Reagent temperature control equipment and sample analyzer

Abstract

The invention relates to a reagent temperature control device, comprising: a heat exchange unit having at least two opposite heat exchange surfaces for mounting a reagent chamber; and the at least one reagent chamber is arranged on the heat exchange surface of the heat exchange unit. The invention also relates to a sample analyzer. According to the reagent temperature control equipment, the opposite heat exchange faces are arranged on the heat exchange unit, heat exchange can be conducted on more than one reagent cavity at the same time through the single heat exchange unit, the energy utilization efficiency is high, the structure is simple, and cost is low.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of Chinese patent application No. 201710415544.8, filed with the Chinese Patent Office on June 5, 2017, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This invention relates to the field of medical devices, and in particular to a reagent temperature control device and a sample analyzer. Background Technology

[0003] In sample analyzers used in fields such as medical testing, reagents at specific temperatures need to be added to samples for processing before analysis. How to quickly and easily achieve reagent temperature control has become a research topic in this field. One existing approach involves passing the reagent through a cavity with heat exchangers on both sides to exchange heat with the reagent inside. However, this method has low heat exchange efficiency, complex structure, and high cost. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Based on this, the present invention aims to provide a reagent temperature control device with higher heat exchange efficiency, simpler structure and lower cost, as well as a sample analyzer using the reagent temperature control device.

[0005] A reagent temperature control device, comprising: A heat exchange unit having at least two opposing heat exchange surfaces for mounting reagent chambers; and At least one reagent chamber is mounted on the heat exchange surface of the heat exchange unit.

[0006] In one embodiment, the reagent chamber is plate-shaped, and a heat exchange space for containing the reagent is sealed between the heat exchange unit and the reagent chamber.

[0007] In one embodiment, a groove is provided on the heat exchange surface of the heat exchange unit, and the groove forms the heat exchange space.

[0008] In one embodiment, a groove is provided on the side of the reagent chamber facing the heat exchange surface of the heat exchange unit, and the groove forms the heat exchange space.

[0009] In one embodiment, the heat exchange surface of the heat exchange unit is provided with an anti-corrosion film layer.

[0010] In one embodiment, the reagent chamber includes a first part and a second part, wherein the thermal conductivity of the first part is better than that of the second part, and the corrosion resistance of the second part is better than that of the first part.

[0011] In one embodiment, an anti-corrosion film is provided on the side of the first portion that contacts the reagent.

[0012] In one embodiment, there are at least two reagent chambers, and the configuration parameters of the at least two reagent chambers are different.

[0013] In one embodiment, there are multiple reagent chambers, and the number of reagent chambers provided on different heat exchange surfaces of the heat exchange unit is different.

[0014] In one embodiment, the reagent chamber has an inlet and an outlet, wherein the heat exchange efficiency of the heat exchange unit near the inlet of the reagent chamber is greater than the heat exchange efficiency of the heat exchange unit near the outlet of the reagent chamber.

[0015] In one embodiment, there are at least two reagent chambers, and the heat exchange unit has different heat exchange efficiencies at different reagent chambers.

[0016] In one embodiment, the reagent chamber has an inlet and an outlet, and there are at least two reagent chambers, with the outlet of one reagent chamber communicating with the inlet of another reagent chamber.

[0017] In one embodiment, the thickness of the heat exchange space within the reagent chamber is 0.5-20 mm, preferably 1-10 mm.

[0018] In one embodiment, the thickness of the heat exchange unit is 2-50 mm.

[0019] In one embodiment, the heat exchange unit includes a heat conversion element, a substrate, and a temperature sensor. The substrate is used to transfer heat between the reagent chamber and the heat conversion element, and the temperature sensor is used to sense the temperature of the heat exchange unit.

[0020] In one embodiment, the heat conversion element includes a heat source or a cooling source.

[0021] A sample analyzer includes the reagent temperature control device described above.

[0022] The aforementioned reagent temperature control device, by setting relative heat exchange surfaces on the heat exchange unit, can use a single heat exchange unit to exchange heat with more than one reagent chamber simultaneously. It not only has high energy utilization efficiency, but also has a simple structure, low cost, and good scalability. Attached Figure Description

[0023] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of a reagent temperature control device provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A cross-sectional schematic diagram of the structure shown.

[0025] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram showing the connection relationship of the reagent chambers in a reagent temperature control device provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Figures 4 to 13 A cross-sectional schematic diagram of the reagent temperature control device provided in different embodiments of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0027] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, an embodiment of the present invention provides a reagent temperature control device applied in a sample analyzer. This device pre-adjusts and controls the temperature of reagents added to the sample, and the treated reagents then react with the sample in the sample analyzer. The reagent temperature control device includes a heat exchange unit 100 and at least one reagent chamber 200.

[0028] The heat exchange unit 100 includes a heat conversion element, a substrate, and a temperature sensor. The substrate is used to transfer heat between the reagent chamber 200 and the heat conversion element. The substrate can be made of aluminum, iron, copper, or other materials with good thermal conductivity. The heat conversion element and the temperature sensor can be installed in the substrate; for example, the substrate can be a sandwich structure or a hollow structure, and the heat conversion element and the temperature sensor can be sandwiched in the substrate or disposed in the cavity of the substrate. Therefore, the shape of the substrate is also the shape of the heat exchange unit. In one embodiment, the substrate can be in the form of a rectangular plate.

[0029] The heat exchange element may include a heat source, which may be, but is not limited to, a resistance wire, hot steam, or a liquid, and may also include a cooling source, which may be, but is not limited to, a refrigerant, a gas or liquid with condensation function, etc. Therefore, the heat exchange element can provide both heating and cooling functions. Depending on the specific heat exchange requirements of the reagent in the reagent chamber 200, the cooling or heating mode of the heat exchange unit can be selected. For example, when the reagent is an ultracold reagent, it needs to be heated to a certain temperature before it can react with the sample. As another example, when the reagent is an ultrathermal reagent, it needs to be cooled to a certain temperature before it can react with the sample.

[0030] The temperature sensor is used to sense the temperature of the heat exchange unit, i.e., the substrate, in real time. During use, through a reasonable control algorithm, the heat conversion element is controlled to heat or cool, so that the temperature of the substrate reaches or stabilizes within a certain temperature range. This allows the temperature of the reagent flowing out of the reagent chamber 200, which is connected to the heat exchange unit 100, to be controlled to reach the specified temperature range.

[0031] The heat exchange unit 100 may also be equipped with an over-temperature protection device in the substrate to keep the temperature of the substrate within a constant range.

[0032] The heat exchange unit 100 includes at least two opposing heat exchange surfaces for mounting the reagent chamber 200. For example... Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the heat exchange unit 100 is plate-shaped and includes a first heat exchange surface 101 and an opposing second heat exchange surface 102. The heat exchange unit 100 has six side surfaces, and the first heat exchange surface 101 and the second heat exchange surface 102 are the two side surfaces with the largest area in the heat exchange unit 100.

[0033] Different numbers of reagent chambers 200 can be installed on one, some, or all of the heat exchange surfaces, depending on actual needs. Figure 1 and Figure 2 In the embodiment shown, there are four reagent chambers 200, two on the first heat exchange surface 101 and two on the second heat exchange surface 102.

[0034] The above-mentioned reagent temperature control device, by setting relative heat exchange surfaces on the heat exchange unit 100, can use a single heat exchange unit to exchange heat with more than one reagent chamber 200 at the same time. It not only has high energy utilization efficiency, but also has a simple structure, low cost, and good expandability.

[0035] In practical applications, some reagents may be corrosive; therefore, the reagent chamber 200, which comes into contact with the reagent, can be treated with corrosion protection. In some embodiments, the reagent chamber 200 includes a first part that directly contacts the heat exchange surface of the heat exchange unit 100 and a second part that does not substantially contact the heat exchange unit 100. Because single-sided heating is used, the second part of the reagent chamber 200 does not need to consider thermal conductivity; therefore, the second part can be made of a material with poor thermal conductivity but good corrosion resistance. The first part can be made of common thermally conductive metals, such as aluminum or iron, with an anti-corrosion film layer on the side in contact with the reagent. This structure can ensure both thermal conductivity and corrosion resistance, is easy to process, and can significantly reduce costs.

[0036] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the reagent chamber 200 is plate-shaped, and a heat exchange space 201 for containing the reagent is sealed between the heat exchange unit 100 and the reagent chamber 200.

[0037] In some embodiments, the substrate of the heat exchange unit 100 and the reagent chamber 200 can both be made of corrosion-resistant materials, such as titanium alloy. In other embodiments, the substrate of the heat exchange unit 100 can be made of a lower-cost material with poorer corrosion resistance, while an anti-corrosion film layer is formed on the heat exchange surface of the heat exchange unit 100. The anti-corrosion film layer can be formed on the heat exchange surface of the heat exchange unit 100 using processes such as spraying, coating, or pasting.

[0038] Similarly, the reagent chamber 200 can also be made of a lower-cost material with poor corrosion resistance, and an anti-corrosion film layer is provided on the side facing the heat exchange surface of the heat exchange unit 100. Likewise, the anti-corrosion film layer on the reagent chamber 200 can also be made using processes such as spraying, coating, or pasting.

[0039] like Figure 2 As shown, a groove 202 is provided on the side of the reagent chamber 200 facing the heat exchange surface of the heat exchange unit 100, and the groove 202 forms the heat exchange space 201 for containing the reagent. In some other embodiments, a groove is provided on the heat exchange surface of the heat exchange unit 100, and the groove forms the heat exchange space 201 for containing the reagent. Furthermore, grooves may be formed simultaneously on the side of the reagent chamber 200 facing the heat exchange surface of the heat exchange unit 100 and on the heat exchange surface of the heat exchange unit 100 to jointly form the heat exchange space 201 for containing the reagent.

[0040] like Figure 1 As shown, the reagent chamber 200 has an inlet 203 and an outlet 204. The reagent enters the heat exchange space 201 through the inlet 203, exchanges heat with the heat exchange unit 100 within the heat exchange space 201, and then flows out of the heat exchange space 201 through the outlet 204. The heat exchange efficiency of the heat exchange unit 100 near the inlet 203 of the reagent chamber 200 is greater than that near the outlet 204. The heat exchange efficiency can be controlled by a gradient distribution of heat or cold sources. For example, when using heating wires, the heating wires can be densely arranged in the region near the inlet 203 of the reagent chamber 200 on the heat exchange unit 100, while the heating wires can be arranged more sparsely in the region near the outlet 204 of the reagent chamber 200. By adopting the above configuration, the heat conversion energy can be densely distributed at the end of the reagent chamber 200 near the inlet 203, resulting in higher heat conversion energy per unit area or time. This allows the reagent entering the reagent chamber 200 to reach the expected temperature as quickly as possible, shortening the effective length of the reagent chamber 200. At the same time, at the end near the outlet 204 of the reagent chamber 200, since the reagent will flow out of the heat exchange space 201, even with dense energy distribution, it is impossible to effectively achieve heat exchange between the reagent and the heat exchange unit 100 in a short time, resulting in energy waste. Therefore, this configuration can also effectively save energy and avoid waste.

[0041] Furthermore, when there are at least two reagent chambers 200, the heat exchange efficiency at the corresponding positions of the heat exchange units 100 corresponding to different reagent chambers 200 may also be different, thus enabling different reagent chambers 200 to have different heat exchange efficiencies to meet the specific temperature control requirements of different reagents.

[0042] like Figure 3 As shown, when at least two reagent chambers 200 contain the same reagent, the outlet 204 of one reagent chamber 200 can be connected to the inlet 203 of the other reagent chamber 200. During processing, the reagent will flow from one reagent chamber 200 to the other reagent chamber 200. The connection between the outlet 204 of one reagent chamber 200 and the inlet 203 of the other reagent chamber 200 can be achieved using additional conduits, such as... Figure 3 As shown by the dotted line, a pipe connects the outlet 204 and inlet 203 of two adjacent reagent chambers 200. By using reagent chambers 200 in series, the heat exchange path of the reagents can be extended. Through repeated heat exchange in multiple reagent chambers 200, the target temperature is finally reached. Furthermore, multiple reagent chambers 200 can evenly distribute the pressure exerted by the reagents on each other. Given that the reagent chambers 200 are of the same size, compared to heat exchange in a single reagent chamber 200, multiple reagent chambers 200 in series can withstand greater pressure. Therefore, even with a miniaturized structure for each reagent chamber 200, problems such as unsatisfactory heat exchange or unstable temperatures caused by rapid flow rates, large pressure variations, or large temperature variations (e.g., the reagents being processed are ultra-high or ultra-low temperature reagents that need to be cooled to room temperature) can be solved. This avoids the risk of ultra-high / low temperature reagents being discharged before reaching the target temperature and also avoids the risk of deformation of the reagent chambers 200 due to drastic pressure changes.

[0043] In other embodiments, when at least two reagent chambers 200 are provided on the heat exchange surface of the heat exchange unit 100, the configuration parameters of each reagent chamber 200 can also be different. Configuration parameters include, but are not limited to, the width, length, and thickness of the reagent chamber 200. Reagent chambers 200 with different configuration parameters can be used to accommodate different types of reagents, enabling the reagent temperature control device to simultaneously process multiple different types of reagents. Reagent chambers 200 with different configuration parameters can meet the different requirements of different reagents regarding flow rate, flow volume, and flow pattern.

[0044] like Figure 2As shown, the thickness D1 of the heat exchange space 201 within the reagent chamber 200 is 0.5-20 mm; more preferably, it is 1-10 mm. Different reagent chambers 200 may be used for heat exchange of different reagents. During research and development, it was found that if the thickness of the heat exchange space 201 within the reagent chamber 200 is too small, the temperature fluctuations caused by the flow of reagent in one reagent chamber 200 may affect the temperature stability of reagents in other reagent chambers 200. The above-mentioned thickness design can avoid temperature interference between reagents in different reagent chambers 200. The above-mentioned thickness of the reagent chamber 200 can also meet the pressure requirements of the reagents, preventing the reagent chamber 200 from deforming and breaking due to stress fatigue, while not increasing the overall volume, which is beneficial for the miniaturization of the reagent temperature control equipment. The thickness D2 of the heat exchange unit 100 is 2-50 mm. The thickness of the heat exchange unit 100, combined with the thickness of the reagent chamber 200, not only achieves a better heat transfer effect, but also enables a miniaturized reagent temperature control device. Furthermore, it prevents the heat exchange unit 100 from deforming under stress.

[0045] Figure 1 and Figure 2 In the illustrated embodiment, two reagent chambers 200 are mounted on both the first heat exchange surface 101 and the second heat exchange surface 102 of the heat exchange unit 100. It should be understood that different configurations may be possible in different embodiments. Further explanation will follow with reference to other accompanying drawings.

[0046] like Figure 4 As shown, the heat exchange unit 100 includes two opposing heat exchange surfaces 101 and 102 for mounting reagent chambers 200, with only one reagent chamber 200 mounted on one of the heat exchange surfaces 101.

[0047] like Figure 5 As shown, the heat exchange unit 100 includes two opposing heat exchange surfaces 101 and 102 for mounting reagent chambers 200, with one reagent chamber 200 mounted on each of the two heat exchange surfaces 101 and 102. The configuration parameters of the two reagent chambers 200 can be the same or different.

[0048] like Figure 6 As shown, the heat exchange unit 100 includes two opposing heat exchange surfaces 101 and 102 for mounting reagent chambers 200, with only one heat exchange surface 101 housing two reagent chambers 200. The configuration parameters of the two reagent chambers 200 can be the same or different.

[0049] like Figure 7As shown, the heat exchange unit 100 includes two opposing heat exchange surfaces 101 and 102 for mounting reagent chambers 200. Two reagent chambers 200 are mounted on one heat exchange surface 101. The configuration parameters of the two reagent chambers 200 can be the same or different. One reagent chamber 200 is mounted on the other heat exchange surface 102, and the configuration parameters of this reagent chamber 200 can be the same as or different from any of the reagent chambers 200 on the aforementioned heat exchange surface 101.

[0050] like Figure 8 As shown, the heat exchange unit 100 includes two opposing heat exchange surfaces 101 and 102 for mounting reagent chambers 200. Three reagent chambers 200 are mounted on one of the heat exchange surfaces 101. The configuration parameters of the three reagent chambers 200 can be the same or different. One reagent chamber 200 is mounted on the other heat exchange surface 102, and the configuration parameters of this reagent chamber 200 can be the same as or different from any of the reagent chambers 200 on the aforementioned heat exchange surface 101.

[0051] like Figure 9 As shown, the heat exchange unit 100 includes two opposing heat exchange surfaces 101 and 102 for mounting reagent chambers 200. Three reagent chambers 200 are mounted on one of the heat exchange surfaces 101. The configuration parameters of the three reagent chambers 200 can be the same or different. Two reagent chambers 200 are mounted on the other heat exchange surface 102. The configuration parameters of these two reagent chambers 200 can also be the same or different.

[0052] like Figure 10 As shown, the heat exchange unit 100 includes two opposing heat exchange surfaces 101 and 102 for mounting reagent chambers 200, and three reagent chambers 200 are mounted on each heat exchange surface 101 and 102. The configuration parameters of each reagent chamber 200 can be the same or different.

[0053] In the above embodiments, the heat exchange unit 100 is plate-shaped. In other embodiments, the heat exchange unit 100 may have other shapes.

[0054] like Figure 11 As shown, in another embodiment of the reagent temperature control device, the heat exchange unit 100a is prismatic, specifically a quadrangular prism, but it can also be a triangular prism, pentagonal prism, hexagonal prism, etc. The heat exchange unit 100a can be an integrated structure or multiple parts spliced ​​together to form a prismatic shape. The heat exchange unit 100a includes four heat exchange surfaces 101a, 102a, 103a, and 104a, which are paired opposite each other; that is, heat exchange surface 101a is opposite to heat exchange surface 102a, and heat exchange surface 103a is opposite to heat exchange surface 104a. Figure 11The diagram shows four heat exchange surfaces 101a, 102a, 103a, and 104a, each equipped with a reagent chamber 200a. It can be understood that some heat exchange surfaces may be left without reagent chambers, or may have more than one reagent chamber installed. The configuration parameters of the reagent chambers 200a can be the same or different. Reagent chambers 200a with the same configuration parameters can be connected in series.

[0055] like Figure 12 As shown, in another embodiment of the reagent temperature control device, the heat exchange unit 100b is tubular, including an inner surface 101b and an opposing outer surface 102b, which serve as two opposing heat exchange surfaces. A plurality of reagent chambers 200b are mounted on the inner surface 101b. Each reagent chamber 200b is arc-shaped and has the same curvature as the inner surface 101b of the heat exchange unit 100b. It is understood that at least one reagent chamber 200b can also be mounted on the outer surface 102b, which serves as the heat exchange surface.

[0056] like Figure 13 As shown in another embodiment of the reagent temperature control device, the heat exchange unit 100c is cylindrical, and the circumferential surface of the cylindrical heat exchange unit 100c is divided into at least two opposing heat exchange surfaces. For example, the circumferential surface can be configured as four heat exchange surfaces 101c, 102c, 103c, and 104c, wherein heat exchange surface 101c is opposite to heat exchange surface 102c, and heat exchange surface 103c is opposite to heat exchange surface 104c. Each heat exchange surface 101c, 102c, 103c, and 104c is provided with a reagent chamber 200c, and each reagent chamber 200c is arc-shaped and has the same curvature as the circumferential surface of the heat exchange unit 100c. It is understood that in other embodiments, the circumferential surface of the cylindrical heat exchange unit 100c may also be divided into two opposing heat exchange surfaces, or other even-numbered opposing heat exchange surfaces. Each heat exchange surface may or may not have a reagent chamber installed, or may have one or more reagent chambers installed. The heat exchange unit 100c can be an integrated structure or a cylindrical structure composed of multiple parts spliced ​​together.

[0057] The present invention also provides a sample analyzer that applies the reagent temperature control device of any of the above embodiments, wherein the reagents used by the sample analyzer are temperature-treated by the above-mentioned reagent temperature control device before being added to the sample to react with the sample, and the sample analyzer analyzes the sample after the reaction.

[0058] The technical features of the above embodiments can be combined in any way. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0059] The embodiments described above are merely illustrative of several implementations of the present invention, and while the descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention patent. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of the present invention, and these all fall within the protection scope of the present invention. Therefore, the protection scope of this invention patent should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A reagent temperature control device, characterized in that, include: The heat exchange unit has at least two opposing heat exchange surfaces for mounting the reagent chamber; and At least one reagent chamber is mounted on the heat exchange surface of the heat exchange unit.

2. The reagent temperature control device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The reagent chamber is plate-shaped, and the heat exchange unit and the reagent chamber are sealed to form a heat exchange space for containing the reagent.

3. The reagent temperature control device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The heat exchanger surface of the heat exchanger unit is provided with grooves, which form the heat exchange space.

4. The reagent temperature control device according to claim 2, characterized in that, A groove is provided on one side of the reagent chamber facing the heat exchange surface of the heat exchange unit, and the groove forms the heat exchange space.

5. The reagent temperature control device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The heat exchange surface of the heat exchange unit is provided with an anti-corrosion film layer.

6. The reagent temperature control device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The reagent chamber comprises a first part and a second part, wherein the thermal conductivity of the first part is better than that of the second part, and the corrosion resistance of the second part is better than that of the first part.

7. The reagent temperature control device according to claim 6, characterized in that, An anti-corrosion film is provided on the side of the first part that contacts the reagent.

8. The reagent temperature control device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The reagent chambers are at least two, and the configuration parameters of at least two of the reagent chambers are different.

9. The reagent temperature control device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The reagent chambers are multiple, and the number of reagent chambers provided on different heat exchange surfaces of the heat exchange unit is different.

10. The reagent temperature control device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The reagent chamber has an inlet and an outlet, wherein the heat exchange efficiency of the heat exchange unit near the inlet of the reagent chamber is greater than the heat exchange efficiency of the heat exchange unit near the outlet of the reagent chamber.

11. The reagent temperature control device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The reagent chambers are at least two, and the heat exchange unit has different heat exchange efficiencies at different reagent chambers.

12. The reagent temperature control device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The reagent chamber has an inlet and an outlet, and there are at least two reagent chambers, with the outlet of one reagent chamber communicating with the inlet of another reagent chamber.

13. The reagent temperature control device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The thickness of the heat exchange space within the reagent chamber is 0.5-20 mm, preferably 1-10 mm.

14. The reagent temperature control device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The thickness of the heat exchange unit is 2-50mm.

15. The reagent temperature control device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The heat exchange unit includes a heat conversion element, a substrate, and a temperature sensor. The substrate is used to transfer heat between the reagent chamber and the heat conversion element, and the temperature sensor is used to sense the temperature of the heat exchange unit.

16. The reagent temperature control device according to claim 15, characterized in that, The heat conversion element includes a heat source or a cooling source.

17. A sample analyzer, characterized in that, Includes the reagent temperature control device as described in any one of claims 1-16.

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