opened to connect the second pipeline 102 and the fluid use module 40 , the fourth valve assembly 124 is opened to connect the fluid use module 40 and the second power assembly 112 , and the second power assembly 112 is started to execute the first cleaning mode.

[0131] Step S2, open the first valve assembly 121 to connect the second pipeline 102 and the fifth pipeline 105, open the second valve assembly 122 to connect the fourth pipeline 104 and the sixth pipeline 106, open the first valve assembly 121 to connect the first pipeline 101 and the fourth pipeline 104, start the third power assembly 113 to execute the second cleaning mode.

[0132] In step S3, the third valve assembly 123 is opened to connect the first fluid transfer assembly 16 and the first introduction assembly 131, and the first power assembly 111 is started to perform the third cleaning mode.

[0133] In step S4, the first valve assembly 121 is opened to connect the second pipeline 102 and the fifth pipeline 105, the fifth valve assembly 125 is opened to connect the third power assembly 113 and the second fluid transfer assembly 21, and the third power assembly 113 is started to execute the fourth cleaning mode.

[0134] In step S5, the fourth valve assembly 124 is opened to connect the second power assembly 112 and the second introduction device 17, the second introduction device 17 is moved into the second fluid transfer assembly 21, and the second power assembly 112 is started to perform the fifth cleaning mode.

[0135] In step S6, the first valve assembly 121 is opened to connect the second pipeline 102 and the fifth pipeline 105, the sixth valve assembly 126 is opened to connect the third power assembly 113 and the cleaning pipe 131c of the first introduction assembly 131, and the third power assembly 113 is started to execute the sixth cleaning mode.

[0136] In step S7, the first valve assembly 121 is opened to connect the second pipeline 102 and the fourth pipeline 104, the second valve assembly 122 is opened to connect the first valve assembly 121 and the second power assembly 112, and the second power assembly 112 is started to execute the seventh cleaning mode.

[0137] One embodiment of the present application further provides a gene sequencer, which includes the liquid path cleaning system 100 or is used to perform the above-mentioned cleaning method.

[0138] The above disclosure is only a preferred embodiment of the present application and certainly cannot be used to limit the present application. Therefore, equivalent changes made based on the present application are still within the scope covered by the present application.

Claims

1. A fluid circuit cleaning system, comprising a fluid circuit module for transporting fluid to a fluid using module, characterized in that: The fluid circuit module includes a first fluid storage element, a second fluid storage element, a first introduction component, a second introduction component, a first valve component, a first power component, a second power component, and a waste liquid storage device. The first fluid storage element is used to store reagents involved in biochemical reactions, and the second fluid storage element is used to store cleaning fluid. The first introduction component is used to introduce the reagents from the first fluid storage element, and the second introduction component is used to introduce the cleaning fluid from the second fluid storage element. The first introduction component is selectively connected to the first valve component through a first pipeline, and the second introduction component is selectively connected to the first valve component through a second pipeline. The first valve component is selectively connected to the waste liquid storage device through a third pipeline. The first power component is disposed in the first pipeline, and the second power component and the fluid use module are both disposed in the third pipeline. The first power component and the second power component are disposed on both upstream and downstream sides of the fluid use module. The first power component and the second power component are used to cooperate to drive the reagents introduced from the first introduction component to be transported along the first pipeline and the third pipeline. The second power component is also used to drive the cleaning fluid introduced from the second introduction component to be transported along the second pipeline and the third pipeline.

2. The liquid path cleaning system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The second power assembly is selectively connected to the first valve assembly through a fourth pipeline. The liquid circuit cleaning system also includes a third power assembly and a second valve assembly. The third power assembly is selectively connected to the first valve assembly through a fifth pipeline. The third power assembly is also connected to the fourth pipeline through a sixth pipeline. The second valve assembly is arranged at the connection position of the sixth pipeline and the fourth pipeline. The third power assembly is used to drive the cleaning liquid introduced from the second introduction assembly along the second pipeline, the fifth pipeline, the sixth pipeline, part of the fourth pipeline, and the first pipeline to be transported to the first introduction assembly.

3. The liquid path cleaning system according to claim 2, characterized in that: The liquid circuit module also includes a first fluid transfer component and a third valve component. The first fluid transfer component is arranged in the first pipeline and is located between the first power component and the first introduction component. The third valve component is connected between the first fluid transfer component and the first introduction component. The first fluid transfer component is used to temporarily store the inflowing reagent or the cleaning fluid.

4. The liquid path cleaning system according to claim 2, characterized in that: The liquid circuit module also includes a second introduction device, a second fluid transfer assembly, a fourth valve assembly, a fifth valve assembly and a fourth power assembly. The second introduction device is connected to the third pipeline through a seventh pipeline. The fourth valve assembly is arranged at the connection position of the third pipeline and the seventh pipeline and is located between the fluid use module and the second power assembly; the second fluid transfer assembly is opposite to the second introduction device and is connected to the third power assembly through an eighth pipeline. The fifth valve assembly is arranged in the eighth pipeline. The third power assembly is also used to drive the cleaning fluid introduced from the second introduction assembly along the second pipeline, the fifth pipeline and the eighth pipeline to the second fluid transfer assembly; the fourth power assembly is connected to the second fluid transfer assembly and the waste liquid storage device, and the fourth power assembly is used to drive the cleaning fluid in the second fluid transfer assembly to be transported to the waste liquid storage device.

5. The liquid path cleaning system according to claim 2, characterized in that: The first introduction component includes a conduit and a sleeve, the conduit is connected to the first pipeline, the sleeve is arranged on the outside of the conduit, and a flow space is formed between the inner wall of the sleeve and the outer wall of the conduit. The lower end of the conduit extends out of the sleeve, and the third power component is also connected to the flow space through the ninth pipeline. The third power component is also used to drive the cleaning liquid introduced from the second introduction component along the second pipeline, the fifth pipeline and the ninth pipeline to the flow space.

6. The liquid path cleaning system according to claim 2, characterized in that: The flow rate of the third power component is greater than the flow rate of the second power component.

7. A cleaning method, applied to the liquid path cleaning system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: The cleaning method comprises: Step S1, open the first valve assembly to connect the second pipeline and the fluid use module, open the fourth valve assembly to connect the fluid use module and the second power assembly, start the second power assembly, thereby extracting the cleaning fluid from the second fluid storage element through the second introduction assembly, and driving the cleaning fluid into the waste liquid storage device through the second pipeline and the third pipeline.

8. The cleaning method according to claim 7, wherein The cleaning method further comprises: Step S2: opening the first valve assembly to connect the second pipeline and the fifth pipeline, opening the second valve assembly to connect the fourth pipeline and the sixth pipeline, opening the first valve assembly to connect the first pipeline and the fourth pipeline, and starting the third power assembly to extract the cleaning fluid from the second fluid storage element through the second introduction assembly, and driving the cleaning fluid along the second pipeline, the fifth pipeline, the sixth pipeline, the fourth pipeline, and the first pipeline into the first fluid transfer assembly; Step S3, opening the third valve assembly to connect the first fluid transfer assembly and the first introduction assembly, starting the first power assembly, thereby driving the cleaning fluid in the first fluid transfer assembly into the first introduction assembly; Step S4: opening the first valve assembly to connect the second pipeline and the fifth pipeline, opening the fifth valve assembly to connect the third power assembly and the second fluid transfer assembly, and starting the third power assembly to extract the cleaning fluid from the second fluid storage element through the second introduction assembly, and driving the cleaning fluid along the second pipeline, the fifth pipeline, and the eighth pipeline into the second fluid transfer assembly; Step S5: opening the fourth valve assembly to connect the second power assembly and the second introduction device, moving the second introduction device into the second fluid transfer assembly, and starting the second power assembly to extract the cleaning fluid from the second fluid transfer assembly through the second introduction device, and driving the cleaning fluid along the seventh pipeline and the third pipeline into the waste liquid storage device; Step S6: opening the first valve assembly to connect the second pipeline and the fifth pipeline, and activating the third power assembly to extract the cleaning fluid from the second fluid storage element through the second introduction assembly, and driving the cleaning fluid along the second pipeline, the fifth pipeline, and the ninth pipeline into the flow space; Step S7: Open the first valve assembly to connect the second pipeline and the fourth pipeline, open the second valve assembly to connect the first valve assembly and the second power assembly, start the second power assembly, thereby extracting the cleaning liquid from the second fluid storage element through the second introduction assembly, and drive the cleaning liquid along the second pipeline, the fourth pipeline and the third pipeline into the waste liquid storage device.

9. The cleaning method according to claim 8, wherein The step S5 and the step S6 are executed in parallel, or the step S5 and the step S2 are executed in parallel, or the step S5 and the step S3 are executed in parallel, or the step S5 and the step S4 are executed in parallel, or the step S3 and the step S7 are executed in parallel, or the step S3 and the step S1 are executed in parallel.

10. A gene sequencer, characterized in that: The invention comprises a liquid circuit cleaning system as described in any one of claims 1 to 6 or is used to run a cleaning method as described in any one of claims 7 to 9.

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