Microfluidic mixer

Abstract

The invention relates to the technical field of microfluidic mixing, in particular to a microfluidic mixer. The mixer body is provided with a mixing flow channel, an outlet and a plurality of inlets, the inlets and the outlet are communicated with the mixing flow channel, the mixing flow channel comprises a separation flow channel, a first steering flow channel, a merging flow channel and a second steering flow channel which are communicated in sequence, and the separation flow channel is located at the upstream of the first steering flow channel; the plurality of first steering flow channels are respectively communicated with the separation flow channel and the merging flow channel, the first steering flow channels are used for enabling the arrangement direction of the first liquid and the second liquid to be parallel to a first direction, the second steering flow channels are used for enabling the arrangement direction of the first liquid and the second liquid to be parallel to a second direction, and the first direction is perpendicular to the second direction. According to the mixing flow channel, the number of spacing layers of the first liquid and the second liquid can be increased so as to improve the mixing effect between the first liquid and the second liquid, the micro-fluidic mixer does not need to be provided with an additional power part for mixing, the structure is simple, and the manufacturing cost is low.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of microfluidic mixing, and in particular to a microfluidic mixer. BACKGROUND

[0002] Microfluidic technology has attracted much attention due to its wide application prospects in the fields of chemistry, biology and biomedicine. One of the core challenges is the efficient mixing of fluids in miniaturized devices. Since the characteristic size of microchannels is usually on the order of tens to hundreds of microns, fluid flow is in a low Reynolds number laminar flow state, and molecular diffusion becomes the dominant mixing mechanism, which makes it difficult to mix fluids. In order to increase the mixing efficiency of fluids, active mixing methods need to be used.

[0003] In the related art, the manufacturing cost of the mixer is high. SUMMARY

[0004] The present application aims to at least solve one of the technical problems existing in the prior art. To this end, the present application provides a microfluidic mixer, which can have high mixing efficiency.

[0005] The microfluidic mixer according to the first aspect of the present application comprises: The mixer body has a mixing flow channel, an outlet and a plurality of inlets, the inlets and the outlet are respectively communicated with the mixing flow channel, a first liquid and a second liquid can enter the mixing flow channel from different inlets, and the first liquid and the second liquid can flow out of the mixing flow channel from the outlet after passing through the mixing flow channel; The mixing flow channel comprises a separation flow channel, a first turning flow channel, a merging flow channel and a second turning flow channel which are sequentially communicated, the number of the first turning flow channels is multiple, the separation flow channel is located upstream of the first turning flow channels, the plurality of first turning flow channels are respectively communicated with the separation flow channel and the merging flow channel, the first turning flow channels are used to make the arrangement direction of the first liquid and the second liquid parallel to a first direction, the second turning flow channel is used to make the arrangement direction of the first liquid and the second liquid parallel to a second direction, and the first direction and the second direction are arranged vertically.

[0006] The microfluidic mixer according to the embodiments of the present application has at least the following beneficial effects: In the scheme of the embodiment of the application, the first liquid and the second liquid can enter the mixing channel from different inlets respectively, the first liquid and the second liquid are divided into two parts through the separation channel of the mixing channel, each part includes the first liquid and the second liquid, the arrangement direction of the first liquid and the second liquid can be changed through the first turning channel, and the two parts can be combined in the mixing channel after the first turning. When the concentrations of the first fluid and the second fluid are different, the first liquid and the second liquid can form a four-layer interval arrangement structure distributed in the second direction in the mixing channel, and the arrangement direction of the first liquid and the second liquid can be changed to the first direction through the second turning channel so as to continue to be divided or flow out. The mixing channel of the application can increase the interval layers of the first liquid and the second liquid to improve the mixing effect between the first liquid and the second liquid, thereby improving the mixing efficiency of the micro-fluidic mixer. In addition, the micro-fluidic mixer of the application does not need to be provided with additional power for mixing, the structure is relatively simple, and the manufacturing cost is relatively low.

[0007] According to some embodiments of the application, the first turning channel includes a first segment, a second segment, a third segment and a fourth segment which are sequentially communicated, the first segment is communicated with the separation channel, the first segment and the fourth segment extend along a third direction, the second segment extends along the first direction, the third segment extends along the second direction, and the third direction is arranged perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction.

[0008] According to some embodiments of the application, the second turning channel includes a fifth segment, a sixth segment and a seventh segment which are sequentially communicated, the fifth segment is communicated with the combination channel, the fifth segment extends along the first direction, the sixth segment extends along the second direction, and the seventh segment extends along the third direction, and the third direction is arranged perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction.

[0009] According to some embodiments of the application, the number of the mixing channels is multiple, and the multiple mixing channels are connected in series and sequentially communicated.

[0010] According to some embodiments of the application, the mixer body further has a distribution channel, the inlet is communicated with the distribution channel, the distribution channel has multiple distribution ports, and each distribution port is respectively communicated with the mixing channel.

[0011] According to some embodiments of the present application, the distribution channel comprises a first distribution section, a second distribution section and a third distribution section communicated in sequence, the first distribution section is located upstream of the second distribution section, the distribution port is formed in the third distribution section, the first distribution section comprises a first distribution passage extending along a third direction, the second distribution section comprises a second distribution passage extending along the third direction, the third distribution section comprises a third distribution passage extending along the third direction, the third direction is arranged perpendicularly to the first direction and the second direction, along the third direction, the size of the first distribution passage is greater than the size of the second distribution passage, and the size of the second distribution passage is greater than the size of the third distribution passage.

[0012] According to some embodiments of the present application, along the third direction, the size of the first distribution passage, the second distribution passage and the third distribution passage are all greater than or equal to 300 μm, and all less than or equal to 1000 μm.

[0013] According to some embodiments of the present application, along the second direction, the size of the first distribution passage is greater than the size of the second distribution passage, and the size of the second distribution passage is greater than the size of the third distribution passage.

[0014] According to some embodiments of the present application, the inlet comprises a first inlet and a second inlet, the mixer body further has a first liquid inlet channel communicated with the first inlet and a second liquid inlet channel communicated with the second inlet, the first liquid inlet channel and the second liquid inlet channel are both communicated with the mixing channel, and the first liquid inlet channel and the second liquid inlet channel are arranged along the first direction.

[0015] According to some embodiments of the present application, the mixer body comprises a top plate and a bottom plate, the top plate and the bottom plate are arranged along the first direction, the top plate can be covered on the bottom plate, the inlet and the outlet are both formed in the top plate, and the top plate and the bottom plate enclose the mixing channel.

[0016] Additional aspects and advantages of the present application will be part of the description below, part will become apparent from the description below, or will be learned by practice of the present application. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0017] The present application will be further described below in combination with the drawings and embodiments, wherein: Figure 1 It is an exploded schematic view of the microfluidic mixer in an embodiment of the present application; Figure 2 It is a schematic view of the fluid domain in the mixing channel in an embodiment of the present application; Figure 3 It is Figure 2Enlarged view of the middle position A; Figure 4 A bottom view of the top plate in an embodiment of the present application; Figure 5 A bottom view of the top plate in an embodiment of the present application; Figure 4 Enlarged view of the middle position B; Figure 6 A top view of the bottom plate in an embodiment of the present application; Figure 7 A top view of the bottom plate in an embodiment of the present application; Figure 6 Enlarged view of the middle position C.

[0018] Reference signs: 100, mixer body; 100a, first inlet; 100b, second inlet; 100c, outlet; 100d, first liquid inlet channel; 100e, second liquid inlet channel; 110, top plate; 120, bottom plate; 200, mixing channel; 210, division channel; 220, first diversion channel; 221, first section; 222, second section; 223, third section; 224, fourth section; 230, merging channel; 231, eighth section; 232, ninth section; 240, second diversion channel; 241, fifth section; 242, sixth section; 243, seventh section; 300, distribution channel; 300a, distribution port; 310, first distribution section; 311, first distribution passage; 320, second distribution section; 321, second distribution passage; 330, third distribution section; 331, third distribution passage. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] Embodiments of the present application are described below in detail, examples of which are shown in the drawings, wherein the same or similar notations represent the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below by referring to the drawings are exemplary, only for explaining the present application, and cannot be understood as a limitation of the present application.

[0020] In the description of the present application, it is understood that the orientation description, such as the orientation or position relationship indicated by up, down, front, back, left, right, etc. is based on the orientation or position relationship shown in the drawings, only for the convenience of describing the present application and simplifying the description, and does not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a particular orientation, be constructed and operated in a particular orientation, and therefore cannot be understood as a limitation of the present application.

[0021] In the description of the present application, the meaning of several is more than one, the meaning of multiple is more than two, greater than, less than, more than, etc. are understood as not including the number, above, below, etc. are understood as including the number. If it is described as first, second, it is only used for the purpose of distinguishing technical features, and cannot be understood as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of indicated technical features or the sequence of indicated technical features.

[0022] In the description of the present application, unless otherwise explicitly limited, the words such as setting, installing, connecting, etc. should be broadly understood, and those skilled in the art can reasonably determine the specific meaning of the above words in the present application in combination with the specific content of the technical solution.

[0023] In the description of the present application, the description of the terms "one embodiment", "some embodiments", "exemplary embodiment", "example", "specific example", or "some examples" means that the specific features, structures, materials or characteristics described in combination with the embodiment or example are included in at least one embodiment or example of the present application. In the present specification, the exemplary description of the above terms does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Moreover, the specific features, structures, materials or characteristics described can be combined in any one or more embodiments or examples in a suitable manner.

[0024] In the related art, in order to increase the mixing efficiency of the liquid, the mixer usually adopts an active mixer to rely on external energy input such as electricity, magnetism, sound, mechanical energy, periodic flow change, etc. to enhance mixing by strengthening transverse flow. Thus, the mixer can achieve rapid mixing in a wider Reynolds number range. Such active mixer needs to set up additional mixing device and needs to connect external energy, and the manufacturing cost of the mixer is higher, and the energy consumed in the mixing process is also more.

[0025] The mixing flow channel 200 of the microfluidic mixer of the embodiment of the present application includes a separation flow channel, a first turning flow channel 220, a merging flow channel 230 and a second turning flow channel 240. The first liquid and the second liquid can gradually increase the number of spacing layers in the process of flowing from the inlet to the outlet 100c, so as to be more fully mixed. The mixing process of the microfluidic mixer of the present application does not need external energy.

[0026] The present application provides a microfluidic mixer, please refer to Figures 1 to 3The microfluidic mixer comprises a mixer body 100 having a mixing flow channel 200, an outlet 100c and a plurality of inlets. Exemplarily, the inlets comprise a first inlet 100a and a second inlet 100b, the first inlet 100a, the second inlet 100b and the outlet 100c are respectively in communication with the mixing flow channel 200, a first liquid can enter the mixing flow channel 200 from the first inlet 100a, a second liquid can enter the mixing flow channel 200 from the second inlet 100b, and the first liquid and the second liquid can flow out of the mixing flow channel 200 from the outlet 100c after passing through the mixing flow channel 200. Exemplarily, the first inlet 100a and the second inlet 100b are both located upstream of the mixing flow channel 200, and the outlet 100c is located downstream of the mixing flow channel 200. The components of the first liquid and the second liquid are at least partially inconsistent, and the concentrations of the first liquid and the second liquid are not the same. The first inlet 100a and the second inlet 100b can be directly or indirectly in communication with the mixing flow channel 200. The first inlet 100a, the second inlet 100b and the outlet 100c all extend along a first direction, and the first direction is arranged in parallel with the vertical direction. The mixing flow channel 200 comprises a separation flow channel, a first turning flow channel 220, a merging flow channel 230 and a second turning flow channel 240 in sequence, the number of the first turning flow channels 220 is plural, the separation flow channel is located upstream of the first turning flow channels 220, and the plurality of first turning flow channels 220 are respectively in communication with the separation flow channel and the merging flow channel 230. The first turning flow channels 220 are used to make the arrangement direction of the first liquid and the second liquid parallel to the first direction. Exemplarily, the number of the first turning flow channels 220 is two, and the two first turning flow channels 220 are arranged in a spaced manner along a second direction. The second turning flow channel 240 is used to make the arrangement direction of the first liquid and the second liquid parallel to the second direction, and the first direction and the second direction are arranged in a perpendicular manner. The first direction is as shown by the arrow R1, and the second direction is as shown by the arrow R2. Figure 1 Figure 1 ​The first liquid and the second liquid are arranged in the first direction, and are arranged in a double-layer structure. After the first liquid and the second liquid pass through the dividing flow channel 210, the first liquid and the second liquid are divided into two parts in the second direction, and each part is arranged in a double-layer structure. During the process of passing through the first turning flow channel 220, a single part can be rotated from the state of being arranged in the first direction to the state of being arranged in the second direction. After the two parts are rotated by the corresponding first turning flow channel 220, the two parts are combined in the combining flow channel 230, thereby forming a four-layer structure arranged in the second direction, and further forming a structure similar to “first liquid-second liquid-first liquid-second liquid”. After the first liquid and the second liquid pass through the second turning flow channel 240, the four-layer structure formed by the first liquid and the second liquid is rotated again, thereby forming a four-layer structure arranged in the first direction. The first liquid and the second liquid are converted from a double-layer structure arranged in the first direction to a four-layer structure arranged in the first direction after passing through the single mixing flow channel 200, thereby increasing the mixing degree of the first liquid and the second liquid.

[0027] In the scheme of the embodiment of the application, the first liquid and the second liquid can enter the mixing flow channel 200 from different inlets, respectively. The first liquid and the second liquid are divided into two parts by the dividing flow channel of the mixing flow channel 200, and each part includes the first liquid and the second liquid. The first liquid and the second liquid can change the arrangement direction of the first liquid and the second liquid after passing through the first turning flow channel 220. The two parts can be combined in the mixing flow channel 200 after the first turning. In the case that the concentrations of the first liquid and the second liquid are different, the first liquid and the second liquid can form a four-layer structure arranged in the second direction similar to “first liquid-second liquid-first liquid-second liquid” at the mixing flow channel 200. The first liquid and the second liquid can change the arrangement direction to the first direction by the second turning flow channel 240, so as to continue to be divided or flow out. The mixing flow channel 200 of the application can increase the layer number of the first liquid and the second liquid, thereby improving the mixing effect between the first liquid and the second liquid, and further improving the mixing efficiency of the micro-fluidic mixer. In addition, the micro-fluidic mixer of the application does not need to be provided with an additional power member for mixing, and has a relatively simple structure and low manufacturing cost.

[0028] In an embodiment, please refer to Figures 2 to 7The first turning flow channel 220 includes a first section 221, a second section 222, a third section 223 and a fourth section 224 which are sequentially communicated. The first section 221 is communicated with the separating flow channel. The first section 221 and the fourth section 224 extend along a third direction. The second section 222 extends along a first direction. The third section 223 extends along a second direction. The third direction is arranged perpendicularly to the first direction and the second direction. The third direction is indicated by an arrow R3. Figure 1 Exemplarily, along the first direction, the size of the first section 221, the size of the third section 223 and the size of the fourth section 224 are equal. The size of the first section 221 is smaller than the size of the second section 222. Two first turning flow channels 220 are correspondingly arranged in the single mixing flow channel 200. The extension directions of the second ends of the two first turning flow channels 220 are in the same direction. The extension direction of the second section 222 is in a one-way direction. The extension directions of the second ends are in the same direction. The first liquid and the second liquid can be more smoothly formed into the four-layer spacing structure in the turning case. The first turning flow channel 220 can realize the rotation of the arrangement direction of the first liquid and the second liquid from the first direction to the second direction through the sequentially communicated channels. Thus, the four-layer structure can be conveniently formed in the merging flow channel 230. The structure of the first turning flow channel 220 is relatively simple.

[0029] In an embodiment, referring to Figure 2 and Figure 3 The second turning flow channel 240 includes a fifth section 241, a sixth section 242 and a seventh section 243 which are sequentially communicated. The fifth section 241 is communicated with the merging flow channel 230. The fifth section 241 extends along the first direction. The sixth section 242 extends along the second direction. The seventh section 243 extends along the third direction. The third direction is arranged perpendicularly to the first direction and the second direction. Exemplarily, along the first direction, the size of the sixth section 242 is equal to the size of the seventh section 243. The size of the fifth section 241 is greater than the size of the sixth section 242. The second turning flow channel 240 can realize the rotation of the arrangement direction of the first liquid and the second liquid from the second direction to the first direction through the sequentially communicated channels. Thus, the first liquid and the second liquid can be conveniently divided and continuously mixed into another adjacent mixing flow channel 200.

[0030] In an embodiment, referring to Figure 2 The number of the mixing flow channels 200 is multiple. The multiple mixing flow channels 200 are connected in series and sequentially communicated. The series connection of the multiple mixing flow channels 200 can as much as possible increase the mixing degree of the first liquid and the second liquid, and further increase the mixing efficiency of the micro-fluidic mixer.

[0031] For example, in a plurality of mixing channels 200, the seventh segment 243 of the upstream mixing channel 200 is connected to the dividing channel of the adjacent downstream mixing channel 200. Along the second direction, the seventh segment 243 is connected to the middle of the dividing channel, thereby ensuring a more uniform distribution of the liquid in both parts during the separation of the first and second liquids in the downstream mixing channel 200. In another embodiment, the merging channel 230 includes an eighth segment 231 and a ninth segment 232 that are interconnected. The eighth segment 231 extends along the second direction, and the ninth segment 232 extends along the third direction. The eighth segment 231 is connected to two first turning channels 220, and the ninth segment 232 is connected to a second turning channel 240. Along the second direction, the ninth segment 232 is connected to the middle of the eighth segment 231, thereby ensuring a more uniform distribution of the first and second liquids as they flow from the eighth segment 231 to the ninth segment 232.

[0032] In one embodiment, please refer to Figure 4 and Figure 6 The mixer body 100 also has a distribution channel 300, with both the first inlet 100a and the second inlet 100b connected to the distribution channel 300. The distribution channel 300 can uniformly divide the first liquid and the second liquid into multiple parts. The distribution channel 300 has multiple distribution ports 300a, each of which is connected to a mixing channel 200. Each part can enter a different mixing channel 200 through its corresponding distribution port 300a. The first liquid and the second liquid undergo multiple distributions through the distribution channel 300, and the resulting multiple first liquids and second liquids can enter different mixing channels 200 through their distribution ports 300a for mixing, thus achieving high efficiency in the microfluidic mixer. For example, multiple mixing channels 200 are combined into a mixing group, with the mixing channels 200 corresponding to a single mixing group connected in series. Each distribution port 300a is connected to a different mixing group. The distribution port 300a is connected to the middle of the dividing channel of the corresponding mixing channel 200.

[0033] It is understood that other embodiments of this application are not limited to the mixer body 100 also having a distribution channel 300. Exemplarily, the first inlet 100a and the second inlet 100b are directly connected to the mixing channel 200, and the number of mixing groups is one.

[0034] In one embodiment, please refer to Figure 4The distribution channel 300 includes a first distribution section 310, a second distribution section 320, and a third distribution section 330 connected in sequence. The first distribution section 310 is located upstream of the second distribution section 320, and a distribution port 300a is formed in the third distribution section 330. Exemplarily, there is one first distribution section 310, two second distribution sections 320, and four third distribution sections 330, with each third distribution section 330 forming two distribution ports 300a. The first distribution section includes a first distribution channel 311 extending along a third direction, the second distribution section includes a second distribution channel 321 extending along a third direction, and the third distribution section includes a third distribution channel 331 extending along a third direction. The third direction is perpendicular to both the first and second directions. Along the third direction, the size of the first distribution channel 311 is larger than the size of the second distribution channel 321, and the size of the second distribution channel 321 is larger than the size of the third distribution channel 331. Along the third direction, the dimensions of the first distribution channel 311, the second distribution channel 321, and the third distribution channel 331 decrease sequentially. During liquid distribution, the first distribution segment 310, the second distribution segment 320, and the third distribution segment 330 form a three-stage bifurcation structure. The first distribution segment 310 is the first-stage bifurcation, the second distribution segment 320 is the second-stage bifurcation, and the third distribution segment 330 is the third-stage bifurcation. The force diameter of the first-stage bifurcation is larger than the hydraulic diameter of the second-stage bifurcation, and the hydraulic diameter of the second-stage bifurcation is larger than the hydraulic diameter of the third-stage bifurcation. The dimensions of the distribution channels along the third direction are proportional to the hydraulic diameter, which allows the liquid to flow relatively stably along the third direction during the flow process. The liquid velocity is lower along other directions. At the connection between the first distribution segment 310 and the second distribution segment 320, and at the connection between the second distribution segment 320 and the third distribution segment 330, the liquid can be divided into two parts relatively evenly, reducing unevenness between the first and second liquids as they enter the two second distribution segments 320.

[0035] In one embodiment, please refer to Figure 4 Along the third direction, the dimensions of the first distribution channel 311, the second distribution channel 321, and the third distribution channel 331 are all greater than or equal to 300 μm and less than or equal to 1000 μm. For example, along the third direction, the dimensions of the first distribution channel 311, the second distribution channel 321, and the third distribution channel 331 can be 300 μm, 400 μm, 500 μm, 600 μm, 700 μm, 800 μm, 900 μm, or 1000 μm. By ensuring that the dimensions of the first distribution channel 311, the second distribution channel 321, and the third distribution channel 331 are within a suitable range, the liquid can flow relatively stably along the third direction, while also reducing the size of the microfluidic mixer along the third direction to a certain extent. For example, along the third direction, the dimensions of the first distribution channel 311 are as follows: Figure 4As shown in the middle dimension D1, the dimensions of the second distribution channel 321 are as follows: Figure 4 As shown in the middle dimension D2, the dimensions of the third distribution channel 331 are as follows: Figure 4 As shown in the medium dimension D3.

[0036] In one embodiment, along the second direction, the size of the first distribution channel 311 is larger than the size of the second distribution channel 321, and the size of the second distribution channel 321 is larger than the size of the third distribution channel 331. The gradual decrease in the size of the distribution channels along the second direction can reduce the flow resistance loss of the liquid to a certain extent.

[0037] For example, along a third direction, the dimensions L of the first distribution channel 311, the second distribution channel 321, and the third distribution channel 331 are... i Satisfy the following formula: L i ≥0.06*Re i* D eq，i ; In the formula, L i Represents the dimension of the i-th allocation channel along the third direction; Re i Represents the Reynolds number within the i-th allocation channel; D eq，i Represents the hydraulic diameter of the i-th allocation channel.

[0038] The hydraulic diameter of the i-th distribution channel can be determined by the following formula: D eq，i= (2HW) i ) / (H+W i ); In the formula, H is the dimension of the mixing channel 200 along the first direction; W i Assign the dimension of the i-th channel along the second direction.

[0039] In another embodiment, the dimension of the i-th allocation channel along the second direction satisfies: D eq，（i+1） / D eq，i =2 -1 / 3 The embodiments of this application are based on the minimum entropy production method, so that when the size of the first distribution channel 311 along the second direction is determined, the size of the second distribution channel 321 along the second direction can be calculated by the above formula, and then the size of the second distribution channel 321 along the third direction can be calculated. The size of the third distribution channel 331 is similar.

[0040] In one embodiment, please refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2The inlet includes a first inlet 100a and a second inlet 100b. The mixer body 100 also has a first liquid inlet channel 100d communicating with the first inlet 100a and a second liquid inlet channel 100e communicating with the second inlet 100b. Both the first liquid inlet channel 100d and the second liquid inlet channel 100e are connected to the mixing channel 200. The first liquid inlet channel 100d and the second liquid inlet channel 100e are arranged along a first direction. A first liquid can enter the first liquid inlet channel 100d through the first inlet 100a and thus enter the mixing channel 200. A second liquid can enter the second liquid inlet channel 100e through the second inlet 100b and thus enter the mixing channel 200. Through the first liquid inlet channel 100d and the second liquid inlet channel 100e arranged along the first direction, the first liquid and the second liquid can naturally form a state of arrangement along the first direction.

[0041] It is understood that other embodiments of this application are not limited to the first liquid inlet channel 100d and the second liquid inlet channel 100e being arranged in a first direction. For example, the first liquid inlet channel 100d and the second liquid inlet channel 100e are arranged in a second direction, and the first liquid and the second liquid can pass through a third turning channel after entering the mixing channel 200 so that the arrangement direction is changed to be arranged in the first direction.

[0042] In one embodiment, please refer to Figure 1 , Figure 4 and Figure 6 The mixer body 100 includes a top plate 110 and a bottom plate 120, which are arranged along a first direction. The top plate 110 can cover the bottom plate 120. Exemplarily, the top plate 110 and the bottom plate 120 are detachably connected, allowing them to be fabricated separately and then assembled during the manufacturing of the microfluidic mixer. An inlet and an outlet 100c are both formed on the top plate 110, and the top plate 110 and the bottom plate 120 enclose a mixing channel 200. A portion of the mixing channel 200 can be formed on the side of the top plate 110 facing the bottom plate 120, and another portion can be formed on the side of the bottom plate 120 facing the top plate 110. The microfluidic mixer is relatively easy to manufacture, and the top plate 110 and the bottom plate 120 can be disassembled for separate cleaning.

[0043] It is understood that other embodiments of this application are not limited to the mixer body 100 including a top plate 110 and a bottom plate 120, with the top cover covering the bottom plate 120. Exemplarily, the mixer body 100 is a one-piece molded structure, which can be formed by injection molding or 3D printing.

[0044] The above embodiments are merely illustrative of the technical solutions of this application and are not intended to limit it. Although this application has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some or all of the technical features therein. These modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, and all should be covered within the scope of the specification of this application. In particular, as long as there is no structural conflict, the various technical features mentioned in the embodiments can be combined in any way. This application is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed herein, but includes all technical solutions falling within the scope of protection.

Claims

1. A microfluidic mixer, characterized in that, include: The mixer body has a mixing channel, an outlet and multiple inlets. The inlets and the outlet are respectively connected to the mixing channel. A first liquid and a second liquid can enter the mixing channel from different inlets. The first liquid and the second liquid can flow out of the mixing channel from the outlet after passing through the mixing channel. The mixing channel includes a separating channel, a first turning channel, a merging channel, and a second turning channel connected in sequence. There are multiple first turning channels. The separating channel is located upstream of the first turning channel. The multiple first turning channels are respectively connected to the separating channel and the merging channel. The first turning channel is used to make the arrangement direction of the first liquid and the second liquid parallel to a first direction. The second turning channel is used to make the arrangement direction of the first liquid and the second liquid parallel to a second direction. The first direction and the second direction are arranged perpendicularly.

2. The microfluidic mixer according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first turning channel includes a first segment, a second segment, a third segment, and a fourth segment connected in sequence. The first segment is connected to the dividing channel. The first segment and the fourth segment extend along a third direction. The second segment extends along the first direction. The third segment extends along the second direction. The third direction is arranged perpendicular to both the first direction and the second direction.

3. The microfluidic mixer according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second turning channel includes a fifth segment, a sixth segment, and a seventh segment connected in sequence. The fifth segment is connected to the merging channel. The fifth segment extends along the first direction, the sixth segment extends along the second direction, and the seventh segment extends along the third direction. The third direction is arranged perpendicular to both the first direction and the second direction.

4. The microfluidic mixer according to claim 1, characterized in that, The number of mixing channels is multiple, and the multiple mixing channels are connected in series and sequentially.

5. The microfluidic mixer according to claim 1, characterized in that, The mixer body also has a distribution channel, the inlet is connected to the distribution channel, the distribution channel has multiple distribution ports, and each distribution port is connected to the mixing channel.

6. The microfluidic mixer according to claim 5, characterized in that, The distribution channel includes a first distribution section, a second distribution section, and a third distribution section connected in sequence. The first distribution section is located upstream of the second distribution section, and the distribution port is formed in the third distribution section. The first distribution section includes a first distribution channel extending along a third direction, the second distribution section includes a second distribution channel extending along a third direction, and the third distribution section includes a third distribution channel extending along a third direction. The third direction is perpendicular to both the first and second directions. Along the third direction, the size of the first distribution channel is larger than the size of the second distribution channel, and the size of the second distribution channel is larger than the size of the third distribution channel.

7. The microfluidic mixer according to claim 6, characterized in that, Along the third direction, the dimensions of the first allocation channel, the second allocation channel, and the third allocation channel are all greater than or equal to 300 μm and less than or equal to 1000 μm.

8. The microfluidic mixer according to claim 6, characterized in that, Along the second direction, the size of the first allocation channel is larger than the size of the second allocation channel, and the size of the second allocation channel is larger than the size of the third allocation channel.

9. The microfluidic mixer according to claim 1, characterized in that, The inlet includes a first inlet and a second inlet. The mixer body also has a first liquid inlet channel communicating with the first inlet and a second liquid inlet channel communicating with the second inlet. Both the first liquid inlet channel and the second liquid inlet channel are connected to the mixing channel. The first liquid inlet channel and the second liquid inlet channel are arranged along the first direction.

10. The microfluidic mixer according to claim 1, characterized in that, The mixer body includes a top plate and a bottom plate, which are arranged along the first direction. The top plate can cover the bottom plate. The inlet and the outlet are both formed on the top plate. The top plate and the bottom plate enclose the mixing channel.

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