Preparation of a mixing module and a biochemical reaction device

Abstract

The application discloses a preparation mixing module and a biochemical reaction device. The preparation mixing module comprises a driving mechanism, a transmission assembly and a rotating assembly. The rotating assembly comprises at least one rotating structure. The rotating structure is arranged on the transmission assembly. The rotating structure comprises a fixed part, a floating part and an elastic member. The floating part is movable relative to the fixed part along the axial direction and the vertical axial direction of the transmission assembly. The floating part is used for detachably mounting a mixing container. The driving mechanism is used for driving the transmission assembly to rotate, thereby driving the mixing container to rotate around the axial direction to realize the mixing of different fluids. The preparation mixing module can realize the automatic rotation and mixing of fluids. The structure is compact, the volume is small, the module is convenient to integrate into the biochemical reaction device, and the integration and automation degree of the biochemical reaction device is effectively improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of biochemistry, and more particularly to a preparation and mixing module and a biochemical reaction apparatus. Background Technology

[0002] With the development of gene sequencing technology, gene sequencers are evolving towards high throughput, low cost, miniaturization, automation, and simplified user operation. Currently, a complete gene sequencing workflow typically includes several steps: library construction, sample preparation, sample loading, and sequencing. Sample preparation is usually completed by independent user operations and related equipment. These user operations mainly include reagent preparation (such as manual pipetting and mixing) and sample preparation (such as PCR biochemical reactions). The equipment involved mainly includes pipettes, shakers, centrifuges, and PCR instruments.

[0003] Therefore, the current sample preparation process involves a significant amount of manual operation, is cumbersome and time-consuming, has a poor user experience, and is prone to human error. Moreover, the sample preparation process has a low degree of integration and automation, and the associated workstations / separate equipment occupy a large amount of laboratory space, resulting in high labor and equipment costs. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of this, in order to solve at least one of the above defects, it is necessary to propose a preparation and mixing module and a biochemical reaction apparatus using the preparation and mixing module.

[0005] This application provides a mixing module, comprising: a driving mechanism, a transmission assembly, and a rotating assembly. The rotating assembly includes at least one rotating structure disposed on the transmission assembly. The rotating structure includes: a fixed portion, a floating portion movably connected to the fixed portion, and an elastic member abutting between the fixed portion and the floating portion. The floating portion is movable relative to the fixed portion along the axial direction of the transmission assembly and in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction. The floating portion is used for detachably mounting a mixing container. The driving mechanism drives the transmission assembly to rotate, thereby causing the mixing container to rotate around the axial direction to achieve mixing of different fluids.

[0006] In some possible embodiments, the transmission assembly includes: a first transmission member and at least one second transmission member, the first transmission member being rotatably connected to the drive mechanism, the first transmission member being rotatably connected to one of the second transmission members, and the rotating structure being disposed on the second transmission member.

[0007] In some possible embodiments, the transmission assembly includes a plurality of meshing second transmission members, wherein one of the second transmission members meshes with the first transmission member, and each of the second transmission members is provided with the rotary structure.

[0008] In some possible embodiments, the floating part has a first engaging part at the end away from the fixed part, the first engaging part being detachably connected to a second engaging part at the bottom of the mixing container.

[0009] In some possible embodiments, the first engaging portion includes a groove coaxially disposed with the transmission assembly and a plurality of limiting grooves extending outward from the groove.

[0010] In some possible embodiments, the preparation and mixing module further includes a detection component disposed on the transmission component for detecting the rotational speed of the transmission component.

[0011] In some possible embodiments, a mixing component is also included, the mixing component comprising at least one of the mixing containers.

[0012] In some possible embodiments, the mixing container includes a hollow container body, the inner wall of which is provided with protrusions that extend along the depth direction of the container body or extend spirally along the inner wall of the container body.

[0013] In some possible embodiments, the mixing assembly further includes a limiting structure sleeved on the outside of the mixing container. The limiting structure includes a base and a cover plate. The base includes a plurality of insertion holes, and each insertion hole is detachably provided with a mixing container. The cover plate is detachably disposed at the end of the base away from the transmission assembly. The cover plate is provided with a through hole corresponding to each insertion hole. The opening of the mixing container communicates with the through hole. The mixing container is limited within the cavity formed by the base and the cover plate.

[0014] Secondly, embodiments of this application provide a biochemical reaction apparatus, including: a biochemical reaction module, a pipetting module, and a preparation and mixing module as described above. The preparation and mixing module includes a mixing component, which includes a plurality of mixing containers. The pipetting module is used to transfer fluids from different mixing containers in the preparation and mixing module. The preparation and mixing module is used to mix different fluids. The pipetting module is also used to transfer the mixed fluids from the preparation and mixing module to the biochemical reaction module. The biochemical reaction module is used to cause the fluids to undergo a biochemical reaction.

[0015] The preparation and mixing module provided in this application incorporates a rotating structure within the module. This rotating structure enables flexible coupling, reducing the alignment accuracy requirements of the mixing container and facilitating operation. Furthermore, it allows for automatic rotational mixing of the fluid. The module's compact structure and small size facilitate integration into biochemical reaction devices, eliminating the need for external, independent mixing equipment. The mixed fluid is automatically loaded into the biochemical reaction module for biochemical reactions, effectively improving the integration and automation of the biochemical reaction device, reducing manual operation, and effectively avoiding the inconsistencies introduced by manual operation, thus enhancing the user experience. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 A modular architecture diagram of a biochemical reaction apparatus provided in one embodiment of this application.

[0017] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a preparation mixing module equipped with mixing components, provided in one embodiment of this application.

[0018] Figure 3 for Figure 2 A partial structural diagram of the preparation mixing module in which mixing components are installed.

[0019] Figure 4 for Figure 2 Cross-sectional view along IV-IV.

[0020] Figure 5 for Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the preparation mixing module without the mixing components installed.

[0021] Figure 6 for Figure 5 Exploded view of the mixing module prepared in the middle.

[0022] Figure 7 for Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the rotating structure.

[0023] Figure 8 for Figure 7 A schematic diagram of the structure of the central fixing part.

[0024] Figure 9 for Figure 7 A schematic diagram of the floating section.

[0025] Figure 10 for Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the structure of a mixing container.

[0026] Figure 11 A flowchart of a fluid mixing preparation method provided in one embodiment of this application.

[0027] Explanation of main component symbols The following detailed description, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, will further illustrate this application. Detailed Implementation

[0028] The technical solutions in the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments.

[0029] It should be noted that when a component is described as "fixed to" or "mounted to" another component, it can be directly on the other component or may be interspersed with an intermediate component. When a component is described as "set to" another component, it can be directly set on the other component or may be interspersed with an intermediate component. The term "and / or" as used herein includes all and any combination of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0030] It should be noted that although a logical order is shown in the flowchart, in some cases, the steps shown or described may be performed in a different order than that shown in the flowchart. The methods disclosed in the embodiments of this application include one or more steps or actions for implementing the method. Method steps and / or actions may be interchanged with each other without departing from the scope of the claims. Unless a specific order of steps or actions is specified, the order and / or use of specific steps and / or actions may be modified without departing from the scope of the claims.

[0031] Please see Figure 1As shown, one embodiment of this application provides a biochemical reaction apparatus 100. The biochemical reaction apparatus 100 includes a preparation and mixing module 10, a pipetting module 20, and a biochemical reaction module 30. The preparation and mixing module 10 is used to perform fluid mixing operations. The pipetting module 20 can transfer the fluid mixed in the preparation and mixing module 10 to the biochemical reaction module 30, whereby the biochemical reaction module 30 can perform a biochemical reaction. Furthermore, the pipetting module 20 can further transfer the reaction products from the biochemical reaction module 30 to the preparation and mixing module 10 for mixing with other fluids. The fluid can be, for example, a biological sample (such as a nucleic acid sample, human blood sample, tissue sample, or saliva sample), an adapter, reagents used in biochemical analysis, or a sample carrier (such as magnetic beads) used to carry the biological sample in sequencing library construction. It can also be a mixture of biological samples, reagents, sample carriers, etc., but is not limited to these. For example, the biochemical reaction device 100 can be a gene sequencing device, while the preparation and mixing module 10 can complete the mixing operation of samples and reagents before gene sequencing, and the biochemical reaction module 30 can realize the preparation of amplification products required for gene sequencing.

[0032] Understandably, the biochemical reaction apparatus 100 may also include a drive module 40, which can be connected to the pipetting module 20 to provide driving force for fluid transfer and adjust the direction of fluid transfer. It is also understood that the biochemical reaction apparatus 100 may include a control module 50, which can be used to control the coordinated operation between the preparation and mixing module 10, the pipetting module 20, the biochemical reaction module 30, and the drive module 40.

[0033] Please see Figures 2 to 4 As shown in the embodiment of this application, the mixing module 10 includes a driving mechanism 1, a transmission assembly 2, and a rotating assembly 3. The rotating assembly 3 includes at least one rotating structure 4, which is disposed on the transmission assembly 2. A mixing container 5 is detachably mounted on the rotating structure 4, and the mixing container 5 can contain the aforementioned fluid. The driving mechanism 1 drives the transmission assembly 2 to rotate, thereby causing the mixing container 5 to rotate around the axis Z of the driving mechanism 1 to achieve mixing of different fluids.

[0034] Please see Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the drive mechanism 1 includes a drive member 11 and an output shaft 12 disposed on the drive member 11, and the transmission assembly 2 is rotatably connected to the output shaft 12. In some embodiments, the drive member 11 may be a rotary motor.

[0035] Please see Figures 4 to 6 As shown, please refer to the following: Figure 1As shown, the transmission assembly 2 includes a first transmission member 21 and at least one second transmission member 22. The first transmission member 21 is rotatably connected to the drive mechanism 1, and the first transmission member 21 is rotatably connected to one second transmission member 22. A rotating structure 4 is disposed on the second transmission member 22. When there is only one second transmission member 22, the drive mechanism 1 can drive the first transmission member 21 to rotate, which in turn drives the second transmission member 22 to rotate, and the rotating structure 4 drives the mixing container 5 to rotate. When there are multiple second transmission members 22, the first transmission member 21 can be connected to one of the second transmission members 22, and the multiple second transmission members 22 can be interconnected. Thus, when the first transmission member 21 rotates, it can drive one second transmission member 22 to rotate, which in turn drives the other second transmission members 22 to rotate synchronously, enabling the rotation of the mixing container 5 on each second transmission member 22.

[0036] In some embodiments, the transmission assembly 2 includes a plurality of meshing second transmission members 22, one of which meshes with a first transmission member 21. Each second transmission member 22 is provided with a rotating structure 4. Through meshing connection, the linkage of the plurality of second transmission members 22 can be realized to achieve the mixing operation of fluids in the plurality of mixing containers 5. This effectively simplifies the structure and transmission mode of the drive mechanism 1 and the transmission assembly 2, which is beneficial to simplifying the structure of the preparation mixing module 10, reducing its volume, and facilitating the integration of the preparation mixing module 10 into the biochemical reaction device 100. Specifically, the first transmission member 21 and the second transmission member 22 can be gears. The first transmission member 21 is the driving wheel, and the second transmission member 22 is the driven wheel. The first transmission member 21 and the plurality of second transmission members 22 constitute a gear set. The driving member 11 drives the driving wheel to rotate, thereby driving the plurality of driven wheels to rotate synchronously, realizing the rotation of the plurality of mixing containers 5. In some embodiments, the transmission assembly 2 may include two or more second transmission members 22, such as 3, 5, 6 or 10, etc. Each second transmission member 22 is connected to a rotating structure 4, thereby driving the mixing operation of a corresponding number of mixing containers 5.

[0037] like Figure 6 As shown, the transmission assembly 2 also includes a transmission fixing seat 23 and a transmission fixing plate 24 detachably connected to the transmission fixing seat 23. The transmission fixing seat 23 and the transmission fixing plate 24 together form a receiving space, within which the transmission assembly 2 is located. The output shaft 12 of the drive mechanism 1 passes through the transmission fixing seat 23 and is connected to the first transmission member 21. The rotating shaft of the second transmission member 22 passes through the transmission fixing plate 24. The rotating structure 4 is located outside the transmission fixing plate 24 and fixed to the rotating shaft of the second transmission member 22.

[0038] like Figure 6As shown, the mixing module 10 further includes a detection component 8, which is used to detect the rotational speed of the transmission component 2, thereby controlling the mixing speed. In some embodiments, the detection component 8 includes a detection code disk 81 and a detector 82. The detection code disk 81 is mounted on a shaft on the side of one of the second transmission components 22 away from the rotating structure 4, and the detector 82 is located on the side of the detection code disk 81. Specifically, the detector 82 can be mounted on the transmission mounting base 23. As the detection code disk 81 rotates with the second transmission component 22, the detector 82 can identify the detection code disk 81, thereby obtaining the rotational speed of the second transmission component 22. In some embodiments, the detector 82 can be a rotational speed detection optocoupler. When the detection code disk 81 rotates, the switch of the rotational speed detection optocoupler can be intermittently blocked to achieve rotational speed detection.

[0039] Please see Figure 4 and Figure 7 As shown, the rotating structure 4 includes: a fixed part 41, a floating part 42 movably connected to the fixed part 41, and an elastic member 43 abutting between the fixed part 41 and the floating part 42. The floating part 42 can move relative to the fixed part 41 along the axial direction Z and in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction Z. Here, the direction perpendicular to the axial direction Z can be any direction in the plane perpendicular to the axial direction Z, for example, the direction perpendicular to the axial direction Z can be a first direction X and a second direction Y. A mixing container 5 is detachably mounted on the floating part 42. In this way, the floating part 42 can move relative to the fixed part 41 along the axial direction Z, and can also swing to a certain extent in directions such as the first direction X and the second direction Y, so as to facilitate the connection between the mixing container 5 and the floating part 42, which helps to reduce the alignment accuracy between the mixing container 5 and the floating part 42.

[0040] Please see Figure 4 , Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, the fixing part 41 includes a first wall 411, a second wall 412 located outside the first wall 411, and a connecting wall 413 connecting the ends of the first wall 411 and the second wall 412 away from the floating part 42. The first wall 411 and the second wall 412 are spaced apart and connected by the connecting wall 413, thus forming a gap cavity 415. The first wall 411 has a fixing hole 414 (or a fixing groove) with an opening facing the transmission assembly 2. The rotating shaft of the second transmission member 22 extends into the fixing hole 414 and connects to the fixing part 41. Specifically, the second transmission member 22 and the side wall of the fixing hole 414 are interference-fitted, so that the fixing part 41 can be fixedly connected to the rotating shaft of the second transmission member 22.

[0041] Please see Figure 4 , Figure 7 and Figure 9As shown, the floating part 42 has a first engaging part 44 at its end away from the fixed part 41, and the mixing container 5 has a second engaging part 51 at its bottom. The first engaging part 44 is detachably connected to the second engaging part 51. When the mixing container 5 is engaged on the floating part 42, the transmission assembly 2 can rotate, thereby driving the fixed part 41 and the floating part 42 to rotate, and thus driving the mixing container 5 to rotate synchronously. Specifically, the first engaging part 44 includes a groove 441 coaxially arranged with the transmission assembly 2, and a plurality of limiting grooves 442 extending outward from the groove 441. In this way, the groove 441 and the plurality of limiting grooves 442 form an irregular groove structure. The second engaging portion 51 at the bottom of the mixing container 5 has a contoured structure with the first engaging portion 44. Specifically, the second engaging portion 51 includes multiple interconnected engaging tabs, with the connecting parts of these tabs embedded in the groove 441. Simultaneously, each engaging tab extends into a limiting groove 442. This allows the mixing container 5 to engage with the floating portion 42, and the mixing container 5 can rotate synchronously as the floating portion 42 rotates. It is understood that the structures of the first and second engaging portions are interchangeable; that is, the first engaging portion can be in the form of engaging tabs, and the second engaging portion can be in the form of a groove plus a limiting groove.

[0042] In some embodiments, the floating part 42 includes a third sidewall 421 and a top wall 422 disposed at one end of the third sidewall 421 away from the fixed part 41, the third sidewall 421 and the top wall 422 forming a cavity. A first engaging part 44 is disposed on the side of the top wall 422 away from the fixed part 41.

[0043] Please see Figure 4 , Figures 7 to 9 As shown, the floating part 42 is sleeved on the outside of the fixed part 41 and connected by a snap-fit ​​mechanism, which can limit the axial movement of the floating part 42 in the Z direction. Simultaneously, the two ends of the elastic member 43 abut against the fixed part 41 and the floating part 42 respectively, allowing the floating part 42 to move relative to the fixed part 41 with a certain buffer distance. Furthermore, there is a certain gap between the fixed part 41 and the floating part 42, allowing the floating part 42 to swing relative to the fixed part 41 in any direction along the vertical Z direction with a certain amplitude. In some embodiments, the outer side of the second wall 412 of the fixed part 41 is provided with multiple buckles 416 along the axial direction, and the third side wall 421 of the floating part 42 is provided with multiple slots 423. The fixed part 41 extends into the cavity of the floating part 42, and the buckles 416 engage with the slots 423, thus connecting the floating part 42 to the fixed part 41 and limiting the axial movement of the floating part 42 in the Z direction. The elastic element 43 is located in the gap cavity 415 of the fixed part 41 and extends into the cavity of the floating part 42. Its two ends abut against the connecting wall 413 and the top wall 422 respectively. The floating part 42 can float relative to the fixed part 41 along the axial direction Z.

[0044] Specifically, the rotating structure 4 is a flexible coupling structure that can achieve the following two key functions: Function 1: The second engaging part 51 at the bottom of the mixing container 5 and the first engaging part 44 of the floating part 42 do not need to be precisely aligned in the angular direction. When the second engaging part 51 of the mixing container 5 and the first engaging part 44 of the floating part 42 are accurately aligned, the rotating structure 4 will be compressed downward by the mixing container 5 by a certain distance (e.g., 2mm). The floating part 42 is provided with an upward lifting force by the elastic element 43, and the connection between the floating part 42 and the mixing container 5 is always maintained during rotation. When the second engaging part 51 at the bottom of the mixing container 5 and the first engaging part 44 of the floating part 42 are not accurately aligned, the floating part 42 will be compressed downward by the mixing container 5 by a greater distance (e.g., 4mm). Because the rotating structure 4 always has an upward lifting force, when the drive mechanism 1 rotates, the first engaging part 44 of the floating part 42 and the second engaging part 51 at the bottom of the mixing container 5 will completely match at a specific point in time, and the floating part 42 will be aligned with the mixing container 5, driving the mixing container 5 to rotate.

[0045] Function 2: The rotating structure 4 is connected to the rotating shaft of the second transmission member 22 via the fixed part 41. Between the floating part 42 and the fixed part 41, in the axial direction Z (or vertical direction), the elastic member 43 provides elastic buffering for the floating part 42. In the direction perpendicular to the axial direction Z (e.g., the first direction X and the second direction Y), the gap between the floating part 42 and the fixed part 41 allows the floating part 42 to swing within a certain range. For example, the floating part 42 can have a swing space of about 1.5mm in both the first direction X and the second direction Y. Therefore, the mixing container 5 does not need to be precisely aligned with the floating part 42 of the rotating structure 4. Based on the swinging characteristic of the floating part 42, it is compatible with alignment errors between the rotating structure 4 and the mixing container 5 within approximately ±1.5mm of their axis.

[0046] Please refer to it again. Figures 2 to 4 As shown, the mixing container 5 can be part of the preparation mixing module 10. In this case, the preparation mixing module 10 also includes a mixing component 6, which can include at least one mixing container 5. The mixing container 5 is used to hold the fluids required for the biochemical reaction (e.g., sequencing libraries and corresponding raw materials required for the amplification reaction). In some embodiments, multiple mixing containers 5 can be simultaneously arranged within the mixing component 6, containing various fluids. Thus, the preparation mixing module 10 can synchronously rotate multiple mixing containers 5, achieving the mixing operation of the fluids within the multiple mixing containers 5. It is understood that the mixing containers 5 can pre-contain the corresponding fluids, and during use, the fluids in different mixing containers 5 are directly transferred and mixed. It is also understood that the mixing containers 5 may not pre-contain fluids; the mixing container 5 can be a mixing container within the preparation mixing module 10, and when a mixing operation is required, the fluid is transferred into the mixing container 5.

[0047] Please see Figure 4 and Figure 10 As shown, in conjunction with participation Figure 1 As shown, the mixing container 5 includes a hollow container body 52, with a second engaging portion 51 located at the bottom of the container body 52. ​​In some embodiments, the inner wall of the container body 52 is provided with a protrusion 53, which extends along the depth direction of the container body 52 or extends spirally on the inner wall. The protrusion 53 can improve the mixing effect. During rotation and stopping, the protrusion 53 on the inner wall of the container body 52 can generate vortex stirring of the fluid inside the container body 52, achieving the effect of mixing fluids with different components. In some embodiments, the number of protrusions 53 can be one or multiple to further improve the mixing effect. In addition, the height of the protrusion 53 should not be too high to avoid affecting the pipetting module 20 from extending into the mixing container 5 for pipetting.

[0048] In some embodiments, the mixing container 5 may have a sealing cap 54, which can be opened during use to achieve fluid transfer. Before use, the sealing cap 54 can protect the mixing container 5 from foreign objects entering.

[0049] Please refer to it again. Figures 2 to 4 As shown, the mixing assembly 6 also includes a limiting structure 7 disposed outside the mixing container 5. The limiting structure 7 includes a base 71 and a cover plate 72. The base 71 includes multiple insertion holes 73. The cover plate 72 is detachably disposed at the end of the base 71 away from the transmission assembly 2. The cover plate 72 has a through hole 74 corresponding to each insertion hole 73. A mixing container 5 is detachably disposed in each insertion hole 73. The opening of the mixing container 5 communicates with the through hole 74. The mixing container 5 is limited within the cavity formed by the base 71 and the cover plate 72 and can rotate within the cavity.

[0050] When it is necessary to transfer and mix fluids in different mixing containers 5 within the mixing assembly 6, the pipetting module 20 first transfers the fluid from one mixing container 5 to another. The drive mechanism 1 is activated, which in turn drives the mixing container 5 to rotate via the transmission assembly 2 and the rotating assembly 3, thus achieving the mixing of different fluids. This is used to drive the mixing container 223 to rotate to achieve the mixing of different second fluids. Specifically, the rotating structure 4 is connected to the bottom of the corresponding mixing container 5, allowing the mixing container 5 to rotate around the Z-axis to achieve the mixing operation. The mixing container 5 is also limited along the Z-axis by the limiting structure 7, preventing it from moving in the Z-axis and thus avoiding accidental dislodgement during the mixing process. It is understood that fluids outside the mixing assembly 6 can also be added to the mixing container 5 for mixing.

[0051] It is understandable that the mixing component 6 can also be a consumable, not part of the preparation mixing module 10. Before use, the mixing component 6 can be transported and stored separately. When in use, the mixing component 6 can be installed on the preparation mixing module 10, which facilitates the storage of fluid in the mixing container 5.

[0052] Please refer to it again. Figure 1 As shown, the pipetting module 20 may include a pipetting drive mechanism 201 and a pipetting structure 202 disposed on the pipetting drive mechanism 201. The pipetting structure 202 can be connected to the biochemical reaction module 30 through a pipeline. In some embodiments, the pipetting structure 202 may be a liquid-collecting needle, which can be inserted into the mixing container 5 to collect or drain liquid.

[0053] In some embodiments, multiple mixing containers 5 can be arranged side by side, so that the pipetting structure 202 can move along the direction of side by side to complete the transfer of fluid in different mixing containers 5, which can simplify the structure and driving complexity of the pipetting module 20.

[0054] Please refer to it again. Figure 1 As shown, the biochemical reaction module 30 can be the site for realizing the biochemical reaction, including a temperature control structure 301 and a reaction channel 302. The pipetting structure 202 can be connected to the reaction channel 302 through a pipeline. The pipetting module 20 can transfer the mixed fluid in the mixing container 5 to the reaction channel 302, and the temperature control structure 301 can regulate the temperature of the reaction channel 302 to realize the biochemical reaction.

[0055] Please refer to it again. Figure 1 As shown, the drive module 40 can be connected to the pipetting module 20 and the biochemical reaction module 30. Specifically, the drive module 40 may include various types of power sources 401 for driving fluid movement and various types of reversing components 402 for selecting the direction of fluid flow. For example, the power source 401 may be a syringe pump, plunger pump, diaphragm pump, gear pump, and peristaltic pump, etc., and the reversing component 402 may be, for example, a solenoid valve, a rotary valve, etc.

[0056] The pipetting module 20 and the biochemical reaction module 30 are connected via a pipeline and a reversing component 402, which is connected to a power source 401 via a pipeline. On one hand, the pipetting module 20, driven by the power source 401, can transfer fluids within different mixing containers 5 on the preparation and mixing module 10. On the other hand, the pipetting module 20 can also transfer fluids between the mixing containers 5 on the preparation and mixing module 10 and the biochemical reaction module 30. In some embodiments, the reversing component 402 may be, for example, a rotary valve with multiple orifices.

[0057] Please see Figure 11 As shown, please refer to the following: Figures 1 to 4As shown, this application embodiment also provides a biochemical reaction method using the aforementioned biochemical reaction apparatus 100, specifically including the following steps: Step S1: The fluid is transferred between different mixing containers 5 of the mixing assembly 6 by the pipetting module 20.

[0058] In step S2, the driving mechanism 1 provides driving force and drives the rotating component 3 through the transmission component 2, thereby driving the mixing container 5 to rotate around the axis Z, so as to achieve the mixing of different fluids in the mixing container 5 and obtain a mixed fluid.

[0059] Step S3: The mixed fluid is transferred to the biochemical reaction module 30 via the pipetting module 20.

[0060] In step S4, the biochemical reaction module 30 performs a biochemical reaction to obtain the reaction product.

[0061] Understandably, after step S4 is completed, the reaction product can be transferred to another mixing container 5 in the mixing assembly 6 through the pipetting module 20, and further mixed with the fluid in the mixing container 5. Steps S2 to S4 are repeated until the reaction is completed and the final product is obtained.

[0062] Taking the preparation of library amplification products as an example, in the mixing component 6, one mixing container 5 contains the library required for gene sequencing, while the other mixing containers 5 contain different reagents required for amplification. The library and one reagent are pre-mixed and added to the biochemical reaction module 30 for amplification. After the reaction is completed, the product can be mixed with another reagent again and amplified until the final amplification product is obtained.

[0063] The preparation and mixing module 10 provided in this application, by incorporating a rotating structure 4 within itself, achieves a flexible coupling function, reducing the installation and alignment accuracy of the mixing container 5 and facilitating operation. Furthermore, the preparation and mixing module 10 enables automatic rotational mixing of the fluid. Its compact structure and small size facilitate integration into the biochemical reaction device 100, eliminating the need for external, independent mixing equipment. The mixed fluid can be automatically loaded into the biochemical reaction module 30 for biochemical reaction, effectively improving the integration and automation of the biochemical reaction device 100, reducing manual operation, effectively avoiding the inconsistency issues introduced by manual operation, and enhancing the user experience.

[0064] Specifically, the biochemical reaction device 100 provided in this application embodiment can be a gene sequencing device. This application integrates the preparation and mixing module 10 and the biochemical reaction module 30 into the gene sequencing device, integrating the sample mixing and preparation processes. This eliminates the need for additional equipment such as shakers, PCR instruments, and pipettes, effectively improving the integration and automation level of the gene sequencing device, reducing the cost of purchasing additional equipment and laboratory space occupation, and increasing sequencing efficiency. Furthermore, it reduces manual operation and avoids potential inconsistencies caused by manual operation.

[0065] It is understandable that the aforementioned preparation and mixing module 10 is not limited to use in the aforementioned biochemical reaction device 100, but can also be integrated into other instruments and equipment that require sample mixing.

[0066] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this application and are not intended to limit it. Although this application has been described in detail with reference to preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications or equivalent substitutions can be made to the technical solutions of this application without departing from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of this application.

Claims

1. A preparation and mixing module, characterized in that, include: Drive mechanism; The transmission assembly is rotatably connected to the output shaft of the drive mechanism; as well as A rotating assembly includes at least one rotating structure disposed on the transmission assembly. The rotating structure includes: a fixed portion, a floating portion movably connected to the fixed portion, and an elastic member abutting between the fixed portion and the floating portion. The floating portion is movable relative to the fixed portion along the axial direction of the transmission assembly and in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction. The floating part is used to detachably install the mixing container, and the driving mechanism is used to drive the transmission component to rotate, thereby causing the mixing container to rotate around the axis to achieve mixing of different fluids.

2. The preparation and mixing module as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The transmission assembly includes: a first transmission member and at least one second transmission member, wherein the first transmission member is rotatably connected to the drive mechanism, the first transmission member is rotatably connected to one of the second transmission members, and the rotating structure is disposed on the second transmission member.

3. The preparation and mixing module as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The transmission assembly includes a plurality of meshing second transmission members, one of which meshes with the first transmission member, and each second transmission member is provided with the rotary structure.

4. The preparation and mixing module as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The floating part is provided with a first engaging part at the end away from the fixed part, and the first engaging part is used to detachably connect with a second engaging part at the bottom of the mixing container.

5. The preparation and mixing module as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The first engaging portion includes a groove coaxially disposed with the transmission component and a plurality of limiting grooves extending outward from the groove.

6. The preparation and mixing module as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The preparation and mixing module further includes a detection component disposed on the transmission component, the detection component being used to detect the rotational speed of the transmission component.

7. The preparation and mixing module as described in claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a mixing component, which includes at least one of the mixing containers.

8. The preparation and mixing module as described in claim 7, characterized in that, The mixing container includes a hollow container body, and the inner wall of the container body is provided with a protrusion. The protrusion extends along the depth direction of the container body, or the protrusion extends in a spiral shape along the inner wall of the container body.

9. The preparation and mixing module as described in claim 7, characterized in that, The mixing assembly further includes a limiting structure sleeved on the outside of the mixing container, the limiting structure comprising: The base includes multiple sockets, each socket detachably housing one of the mixing containers; and A cover plate is detachably disposed at the end of the seat away from the transmission component. The cover plate has a through hole corresponding to each of the insertion holes. The opening of the mixing container communicates with the through hole. The mixing container is confined within the cavity formed by the seat and the cover plate.

10. A biochemical reaction apparatus, characterized in that, include: The biochemical reaction module, the pipetting module, and the preparation and mixing module as described in any one of claims 1-9, wherein the preparation and mixing module includes a mixing assembly comprising a plurality of the mixing containers. The pipetting module is used to transfer fluids from different mixing containers in the preparation and mixing module. The preparation and mixing module is used to mix different fluids. The pipetting module is also used to transfer the mixed fluid from the preparation and mixing module to the biochemical reaction module, which is used to carry out a biochemical reaction on the fluid.

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