PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) amplification equipment as well as reagent tube and heat cover assembly thereof
By designing adaptive reagent tube and heat cap assembly, using the concave and convex structures and retractable top rods, the problem that the heat cap in the prior art cannot be loaded and exited from the reagent tube alone is solved, and the complete PCR amplification equipment is achieved Automation and rapid amplification capabilities.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202420999829.6
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2024-05-09
- Publication Date
- 2025-01-07
- Estimated Expiration
- 2034-05-09
AI Technical Summary
The thermal cover of existing PCR amplification equipment cannot load and exit individual reagent tubes alone, resulting in the inability to fully automate the equipment, and conventional reagent tube designs cannot meet the needs of rapid PCR amplification.
A reagent tube and heat cap assembly is designed. The cover body of the reagent tube and the heat cap assembly are adapted through a recess and convex structure, and are equipped with a retractable pin and a driving mechanism to realize the function of loading and exiting the reagent tube separately.
The automated loading and exit of a single reagent tube is realized, which improves the efficiency and automation of PCR amplification, and meets the needs of rapid PCR amplification.
Smart Images
Figure CN222313165U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The utility model relates to the technical field of PCR amplification, and specifically provides a PCR amplification device and a reagent tube and a hot cover component thereof. Background Art
[0002] Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is a molecular biology technique used to amplify specific DNA fragments. It can be regarded as a special DNA replication outside the body. The biggest feature of PCR technology is that it can greatly increase trace amounts of DNA. PCR amplification equipment is an instrument that uses PCR technology to amplify specific DNA. PCR amplification equipment amplifies the DNA in the sample by thermal cycling the sample. The process of PCR amplification is: cyclically heating and cooling the sample, so that the DNA in the sample is cyclically denatured, annealed and extended, and finally the DNA in the sample is amplified. In the prior art, a PCR instrument is usually used to perform PCR amplification on the sample.
[0003] In the process of thermal cycling of existing PCR amplification equipment, the temperature of the high-temperature denatured reagent tube will drop rapidly during annealing, causing the air temperature inside the reagent tube to be lower than the dew point temperature, thereby causing condensation. Condensation will cause the concentration of the solution in the reagent tube to change, thereby affecting the biological results. In order to solve the above problem, existing PCR amplification equipment will be equipped with a hot cover. When loading the reagent tube, the hot cover can be attached to the tube cap of the reagent tube for heating, thereby preventing condensation from occurring at the tube cap position of the reagent tube.
[0004] However, the existing PCR amplification equipment cannot load and unload reagent tubes without stopping the machine, which results in the fact that the reagent tubes must be handled in batches in the automated control of the PCR amplification equipment. That is, when loading a batch of reagent tubes, the hot cover will be attached to the tube caps of multiple reagent tubes at the same time. After the PCR amplification is completed, when the batch of reagent tubes needs to be unloaded, the hot cover will be separated from the tube caps of multiple reagent tubes at the same time, and then a new batch of reagent tubes will be loaded. As can be seen from the above, the hot cover of the existing PCR amplification equipment cannot load and unload a single reagent tube individually, which inevitably leads to the need for personnel on duty during the working process of the PCR amplification equipment, and it is impossible to truly realize the on-demand inspection of reagent tubes and full automation. In addition, the design of conventional reagent tubes cannot meet the needs of rapid PCR amplification, and the heating and cooling speed is slow.
[0005] Therefore, this field needs a new technical solution to solve the above problems. Utility Model Content
[0006] The utility model aims to solve the above technical problem, that is, to solve the problem that the hot cover of the existing PCR amplification equipment cannot load and eject a single reagent tube separately.
[0007] In a first aspect, the utility model provides a reagent tube of a PCR amplification device, the reagent tube comprising:
[0008] tube body;
[0009] The cover body is connected to the tube mouth of the tube body through a thin wall so that the cover body can be folded and fitted to the tube body. The upper end surface of the cover body is recessed downward and forms a recess, which can be adapted to the hot cover assembly of the PCR amplification device.
[0010] The reagent tube of the utility model can be matched with the hot cover assembly of the PCR amplification device through the recessed part of the cover body, so that the reagent tube can be heated and the reagent tube can move along with the hot cover assembly, and then the reagent tube can be loaded on the hot cover assembly individually.
[0011] In some feasible embodiments of the reagent tube of the above-mentioned PCR amplification device, at least one first protrusion is formed on the surface of the portion of the cover extending into the tube body, and in the buckled state, the first protrusion is pressed against the inner wall surface of the tube body.
[0012] In some feasible embodiments of the reagent tube of the above-mentioned PCR amplification device, the tube wall thickness of the tube body is 0.05 to 0.5 mm.
[0013] In a second aspect, the utility model provides a thermal cover assembly of a PCR amplification device, the thermal cover assembly comprising:
[0014] A heat cover body, which is provided with a through hollow cavity, wherein the first end of the heat cover body can be adapted to the recessed portion of any one of the above-mentioned reagent tubes, and in an adapted state, the reagent tube can be heated and can move along with the heat cover assembly;
[0015] A push rod is telescopically arranged in the hollow cavity, and when in an extended state, a first end of the push rod can abut against the cover body of the reagent tube to separate the reagent tube and the thermal cover body from each other.
[0016] The first end of the heat cover body of the utility model is adapted to the recess of the reagent tube of the utility model, so that the heat cover body and the reagent tube can be heated in the adapted state, and the heat cover body can drive the heat cover assembly to move, so that the heat cover assembly of the utility model can load the reagent tube individually. The push rod of the utility model can extend from the heat cover body, so that the first end of the push rod abuts against the cover body of the reagent tube, so that the reagent tube and the heat cover body are separated from each other, so that the heat cover assembly of the utility model can withdraw the reagent tube individually. The heat cover assembly of the utility model can load and withdraw a single reagent tube individually, thereby solving the problem that the existing heat cover can only load and withdraw multiple reagent tubes in batches, which is conducive to the full automation of PCR amplification.
[0017] In some feasible embodiments of the thermal cover assembly of the above-mentioned PCR amplification device, the thermal cover body is a hollow sleeve or a hollow prism structure.
[0018] In some feasible embodiments of the thermal cover assembly of the above-mentioned PCR amplification device, the first end of the thermal cover body is configured with a convex portion extending downward, and the convex portion is configured to be embedded in the concave portion.
[0019] In some feasible embodiments of the thermal cover assembly of the above-mentioned PCR amplification device, at least one second protruding portion is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the protrusion, and in the engaged state, the second protruding portion is tightly pressed against the inner wall surface of the recess.
[0020] In some feasible embodiments of the thermal cover assembly of the above-mentioned PCR amplification device, the thermal cover assembly further comprises:
[0021] A first driving mechanism connected to the heat cover body to drive the heat cover body to move; and / or
[0022] a second driving mechanism connected to the ejector rod to drive the ejector rod to extend or retract from the hollow cavity; and / or
[0023] A heating device is connected to the heat cover body and / or the ejector rod.
[0024] In a third aspect, the utility model provides a PCR amplification device, the PCR amplification device comprising a reagent tube of any one of the above-mentioned PCR amplification devices; and / or
[0025] The PCR amplification device comprises the thermal cover assembly of any one of the PCR amplification devices described above. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0026] The preferred embodiments of the present invention are described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0027] Figure 1It is a structural schematic diagram of a hot cover assembly and a reagent tube of the utility model.
[0028] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Magnified view of area A.
[0029] Figure 3 This is one of the structural schematic diagrams of the reagent tube of the utility model; wherein the cover body is buckled on the tube body.
[0030] Figure 4 This is the second structural schematic diagram of the reagent tube of the utility model.
[0031] Figure 5 It is one of the cross-sectional views of the thermal cover assembly of the utility model.
[0032] Figure 6 This is the second cross-sectional view of the thermal cover assembly of the utility model; wherein the ejector rod extends out from the thermal cover body.
[0033] List of reference numerals:
[0034] 1-heat cover body; 11-hollow cavity; 12-convex part; 121-second convex part; 2-top rod; 3-reagent tube; 31-tube body; 32-cover body; 321-concave part; 322-first convex part. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0035] The preferred embodiments of the present invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood by those skilled in the art that these embodiments are only used to explain the technical principles of the present invention and are not intended to limit the protection scope of the present invention.
[0036] It should be noted that, in the description of the present invention, terms such as "upper", "lower", "inside" and "outside" indicating directions or positional relationships are based on the directions or positional relationships shown in the drawings. This is only for the convenience of description and does not indicate or imply that the device or element must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, it cannot be understood as a limitation on the present invention.
[0037] In addition, it should be noted that in the description of the present invention, unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, the terms "installed", "connected", and "connected" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, it can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be a mechanical connection, a direct connection, or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium, or it can be the internal communication of two components. For those skilled in the art, the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention can be understood according to the specific circumstances. In addition, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and cannot be understood as indicating or implying relative importance.
[0038] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the embodiment of the utility model provides a reagent tube 3 of a PCR amplification device, such as Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the reagent tube 3 includes a tube body 31 and a cover body 32. The interior of the tube body 31 is used to accommodate samples. The tube body 31 is an elongated cylindrical shape. The cover body 32 is used to buckle at the opening of the tube body 31 to prevent the sample inside the tube body 31 from leaking. The cover body 32 is connected to the tube mouth of the tube body 31 through a thin wall so that the cover body 32 can be folded and fitted at the opening of the tube body 31. The upper end surface of the cover body 32 is recessed downward and formed with a recess 321. The upper end surface of the cover body 32 refers to the end surface facing upward when the cover body 32 is buckled at the opening of the tube body 31. The recess 321 can be adapted to the hot cover assembly of the PCR amplification device. The reagent tube 3 of the embodiment of the utility model can be adapted to the hot cover assembly of the PCR amplification device through the recess 321 of the cover body 32, so that the reagent tube 3 can be heated, that is, the cover body 32 can be heated, and the reagent tube 3 can be moved along with the hot cover assembly, so that the reagent tube 3 can be loaded on the hot cover assembly separately.
[0039] like Figure 3 The surface of the portion of the cover body 32 extending into the tube body 31 is formed with at least one first raised portion 322. The first raised portion 322 is specifically an annular raised structure formed around the surface of the tube body 31. The first raised portion 322 is formed around the axis of the tube body 31 as the center line. The number of first raised portions 322 is not limited to 1 as shown in the figure, and can be 2, 3, 4, etc. In the buckled state, the first raised portion 322 is pressed against the inner wall surface of the tube body 31, so that the cover body 32 seals the opening of the tube body 31.
[0040] The wall thickness of the tube body 31 is 0.05 to 0.5 mm, which is relatively small and has good thermal conductivity, which is beneficial to accelerating the heating and cooling speeds of the sample in the tube body 31, and is beneficial to improving the speed of PCR amplification. It should be noted that the wall thickness of the tube body 31 can be set according to specific circumstances, and can be 0.05, 0.1, 0.15, 0.2, 0.25, 0.3, 0.35, 0.4, 0.45, 0.5 mm, etc.
[0041] like Figure 1 and 2 As shown, the embodiment of the utility model provides a thermal cover assembly of a PCR amplification device, such as Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the thermal cover assembly includes a thermal cover body 1 and a push rod 2 .
[0042] like Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the heat cover body 1 extends in the vertical direction. The vertical direction in the embodiment of the utility model refers to the vertical direction. Figure 1In the vertical direction based on the center position, the heat cover body 1 is provided with a through hollow cavity 11, and the hollow cavity 11 is through in the vertical direction. The first end of the heat cover body 1 can be adapted to the recess 321 of the reagent tube 3 of any one of the above embodiments. When the first end of the heat cover body 1 and the reagent tube 3 are in the adapted state, the reagent tube 3 can be heated, and the reagent tube 3 can move with the heat cover assembly. The second end of the heat cover body 1 is used to connect with the first drive mechanism so that the first drive mechanism can drive the heat cover body 1 to move in the vertical direction. The heat cover body 1 is specifically a hollow sleeve or a hollow prism structure, and the heat cover body 1 is specifically made of metal material and can conduct heat. The first end of the heat cover body 1 of the embodiment of the utility model is adapted to the recess 321 of the reagent tube 3 of the utility model, so that the heat cover body 1 and the reagent tube 3 can be heated in the adapted state, and the heat cover body 1 can drive the heat cover assembly to move, so that the heat cover assembly of the utility model can load the reagent tube 3 separately.
[0043] like Figure 2 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the first end of the heat cover body 1 is configured with a convex portion 12 extending downward. The downward portion in the embodiment of the utility model refers to the portion extending downward. Figure 1 In the downward direction based on the center of the figure, the convex part 12 is configured to be embedded in the concave part 321, so that the first end of the heat cover body 1 can be adaptively embedded with the concave part 321 by means of the convex part 12. Further, at least one second convex part 121 is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the convex part 12. The second convex part 121 is specifically an annular convex structure formed around the outer peripheral surface of the convex part 12. The second convex part 322 is formed around the axis of the convex part 12 as the center line. The number of the second convex parts 121 is not limited to the 2 shown in the figure, and can be 1, 3, 4, etc. In the embedded state, the second convex part 121 is tightly pressed against the inner wall surface of the concave part 321, so that the first end of the heat cover body 1 can be adaptively embedded with the concave part 321 by means of the convex part 12.
[0044] like Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the push rod 2 extends in the vertical direction, and the push rod 2 is telescopically arranged in the hollow cavity 11. The push rod 2 is specifically telescopic in the vertical direction, and the first end of the push rod 2 is used to abut against the cover body 32 to separate the reagent tube 3 and the thermal cover body 1 from each other; Figure 5 As shown, in the retracted state, the first end of the push rod 2 is located in the hollow cavity 11; Figure 6As shown, when in the extended state, the first end of the push rod 2 extends from the first end of the heat cover body 1 from the hollow cavity 11, and the first end of the push rod 2 can abut against the cover 32 of the reagent tube 3 to separate the reagent tube 3 and the heat cover body 1 from each other. The second end of the push rod 2 is used to connect with the second driving mechanism, so that the second driving mechanism can drive the push rod 2 to move in the vertical direction, so that the push rod 2 can perform telescopic movement in the vertical direction. The push rod 2 is specifically a cylindrical rod or a prismatic rod, and the push rod 2 is specifically made of metal material and can conduct heat. The push rod 2 of the utility model can extend from the heat cover body 1, so that the first end of the push rod 2 abuts against the cover 32 of the reagent tube 3, so that the reagent tube 3 and the heat cover body 1 are separated from each other, and then the heat cover assembly of the utility model can withdraw the reagent tube 3 separately.
[0045] The heat cover assembly of the embodiment of the utility model further includes a first driving mechanism (not shown), which is connected to the heat cover body 1 to drive the heat cover body 1 to move. The first driving mechanism is specifically connected to the second end of the heat cover body 1. The first driving mechanism is specifically a telescopic driving mechanism, which can drive the heat cover body 1 to move in the vertical direction.
[0046] The thermal cover assembly of the embodiment of the utility model further includes a second driving mechanism (not shown), which is connected to the ejector rod 2 to drive the ejector rod 2 to extend or retract from the hollow cavity 11. The second driving mechanism is specifically connected to the second end of the ejector rod 2. The second driving mechanism is specifically a telescopic driving mechanism, which can drive the ejector rod 2 to move in the vertical direction.
[0047] The heat cover assembly of the embodiment of the utility model further includes a heating device (not shown), which may be a heating resistance wire, and the heating device is connected to the heat cover body 1 and / or the push rod 2. The heating device can heat the cover body 32 of the reagent tube 3 through the heat cover body 1 and / or the push rod 2 to prevent condensation on the cover body 32. The specific setting method can be: the heating device is connected to the heat cover body 1, and when the first end of the heat cover body 1 and the recess 321 of the reagent tube 3 are in an adapted state, the heat cover body 1 can heat the cover body 32 through the recess 321; in addition, the recess 321 increases the contact area between the first end of the heat cover body 1 and the cover body 32, which is conducive to heat conduction. The specific setting method can also be: the heating device is connected to the push rod 2, and when the first end of the heat cover body 1 and the recess 321 of the reagent tube 3 are in an adapted state, the first end of the push rod 2 can fit with the inner bottom surface of the recess 321, so that the push rod 2 can heat the cover body 32 through the recess 321.
[0048] The thermal cover assembly of the embodiment of the utility model further comprises a temperature sensor (not shown), and the temperature sensor is connected to the heating device. Through the above arrangement, the utility model can detect and control the heating temperature of the heating device by the temperature sensor.
[0049] The thermal cover assembly of the embodiment of the utility model can load and eject a single reagent tube 3 individually, thereby solving the problem that the existing thermal cover can only load and eject multiple reagent tubes 3 in batches, which is conducive to achieving full automation of PCR amplification.
[0050] The present invention provides a control method for a thermal cover assembly, wherein the thermal cover assembly is a thermal cover assembly of a PCR amplification device in any one of the above embodiments, and the control method comprises:
[0051] Step S100, the heat cover body 1 is moved to fit with the recess 321, thereby completing the loading of the reagent tube 3. Specifically, the first driving mechanism is controlled to move the heat cover body 1 downward in the vertical direction, so that the convex portion 12 at the first end of the heat cover body 1 is embedded in the recess 321, so that the first end of the heat cover body 1 is fitted with the recess 321, thereby completing the loading of the reagent tube 3.
[0052] Step S200, during the PCR amplification process, the heat cover body 1 drives the reagent tube 3 to move. Specifically, the first driving mechanism is controlled to move, so that the heat cover body 1 drives the reagent tube 3 to move. In addition, during the PCR amplification process, the heating device is controlled to start to heat the heat cover body 1 and / or the push rod 2, thereby heating the cover body 32 to prevent condensation from occurring on the cover body 32.
[0053] Step S300, after the PCR amplification is completed, the push rod 2 is extended from the heat cover body 1 to separate the reagent tube 3 from the heat cover body 1, thereby completing the withdrawal of the reagent tube 3. Specifically, after the PCR amplification is completed, the second driving mechanism is controlled to operate to extend the push rod 2 from the heat cover body 1 to separate the reagent tube 3 from the heat cover body 1, thereby completing the withdrawal of the reagent tube 3.
[0054] An embodiment of the utility model provides a PCR amplification device, which includes a temperature control pool, a reagent tube 3 of the PCR amplification device of any one of the above embodiments, and a hot cover assembly of the PCR amplification device of any one of the above embodiments, wherein the temperature control pool includes a low-temperature pool and a high-temperature pool.
[0055] When the PCR amplification device of the present invention performs PCR amplification: first, the heat cover body 1 is moved to fit with the recess 321 of the reagent tube 3, thereby completing the loading of the reagent tube 3; then, the heat cover body 1 drives the reagent tube 3 to move repeatedly between the high temperature pool and the low temperature pool, cyclically heating and cooling the sample, so that the DNA in the sample is cyclically denatured, annealed and extended, that is, the DNA in the sample is PCR amplified; finally, after the PCR amplification is completed, the push rod 2 is extended from the heat cover body 1 to separate the reagent tube 3 and the heat cover body 1 from each other, thereby completing the withdrawal of the reagent tube 3.
[0056] During the above-mentioned PCR amplification process, the hot cover assembly of the embodiment of the utility model performs PCR amplification on a single reagent tube 3 individually. Therefore, the hot cover assembly of the embodiment of the utility model can load and eject a single reagent tube 3 individually, thereby solving the problem that the existing hot cover can only load and eject multiple reagent tubes 3 in batches, which is conducive to realizing the complete automation of PCR amplification.
[0057] It can be understood that, since the PCR amplification device is equipped with the above-mentioned reagent tube 3 and hot cover assembly, it has all the technical effects of the above-mentioned reagent tube 3 and hot cover assembly, which will not be repeated here.
[0058] So far, the technical solution of the present invention has been described in conjunction with the preferred embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. However, it is easy for those skilled in the art to understand that the protection scope of the present invention is obviously not limited to these specific embodiments. Without departing from the principle of the present invention, those skilled in the art can make equivalent changes or substitutions to the relevant technical features, and the technical solutions after these changes or substitutions will fall within the protection scope of the present invention.
Claims
1. A reagent tube for a PCR amplification device, characterized in that: The reagent tube comprises: tube body; The cover body is connected to the tube mouth of the tube body through a thin wall so that the cover body can be folded and fitted to the tube body. The upper end surface of the cover body is recessed downward and forms a recess, which can be adapted to the hot cover assembly of the PCR amplification device.
2. The reagent tube of the PCR amplification device according to claim 1, characterized in that: At least one first protruding portion is formed on the surface of the portion of the cover extending into the tube body. In the buckled state, the first protruding portion is tightly pressed against the inner wall surface of the tube body.
3. The reagent tube of the PCR amplification device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The tube wall thickness of the tube body is 0.05 to 0.5 mm.
4. A thermal cover assembly for a PCR amplification device, characterized in that: The thermal cover assembly comprises: A heat cover body, which is provided with a through hollow cavity, wherein the first end of the heat cover body can be adapted to the recessed portion of the reagent tube according to any one of claims 1 to 3, and in an adapted state, the reagent tube can be heated and can move along with the heat cover assembly; A push rod is telescopically arranged in the hollow cavity, and when in an extended state, a first end of the push rod can abut against the cover body of the reagent tube to separate the reagent tube and the thermal cover body from each other.
5. The hot cover assembly of the PCR amplification device according to claim 4, characterized in that: The heat cover body is a hollow sleeve or a hollow prism structure.
6. The hot cover assembly of the PCR amplification device according to claim 4, characterized in that: The first end of the heat cover body is configured with a convex portion extending downward, and the convex portion is configured to be embedded in the concave portion.
7. The thermal cover assembly of the PCR amplification device according to claim 6, characterized in that: At least one second convex portion is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the convex portion. In the fitted state, the second convex portion is tightly pressed against the inner wall surface of the concave portion.
8. The hot cover assembly of the PCR amplification device according to claim 4, characterized in that: The thermal cover assembly further comprises: A first driving mechanism connected to the heat cover body to drive the heat cover body to move; and / or a second driving mechanism connected to the ejector rod to drive the ejector rod to extend or retract from the hollow cavity; and / or A heating device is connected to the heat cover body and / or the ejector rod.
9. A PCR amplification device, characterized in that: The PCR amplification device comprises a reagent tube of the PCR amplification device according to any one of claims 1 to 3; and / or The PCR amplification device comprises the hot cover assembly of the PCR amplification device according to any one of claims 4 to 8.