Counting chamber

Abstract

The counting chamber comprises a shell, the shell comprises an upper cover and a bottom plate which are connected with each other, the upper cover and the bottom plate jointly form an inner cavity used for containing a sample, the inner cavity comprises a first sub inner cavity and a second sub inner cavity which are communicated with each other, the height of the first sub inner cavity is smaller than that of the second sub inner cavity, and the upper cover and / or the bottom plate are / is provided with a window. The window is used for imaging a sample in the inner cavity by the imaging mechanism; the upper cover is further provided with a sample inlet and an exhaust port, the first sub inner cavity is provided with a first communication port leading to the sample inlet, and the inner cavity is provided with a second communication port leading to the exhaust port; a transition structure is arranged between the first inner sub-cavity and the second inner sub-cavity and comprises a first flow guide section and a boundary section, and the first flow guide section is far away from the second communication opening relative to the boundary section. The transition structure is configured as follows: a sample in the first sub-inner cavity can be guided by the first flow guide section and is easier to enter the second sub-inner cavity from the first flow guide section relative to the boundary section, so that the problem of bubble retention in the inner cavity can be improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of medical device technology, and in particular to a counting cell. Background Technology

[0002] In fields such as life sciences, medicine and health, food, and environmental protection, it is often necessary to perform image or counting analysis on liquids and their components. This typically involves using a flat, transparent counting cell. After the liquid sample is injected, it undergoes a process (such as natural sedimentation or centrifugal sedimentation) to allow the particles in the liquid sample to settle to the bottom of the cell before being photographed and counted. The counting cell includes a shell with an inner cavity for containing the sample, and an inlet and an outlet connecting the inner cavity. The sample enters the inner cavity through the inlet and exits through the outlet. However, for counting cells with inner cavities of varying depths, the fluid follows different flow paths at different depths, which can easily lead to the formation of air bubbles within the inner cavity, affecting the detection process. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The present invention aims to at least solve one of the technical problems existing in the prior art. To this end, the present invention proposes a counting cell that can reduce bubble retention.

[0004] According to a first embodiment of the present invention, a counting cell includes a housing, the housing including an upper cover and a bottom plate connected to each other, the upper cover and the bottom plate together forming an inner cavity for accommodating a sample, the inner cavity including a first sub-inner cavity and a second sub-inner cavity that are connected to each other, the height of the first sub-inner cavity being less than the height of the second sub-inner cavity (for ease of understanding, in some parts of the present invention, the first sub-inner cavity and the second sub-inner cavity are respectively named thin area and thick area), the upper cover and / or the bottom plate having a viewing window, the viewing window being used for an imaging mechanism to image the sample in the inner cavity; The upper cover also has a sample inlet and an exhaust outlet. The sample inlet is connected to the first sub-cavity and is used to allow the sample to enter the first sub-cavity. The exhaust outlet is connected to the cavity and is used to allow gas and the sample to exit the cavity. The first sub-cavity has a first connection port leading to the sample inlet and a second connection port leading to the exhaust outlet. A transition structure exists between the first sub-cavity and the second sub-cavity. The transition structure includes a first guide section and a boundary section. The first guide section is disposed away from the second communication port relative to the boundary section. The first guide section includes a first guide surface, which is connected to the first cavity surface of the first sub-cavity and the second cavity surface of the second sub-cavity. The boundary section includes a dividing interface, which is connected to the first cavity surface and the second cavity surface. The angle between the first guide surface and the first cavity surface is greater than the angle between the dividing interface and the first cavity surface, so that the sample in the first sub-cavity can be guided by the first guide surface and enter the second sub-cavity more easily from the first guide section relative to the boundary section.

[0005] The counting cell according to embodiments of the present invention has at least the following beneficial effects: Based on the above, this embodiment connects the injection port to the first sub-cavity, that is, it adopts the "thin-area injection" scheme. Since the height of the first sub-cavity is small, the flow of liquid in the first sub-cavity is mainly affected by capillary action. Unlike the usual situation driven by liquid pressure, when the liquid flows in the first sub-cavity, it tends to fill the first sub-cavity first, and then flow from the first sub-cavity to the second sub-cavity. Therefore, this embodiment can at least avoid the retention of air bubbles in the first sub-cavity.

[0006] On the other hand, this embodiment also sets a first guide section in the transition structure between the first sub-cavity and the second sub-cavity, so that the sample breaks through more easily from a random breakthrough to a specific first guide section. The first guide section is set far away from the second connection port relative to the boundary section, so the sample will first fill the area that is farther away from the second connection port, thereby improving the problem of easy bubble retention.

[0007] In other embodiments of the present invention, the first sub-cavity and the second communication port are disposed on the same side of the cavity, and the transition structure further includes a second guide section, wherein the dividing section is disposed away from the second communication port relative to the second guide section.

[0008] In other embodiments of the present invention, the second guide section includes a second guide surface, which is connected to the first cavity surface and the second cavity surface respectively. The angle between the second guide surface and the first cavity surface is greater than the angle between the interface and the first cavity surface, so that the sample in the first sub-cavity can be guided by the second guide surface and enter the second sub-cavity more easily from the second guide section relative to the interface.

[0009] In other embodiments of the present invention, the second guiding surface is an inclined surface or a curved surface, and the interface is a vertical surface; Alternatively, both the interface and the second guide surface can be inclined surfaces; Alternatively, both the interface and the second guide surface may be curved surfaces.

[0010] In other embodiments of the present invention, the second guide section includes a second guide surface, which is connected to the first cavity surface and the second cavity surface respectively. The angle between the first guide surface and the first cavity surface is greater than the angle between the second guide surface and the first cavity surface, and the angle between the second guide surface and the first cavity surface is greater than the angle between the interface and the first cavity surface, so that the sample in the first sub-cavity can be guided by the first guide surface and enter the second sub-cavity more easily from the first guide section than the interface and the second guide section.

[0011] In other embodiments of the present invention, the axis of the second communication port intersects the inner cavity and the side of the first sub-inner cavity and the second communication port are provided.

[0012] In other embodiments of the invention, the first guide section extends to the farthest end of the transition structure from the second connection port, and / or the second guide section extends to the closest end of the transition structure from the second connection port.

[0013] In other embodiments of the present invention, the first sub-cavity and the second communication port are disposed on different sides of the cavity, the number of the first guide sections is two, and the dividing section is located between the two first guide sections.

[0014] In other embodiments of the present invention, the first sub-cavity and the second communication port are distributed approximately diagonally.

[0015] In other embodiments of the present invention, the first guiding surface is an inclined surface or a curved surface, and the dividing segment is a vertical surface; Alternatively, both the first guide surface and the interface are inclined surfaces; Alternatively, both the first guide surface and the interface are curved surfaces. In other embodiments of the present invention, the first sub-cavity is approximately fan-shaped, and the first connecting port is located in the central region of the fan-shaped cavity; or, the first sub-cavity is approximately triangular, and the first connecting port is located in the vertex region of the triangle.

[0016] In other embodiments of the present invention, the second sub-cavity is provided with the second communication port so that the exhaust port communicates with the second sub-cavity.

[0017] In other embodiments of the present invention, the angle between the first guide surface and the second cavity surface is greater than the angle between the interface and the second cavity surface.

[0018] In other embodiments of the present invention, the first cavity surface is the bottom surface of the first sub-cavity and is configured as a plane, and / or the second cavity surface is the bottom surface of the second sub-cavity and is configured as a plane; preferably, the top surface of the first sub-cavity and the top surface of the second sub-cavity are on the same plane; Alternatively, the first cavity surface is the top surface of the first sub-cavity and is set as a plane, and / or the second cavity surface is the top surface of the second sub-cavity and is set as a plane; preferably, the bottom surface of the first sub-cavity and the bottom surface of the second sub-cavity are on the same plane.

[0019] According to a second embodiment of the present invention, a counting cell includes a housing, the housing including an upper cover and a bottom plate connected to each other, the upper cover and the bottom plate together forming an inner cavity for accommodating a sample, the inner cavity including a first sub-inner cavity and a second sub-inner cavity that are in communication with each other, the height of the first sub-inner cavity being less than the height of the second sub-inner cavity, the upper cover and / or the bottom plate having a viewing window, the viewing window being used for an imaging mechanism to image the sample in the inner cavity; The upper cover also has a sample inlet and an exhaust outlet. The sample inlet is connected to the first sub-cavity and is used to allow the sample to enter the first sub-cavity. The exhaust outlet is connected to the cavity and is used to allow gas and the sample to exit the cavity. The first sub-cavity has a first connecting port connected to the sample inlet and a second connecting port connected to the exhaust outlet. The first sub-cavity and the second sub-cavity have a transition structure, which includes a first guide section and a dividing section. The first guide section is disposed away from the second communication port relative to the dividing section. The arrangement of the first guide section in the cavity is different from that of the dividing section in the cavity, so that the sample in the first sub-cavity can be guided by the first guide section and enter the second sub-cavity more easily from the first guide section relative to the dividing section.

[0020] In other embodiments of the present invention, the arrangement of the first guide section in the inner cavity is different from the arrangement of the dividing section in the inner cavity, including: along the direction from the first sub-inner cavity to the second sub-inner cavity, the height change of the inner cavity corresponding to the first guide section is smaller than the height change of the inner cavity corresponding to the dividing section.

[0021] According to a third embodiment of the present invention, a counting cell includes a housing, the housing including an upper cover and a bottom plate connected to each other, the upper cover and the bottom plate together forming an inner cavity for receiving a sample, the inner cavity including a first sub-inner cavity and a second sub-inner cavity that are connected to each other, the height of the first sub-inner cavity being less than the height of the second sub-inner cavity, the upper cover and / or the bottom plate having a viewing window, the viewing window being used for an imaging mechanism to image the sample in the inner cavity; The upper cover also has a sample inlet and an exhaust outlet. The sample inlet is connected to the first sub-cavity and is used to allow the sample to enter the first sub-cavity. The exhaust outlet is connected to the cavity and is used to allow gas and the sample to exit the cavity. The first sub-cavity has a first connecting port connected to the sample inlet and a second connecting port connected to the exhaust outlet. A transition structure exists between the first sub-cavity and the second sub-cavity. The transition structure includes a first guide section and a boundary section. The first guide section is disposed away from the second communication port relative to the boundary section. The first guide section includes a first guide surface, which is connected to the first cavity surface of the first sub-cavity and the second cavity surface of the second sub-cavity. The boundary section includes a dividing interface, which is connected to the first cavity surface and the second cavity surface. The projections of the first cavity surface and the second cavity surface in the vertical direction do not overlap. The angle between the first guide surface and the horizontal plane is smaller than the angle between the dividing interface and the horizontal plane, so that the sample in the first sub-cavity can be guided by the first guide surface and enter the second sub-cavity more easily from the first guide section relative to the boundary section.

[0022] Additional aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0023] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments, wherein: Figure 1 This is a top view of the counting cell in one embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 for Figure 1 A top view of the internal structure of the middle counting cell is shown. Figure 3 for Figure 1 A cross-sectional view along the AA direction; Figure 4 for Figure 3 Enlarged view of region B in the middle; Figure 5 for Figure 1 A cross-sectional view along the CC direction; Figure 6 for Figure 5 Enlarged schematic diagram of region D in the middle; Figure 7 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the decomposed counting cell; Figure 8 for Figure 1 A three-dimensional schematic diagram of the base plate of the middle counting cell; Figure 9 This is a simplified schematic diagram of the counting cell in another embodiment of the present invention; Figure 10 This is a simplified schematic diagram of the counting cell in another embodiment of the present invention; Figure 11 This is a simplified schematic diagram of the counting cell in another embodiment of the present invention; Figure 12 This is a simplified schematic diagram of the counting cell in another embodiment of the present invention; Figure 13 This is an enlarged schematic diagram showing the angle between the interface and the horizontal plane in another embodiment of the present invention; Figure 14 This is an enlarged schematic diagram showing the angle between the first guide surface and the horizontal plane in another embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Figure label: Counting pool 10; Shell 100, inlet 101, outlet 102, window 103, inner cavity 104, marking 1041, first sub-inner cavity 105, first connecting port 1051, first cavity surface 1052, second sub-inner cavity 106, second connecting port 1061, second cavity surface 1062, first flow channel 107, second flow channel 108, first foolproof structure 109, positioning structure 1010, first area 100a, second area 100b, top cover 110, first groove 111, bottom plate 120, second groove 121; Transition structure 200, dividing section 201, interface 2011, second guide section 202, first guide section 203, first guide surface 2031. Detailed Implementation

[0025] Embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below. Examples of these embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain the present invention, and should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0026] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the orientation descriptions, such as up, down, front, back, left, right, etc., are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limiting this invention.

[0027] In the description of this invention, "several" means one or more, "multiple" means two or more, "greater than," "less than," and "exceeding" are understood to exclude the stated number, while "above," "below," and "within" are understood to include the stated number. The use of "first" and "second" in the description is merely for distinguishing technical features and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance, or implicitly indicating the number of indicated technical features, or implicitly indicating the order of the indicated technical features.

[0028] In the description of this invention, unless otherwise explicitly defined, terms such as "set up," "install," and "connect" should be interpreted broadly, and those skilled in the art can reasonably determine the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention in conjunction with the specific content of the technical solution.

[0029] In the description of this invention, the terms "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "illustrative embodiment," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., refer to specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in connection with that embodiment or example, which are included in at least one embodiment or example of the invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0030] As mentioned earlier, for counting cells with internal cavities of different depths, air bubbles are easily trapped within the cavities as the fluid flows, affecting detection. Therefore, this invention proposes a counting cell that can improve the problem of air bubble trapping, which will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0031] Reference Figures 1 to 7 The diagrams show a top view of the counting cell 10 in the first embodiment of the present invention, a top view showing the internal structure of a portion of the cell, and a top view along the [unclear text - possibly a diagram or diagram]. Figure 1 Sectional view of section AA, enlarged partial view of region C in the sectional view, along Figure 1 The figure shows a cross-sectional view of section C, a partially enlarged schematic diagram of region D in the cross-sectional view, and an exploded view. As shown in the figure, the counting cell 10 includes a housing 100, which has a sample inlet 101, an exhaust port 102, and a viewing window 103. The housing 100 defines an inner cavity 104, which is used to contain samples such as urine. The viewing window 103 is used for imaging the sample in the inner cavity 104 by an imaging mechanism. The sample inlet 101 is used to allow the sample to enter the inner cavity 104, and the exhaust port 102 is used to allow gas and the sample to exit the inner cavity 104. Specifically, the inner cavity 104 has a first connecting port 1051 leading to the sample inlet 101 and a second connecting port 1061 leading to the exhaust port 102.

[0032] Reference Figure 3 and Figure 7In some specific embodiments, the housing 100 adopts a split structure. For example, the housing 100 includes an upper cover 110 and a bottom plate 120. When the counting cell 10 is in normal use, the upper cover 110 is disposed on the upper side of the bottom plate 120, and the two are connected by means such as ultrasonic welding. Based on this, the inner cavity 104 is defined by the upper cover 110 and the bottom plate 120. In some specific embodiments, the upper cover 110 is provided with a groove, and the bottom plate 120 is sealed within the groove, thereby forming the inner cavity 104 through the groove on the upper cover 110. In other specific embodiments, the bottom plate 120 is provided with a groove, and the upper cover 110 is sealed within the groove, thereby forming the inner cavity 104 through the groove on the bottom plate 120. In still other specific embodiments, both the upper cover 110 and the bottom plate 120 are provided with grooves, and the grooves of the two together form the inner cavity 104.

[0033] To facilitate sample addition and venting, the sample inlet 101 and the inner cavity 104 can be disposed on the upper cover 110. For example, both are disposed on the upper surface of the upper cover 110, thereby facilitating sample addition by a sample addition component, such as a sample addition needle, from the upper side of the sample inlet 101, and sample extraction by a sample removal component, such as a sample extraction needle, from the venting port 102. Furthermore, to enable the imaging mechanism to acquire an image of the sample in the inner cavity, the housing 100 is at least partially translucent in the viewing window 103. For example, the entire housing 100 is a transparent structure, so that when the imaging mechanism images through the viewing window 103, a light source can illuminate the inner cavity from the opposite side of the viewing window 103, thereby facilitating the formation of a clear image. In some specific embodiments, the viewing window 103 is located on the lower side of the housing 100, for example, on the lower side of the base plate 120; in other specific embodiments, the viewing window 103 is located on the upper side of the housing 100, for example, on the upper side of the upper cover 110. It should be noted that the housing 100 typically has a clear boundary line to mark the extent of the viewing window 103, such as the first groove 111 which will be mentioned in later embodiments. In some specific embodiments, the extent of the viewing window 103 may coincide with the extent of the inner cavity 104, or it may be smaller than the extent of the inner cavity 104.

[0034] Reference Figures 1 to 4The inner cavity 104 includes a first sub-inner cavity 105 and a second sub-inner cavity 106. The height of the first sub-inner cavity 105 is smaller than the height of the second sub-inner cavity 106 (for ease of understanding, they are referred to as thin region and thick region, respectively). Thus, the first sub-inner cavity 105 has a lower height, can hold less liquid per unit area, and therefore contains a smaller total number of particles to be analyzed, which may lead to missed detections. However, the particles are less likely to stack, making accurate counting easier. The second sub-inner cavity 106, on the other hand, has a higher height, can hold more liquid per unit area, and therefore contains a larger number of particles to be analyzed. The large total number of particles analyzed can reduce the false negative rate; however, excessively high particle concentrations can lead to particle stacking, affecting the accuracy of counting. This embodiment addresses this by setting cavities with different heights. Depending on the actual situation, it can choose to image the sample in the first sub-cavity 105 and obtain the analysis result based on the image information; or it can choose to image the sample in the second sub-cavity 106 and obtain the analysis result based on the image information; or it can choose to image the samples in the first sub-cavity 105 and the second sub-cavity 106 separately and obtain the analysis result by combining the image information from both. In some specific embodiments, the height of the first sub-cavity 105 is no greater than 1 mm; further, the height of the first sub-cavity 105 is no greater than 0.5 mm.

[0035] As mentioned earlier, when there is a height difference between the first sub-cavity 105 and the second sub-cavity 106, when the sample flows from one sub-cavity to the other, air bubbles may become trapped at certain locations in the cavity 104, affecting subsequent counting. Figure 1 Taking an example, if the positions of the first flow channel 107 and the second flow channel 108 are interchanged, that is, if the "thick area injection, thin area effluent" scheme is adopted, since the height of the second sub-cavity 106 is relatively large, the flow of liquid in the second sub-cavity 106 is mainly affected by the liquid pressure. It will follow the path of least flow resistance between the first flow channel 107 and the second flow channel 108 (e.g., the shortest path, i.e.) Figure 1 The lower side of the first sub-cavity 105 quickly reaches the second flow channel 108, thereby establishing a relatively stable flow channel. If there are still bubbles in other parts of the first sub-cavity 105 and the second sub-cavity 106 at this time (such as the upper side of the first sub-cavity 105, the upper side of the second sub-cavity 106, etc.), the bubbles will be stuck here.

[0036] Based on the above, in this embodiment, the injection port 101 is connected to the first sub-cavity 105 (at this time, the first connection port 1051 is set in the first sub-cavity 105), that is, the "thin area injection" scheme is adopted. Since the height of the first sub-cavity 105 is small, the flow of liquid in the first sub-cavity 105 is mainly affected by capillary action. Unlike the usual situation driven by liquid pressure, when the liquid flows in the first sub-cavity 105, it tends to fill the first sub-cavity 105 first, and then flow from the first sub-cavity 105 to the second sub-cavity 106. Therefore, this embodiment can at least avoid the retention of air bubbles in the first sub-cavity 105.

[0037] On the other hand, in this embodiment, a transition structure 200 is provided between the first sub-cavity 105 and the second sub-cavity 106. The transition structure 200 includes a first guide section 203 and a boundary section 201. The first guide section 203 is positioned away from the second connecting port 1061 relative to the boundary section 201. It should be noted that this limitation refers to the relative relationship between the first guide section 203 and the boundary section 201, and does not mean that the first guide section 203 is the farthest end of the transition structure 200, or that the boundary section 201 is the closest segment of the transition structure 200. (Refer to...) Figure 6 The first guide section 203 includes a first guide surface 2031, which is connected to the first cavity surface 1052 of the first sub-cavity 105 and the second cavity surface 1062 of the second sub-cavity 106, respectively. Figure 4 The dividing segment 201 includes an interface 2011, which is connected to the first cavity surface 1052 and the second cavity surface 1062 respectively. It should be noted that the first guide surface 2031, the interface 2011, the first cavity surface 1052, and the second cavity surface 1062 are located on the same side of the inner cavity. For example, if the first guide segment 203 and the dividing segment 201 are located at the bottom of the inner cavity, then the first guide surface 2031 is the upper surface of the first guide segment 203, the interface 2011 is a vertical surface, the first cavity surface 1052 is the bottom surface of the first sub-inner cavity 105, and the second cavity surface 1062 is the bottom surface of the second sub-inner cavity 106; if... Figure 4 , Figure 6 As shown, the first guide section 203 and the dividing section 201 are located at the top of the inner cavity. The first guide surface 2031 is the lower surface of the first guide section 203, the dividing interface 2011 is a vertical surface, the first cavity surface 1052 is the top surface of the first sub-inner cavity 105, and the second cavity surface 1062 is the top surface of the second sub-inner cavity 106.

[0038] Among them, reference Figure 4 and Figure 6The angle β between the first guide surface 2031 and the first cavity surface 1052 is smaller than the angle α between the interface 2011 and the first cavity surface 1052. That is, the first guide surface 2031 is gentler than the interface 2011, so that the sample in the first sub-cavity 105 can be guided by the first guide surface 2031 and enter the second sub-cavity 106 more easily from the first guide section 203 than the boundary section 201. The flow of liquid in the second sub-cavity 106 is mainly affected by liquid pressure and tends to flow along the path of least flow resistance. Since the flow distance is positively correlated with the flow resistance, if the sample first enters the second sub-cavity 106 from the boundary segment 201, which is closer to the second connection port 1061, a flow channel will be established along the shorter path, and subsequent samples will generally follow this channel, resulting in gas in other parts not being able to expel trapped bubbles in time. In addition, as mentioned above, the liquid in the first sub-cavity 105 flows according to the capillary principle, so it is easier to fill the first sub-cavity 105. Once the sample fills the first sub-cavity 105, if there is no interference, it may break through from any position at the junction of the first sub-cavity 105 and the second sub-cavity 106. If it enters from the boundary segment 201, which is closer to the second connection port 1061, bubbles may be trapped due to the aforementioned reasons. Based on this, this embodiment also provides a first guide section 203 in the transition structure 200 between the first sub-cavity 105 and the second sub-cavity 106, so that the sample breaks through from random to a specific first guide section 203. Since the first guide section 203 is located further away from the second connection port 1061 relative to the boundary section 201, the sample will first fill the area further away from the second connection port 1061, thereby improving the problem of air bubbles easily trapped. Figure 2 For example, the flow direction of the sample is indicated by the curved arrows in the figure. The topmost and middle arrows represent the samples flowing from the first guide section 203 and the dividing section 201 to the second sub-cavity 106, respectively. If the sample breaks through the dividing section 201 first, the sample will tend to flow from the lower side of the cavity 104 to the second connecting port 1061. At this time, the upper side of the cavity 104 (especially the two corners of the upper side) is prone to retaining air bubbles. However, if the sample breaks through the first guide section 203 first, the sample will first fill the upper area of ​​the cavity 104 and then flow to the second connecting port 1061, which facilitates gas discharge and reduces the retention of air bubbles.

[0039] It should be noted that the angle β between the first guide surface 2031 and the first cavity surface 1052 is greater than the angle α between the interface 2011 and the first cavity surface 1052. Specifically, this means that at least the angle β between the connection point of the first guide surface 2031 and the first cavity surface 1052 and the first cavity surface 1052 is greater than the angle α between the connection point of the interface 2011 and the first cavity surface 1052 and the first cavity surface 1052. Taking the first guide surface 2031 and the first cavity surface 1052 as an example, if there is a certain angle between them... There is a clearly distinguishable boundary between the first cavity surface 1052 and the first guide surface 2031. For example, if the first cavity surface 1052 is a plane parallel to the horizontal plane, and the first guide surface 2031 is an inclined plane, then the angle β between the first guide surface 2031 and the first cavity surface 1052 is the inclination angle of the inclined plane. Alternatively, if the first cavity surface 1052 is a plane parallel to the horizontal plane, and the first guide surface 2031 is a curved surface, then the angle β between the first guide surface 2031 and the first cavity surface 1052 is the inclination angle of the tangent at the junction of the first guide surface 2031 and the first cavity surface 1052. If there is no clearly distinguishable boundary between the first guide surface 2031 and the first cavity surface 1052, for example, if the first guide surface 2031 and the first cavity surface 1052 form a continuous inclined plane or curved surface, then the angle between the first guide surface 2031 and the first cavity surface 1052 is 0°.

[0040] It should also be noted that the first guide surface 2031 in this invention can be a continuous surface or it can be composed of multiple surfaces connected sequentially along the direction from the first sub-cavity 105 to the second sub-cavity 106. For the latter, for example, the first guide surface 2031 includes inclined surfaces with different degrees of inclination, or it can include a combination of inclined surfaces or curved surfaces.

[0041] Based on the first embodiment, in some embodiments of the present invention, reference is made to Figure 2 The second sub-cavity 106 is connected to the exhaust port 102 through the second flow channel 108. That is, the first sub-cavity 105 and the second sub-cavity 106 form a typical series structure. The sample flows from the first sub-cavity 105 into the second sub-cavity 106 and then flows out from the second sub-cavity 106.

[0042] When the transition structure 200 includes a first guide section 203 and a boundary section 201, in some embodiments of the present invention, referring to... Figure 2 , Figure 8The first sub-cavity 105 and the second connecting port 1061 are located on the same side of the cavity 104. In this case, the transition structure 200 also includes a second guide section 202. The dividing section 201 is located away from the second connecting port 1061 relative to the second guide section 202. That is, it can be considered that the first guide section 203, the dividing section 201, and the second guide section 202 are distributed along a direction away from the second connecting port 1061 to close to the second connecting port 1061. Based on this, this embodiment also ensures that the sample is in the first guide section 203. The flow between the first guide section 203 and the boundary section 201 is more easily broken through, without restricting the order of easier breakthrough between the first guide section 203 and the second guide section 202. This is because even if the sample breaks through the second guide section 202 first, it will stop at the second connecting port 1061 due to surface tension and other factors, and will not flow directly into the second connecting port 1061 until samples from other directions also flow into the second connecting port 1061. In summary, this embodiment can be roughly summarized as follows: among the three sections distributed along the direction from away from the second connecting port 1061 to near the second connecting port 1061 on the transition structure 200, it is sufficient to ensure that samples in the relatively far sections are more easily broken through by samples in the middle sections. It should be noted that this embodiment does not limit the specific range of the first guide section 203, the boundary section 201, and the second guide section 202.

[0043] When the transition structure 200 includes a first guide section 203 and a boundary section 201, in some embodiments of the present invention, referring to... Figure 8 The first guiding surface 2031 is an inclined surface and a curved surface. Taking the inclined surface as an example, the two ends of the inclined surface extend to the top surfaces of the first sub-cavity 105 and the second sub-cavity 106, respectively, or the two ends of the inclined surface extend to the bottom surfaces of the first sub-cavity 105 and the second sub-cavity 106, respectively. The interface 2011 is a vertical surface, and the two ends of the vertical surface extend to the top surfaces of the first sub-cavity 105 and the second sub-cavity 106, respectively, or the two ends of the vertical surface extend to the bottom surfaces of the first sub-cavity 105 and the second sub-cavity 106, respectively. It can be understood that when the sample fills the first sub-cavity 105 and remains in the transition structure 200 between the two sub-cavities, the constraint force of the inclined surface and the curved surface on the liquid is less than the constraint force of the vertical surface on the liquid. Therefore, the liquid at the first guiding section 203 is more likely to overcome its surface tension and flow into the second sub-cavity 106.

[0044] In other embodiments, both the first guide surface 2031 and the interface 2011 are inclined surfaces, and the angle β between the first guide surface 2031 and the first cavity surface 1052 is greater than the angle α between the interface 2011 and the first cavity surface 1052. It is understood that the gentler the slope, the weaker the constraint force on the liquid, and therefore the liquid at the first guide section 203 is more likely to overcome its surface tension and flow into the second sub-cavity 106.

[0045] In other embodiments, both the first guide surface 2031 and the interface 2011 are curved surfaces, and the curvature of the first guide surface 2031 is less than that of the interface 2011, that is, the curvature of the first guide surface 2031 is smaller. It is understood that the gentler the curvature, the less constraint force it exerts on the liquid, and therefore the liquid at the first guide section 203 is more likely to overcome its surface tension and flow into the second sub-cavity 106.

[0046] When the transition structure 200 includes a first guide section 203, a boundary section 201, and a second guide section 202, in some embodiments of the present invention, the second guide section 202 includes a second guide surface, which is connected to the first cavity surface 1052 and the second cavity surface 1062 respectively. The angle between the second guide surface and the first cavity surface 1052 is greater than the angle α between the boundary section 2011 and the first cavity surface 1052, so that the sample in the first sub-cavity 105 can more easily enter the second sub-cavity 106 from the second guide section 202 relative to the boundary section 201. That is, this embodiment can be roughly summarized as follows: among the three sections distributed along the direction from away from the second connecting port 1061 to near the second connecting port 1061 on the transition structure 200, it is ensured that the sample in the relatively close section is more easily broken through by the sample in the middle section, thus further reducing the probability of bubble retention. Figure 2 For example, if the sample in the dividing section 201 is easier for the sample in the second guiding section 202 to break through, the sample will flow from the dividing section 201 to the second connecting port 1061 along a roughly arc-shaped trajectory. At this time, air bubbles may be trapped on the right side of the first sub-cavity 105. If the sample in the second guiding section 202 is easier for the sample in the dividing section 201 to break through, the sample can first fill the lower part of the second sub-cavity 106, thereby avoiding the trapping of air bubbles on the right side of the first sub-cavity 105.

[0047] To facilitate the breakthrough of the boundary section 201 in the second guide section 202, in some specific embodiments, the second guide surface is an inclined surface and a curved surface, and the boundary section 2011 is a vertical surface. The constraint force of the inclined surface and the curved surface on the liquid is less than that of the vertical surface on the liquid. Therefore, the liquid at the second guide section 202 can more easily overcome its surface tension and flow into the second sub-cavity 106.

[0048] In other embodiments, both the interface 2011 and the second guide surface are inclined surfaces, and the angle between the second guide surface and the first cavity surface 1052 is greater than the angle α between the interface 2011 and the first cavity surface 1052. It is understood that the gentler the slope, the less constraint it exerts on the liquid, and therefore the liquid at the second guide section 202 is more likely to overcome its surface tension and flow into the second sub-cavity 106.

[0049] In other embodiments, both the interface 2011 and the second guide surface are curved surfaces, and the curvature of the second guide surface is less than that of the interface 2011, that is, the curvature of the second guide surface is smaller. It is understood that the gentler the curvature, the less constraint the liquid has, and therefore the liquid at the second guide section 202 is more likely to overcome its surface tension and flow into the second sub-cavity 106.

[0050] When the transition structure 200 includes a first guide section 203, a boundary section 201, and a second guide section 202, in some embodiments of the present invention, the angle β between the first guide surface 2031 and the first cavity surface 1052 is greater than the angle between the second guide surface and the first cavity surface 1052, and the angle between the second guide surface and the first cavity surface 1052 is greater than the angle α between the boundary section 2011 and the first cavity surface 1052, so that the sample in the first sub-cavity 105 can be guided by the first guide surface 2031. Compared to the boundary section 201 and the second guide section 202, it is easier to enter the second sub-cavity 106 from the first guide section 203. That is, this embodiment can be roughly summarized as follows: among the three sections distributed on the transition structure 200 along the direction from away from the second connection port 1061 to near the second connection port 1061, the sample in the relatively far section is the easiest to break through, the sample in the relatively near section breaks through second first, and the sample in the middle section breaks through last. In this way, it can be further ensured that the area relatively far from the second connection port 1061 is filled first.

[0051] When the transition structure 200 includes a first guide section 203, a boundary section 201, and a second guide section 202, in some embodiments of the present invention, referring to... Figure 2 The axis of the second connecting port 1061 intersects the side of the inner cavity 104 where the first sub-inner cavity 105 and the second connecting port 1061 are provided. This creates an angle between the side and the wall of the second connecting port 1061, increasing the constraint on the sample and allowing it to be more easily stopped at the second connecting port 1061 after flowing from the second guide section 202, thus awaiting samples from other directions. For example, the axis of the second connecting port 1061 intersects the lower side of the inner cavity 104. In some specific embodiments, the axis of the second connecting port 1061 is perpendicular to the inner cavity 104 where the first sub-inner cavity 105 and the side of the second connecting port 1061 are provided.

[0052] When the transition structure 200 includes a first guide section 203, a boundary section 201, and a second guide section 202, refer to Figure 2 The first guide surface 2031 extends to the farthest end of the transition structure 200 from the exhaust port 102. This further ensures that the area furthest from the second connecting port 1061 is more likely to be filled in the middle area first. For example, when the first sub-cavity 105 is located at the lower left corner of the cavity 104, the first guide section 203 extends to the left side of the cavity 104.

[0053] In other embodiments, reference is made to Figure 2 The second guide surface extends to the end of the transition structure 200 closest to the exhaust port 102. This further ensures that the area closest to the second connecting port 1061 is more likely to be filled in the middle area first. For example, when the first sub-cavity 105 is located at the lower left corner of the cavity 104, the second guide section 202 extends to the lower side of the cavity 104.

[0054] Based on the foregoing embodiments where the first sub-cavity 105 and the second communication port 1061 are located on the same side of the cavity 104, in other embodiments, referring to... Figure 9 The first sub-cavity 105 and the second connecting port 1061 can also be located on different sides of the cavity 104. In this case, there are two first guide sections 203, and the dividing section 210 is located between the two first guide sections 203. For example, the dividing line is the shortest line between the central axis of the transition structure 200 and the second connecting port 1061 (shown as a dashed line in the figure). The transition structure 200 on both sides of the shortest line includes the first guide section 203 and the dividing section 201. That is, when the first sub-cavity 105 and the second connecting port 1061 are on different sides, the second sub-cavity 106 can be divided into two regions. Each part follows the rule that samples from relatively distant sections are easier to break through than samples from relatively nearby sections. In this way, the retention of bubbles can be reduced. Figure 9 Taking the region on the upper left side of the second sub-cavity 106 as an example, if the sample in the dividing section 201 is easier to break through, the sample will more easily establish a flow channel along the direction from the dividing section 201 to the second connecting port 1061, and the upper left corner of the second sub-cavity 106 is prone to retaining air bubbles. If the sample in the first guiding section 203 is easier to break through, the sample will first fill the upper left corner of the second sub-cavity 106, thus reducing the retention of air bubbles.

[0055] When the first sub-cavity 105 and the second communication port 1061 are located on different sides of the cavity 104, in some embodiments of the present invention, referring to Figure 9 The first sub-cavity 105 and the second connecting port 1061 are roughly diagonally distributed. This can shorten the flow distance difference between the samples flowing out from the first guide section 203 and the samples flowing out from the boundary section 201 and the second connecting port 1061. Combined with the easier breakthrough of the samples in the first guide section 203, the samples flowing out from the first guide section 203 can flow quickly to the second connecting port 1061.

[0056] It should be noted that the above descriptions of the corresponding embodiments of the transition structure 200 are all based on the principle of "thin area sample injection and thick area sample output," but the present invention is not limited to this. Figure 10As shown in the example, even with the "thin-area injection and thin-area effluent" scheme, the first guide section 203 can still reduce bubble retention. For instance, the sample is introduced from the area located at... Figure 10 When the first guide section 203 of the upper part of the intermediate transition structure 200 is easier to break through, this part of the sample will flow roughly along the upper left, upper right and lower right corners of the second sub-cavity 106 (the flow direction of the sample is roughly indicated by the dashed arrows in the figure), thus making it easier to fill these parts that are prone to stagnating air bubbles.

[0057] Based on the first embodiment, in some embodiments of the present invention, reference is made to Figure 2 The first sub-cavity 105 has a first connecting port 1051 communicating with the first flow channel 107. The first sub-cavity 105 is approximately fan-shaped, and the first connecting port 1051 is located in the central region of the fan. Thus, the shape of the first sub-cavity 105 conforms to the sample diffusion trend, making it easier for the first sub-cavity 105 to be filled. It should be noted that the term "approximately fan-shaped" in this embodiment should include standard fan shapes and cases approximating fan shapes. For example, replacing the arc segment of a standard fan shape with a combination of convex line segments formed by multiple straight line segments, or a combination of convex line segments formed by straight line segments and arc segments, or a combination of convex line segments formed by arc segments with different curvatures, should all be included within the term "approximately fan-shaped" in this embodiment. Furthermore, this embodiment does not limit the size of the fan angle; it can be as follows: Figure 2 The angle shown is 90°, but it can be any other angle.

[0058] In other embodiments, the first sub-cavity 105 is approximately triangular in shape, with the first connecting port 1051 located at the vertex of the triangle. This shape of the first sub-cavity 105 aligns with the sample diffusion trend, making it easier to fill. It should be noted that the term "approximately triangular in shape" in this embodiment should include both standard triangles and near-triangular cases. For example, replacing the straight segments opposite the first connecting port 1051 in a standard triangle with a combination of concave line segments formed by multiple straight segments, or a combination of concave line segments formed by straight segments and arc segments, or a combination of concave line segments formed by arc segments with different curvatures, should all be included within the "approximately triangular in shape" definition in this embodiment.

[0059] Based on the first embodiment, in some embodiments of the present invention, the angle between the first guiding surface 2031 and the second cavity surface 1062 is greater than the angle between the interface 2011 and the second cavity surface 1062. That is, the first guiding surface 2031 is gentler than the interface 2011, facilitating the liquid to break through the first guiding surface 2031. For example, when the first cavity surface 1052 and the second cavity surface 1062 are parallel, and the first guiding surface 2031 is set as an inclined surface, the angle between the first guiding surface 2031 and the second cavity surface 1062 is equal to the angle between the first guiding surface 2031 and the first cavity surface 1052.

[0060] Based on the first embodiment, in some embodiments of the present invention, the first cavity surface 1052 is the bottom surface of the first sub-cavity 105 and is configured as a plane. The second cavity surface 1062 is the bottom surface of the second sub-cavity 106 and is configured as a plane. Further, the top surface of the first sub-cavity 105 and the top surface of the second sub-cavity 106 are on the same plane, thereby making the height of the first sub-cavity 105 less than the height of the second sub-cavity 106.

[0061] Based on the first embodiment, in some embodiments of the present invention, the first cavity surface 1052 is the top surface of the first sub-cavity 105 and is configured as a plane. The second cavity surface 1062 is the top surface of the second sub-cavity 106 and is configured as a plane. Further, the bottom surface of the first sub-cavity 105 and the bottom surface of the second sub-cavity 106 are on the same plane, thereby making the height of the first sub-cavity 105 less than the height of the second sub-cavity 106.

[0062] Based on the first embodiment, in some embodiments of the present invention, reference is made to Figure 2 The shell 100 is at least divided into a first region 100a and a second region 100b (for ease of understanding, Figure 2 In the diagram, the double-dotted line roughly indicates the boundary between the two regions. Region 100a and region 100b are arranged side-by-side so that they do not overlap in the height direction of the inner cavity 104. For example, when the counting cell 10 is in normal use, region 100a and region 100b are arranged side-by-side horizontally. The inner cavity 104 and the viewing window 103 are located in region 100a, while the sample inlet 101 and the exhaust port 102 are located in region 100b. Since the sample inlet 101, the exhaust port 102, and the inner cavity 104 are located in different regions, refer to... Figure 2 , Figure 8Therefore, the housing 100 also forms a first flow channel 107 and a second flow channel 108, and at least a portion of the first flow channel 107 and at least a portion of the second flow channel 108 are located within the second region 100b, so that the sample inlet 101 can communicate with the first sub-cavity 105 through the first flow channel 107, and the exhaust port 102 can communicate with the cavity 104 through the second flow channel 108. In this embodiment, by concentrating the sample inlet 101 and the exhaust port 102 in the same region, compared with the scheme of setting the sample inlet 101 and the exhaust port 102 on opposite sides of the detection region, the structure of the counting cell is more compact, which helps to reduce the volume of the counting cell.

[0063] It should be noted that in some embodiments, there are relatively clear boundaries on the counting pool to distinguish the first region 100a from the second region 100b, for example, using Figure 2 The lower side of the inner cavity 104 serves as the dividing line; in other embodiments, there is no obvious boundary on the counting cell to distinguish the first region 100a and the second region 100b. In this case, one method to distinguish the two regions is to find at least one trajectory on the counting cell 10 that does not pass through the inner cavity 104. When the counting cell 10 is cut along the thickness direction along this trajectory, the counting cell can be divided into two structures, one of which has a complete inner cavity 104, and the other structure has an inlet 101 and an outlet 102.

[0064] In some embodiments, the projection of the inlet 101 onto the bottom surface of the housing 100 at least partially overlaps with the projection of the inner cavity 104 onto the bottom surface of the housing 100. In some specific embodiments, the projection of the inlet 101 is completely within the projection of the inner cavity 104. For example, a through hole is formed in the upper cover 110, the through hole forms the inlet 101 on the upper surface of the upper cover 110, and a first sub-inner cavity 105 is formed on the lower surface for connecting the first communication port 1051 of the inlet 101. In other specific embodiments, the inlet 101 is located at the corner of the inner cavity 104, so that when the imaging mechanism images from above the housing 100, the inlet 101 can be prevented from affecting the imaging of the imaging mechanism.

[0065] In other embodiments, the projection of the exhaust port 102 onto the bottom surface of the housing 100 at least partially overlaps with the projection of the inner cavity 104 onto the bottom surface of the housing 100. In some specific embodiments, the projection of the exhaust port 102 is completely within the projection of the inner cavity 104. For example, a through hole is formed in the bottom plate 120, the exhaust port 102 is formed on the lower surface of the bottom plate 120, and a second sub-inner cavity 106 is formed on the upper surface for connecting the exhaust port 102 to the second connecting port 1061. In other specific embodiments, the exhaust port 102 is located at the corner of the inner cavity 104, so that when the imaging mechanism images from above the housing 100, the exhaust port 102 can be prevented from affecting the imaging of the imaging mechanism.

[0066] Based on the first embodiment, in some embodiments of the present invention, reference is made to Figure 2 The first sub-cavity 105 is located at the corner of the inner cavity 104, that is, the first sub-cavity 105 extends to the adjacent side of the inner cavity 104. For example, the first sub-cavity 105 is located at the lower left corner of the inner cavity 104, extending to the left and lower sides of the inner cavity 104. Based on this, when the first sub-cavity 105 is configured as a roughly fan-shaped structure, the first connecting opening 1051 is located in the central region of the fan shape, including any one of the cases where the first connecting opening 1051 is located on an adjacent side of the inner cavity 104. For example... Figure 2 The first connecting port 1051 can be located either at the lower left end of the inner cavity 104 or at the lower left end of the inner cavity 104.

[0067] In other embodiments, reference is made to Figure 11 The first sub-cavity 105 is disposed on one side of the cavity 104 and located between the two corners of the cavity 104 corresponding to the two ends of the side edge. In this embodiment, when the exhaust port 102 is connected to the second sub-cavity 106 through the second flow channel 108, the second connecting port 1061 of the second sub-cavity 106 for connecting with the second flow channel 108 can be disposed on the opposite side of the first connecting port 1051, thereby reducing the path difference of the sample flowing from the left to the second connecting port 1061 and from the right to the second connecting port 1061, which helps to reduce the retention of bubbles.

[0068] In other embodiments, reference is made to Figure 12 The first sub-cavity 105 is disposed on one side of the cavity 104, and the two ends of the first sub-cavity 105 extend to the two corners of the cavity 104 corresponding to the two ends of the side edge. That is, the first sub-cavity 105 and the second sub-cavity 106 are typically arranged side by side. For example, the first sub-cavity 105 is disposed on the left side of the cavity 104, and the second sub-cavity 106 is disposed on the right side of the cavity 104.

[0069] Based on the first embodiment, in some embodiments of the present invention, reference is made to Figure 2 , Figure 7The bottom and / or top surfaces of the inner cavity 104 are provided with a mark 1041. The mark 1041 can be used for focusing by the imaging mechanism. For example, when the imaging mechanism is a microscope, if the mark 1041 is clear enough in the field of view of the microscope, it means that the microscope has been successfully focused. On the other hand, the mark 1041 can also be used for positioning. The actual imaging area of ​​the microscope is a local area within the viewing window 103, and the housing 100 is usually made of transparent material. It is difficult to position directly without the help of a corresponding reference. The mark 1041 in this embodiment can be used as a positioning reference. Specifically, when the mark 1041 appears in the field of view of the microscope, the imaging area can be located by looking for it in the vicinity.

[0070] In some specific embodiments, the area of ​​the second sub-cavity 106 is usually larger than the area of ​​the first sub-cavity 105. Therefore, the positioning difficulty of the shooting area corresponding to the second sub-cavity 106 is also greater than the positioning difficulty of the first sub-cavity 105. Based on this, the identifier 1041 can be set in the second sub-cavity 106.

[0071] In some specific embodiments, the microscope imaging area is usually located in the middle area of ​​the viewing window 103. In order not to affect the microscope imaging, the mark 1041 is set at the corner of the inner cavity 104.

[0072] In some specific embodiments, identifier 1041 can be an array of multiple fine protrusions formed from the bottom and / or top surface of the inner cavity 104.

[0073] Based on the first embodiment, in some embodiments of the present invention, reference is made to Figure 1 The top surface of the housing 100 is provided with a first groove 111. The projection of the window 103 on the top surface is located within the projection of the first groove 111 on the top surface, or coincides with the projection of the first groove 111. In this way, when the counting cells 10 are stacked, the upper surface can be prevented from being scratched and affecting the light transmittance. When the window 103 is set on the top surface, the first groove 111 can also mark the range of the window 103. In addition, the first groove 111 can also reduce the thickness of the upper cell body of the inner cavity 104, thereby increasing the light transmittance.

[0074] In other embodiments, reference is made to Figure 3 The bottom surface of the housing 100 is provided with a second groove 121. The projection of the inner cavity 104 on the bottom surface is located within the projection of the second groove 121 on the top surface, or coincides with the projection of the second groove 121. In this way, when the counting cells 10 are stacked or slide on the table, the lower surface can be prevented from being scratched and affecting the light transmittance. When the window 103 is set on the bottom surface, the second groove 121 can also mark the range of the window 103. In addition, the second groove 121 can also reduce the thickness of the lower cell body of the inner cavity 104, thereby increasing the light transmittance.

[0075] Based on the first embodiment, in some embodiments of the present invention, reference is made to Figure 1 , Figure 7 The housing 100 is provided with a first foolproof structure 109, which is configured to cooperate with an external second foolproof mechanism (e.g., a foolproof mechanism on an analyzer) to position the counting cell 10 in a predetermined orientation. In some embodiments, a foolproof structure is provided on the side of the housing 100, offset from the central axis perpendicular to its extension direction, which can reduce the number of foolproof structures. For example... Figure 1 The foolproof structure is located on the lower side of the housing 100 and is offset from the central axis L. It should be noted that the foolproof structure being offset from the central axis perpendicular to the extension direction of this side means that the foolproof structure and the central axis are located on one side of the central axis of this side.

[0076] In some other embodiments, the housing 100 is provided with a foolproof structure on both adjacent sides, which can also play a foolproof role. In this embodiment, it is not restricted that the foolproof structure must be deviated from the central axis of the side perpendicular to its extension direction.

[0077] In the above embodiments, the foolproof structure can be set as a third groove, so as to avoid forming a protruding structure on the housing 100 and facilitate the storage of the counting pool 10.

[0078] Based on the first embodiment, in some embodiments of the present invention, reference is made to Figure 1 , Figure 7 The top surface of the housing 100 is provided with a positioning structure 1010. The positioning structure 1010 is configured to cooperate with an external positioning mechanism to limit the displacement of the counting cell 10 along a set direction. For example, the positioning structure 1010 can cooperate with a robotic arm on the analyzer to limit the displacement of the counting cell 10 along a set direction. Figure 2 The displacement is in the vertical direction. In some specific embodiments, the positioning structure 1010 is disposed on the top surface of the housing 100 to facilitate cooperation with the robotic arm on the analyzer. In some specific embodiments, the positioning structure 1010 is configured as a fourth groove, thus avoiding the formation of a protruding structure on the housing 100 and facilitating the storage of the counting cell 10.

[0079] It should be noted that the first sub-cavity 105 and the second sub-cavity 106 of the present invention are not limited to the configurations shown in the above figures. Specifically, except for the height, the present invention does not limit the first sub-cavity 105 and the second sub-cavity 106. The area of ​​the first sub-cavity 105 can be greater than, less than, or equal to that of the second sub-cavity 106. The first sub-cavity 105 and the second sub-cavity 106 can also adopt other shapes than those shown in the foregoing embodiments. The number of the first sub-cavity 105 and the second sub-cavity 106 can be one or more, and the number of the first sub-cavity 105 and the second sub-cavity 106 can be equal or unequal.

[0080] A second embodiment of the present invention also proposes a counting cell, which includes a housing 100. The housing 100 has a sample inlet 101, an exhaust outlet 102, and a viewing window 103, and the housing 100 defines an inner cavity 104. The inner cavity 104 is used to contain samples such as urine. The viewing window 103 is used for an imaging mechanism to image the sample in the inner cavity 104. The sample inlet 101 is used to allow the sample to enter the inner cavity 104, and the exhaust outlet 102 is used to allow gas and the sample to exit the inner cavity 104. Specifically, the inner cavity 104 has a first connecting port 1051 leading to the sample inlet 101 and a second connecting port 1061 leading to the exhaust outlet 102. This can be understood with reference to the foregoing embodiments.

[0081] Reference Figures 1 to 4 The inner cavity 104 includes a first sub-inner cavity 105 and a second sub-inner cavity 106, with the height of the first sub-inner cavity 105 being less than the height of the second sub-inner cavity 106. In this embodiment, the inlet 101 is connected to the first sub-inner cavity 105 (at this time, the first connecting port 1051 is set in the first sub-inner cavity 105), that is, a "thin-area injection" scheme is adopted. Since the height of the first sub-inner cavity 105 is small, the flow of liquid in the first sub-inner cavity 105 is mainly affected by capillary action. Unlike the usual situation driven by liquid pressure, when the liquid flows in the first sub-inner cavity 105, it tends to fill the first sub-inner cavity 105 first, and then flow from the first sub-inner cavity 105 to the second sub-inner cavity 106. Therefore, this embodiment can at least avoid the retention of air bubbles in the first sub-inner cavity 105.

[0082] On the other hand, in this embodiment, a transition structure 200 is provided between the first sub-cavity 105 and the second sub-cavity 106. The transition structure 200 includes a first guide section 203 and a dividing section 201. The first guide section 203 is disposed away from the second communication port 1061 relative to the dividing section 201. The arrangement of the first guide section 203 in the cavity is different from that of the dividing section 201 in the cavity, so that the sample in the first sub-cavity 105 can be guided by the first guide section 203 and enter the second sub-cavity 106 more easily from the first guide section 203 relative to the dividing section 201. In this embodiment, a first guide section 203 is provided in the transition structure 200 between the first sub-cavity 105 and the second sub-cavity 106, so that the sample breaks through from random to specific first guide section 203. The first guide section 203 is set away from the second connection port 1061 relative to the boundary section 201. Therefore, the sample will first fill the area that is further away from the second connection port 1061, thereby improving the problem of easy air bubble retention.

[0083] Based on the second embodiment, in some embodiments of the present invention, the aforementioned "the arrangement of the first guide section 203 in the inner cavity is different from the arrangement of the dividing section 201 in the inner cavity" specifically means that: along the direction from the first sub-inner cavity 105 to the second sub-inner cavity 106, the height change range of the inner cavity corresponding to the first guide section 203 is smaller than the height change range of the inner cavity corresponding to the dividing section 201. For example, the first guide section 203 has a first guide surface 2031, the dividing section 201 has a dividing interface 2011, and the first guide surface 2031 is respectively connected to the first cavity surface 1052 of the first sub-inner cavity 105 and the second sub-inner cavity 106. The second cavity surface 1062 of cavity 106 and the interface 2011 are respectively connected to the first cavity surface 1052 and the second cavity surface 1062. The first guide surface 2031 is an inclined surface, and the interface 2011 is a vertical surface. Therefore, the height of the inner cavity corresponding to the first guide surface 2031 gradually decreases, while the height of the inner cavity corresponding to the interface 2011 changes abruptly. Thus, the height change range of the inner cavity corresponding to the first guide surface 2031 is smaller than the height change range of the inner cavity corresponding to the interface 2011. For example, if both the first guide surface 2031 and the interface 2011 are inclined surfaces, the height of the inner cavity corresponding to the first guide surface 2031 decreases slowly, while the height of the inner cavity corresponding to the interface 2011 decreases rapidly. Therefore, the height change range of the inner cavity corresponding to the first guide surface 2031 is smaller than the height change range of the inner cavity corresponding to the interface 2011.

[0084] Based on the second embodiment, in some embodiments of the present invention, the aforementioned "different arrangement of the first guide section 203 in the inner cavity compared to the boundary section 201 in the inner cavity" specifically refers to the fact that the first guide section 203 is more hydrophilic than the boundary section 201, making it easier for liquid to pass through the first guide section 203. For example, the hydrophilic and hydrophobic properties of the first guide section 203 and the boundary section 201 can be adjusted by changing their surface materials, roughness, etc. It should be noted that in this embodiment, no structural guiding features are required; that is, the first guide section 203 and the boundary section 201 can be structurally identical.

[0085] The third embodiment of the present invention also proposes a counting cell, which includes a housing 100. The housing 100 has a sample inlet 101, an exhaust outlet 102, and a viewing window 103, and the housing 100 defines an inner cavity 104. The inner cavity 104 is used to contain samples such as urine. The viewing window 103 is used for an imaging mechanism to image the sample in the inner cavity 104. The sample inlet 101 is used to allow the sample to enter the inner cavity 104, and the exhaust outlet 102 is used to allow gas and the sample to exit the inner cavity 104. Specifically, the inner cavity 104 has a first connecting port 1051 leading to the sample inlet 101 and a second connecting port 1061 leading to the exhaust outlet 102. This can be understood with reference to the foregoing embodiments.

[0086] Reference Figures 1 to 4 The inner cavity 104 includes a first sub-inner cavity 105 and a second sub-inner cavity 106, with the height of the first sub-inner cavity 105 being less than the height of the second sub-inner cavity 106. In this embodiment, the inlet 101 is connected to the first sub-inner cavity 105 (at this time, the first connecting port 1051 is set in the first sub-inner cavity 105), that is, a "thin-area injection" scheme is adopted. Since the height of the first sub-inner cavity 105 is small, the flow of liquid in the first sub-inner cavity 105 is mainly affected by capillary action. Unlike the usual situation driven by liquid pressure, when the liquid flows in the first sub-inner cavity 105, it tends to fill the first sub-inner cavity 105 first, and then flow from the first sub-inner cavity 105 to the second sub-inner cavity 106. Therefore, this embodiment can at least avoid the retention of air bubbles in the first sub-inner cavity 105.

[0087] On the other hand, in this embodiment, a transition structure 200 is provided between the first sub-cavity 105 and the second sub-cavity 106. The transition structure 200 includes a first guide section 203 and a boundary section 201. The first guide section 203 is positioned away from the second connecting port 1061 relative to the boundary section 201. It should be noted that this limitation refers to the relative relationship between the first guide section 203 and the boundary section 201, and does not mean that the first guide section 203 is the farthest end of the transition structure 200, or that the boundary section 201 is the closest segment of the transition structure 200. (Refer to...) Figure 13The first guide section 203 includes a first guide surface 2031, which is connected to the first cavity surface 1052 of the first sub-cavity 105 and the second cavity surface 1062 of the second sub-cavity 106, respectively. Figure 14 The dividing segment 201 includes a dividing interface 2011, which is connected to the first cavity surface 1052 and the second cavity surface 1062 respectively.

[0088] In this embodiment, the projections of the first cavity surface 1052 and the second cavity surface 1062 in the vertical direction do not overlap. The angle δ between the first guide surface 2031 and the horizontal plane is smaller than the angle γ between the interface 2011 and the horizontal plane. That is, the first guide surface 2031 is gentler than the interface 2011, so that the sample in the first sub-cavity 105 can be guided by the first guide surface 2031 and enter the second sub-cavity 106 more easily from the first guide section 203 than from the boundary section 201. It should be noted that the vertical direction and the horizontal plane referred to in this embodiment are described in the placement state when the counting cell is working normally.

[0089] The flow of liquid in the second sub-cavity 106 is mainly affected by liquid pressure and tends to flow along the path of least flow resistance. Since the flow distance is positively correlated with the flow resistance, if the sample first enters the second sub-cavity 106 from the boundary segment 201, which is closer to the second connection port 1061, a flow channel will be established along the shorter path, and subsequent samples will generally follow this channel, resulting in gas in other parts not being able to expel trapped bubbles in time. In addition, as mentioned above, the liquid in the first sub-cavity 105 flows according to the capillary principle, so it is easier to fill the first sub-cavity 105. Once the sample fills the first sub-cavity 105, if there is no interference, it may break through from any position at the junction of the first sub-cavity 105 and the second sub-cavity 106. If it enters from the boundary segment 201, which is closer to the second connection port 1061, bubbles may be trapped due to the aforementioned reasons. Based on this, in this embodiment, a first guide section 203 is provided in the transition structure 200 between the first sub-cavity 105 and the second sub-cavity 106, so that the sample breaks through from random to specific first guide section 203. The first guide section 203 is set away from the second connection port 1061 relative to the boundary section 201, so the sample will first fill the area that is further away from the second connection port 1061, thereby improving the problem of easy air bubbles to be trapped.

[0090] The embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various changes can be made within the scope of knowledge possessed by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Furthermore, the embodiments of the present invention and the features thereof can be combined with each other unless otherwise specified.

Claims

1. A counting cell, characterized in that, The device includes a housing, which includes an interconnected upper cover and a bottom plate. The upper cover and the bottom plate together form an inner cavity for accommodating a sample. The inner cavity includes an interconnected first sub-inner cavity and a second sub-inner cavity. The height of the first sub-inner cavity is less than the height of the second sub-inner cavity. The upper cover and / or the bottom plate have a viewing window for an imaging mechanism to image the sample in the inner cavity. The upper cover also has a sample inlet and an exhaust outlet. The sample inlet is connected to the first sub-cavity and is used to allow the sample to enter the first sub-cavity. The exhaust outlet is connected to the cavity and is used to allow gas and the sample to exit the cavity. The first sub-cavity has a first connecting port connected to the sample inlet and a second connecting port connected to the exhaust outlet. A transition structure exists between the first sub-cavity and the second sub-cavity. The transition structure includes a first guide section and a boundary section. The first guide section is disposed away from the second communication port relative to the boundary section. The first guide section includes a first guide surface, which is connected to the first cavity surface of the first sub-cavity and the second cavity surface of the second sub-cavity. The boundary section includes a dividing interface, which is connected to the first cavity surface and the second cavity surface. The angle between the first guide surface and the first cavity surface is greater than the angle between the dividing interface and the first cavity surface, so that the sample in the first sub-cavity can be guided by the first guide surface and enter the second sub-cavity more easily from the first guide section relative to the boundary section.

2. The counting cell according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first sub-cavity and the second communication port are located on the same side of the cavity. The transition structure further includes a second guide section, and the dividing section is located away from the second communication port relative to the second guide section.

3. The counting cell according to claim 2, characterized in that, The second guide section includes a second guide surface, which is connected to the first cavity surface and the second cavity surface respectively. The angle between the second guide surface and the first cavity surface is greater than the angle between the interface and the first cavity surface, so that the sample in the first sub-cavity can be guided by the second guide surface and enter the second sub-cavity more easily from the second guide section relative to the interface.

4. The counting cell according to claim 3, characterized in that, The second guiding surface is an inclined surface or a curved surface, and the interface is a vertical surface; Alternatively, both the interface and the second guide surface can be inclined surfaces; Alternatively, both the interface and the second guide surface may be curved surfaces.

5. The counting cell according to claim 2, characterized in that, The second guide section includes a second guide surface, which is connected to the first cavity surface and the second cavity surface respectively. The angle between the first guide surface and the first cavity surface is greater than the angle between the second guide surface and the first cavity surface, and the angle between the second guide surface and the first cavity surface is greater than the angle between the interface and the first cavity surface, so that the sample in the first sub-cavity can be guided by the first guide surface and enter the second sub-cavity more easily from the first guide section than the interface and the second guide section.

6. The counting cell according to claim 2, characterized in that, The axis of the second connecting port intersects the inner cavity, and the first sub-inner cavity and the second connecting port are provided on the side.

7. The counting cell according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first guide section extends to the farthest end of the transition structure from the second connection port, and / or the second guide section extends to the closest end of the transition structure from the second connection port.

8. The counting cell according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first sub-cavity and the second communication port are located on different sides of the cavity, and there are two first guide sections. The dividing section is located between the two first guide sections.

9. The counting cell according to claim 8, characterized in that, The first sub-cavity and the second connecting port are roughly diagonally distributed.

10. The counting cell according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first guiding surface is an inclined surface or a curved surface, and the dividing section is a vertical surface; Alternatively, both the first guide surface and the interface are inclined surfaces; Alternatively, both the first guide surface and the interface are curved surfaces.

11. The counting cell according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first sub-cavity is approximately fan-shaped, and the first connecting port is located in the central region of the fan-shaped cavity; or, the first sub-cavity is approximately triangular, and the first connecting port is located in the vertex region of the triangle.

12. The counting cell according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second sub-cavity is provided with the second communication port so that the exhaust port communicates with the second sub-cavity.

13. The counting cell according to claim 1, characterized in that, The angle between the first guide surface and the second cavity surface is greater than the angle between the interface and the second cavity surface.

14. The counting cell according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first cavity surface is the bottom surface of the first sub-cavity and is set as a plane, and / or the second cavity surface is the bottom surface of the second sub-cavity and is set as a plane.

15. The counting cell according to claim 14, characterized in that, The top surface of the first sub-cavity and the top surface of the second sub-cavity are on the same plane.

16. The counting cell according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first cavity surface is the top surface of the first sub-cavity and is set as a plane, and / or the second cavity surface is the top surface of the second sub-cavity and is set as a plane.

17. The counting cell according to claim 16, characterized in that, The bottom surface of the first sub-cavity and the bottom surface of the second sub-cavity are on the same plane.

18. A counting cell, characterized in that, The device includes a housing, which includes an interconnected upper cover and a bottom plate. The upper cover and the bottom plate together form an inner cavity for accommodating a sample. The inner cavity includes an interconnected first sub-inner cavity and a second sub-inner cavity. The height of the first sub-inner cavity is less than the height of the second sub-inner cavity. The upper cover and / or the bottom plate have a viewing window for an imaging mechanism to image the sample in the inner cavity. The upper cover also has a sample inlet and an exhaust outlet. The sample inlet is connected to the first sub-cavity and is used to allow the sample to enter the first sub-cavity. The exhaust outlet is connected to the cavity and is used to allow gas and the sample to exit the cavity. The first sub-cavity has a first connecting port connected to the sample inlet and a second connecting port connected to the exhaust outlet. The first sub-cavity and the second sub-cavity have a transition structure, which includes a first guide section and a dividing section. The first guide section is disposed away from the second communication port relative to the dividing section. The arrangement of the first guide section in the cavity is different from that of the dividing section in the cavity, so that the sample in the first sub-cavity can be guided by the first guide section and enter the second sub-cavity more easily from the first guide section relative to the dividing section.

19. The counting cell according to claim 18, characterized in that, The arrangement of the first guide section in the inner cavity is different from that of the dividing section in the inner cavity, including: along the direction from the first sub-inner cavity to the second sub-inner cavity, the height change of the inner cavity corresponding to the first guide section is smaller than the height change of the inner cavity corresponding to the dividing section.

20. A counting cell, characterized in that, The device includes a housing, which includes an interconnected upper cover and a bottom plate. The upper cover and the bottom plate together form an inner cavity for accommodating a sample. The inner cavity includes an interconnected first sub-inner cavity and a second sub-inner cavity. The height of the first sub-inner cavity is less than the height of the second sub-inner cavity. The upper cover and / or the bottom plate have a viewing window for an imaging mechanism to image the sample in the inner cavity. The upper cover also has a sample inlet and an exhaust outlet. The sample inlet is connected to the first sub-cavity and is used to allow the sample to enter the first sub-cavity. The exhaust outlet is connected to the cavity and is used to allow gas and the sample to exit the cavity. The first sub-cavity has a first connecting port connected to the sample inlet and a second connecting port connected to the exhaust outlet. A transition structure exists between the first sub-cavity and the second sub-cavity. The transition structure includes a first guide section and a boundary section. The first guide section is disposed away from the second communication port relative to the boundary section. The first guide section includes a first guide surface, which is connected to the first cavity surface of the first sub-cavity and the second cavity surface of the second sub-cavity. The boundary section includes a dividing interface, which is connected to the first cavity surface and the second cavity surface. The projections of the first cavity surface and the second cavity surface in the vertical direction do not overlap. The angle between the first guide surface and the horizontal plane is smaller than the angle between the dividing interface and the horizontal plane, so that the sample in the first sub-cavity can be guided by the first guide surface and enter the second sub-cavity more easily from the first guide section relative to the boundary section.

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