Fluid path cleaning system, cleaning method, and genetic sequencer

Abstract

A liquid path cleaning system, a cleaning method and a gene sequencer. The liquid path cleaning system comprises a first fluid storage, a second fluid storage, 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, and the second introduction assembly is used for introducing a cleaning liquid from the second fluid storage. The first introduction assembly and the second introduction assembly are selectively communicated with the first valve assembly respectively. The first valve assembly is selectively communicated with the waste liquid storage device through a third pipeline, the second power assembly and a fluid use module are 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] This application relates to the field of in vitro diagnostic technology, and in particular to a liquid path cleaning system, cleaning method and gene sequencer. Background Technology

[0002] The liquid path system of biochemical analyzers (such as gene sequencers) is used to transport liquid substances (such as samples, biochemical reagents, solutions, etc.). To minimize the occurrence of liquid residues and cross-contamination inside the instrument, the liquid path system needs to be cleaned after each use (hereinafter referred to as "off-site cleaning"). Current off-site cleaning requires users to manually remove the reaction kit after the biochemical reaction is complete, or after an instrument malfunction, and place it in the cleaning solution tank to rinse each area through which the liquid substances flowed during the biochemical reaction. This operation is cumbersome, time-consuming, and reduces production efficiency. Summary of the Invention

[0003] One objective of this application is to provide a liquid path cleaning system, cleaning method, and gene sequencer that can achieve efficient and automated cleaning.

[0004] The first aspect of this application provides a liquid circuit cleaning system, including a liquid circuit module for transporting fluid to a fluid use module. The fluid circuit module includes a first fluid storage unit, a second fluid storage unit, a first inlet assembly, a second inlet assembly, a first valve assembly, a first power assembly, a second power assembly, and a waste liquid storage device. The first fluid storage unit stores reagents that participate in the biochemical reaction, the second fluid storage unit stores cleaning fluid, the first inlet assembly introduces the reagents from the first fluid storage unit, the second inlet assembly introduces the cleaning fluid from the second fluid storage unit, the first inlet assembly is selectively connected to the first valve assembly via a first pipeline, the second inlet assembly is selectively connected to the first valve assembly via a second pipeline, the first valve assembly is selectively connected to the waste liquid storage device via a third pipeline, the first power assembly is disposed in the first pipeline, and the second power assembly and the fluid usage module are both disposed in the third pipeline. The first power assembly and the second power assembly are disposed on the upstream and downstream sides of the fluid usage module. The first power assembly and the second power assembly are used to cooperate in driving the reagents introduced from the first inlet assembly to be transported along the first pipeline and the third pipeline, and the second power assembly is also used to drive the cleaning fluid introduced from the second inlet assembly to be transported along the second pipeline and the third pipeline.

[0005] According to some embodiments of this application, the second power assembly is selectively connected to the first valve assembly via a fourth pipeline. The liquid cleaning system further includes a third power assembly and a second valve assembly. The third power assembly is selectively connected to the first valve assembly via a fifth pipeline. The third power assembly is also connected to the fourth pipeline via a sixth pipeline. The second valve assembly is disposed at the connection position of the sixth pipeline and the fourth pipeline. The third power assembly is used to drive the cleaning fluid introduced from the second inlet assembly to be transported along the second pipeline, the fifth pipeline, the sixth pipeline, a portion of the fourth pipeline, and the first pipeline to the first inlet assembly.

[0006] According to some embodiments of this application, the fluid circuit module further includes a first fluid transfer component and a third valve component. The first fluid transfer component is disposed in the first pipeline and located between the first power component and the first inlet component. The third valve component is connected between the first fluid transfer component and the first inlet component. The first fluid transfer component is used to temporarily store the incoming reagent or the cleaning solution.

[0007] According to some embodiments of this application, the fluid circuit module further includes a second inlet device, a fourth valve assembly, a second fluid transfer assembly, a fifth valve assembly, and a fourth power assembly. The second inlet device is connected to the third pipeline via a seventh pipeline. The fourth valve assembly is disposed at the connection point 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 inlet device and communicates with the third power assembly via an eighth pipeline. The fifth valve assembly is disposed in the eighth pipeline. The third power assembly is also used to drive the cleaning fluid introduced from the second inlet assembly to be transported 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 is used to drive the cleaning fluid in the second fluid transfer assembly to be transported to the waste liquid storage device.

[0008] According to some embodiments of this application, the first introduction component includes a conduit and a sleeve. The conduit is connected to the first pipeline, and the sleeve is fitted over the outside of the conduit. A flow space is formed between the inner wall of the sleeve and the outer wall of the conduit, and the lower end of the conduit extends out of the sleeve. The third power component is also connected to the flow space through a ninth pipeline, and the third power component is also used to drive the cleaning fluid introduced from the second introduction component to be transported to the flow space along the second pipeline, the fifth pipeline, and the ninth pipeline.

[0009] According to some embodiments of this application, the flow rate of the third power component is greater than the flow rate of the second power component.

[0010] A second aspect of this application provides a cleaning method applied to the aforementioned liquid circuit cleaning system, the cleaning method comprising:

[0011] Step S1: Open the first valve assembly to connect the second pipeline and the fluid usage module, open the fourth valve assembly to connect the fluid usage module and the second power assembly, start the second power assembly, thereby extracting the cleaning fluid from the second fluid storage device through the second introduction assembly, and driving the cleaning fluid through the second pipeline and the third pipeline into the waste liquid storage device.

[0012] According to some embodiments of this application, the cleaning method further includes:

[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 assembly, thereby extracting the cleaning fluid from the second fluid storage device 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;

[0014] Step S3: Open the third valve assembly to connect the first fluid transfer assembly and the first inlet assembly, and start the first power assembly to drive the cleaning fluid in the first fluid transfer assembly into the first inlet 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 assembly and the second fluid transfer assembly, start the third power assembly, thereby extracting the cleaning fluid from the second fluid storage device through the second inlet assembly, and driving the cleaning fluid along the second pipeline, the fifth pipeline and the eighth pipeline into the second fluid transfer assembly;

[0016] Step S5: Open the fourth valve assembly to connect the second power assembly and the second inlet device, move the second inlet device into the second fluid transfer assembly, start the second power assembly, thereby extracting the cleaning fluid from the second fluid transfer assembly through the second inlet device, and driving the cleaning fluid into the waste liquid storage device along the seventh pipeline and the third pipeline;

[0017] Step S6: Open the first valve assembly to connect the second pipeline and the fifth pipeline, start the third power assembly, thereby extracting the cleaning fluid from the second fluid storage device through the second introduction assembly, and driving the cleaning fluid into the flow space along the second pipeline, the fifth pipeline and the ninth pipeline;

[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 fluid from the second fluid storage device through the second inlet assembly, and driving the cleaning fluid along the second pipeline, the fourth pipeline and the third pipeline into the waste liquid storage device.

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

[0020] A third aspect of this application provides a gene sequencer, including the above-described liquid path cleaning system or for running the above-described cleaning method.

[0021] The liquid cleaning system provided in this application includes a second fluid storage unit, a second inlet assembly, and a second power assembly. The second power assembly drives the second inlet assembly to extract cleaning fluid from the second fluid storage unit and deliver the cleaning fluid to the fluid usage module and its connected pipelines. During cleaning, the reagent kit does not need to be replaced with a cleaning box, achieving automated cleaning and improving production efficiency. Furthermore, an additional third power assembly is configured and connected to the liquid circuit module. Through the cooperation of each power assembly and valve assembly, all components and pipelines in the liquid circuit module can be cleaned, resulting in excellent cleaning performance. Moreover, the configuration of three power assemblies, and the ability to run the cleaning steps driven by different power assemblies in parallel, shortens cleaning time and improves cleaning efficiency. Attached Figure Description

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

[0023] Figure 1 A functional block diagram of a liquid cleaning system provided in one embodiment of this application.

[0024] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a fluid circuit module provided in one embodiment of this application.

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

[0026] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first introduced component provided in one embodiment of this application.

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

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

[0029] Figure 7 for Figure 3 The diagram shows the operation 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 working mode.

[0031] Figure 9 for Figure 3 The diagram shows the operation 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 working mode.

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

[0034] Explanation of main component symbols

[0035] Liquid cleaning system 100

[0036] Hydraulic circuit module 10

[0037] Cleaning module 20

[0038] Control Module 30

[0039] Fluid Usage Module 40

[0040] First introduction device 13

[0041] Fluid storage device 14

[0042] Waste liquid storage device 15

[0043] First fluid storage unit 141

[0044] Second fluid storage device 142

[0045] First introduced component 131

[0046] Second introduced component 132

[0047] First fluid transfer component 16

[0048] Second fluid transfer component 21

[0049] Second introduction device 17

[0050] First power component 111

[0051] Second power component 112

[0052] Third power component 113

[0053] Flow cell 41

[0054] Catheter 131a

[0055] Sleeve 131b

[0056] Cleaning tube 131c

[0057] Mounting component 131d

[0058] Main body 1311

[0059] Extension 1312

[0060] Flow space 1313

[0061] First valve assembly 121

[0062] Second valve assembly 122

[0063] 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 pipe 102

[0069] Third pipeline 103

[0070] Fourth pipeline 104

[0071] Fifth pipeline 105

[0072] Sixth Pipeline 106

[0073] Pipeline 7, 107

[0074] Eighth pipeline 108

[0075] Pipeline 9, No. 109 Detailed Implementation

[0076] The technical solutions in the embodiments of this application are described clearly and in detail below. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of this application. Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application belongs. The terminology used in the specification of this application is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit this application.

[0077] Additionally, for brevity and clarity, the dimensions or thicknesses of various components and layers may be enlarged in the accompanying drawings. Throughout the text, the same numerical values ​​refer to the same elements. As used herein, the terms "and / or" and "and / or" include any and all combinations of one or more of the associated enumerated items. Furthermore, it should be understood that when element A is referred to as "connecting" element B, element A may be directly connected to element B, or there may be an intermediate element C and element A and element B may be indirectly connected to each other.

[0078] Furthermore, when describing the implementation of this application, the word "may" refers to "one or more implementations of this application".

[0079] The technical terms used herein are for the purpose of describing particular embodiments and are not intended to limit this application. As used herein, the singular form is intended to include the plural form as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It should be further understood that the term "comprising," as used in this specification, means 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 portions, these elements, components, regions, layers, and / or portions should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer, or portion from another element, component, region, layer, or portion. Therefore, the first element, component, region, layer, or portion discussed below may be referred to as the second element, component, region, layer, or portion without departing from the teachings of the exemplary embodiments.

[0081] Please see Figure 1This application provides a liquid path cleaning system 100, which can be applied to gene sequencers and other in vitro diagnostic instruments, such as blood cell analyzers and biochemical analyzers. The liquid path cleaning system 100 includes a liquid path module 10, a cleaning module 20, and a control module 30. The liquid path module 10 transports fluid to a fluid usage module 40 for use by the fluid usage module 40. The fluid usage module 40 is a system for using fluids and is the destination for the fluid transported by the liquid path module 10. The cleaning module 20 transports cleaning fluid to the liquid path module 10 and / or the fluid usage module 40. The control module 30 is connected to the liquid path module 10 and the cleaning module 20 and controls the liquid path module 10 and the cleaning module 20 to complete the fluid transport.

[0082] Please see Figure 2 The fluid circuit module 10 includes a power unit, a valve device, a first inlet device 13, a fluid storage device 14, and a waste liquid storage device 15. The fluid storage device 14 stores fluid that needs to be transported to the fluid use module 40. The first inlet device 13 introduces fluid from the fluid storage device 14. The power unit is connected to the first inlet device 13 and the fluid use module 40 via the valve device, enabling the fluid introduced through the first inlet device 13 to be transported to the fluid use module 40, or enabling the fluid introduced through the first inlet device 13 to be transported within the fluid circuit module 10.

[0083] Please see Figure 2 The fluid storage device 14 includes a first fluid storage unit 141 and a second fluid storage unit 142, which are independent of each other. The first fluid storage unit 141 is used to store reagents participating in the biochemical reaction, and the second fluid storage unit 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 participating in the biochemical reaction from the first fluid storage unit 141, and the second introduction component 132 is used to introduce cleaning fluid from the second fluid storage unit 142. The number of first introduction components 131 and first fluid storage units 141 can both be one or more, and multiple first introduction components 131 correspond one-to-one with multiple first fluid storage units 141. The number of second introduction components 132 and second fluid storage units 142 can both be one or more, and multiple second introduction components 132 correspond one-to-one with multiple second fluid storage units 142. Figure 2The diagram illustrates two first fluid storage units 141, two second fluid storage units 142, two first inlet components 131, and two second inlet components 132. The first fluid storage units 141 and 142 can be any container capable of holding fluid. In this embodiment, both the first fluid storage units 141 and 142 are test tubes, and they are integrated into a reagent kit. The first inlet components 131 and 132 can be any device capable of extracting liquid. In this embodiment, both the first inlet components 131 and 132 are reagent needles.

[0084] The valve device includes a first valve assembly 121. A first inlet assembly 131 is selectively connected to the first valve assembly 121 via a first pipe 101, and a second inlet assembly 132 is selectively connected to the first valve assembly 121 via a second pipe 102. The first valve assembly 121 is selectively connected to the waste liquid storage device 15 via a third pipe 103. A fluid utilization module 40 is disposed in the third pipe 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 pipe 101. The second power assembly 112 is disposed in the third pipe 103, and the first power assembly 111 and the second power assembly 112 are disposed on the upstream and downstream sides of the fluid utilization module 40. Both the first power assembly 111 and the second power assembly 112 can drive fluid movement in both positive and negative directions. The positive direction refers to the direction in which the fluid flows toward the waste liquid storage device 15, and the negative direction refers to the direction in which the fluid flows toward the first inlet device 13. The first power assembly 111 and the second power assembly 112 are used to drive the reagent introduced from the first inlet assembly 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 inlet assembly 132 to be transported in the third pipeline 103. When the first valve assembly 121 connects the first pipeline 101 and the third pipeline 103, and both the first power assembly 111 and the second power assembly 112 are activated, the reagent can be introduced from the first inlet assembly 131 and allowed to flow into the fluid use module 40 to participate in the biochemical reaction. When the first valve assembly 121 connects 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 inlet assembly 132 and allowed to flow 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 fluid flow, such as air pumps, syringe pumps, plunger pumps, diaphragm pumps, gear pumps, peristaltic pumps, etc.

[0085] In some embodiments, the second power assembly 112 contains a valve assembly (not shown) that can selectively connect to the third pipeline 103 to allow the fluid usage module 40 to connect to the waste liquid storage device 15 via the second power assembly 112, or the valve assembly can disconnect the third pipeline 103 to prevent the fluid usage module 40 from connecting to the waste liquid storage device 15. The second power assembly 112 is located downstream of the fluid usage module 40 and the first power assembly 111. When the second power assembly 112 is not activated and its internal valve assembly is not open, the first power assembly 111 cannot drive the fluid introduced by the first inlet device 13 into the fluid usage module 40.

[0086] Please see Figure 2 The second power assembly 112 is also selectively connected to the first valve assembly 121 via the fourth conduit 104, and the second power assembly 112 is also selectively connected to the fourth conduit 104 via its internal valve assembly. The second power assembly 112 is also used in conjunction with the first power assembly 111 to drive the delivery of reagents introduced from the first inlet assembly 131 in the first conduit 101 and the fourth conduit 104. The second power assembly 112 is also used to drive the delivery of cleaning fluid introduced from the second inlet assembly 132 in the second conduit 102 and the fourth conduit 104. When the second power assembly 112 is connected to the third conduit 103 and the fourth conduit 104, the reagent introduced from the first inlet assembly 131 or the cleaning fluid introduced from the second inlet assembly 132 can flow directly into the waste liquid storage device 15 through the first valve assembly 121, the fourth conduit 104, the second power assembly 112, and part of the third conduit 103, without passing through the fluid use module 40.

[0087] Please see Figure 2The fluid circuit module 10 also includes a first fluid transfer assembly 16. The first fluid transfer assembly 16 is disposed in the first pipeline 101 and located between the first power assembly 111 and the first inlet assembly 131, for temporarily storing fluid flowing in either the forward or reverse direction. The first fluid transfer assembly 16 can be a container or pipeline connected between the first power assembly 111 and the first inlet assembly 131, or it can be a cavity within the first power assembly 111 itself. In this embodiment, the first fluid transfer assembly 16 is a container, and it includes multiple independent cavities 161, each cavity 161 being connected to a corresponding first inlet assembly 131. The valve device also includes a third valve assembly 123, which is connected between the first fluid transfer assembly 16 and the first inlet assembly 131. When the first valve assembly 121 is closed and the third valve assembly 123 is open, the first power assembly 111 can drive the first inlet assembly 131 to introduce reagents from the first fluid storage unit 141 and allow them to flow into and be temporarily stored in the first fluid transfer assembly 16. Alternatively, the first power assembly 111 can also drive the fluid (such as cleaning fluid) temporarily stored in the first fluid transfer assembly 16 to flow into the first inlet assembly 131 for cleaning. In this embodiment, the first power assembly 111 is an air pump. The first power assembly 111 can generate negative pressure to allow fluid to flow into the first fluid transfer assembly 16, causing the liquid level inside to rise; the first power assembly 111 can also generate positive pressure to allow fluid to flow out of the first fluid transfer assembly 16, causing the liquid level inside to drop.

[0088] Please see Figure 2 The fluid circuit module 10 also includes a second inlet device 17, which is connected to the third pipe 103 via a seventh pipe 107. The valve device also includes a fourth valve assembly 124, which is located at the connection point between the third pipe 103 and the seventh pipe 107, between the fluid usage module 40 and the second power assembly 112. The fourth valve assembly 124 and the first valve assembly 121 are located upstream and downstream of the fluid usage module 40. The fourth valve assembly 124 can selectively connect the second inlet device 17 and the second power assembly 112, or connect the fluid usage module 40 and the second power assembly 112. When the second power assembly 112 is connected to the second inlet device 17 via the fourth valve assembly 124, the second power assembly 112 generates power to allow the second inlet device 17 to extract fluid from a container (not shown) or discharge fluid into a container. The function of the second inlet device 17 in extracting or discharging fluid is not limited; for example, it can be used for preprocessing the DNA sample to be tested, such as purification, circularization, rolling circle amplification, etc. In this embodiment, the second introduction device 17 is a reagent needle.

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

[0090] In some embodiments, the first fluid transfer assembly 16 is provided with a heating element (not shown) 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 gases in the reagent.

[0091] Please see Figure 2 In some embodiments, the fluid use module 40 employs a slide with a flow cell 41. The slide is provided with at least two openings (not shown), through which fluid flows into the flow cell 41 and out of the flow cell 41 through the other opening.

[0092] Please see 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 via a fifth pipe 105 and to the fourth pipe 104 via a sixth pipe 106. The second valve assembly 122 is located at the connection point between the sixth pipe 106 and the fourth pipe 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 pipe 101 and the fourth pipe 104, and connects the second pipe 102 and the fifth pipe 105, and the second valve assembly 122 connects the fourth pipe 104 and the sixth pipe 106, the third power assembly 113 can drive the cleaning fluid to flow along the second pipe 102, the sixth pipe 106, the fourth pipe 104, and the first pipe 101 into the first fluid transfer assembly 16 for cleaning. The third power unit 113 can be a pump of various types for driving fluid flow, such as an air pump, syringe pump, plunger pump, diaphragm pump, gear pump, peristaltic pump, etc.

[0093] Please see Figure 3The cleaning module 20 also includes a second fluid transfer assembly 21 and a fifth valve assembly 125. The second fluid transfer assembly 21 is connected to the third power assembly 113 via an eighth pipeline 108, and the fifth valve assembly 125 is disposed in the eighth pipeline 108. The second fluid transfer assembly 21 is used to temporarily store the incoming fluid. The second fluid transfer assembly 21 corresponds to the second inlet device 17, which can extend into the second fluid transfer assembly 21 and extract the fluid therein. When the first valve assembly 121 connects the second pipeline 102 and the fifth pipeline 105, and the fifth valve assembly 125 is open, activating the third power assembly 113 can drive the cleaning fluid introduced by the second inlet assembly 132 to flow into the second fluid transfer assembly 21 for cleaning the second inlet device 17. In some other possible implementations, 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 open, the third power assembly 113 can be activated to drive the reagent introduced by the first introduction assembly 131 into the second fluid transfer assembly 21 for extraction by the second introduction device 17.

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

[0095] Please see Figure 3 The cleaning module 20 also 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, reducing the risk of fluid overflow from the second fluid transfer assembly 21. The fourth power assembly 114 can be any type of pump used to drive fluid flow, such as an air pump, syringe pump, plunger pump, diaphragm pump, gear pump, peristaltic pump, etc.

[0096] Please see Figure 4In some embodiments, the first introductory assembly 131 includes a conduit 131a, a sleeve 131b fitted over the outside of 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 via a portion of the first conduit 101 and is used to extend into the first fluid storage unit 141 to extract reagents. The conduit 131a can be a reagent needle. The mounting member 131d includes a main body 1311 and an extension 1312 extending outward from the main body 1311. The mounting member 131d has a mounting hole (not shown) that passes through the main body 1311 and the extension 1312, and the conduit 131a is fixedly mounted in the mounting hole. In this 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. The inner wall of the sleeve 131b is spaced apart from the outer wall of the extension 1312, thereby forming a flow space 1313 between the sleeve 131b and the extension 1312. A 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 fluid 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 outside 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 this application, the lower end of the sleeve 131b refers to the end of the sleeve 131b that is away from the first conduit 101, and the lower end of the extension 1312 refers to the end of the extension 1312 that is away from the first conduit 101. In other embodiments, the extension 1312 may 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] Please refer to the following: Figure 3 The third power assembly 113 is also connected to the cleaning pipe 131c of the first inlet assembly 131 via the ninth pipe 109. A sixth valve assembly 126 is provided in the ninth pipe 109. When the first valve assembly 121 is connected to the second pipe 102 and the fifth pipe 105, and the sixth valve assembly 126 is open, the third power assembly 113 can drive the cleaning fluid introduced by the second inlet assembly 132 to flow into the cleaning pipe 131c.

[0098] In some embodiments, the ninth conduit 109 includes multiple branches 109a, which are connected to the cleaning pipes 131c of multiple first inlet components 131, and each branch 109a is provided with a valve assembly (not shown) to independently control the cleaning of the outer wall of the conduit 131a of each first inlet component 131 by the cleaning fluid.

[0099] In some implementations, both the third power assembly 113 and the second power assembly 112 are 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 all be various types of rotary valves, slider valves, solenoid valves, or combinations thereof.

[0101] The control module 30 is connected to each power component and each valve component to control the opening and closing of each power component and each valve. By controlling the opening and closing of each power component and each valve, multiple cleaning modes of the liquid circuit 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 usage module 40, the fourth valve assembly 124, and the second power assembly 112 on the third pipeline 103 are cleaned.

[0104] Please see Figure 5 In the first cleaning mode, the first valve assembly 121 is opened to connect the second pipeline 102 and the fluid usage module 40, the fourth valve assembly 124 is opened to connect the fluid usage module 40 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. Thus, the cleaning fluid is extracted from the second fluid storage device 142 through the second inlet assembly 132, and the cleaning fluid is driven through the second pipeline 102 along the first valve assembly 121, the fluid usage module 40, the fourth valve assembly 124 and the second power assembly 112 into the waste liquid storage device 15, thereby cleaning the third pipeline 103 and the first valve assembly 121, the fluid usage module 40, the fourth valve assembly 124 and the second power assembly 112 disposed in the third pipeline 103.

[0105] In the first cleaning mode, when the fourth valve assembly 124 is not installed in the third pipeline 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 pipeline 101 are cleaned.

[0108] Please see Figure 6In the second cleaning mode, the first valve assembly 121 opens to connect the second pipeline 102 and the fifth pipeline 105, and the second valve assembly 122 opens to connect the fourth pipeline 104 and the sixth pipeline 106. Then, the first valve assembly 121 opens to connect the first pipeline 101 and the fourth pipeline 104, the remaining valve assemblies close, the third power assembly 113 starts, and the remaining power assemblies close. This allows cleaning fluid to be extracted from the second fluid storage unit 142 via the second inlet assembly 132, and the cleaning fluid is driven along the second pipeline 102 through the first valve assembly 105. 21 enters the fifth pipeline 105, then enters the sixth pipeline 106 via the third power assembly 113, then enters the fourth pipeline 104 located between the second valve assembly 122 and the first valve assembly 121 via the second valve assembly 122, then enters the first pipeline 101 via the first valve assembly 121 again, and thus enters the first fluid transfer assembly 16, completing the cleaning of the fourth pipeline 104, the first valve assembly 121, the first pipeline 101 and the first fluid transfer assembly 16 located between the second valve assembly 122 and the first valve assembly 121.

[0109] Third cleaning mode

[0110] In the third cleaning mode, the inner walls of the third valve assembly 123 and the first inlet assembly 131 are cleaned. The third cleaning mode is performed after the second cleaning mode.

[0111] Please see Figure 6 and Figure 7 The third cleaning mode is executed. When the cleaning fluid driven into the first fluid transfer assembly 16 by the third power assembly 113 reaches the preset level, the third power assembly 113 closes, thereby stopping the delivery of cleaning fluid to the first fluid transfer assembly 16. Then, the third valve assembly 123 opens to connect the first fluid transfer assembly 16 and the first inlet assembly 131, while the other valve assemblies close. The first power assembly 111 starts, and the other power assemblies close, thereby generating positive pressure in the cavity 161, forcing the cleaning fluid in the first fluid transfer assembly 16 to enter the third valve assembly 123 through a portion of the first pipeline 101, and then enter the first inlet assembly 131 through a portion of the first pipeline 101, completing the cleaning of the first pipeline 101 between the third valve assembly 123, the first fluid transfer assembly 16, and the first inlet assembly 131, as well as the inner wall of the first inlet assembly 131.

[0112] In some embodiments, a level sensor (not shown) is provided in the first fluid transfer assembly 16. The level sensor is connected to the control module 30 and is used to detect the level of the cleaning fluid in the first fluid transfer assembly 16. When the detected level reaches a preset level, the control module 30 controls the third power assembly 113 to stop working, thereby stopping the delivery of cleaning fluid to the first fluid transfer assembly 16.

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

[0114] Fourth cleaning mode

[0115] In the fourth cleaning mode, the cleaning fluid is delivered to the second fluid transfer assembly 21 for cleaning by the second inlet device 17.

[0116] Please see 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, the remaining valve assemblies are closed, the third power assembly 113 is started, and the remaining power assemblies are closed, thereby extracting cleaning fluid from the second fluid storage unit 142 through the second inlet assembly 132, and driving the cleaning fluid along the second pipeline 102 through the first valve assembly 121 into the fifth pipeline 105, and through the third power assembly 113, the fifth valve assembly 125 and the eighth pipeline 108 into the second fluid transfer assembly 21.

[0117] In the fourth cleaning mode, the fourth power unit 114 is also started simultaneously with the third power unit 113 to transport the excess cleaning fluid in the second fluid transfer unit 21 to the waste liquid storage device 15.

[0118] Fifth cleaning mode

[0119] In the fifth cleaning mode, the second inlet device 17 is cleaned. The fourth and fifth cleaning modes can be run in parallel or executed sequentially. If, in the fourth cleaning mode, the cleaning fluid supplied to the second fluid transfer component 21 is sufficient for the fifth cleaning mode, the fourth cleaning mode can be executed first, followed by the fifth cleaning mode. If, in the fourth cleaning mode, the cleaning fluid supplied to the second fluid transfer component 21 is less than the required cleaning fluid for the fifth cleaning mode, both the fourth and fifth cleaning modes are executed simultaneously.

[0120] Please see Figure 9In the fifth cleaning mode, the fourth valve assembly 124 is opened to connect the second power assembly 112 and the second inlet device 17, while the remaining valve assemblies are closed. The second inlet device 17 moves into the second fluid transfer assembly 21, the second power assembly 112 is activated, and the remaining power assemblies are closed. Thus, cleaning fluid is extracted from the second fluid transfer assembly 21 through the second inlet device 17 and driven through the second inlet 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 enter the waste liquid storage device 15. This completes the cleaning of the inner and outer walls of the second inlet 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, and the third pipeline 103 between the second power assembly 112 and the waste liquid storage device 15. When the second inlet device 17 moves into the second fluid transfer assembly 21, the second inlet device 17 is immersed in the cleaning liquid contained in the second fluid transfer assembly 21 to clean the outer wall of the second inlet device 17.

[0121] Sixth cleaning mode

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

[0123] Please see 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 inlet assembly 131, the remaining valve assemblies are closed, the third power assembly 113 is started, and the remaining power assemblies are closed, thereby extracting cleaning fluid from the second fluid storage device 142 through the second inlet assembly 132, and driving the cleaning fluid 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 components 131 are connected to the third power component 113 through multiple branches 109a, the third power component 113 starts when the valve assembly on the corresponding branch 109a is opened according to the first inlet component 131 to be cleaned. This drives the cleaning fluid to enter the cleaning pipe 131c along the opened valve assembly on the branch 109a to clean the outer wall of the first inlet component 131 to be cleaned. In some embodiments, the valve assembly may not be provided on the branch 109a, and the third power component 113 drives the cleaning fluid into each branch 109a to clean the outer wall of all first inlet components 131 simultaneously.

[0125] Seventh cleaning mode

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

[0127] Please see 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. Thus, the cleaning fluid is extracted from the second fluid storage device 142 through the second inlet assembly 132, and the cleaning fluid is driven 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, a fourth cleaning mode is first executed to deliver the cleaning fluid to the second fluid transfer assembly 21, then a fifth cleaning mode is executed to clean the second inlet device 17, and simultaneously a sixth cleaning mode is executed to clean the outer wall of the first inlet assembly 131; or, the second cleaning mode is executed simultaneously with the fifth cleaning mode to clean the first fluid transfer assembly 16, and then a third cleaning mode is executed to clean the inner wall of the first inlet assembly 131. In another embodiment, the second cleaning mode is first executed to clean the first fluid transfer assembly 16, then a third cleaning mode is executed to clean the inner wall of the first inlet assembly 131, and simultaneously a seventh cleaning mode is executed to clean the entire fourth pipeline 104; or, the first cleaning mode is executed simultaneously with the third cleaning mode to clean the fluid usage module 40; or, the fourth and fifth cleaning modes are executed simultaneously with the third cleaning mode.

[0129] This application also provides a cleaning method for the above-described liquid circuit cleaning system 100. Depending on different needs, the order of steps in the cleaning method can be changed, and some steps can be omitted or combined. The cleaning process includes the following steps:

[0130] Step S1: Open the first valve assembly 121 to connect the second pipeline 102 and the fluid usage module 40, open the fourth valve assembly 124 to connect the fluid usage module 40 and the second power assembly 112, and start the second power assembly 112 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, and start the third power assembly 113 to execute the second cleaning mode.

[0132] Step S3: Open the third valve assembly 123 to connect the first fluid transfer assembly 16 and the first inlet assembly 131, and start the first power assembly 111 to execute the third cleaning mode.

[0133] Step S4: Open the first valve assembly 121 to connect the second pipeline 102 and the fifth pipeline 105, open the fifth valve assembly 125 to connect the third power assembly 113 and the second fluid transfer assembly 21, and start the third power assembly 113 to execute the fourth cleaning mode.

[0134] Step S5: Open the fourth valve assembly 124 to connect the second power assembly 112 and the second inlet device 17, move the second inlet device 17 into the second fluid transfer assembly 21, and start the second power assembly 112 to execute the fifth cleaning mode.

[0135] Step S6: Open the first valve assembly 121 to connect the second pipeline 102 and the fifth pipeline 105, open the sixth valve assembly 126 to connect the third power assembly 113 and the cleaning pipe 131c of the first inlet assembly 131, and start the third power assembly 113 to execute the sixth cleaning mode.

[0136] Step S7: Open the first valve assembly 121 to connect the second pipeline 102 and the fourth pipeline 104, open the second valve assembly 122 to connect the first valve assembly 121 and the second power assembly 112, and start the second power assembly 112 to execute the seventh cleaning mode.

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

[0138] The above-disclosed embodiments are merely preferred embodiments of this application and should not be construed as limiting the scope of this application. Therefore, any equivalent variations made in accordance with this application are still within the scope of this 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 unit, a second fluid storage unit, a first inlet assembly, a second inlet assembly, a first valve assembly, a first power assembly, a second power assembly, and a waste liquid storage device. The first fluid storage unit is used to store reagents participating in biochemical reactions, the second fluid storage unit is used to store cleaning fluid, the first inlet assembly is used to introduce the reagents from the first fluid storage unit, the second inlet assembly is used to introduce the cleaning fluid from the second fluid storage unit, the first inlet assembly is selectively connected to the first valve assembly via a first pipeline, the second inlet assembly is selectively connected to the first valve assembly via a second pipeline, the first valve assembly is selectively connected to the waste liquid storage device via a third pipeline, the first power assembly is disposed in the first pipeline, the second power assembly and the fluid usage module are both disposed in the third pipeline, the first power assembly and the second power assembly are disposed on the upstream and downstream sides of the fluid usage module, the first power assembly and the second power assembly are used to cooperate in driving the reagents introduced from the first inlet assembly to be transported along the first pipeline and the third pipeline, and the second power assembly is also used to drive the cleaning fluid introduced from the second inlet assembly to be transported along the second pipeline and the third pipeline; The second power assembly is selectively connected to the first valve assembly via a fourth pipeline. The liquid 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 via a fifth pipeline. The third power assembly is also connected to the fourth pipeline via a sixth pipeline. The second valve assembly is located at the connection point between the sixth pipeline and the fourth pipeline. The third power assembly is used to drive the cleaning fluid introduced from the second inlet assembly to be transported along the second pipeline, the fifth pipeline, the sixth pipeline, part of the fourth pipeline, and the first pipeline to the first inlet assembly. The first inlet assembly includes a conduit and a sleeve. The conduit is connected to the first pipeline, and the sleeve is fitted over the outside of the conduit. 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. The third power assembly is also connected to the flow space through a ninth pipeline. The third power assembly is also used to drive the cleaning fluid introduced from the second inlet assembly to be transported to the flow space along the second pipeline, the fifth pipeline, and the ninth pipeline.

2. The liquid cleaning system as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The fluid circuit module further includes a first fluid transfer component and a third valve component. The first fluid transfer component is disposed in the first pipeline and located between the first power component and the first inlet component. The third valve component is connected between the first fluid transfer component and the first inlet component. The first fluid transfer component is used to temporarily store the incoming reagent or cleaning solution.

3. The liquid cleaning system as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The fluid circuit module further includes a second inlet device, a second fluid transfer assembly, a fourth valve assembly, a fifth valve assembly, and a fourth power assembly. The second inlet device is connected to the third pipeline via a seventh pipeline. The fourth valve assembly is located at the connection point of the third pipeline and the seventh pipeline and is situated between the fluid usage module and the second power assembly. The second fluid transfer assembly is opposite to the second inlet device and communicates with the third power assembly via an eighth pipeline. The fifth valve assembly is located in the eighth pipeline. The third power assembly is also used to drive the cleaning fluid introduced from the second inlet assembly to be transported along the second pipeline, the fifth pipeline, and the eighth pipeline to the second fluid transfer assembly. The fourth power assembly is connected between the second fluid transfer assembly and the waste liquid storage device, and is used to drive the cleaning fluid in the second fluid transfer assembly to be transported to the waste liquid storage device.

4. The liquid cleaning system as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The flow rate of the third power component is greater than that of the second power component.

5. A cleaning method, applied to the liquid circuit cleaning system as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The cleaning method includes: Step S1: Open the first valve assembly to connect the second pipeline and the fluid usage module, open the fourth valve assembly to connect the fluid usage module and the second power assembly, start the second power assembly, thereby extracting the cleaning fluid from the second fluid storage device through the second introduction assembly, and driving the cleaning fluid through the second pipeline and the third pipeline into the waste liquid storage device.

6. The cleaning method as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The cleaning method further includes: 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 assembly, thereby extracting the cleaning fluid from the second fluid storage device 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: Open the third valve assembly to connect the first fluid transfer assembly and the first inlet assembly, and start the first power assembly to drive the cleaning fluid in the first fluid transfer assembly into the first inlet assembly; 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 assembly and the second fluid transfer assembly, start the third power assembly, thereby extracting the cleaning fluid from the second fluid storage device through the second inlet 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: Open the fourth valve assembly to connect the second power assembly and the second inlet device, move the second inlet device into the second fluid transfer assembly, start the second power assembly, thereby extracting the cleaning fluid from the second fluid transfer assembly through the second inlet device, and driving the cleaning fluid into the waste liquid storage device along the seventh pipeline and the third pipeline; Step S6: Open the first valve assembly to connect the second pipeline and the fifth pipeline, start the third power assembly, thereby extracting the cleaning fluid from the second fluid storage device through the second introduction assembly, and driving the cleaning fluid into the flow space along the second pipeline, the fifth pipeline and the ninth pipeline; 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 fluid from the second fluid storage device through the second inlet assembly, and driving the cleaning fluid along the second pipeline, the fourth pipeline and the third pipeline into the waste liquid storage device.

7. The cleaning method as described in claim 6, characterized in that, Step S5 and step S6 can be run in parallel, or step S5 and step S2 can be run in parallel, or step S5 and step S3 can be run in parallel, or step S5 and step S4 can be run in parallel, or step S3 and step S7 can be run in parallel, or step S3 and step S1 can be run in parallel.

8. A gene sequencer, characterized in that, Includes the liquid cleaning system as described in any one of claims 1-4 or for operating the cleaning method as described in any one of claims 5-7.

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