Gene sequencer

Abstract

The utility model provides a gene sequencer. The gene sequencer comprises a chip bearing module, an optical machine module, a first kit module, a second kit module and a rack, the optical machine module is fixedly connected with the rack through two first supporting plates arranged in the first direction; the chip bearing module and the rack are fixedly connected through two second supporting plates arranged in the first direction. The chip bearing module is located between the two first supporting plates and is stacked with the optical machine module along a second direction; the chip bearing module is used for placing a chip and driving the chip to move along at least one of a first direction and a third direction; the first kit module is positioned between the two second supporting plates and is stacked with the chip bearing module along a second direction; the first kit module at least comprises a kit, a reagent diversion assembly and a support frame; the second kit module comprises a buffer kit, and the second kit module and the first kit module are arranged on the rack side by side in the first direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the biomedical field, and in particular to a gene sequencer. Background Art

[0002] As an instrument for determining the base sequence, type and quantity of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) fragments, gene sequencers play an important role in genome sequencing and disease detection. However, conventional gene sequencers not only have complex structures and are difficult to assemble and manufacture, but also waste reagents during the detection process due to the long internal liquid pipelines, which increases the reagent cost of gene sequencing. Utility Model Content

[0003] The present application provides a gene sequencer to simplify the structure of the sequencer and save detection reagents used in the gene sequencing process.

[0004] The present application provides a gene sequencer, which includes: a chip carrying module, an optical machine module, a first reagent kit module, a second reagent kit module and a rack;

[0005] The optical-mechanical module is fixedly connected to the frame via two first support plates arranged along a first direction; the optical window of the optical-mechanical module faces the detection surface of the chip;

[0006] The chip-carrying module is fixedly connected to the frame through two second support plates arranged along the first direction; the chip-carrying module is located between the two first support plates and is stacked with the optical-mechanical module along the second direction; the chip-carrying module is used to place the chip and drive the chip to move along at least one of the first direction and the third direction; the first direction and the third direction are located in the same plane, which is perpendicular to the optical axis of the optical-mechanical module;

[0007] The first reagent kit module is located between the two second support plates and is stacked with the chip bearing module along the second direction; the second direction is parallel to the optical axis of the optomechanical module; wherein the first reagent kit module is located on the side of the chip bearing module away from the optomechanical module; the first reagent kit module at least includes a reagent kit, a reagent guide assembly and a support frame for supporting the reagent kit and the reagent guide assembly, and the reagent kit includes at least a plurality of detection reagents;

[0008] The second reagent kit module and the first reagent kit module are arranged side by side on the rack along a first direction; the second reagent kit module at least includes a buffer reagent kit;

[0009] The reagent guide component is used to guide any one of the multiple detection reagents into the flow channel of the chip for chemical reaction, and to guide the buffer reagent in the buffer reagent kit into the flow channel of the chip for chemical reaction.

[0010] In the above technical solution, the optomechanical module, the chip-carrying module and the first reagent box module can be stacked in the second direction and the chip-carrying module can be located between the first reagent box module and the optomechanical module, so that the straight-line distance between the reagent box in the first reagent box module and the chip in the chip-carrying module in the second direction can be the shortest. In addition, by arranging the second reagent box module and the first reagent box module side by side in the first direction, the various modules of the gene sequencer can be distributed on the rack according to the functions of each module and the association between each module, which effectively simplifies the overall structure of the gene sequencer and reduces the difficulty of assembly and manufacturing of each module. While the second reagent box module and the first reagent box module are arranged side by side, by fixing the reagent guide assembly on the support frame of the first reagent box module, the liquid path pipeline when the detection reagent is introduced from the reagent box into the flow channel of the chip can be effectively shortened. In this way, the waste of detection reagents can be effectively reduced, which plays a role in saving reagents and reducing costs.

[0011] In a specific possible implementation manner, the third direction is perpendicular to the arrangement direction of the two first support plates;

[0012] When the chip carrying module drives the chip to move to the first set position along the third direction, the chip and the optical-mechanical module are spaced apart by a preset distance in the third direction.

[0013] In a specific possible implementation scheme, the chip-carrying module includes a chip module and a first motion module, the chip module is equipped with the chip; one or more flow channels are provided in the chip, and the sample to be detected is attached to the flow channel;

[0014] The first motion module includes a first motion plate, a first guide rail, a second motion plate, a second guide rail, a first driving mechanism and a second driving mechanism;

[0015] The first guide rail is arranged on the second moving plate, and the length direction of the first guide rail is parallel to the first direction; the first moving plate is slidably connected to the first guide rail; the chip module is fixed on the first moving plate; the first driving mechanism is used to drive the first moving plate to move along the length direction of the first guide rail;

[0016] The second guide rail is fixedly connected to the frame, and the length direction of the second guide rail is parallel to the third direction; the second moving plate is slidably connected to the second guide rail; and the second driving mechanism is used to drive the second moving plate to move along the length direction of the second guide rail.

[0017] In a specific possible implementation scheme, the rack includes a base and a support platform stacked along the second direction, the height of the base in the second direction is lower than the height of the support platform in the second direction; the base is fixedly connected to one end of the second support plate; the first support plate is fixed to the side of the support platform away from the base, and the chip carrier module is arranged on the support platform; wherein,

[0018] The second support plate is provided with a bent edge at one end facing the support platform; there is a gap between the bent edge and the support platform, an elastic buffer pad is provided in the gap, and both ends of the elastic buffer pad are in one-to-one contact with the bent edge and the support platform.

[0019] In a specific embodiment, the reagent flow guide assembly in the first reagent box module includes a conduction structure, a distribution valve and a second motion module; the conduction structure is fixedly connected to the support frame and is stacked with the reagent box along the second direction;

[0020] The conducting structure comprises a plurality of tees arranged in parallel along a third direction, wherein the tees comprise a first through hole facing the reagent box and two corresponding second through holes, wherein the first through hole is connected to a reagent needle; and a hose for connecting to a distribution pipeline in the distribution valve is arranged in the second through hole;

[0021] The second motion module comprises a third motion plate, a third guide rail and a third driving mechanism; the third guide rail is fixedly connected to the support frame, and the length direction of the third guide rail is parallel to the second direction; the third motion plate is slidably connected to the third guide rail; the reagent box is fixed to the third motion plate; the third driving mechanism is used to drive the third motion plate to move along the second direction; the reagent needle is used to obtain the detection reagent from the reagent hole of the reagent box when the third motion plate moves to the second set position along the length direction of the third guide rail;

[0022] The distribution valve is fixedly connected to the support frame and is arranged adjacent to the conduction structure; the distribution valve is used to obtain the detection reagent in the reagent needle through the hose in the second through hole, and conduct the detection reagent to the flow channel of the chip for chemical reaction.

[0023] In a specific embodiment, the first reagent kit module further comprises a protection plate;

[0024] The protection plate and the reagent box are located on both sides of the conductive structure, and the protection plate is fixedly connected to the support frame and is perpendicular to the second direction.

[0025] In a specific embodiment, the first reagent kit module further comprises a drag chain; the drag chain is used to fix and protect the wiring harness corresponding to the dispensing valve;

[0026] The drag chain is arranged on one side of the distribution valve and is fixedly connected to the support frame.

[0027] In a specific embodiment, the second reagent kit module further comprises a waste liquid box, and the waste liquid box and the buffer reagent kit are arranged side by side along the first direction;

[0028] The reagent flow guiding component is also used to guide at least one of the detection reagent and the buffer reagent in the chip to the waste liquid box.

[0029] In a specific embodiment, the second reagent kit module further comprises a buffer reagent tank and a waste liquid tank; the buffer reagent kit is located in the buffer reagent tank, and the waste liquid box is located in the waste liquid tank;

[0030] The second reagent kit module further comprises a lifting device and a pipette needle, wherein the lifting device comprises a fixed frame and a lifting platform; the fixed frame and the waste liquid tank and the buffer reagent tank are stacked and fixedly connected along the second direction; the lifting platform is slidably connected to the fixed frame, and the lifting platform can slide along the second direction and stay at the first height and the second height;

[0031] The number of the pipette needles is at least one, each of the pipette needles is fixed to the side of the lifting platform facing the buffer reagent kit, and one end of each of the pipette needles is connected to the reagent guide assembly; when the lifting platform is at the first height, each of the pipette needles exits the buffer reagent kit; when the lifting platform is at the second height, each of the pipette needles enters the buffer reagent kit and reaches a set depth in the buffer reagent kit.

[0032] In a specific possible implementation manner, a sensor is provided on the fixing frame, and the lifting platform is provided with a sensing sheet cooperating with the sensor; when the sensor senses the sensing sheet, the lifting platform rises to the second height. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0033] Figure 1a A schematic diagram of the overall structure of a gene sequencer provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0034] Figure 1bAn exploded schematic diagram of the overall structure of a gene sequencer provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0035] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the structure after an optical-mechanical module and a first support plate are connected according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0036] Figure 3a A schematic diagram of the structure of a chip carrier module provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0037] Figure 3b A schematic diagram of the structure of a first motion module provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0038] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the structure of a chip module provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0039] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of a chip carrier module and an optical-mechanical module provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0040] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the structure of a first test kit module provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0041] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of a conductive structure provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0042] Figure 8 A schematic diagram of the connection between the conduction structure and the distribution valve provided in the embodiment of the present application;

[0043] Fig. 9 A schematic diagram of the structure of the second test kit module provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0044] Fig.10 A schematic diagram of another viewing angle of the second reagent kit module provided in an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0045] In order to make the objectives, technical solutions and advantages of the present application clearer, the present application will be further described in detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0046] It should be noted that, unless otherwise defined, the technical terms or scientific terms used in one or more embodiments of this specification should be understood by people with ordinary skills in the field to which this disclosure belongs. The "first", "second" and similar words used in one or more embodiments of this specification do not indicate any order, quantity or importance, but are only used to distinguish different components. "Include" or "comprise" and similar words mean that the elements or objects appearing before the word cover the elements or objects listed after the word and their equivalents, without excluding other elements or objects. "Connect" or "connected" and similar words are not limited to physical or mechanical connections, but may include electrical connections, whether direct or indirect. "Up", "down", "left", "right" and the like are only used to indicate relative positional relationships. When the absolute position of the described object changes, the relative positional relationship may also change accordingly.

[0047] To facilitate understanding of the gene sequencer provided in the embodiment of the present application, its application scenario is first described. The gene sequencer provided in the embodiment of the present application can be applied in gene sequencing projects to determine information such as base sequence and base type in DNA fragments. The arrangement of each module in the current gene sequencer is relatively complex, which not only leads to the problem of being difficult to assemble, but also causes the problem of long liquid pipeline lines, resulting in the problem of waste of detection reagents in the gene sequencing process. To this end, the embodiment of the present application provides a gene sequencer with a simple structure and easy assembly, which is used to complete the sequencing task while saving detection reagents.

[0048] For the convenience of description, an XYZ three-dimensional coordinate system is constructed, with the chip to be detected as a reference, the X direction is parallel to the length direction of the chip, the Y direction is parallel to the width direction of the chip, and the Z direction is parallel to the height direction of the chip; wherein the optical axis direction is parallel to the Z direction.

[0049] The following is a detailed description of the invention in conjunction with specific drawings and embodiments.

[0050] refer to Figure 1a and Figure 1b As shown, Figure 1a A combined schematic diagram showing the overall structure of a gene sequencer provided in an embodiment of the present application is shown. Figure 1bAn exploded schematic diagram of the overall structure of the gene sequencer provided in the embodiment of the present application is shown. The gene sequencer provided in the embodiment of the present application includes a chip-carrying module 1, an optical-mechanical module 2, a first reagent kit module 3, a second reagent kit module 4 and a rack 5. Among them, the chip-carrying module 1, the optical-mechanical module 2 and the first reagent kit module 3 are stacked on the rack 5 along the second direction, and the optical-mechanical module 2 and the first reagent kit module 3 are arranged on both sides of the chip-carrying module 1. The second reagent kit module 4 and the first reagent kit module 3 are arranged side by side on the rack 5 along the first direction. Among them, the second direction is parallel to the optical axis of the optical-mechanical module 2, the first direction can be specifically the X direction, and the second direction can be specifically the Z direction.

[0051] The rack 5 is specifically used to support other modules, and the chip carrying module 1 is used to carry the chip 6. One or more flow channels are provided in the chip 6, and the sample to be detected is attached to the flow channel. The first reagent kit module 3 is used to carry the detection reagent, the optical machine module 2 is used to detect the fluorescent signal generated after the sample to be detected in the chip 6 and the detection reagent react, and the second reagent kit module 4 is used to hold the waste liquid generated during the sequencing process and the buffer reagent used to clean the flow channel of the chip. Specifically, the detection reagent in the first reagent kit module 3 can flow into the flow channel of the chip 6 carried by the chip carrying module 1 for chemical reaction, thereby generating a fluorescent signal. The optical window of the optical machine module 2 faces the detection surface of the chip 6 to detect the fluorescent signal of the chip 6 and convert it into an electrical signal, which can be sent by the optical machine module to the data analysis and processing module for analysis and processing, thereby obtaining the sequencing result. The waste liquid generated during the gene sequencing process can flow into the second reagent kit module 4 for storage. In addition, during the gene sequencing process, the buffer reagent summarized in the second reagent kit can also be conducted to the flow channel of the chip for chemical reaction, thereby achieving the cleaning of the flow channel.

[0052] The rack 5 may specifically include two first support plates 51 and two second support plates 52 arranged along the first direction. The setting position of the first support plate 51 in the second direction is higher than the setting position of the second support plate 52 in the second direction. The optical-mechanical module 2 can be fixedly connected to the rack 5 through the two first support plates 51. For example, the fixed connection can be achieved by welding, bolts, riveting, etc. When the optical-mechanical module 2 is fixedly connected to the rack 5, the optical window of the optical-mechanical module 2 needs to face the detection surface of the chip 6. The chip-carrying module 1 is fixedly connected to the rack 5 through the second support plate 52. When set, the height directions of the first support plate 51 and the second support plate 52 are parallel to the optical axis. The first support plate 51 and the second support plate 52 can both have a flat structure to reduce the occupied area on the rack while playing a stable supporting role.

[0053] refer to Figure 1a and Figure 1bIt can be seen that the chip carrying module 1 is located between the two first supporting plates 51 , and is stacked up and down with the optical-mechanical module 2 along the second direction.

[0054] Optionally, the first support plate 51 may be a support plate with a preset rigidity, such as a steel plate, an aluminum alloy plate, a titanium alloy plate, etc. By supporting the optical-mechanical module 2 with a support plate with a preset rigidity, the rigidity of the overall structure and the stability of the optical-mechanical module 2 can be improved. In addition, by supporting the optical-mechanical module 2 with two flat first support plates 51 instead of using multiple cylindrical structures, the number of support structures used when supporting the optical-mechanical module 2 can be reduced and the contact area with the frame can be reduced, thereby simplifying the overall structure of the gene sequencer.

[0055] For reference Figure 1b and Figure 2 , Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the structure after an optomechanical module and a first support plate are connected for an embodiment of the present application. Among them, the optomechanical module 2 includes a camera 21 and a light-emitting diode (LED) laser for detecting fluorescent signals, two radiator fins 22 arranged adjacent to the camera 21 along a first direction, and a bracket 23 for supporting the camera 21 and the radiator fins 22. The supporting surface of the bracket 23 is parallel to the first direction, and the camera 21 and the two radiator fins 22 can be vertically arranged on the supporting surface of the bracket 23, and the camera 21 is located between the two radiator fins 22. The radiator fins 22 are used to dissipate heat for the LED laser in the optomechanical module 2 when the optomechanical module 2 is working. The two first support plates 51 can be fixedly connected to the bracket 23 at the two side edges of the bracket 23 along the first direction, so as to play a role in stably supporting the optomechanical module 2.

[0056] The chip carrier module 1 is used to install the chip 6 and drive the chip 6 to move in at least one of the first direction and the third direction. The first direction and the third direction are located in the same plane, which is perpendicular to the optical axis of the optical machine module. Specifically, the third direction is perpendicular to the arrangement direction of the two first support plates 51, wherein the arrangement direction is the first direction. Exemplarily, the first direction may be the X direction, and the third direction may be the Y direction. By driving the chip 6 to move in two directions, it is convenient to detect each chip area of ​​the chip 6.

[0057] Optionally, the chip carrying module 1 may drive the chip 6 to move in the first direction by a distance that is smaller than the chip carrying module 1 drives the chip 6 to move in the third direction.

[0058] When the chip carrier module 1 drives the chip 6 to move to the first set position along the third direction, the chip 6 and the optical-mechanical module 2 are separated by a preset distance in the third direction, so that the chip 6 can be separated from the space area surrounded by the optical-mechanical module 2 and the first support plate 51, thereby improving the convenience of taking and placing the chip 6 from the chip carrier module 1. The length of the preset distance can be set based on experience and is not specifically limited here.

[0059] For reference Figure 3a , Figure 3a A schematic diagram of the structure of a chip carrier module provided in an embodiment of the present application. The chip carrier module 1 may specifically include a chip module 11 and a first motion module 12, wherein the chip module 11 is installed with a chip 6. For example, the chip 6 may be installed in a chip frame of the chip module 11. The chip module 11 may be fixedly connected to the first motion module 12 so that the first motion module 12 drives the chip module 11 to move. Figure 3b , Figure 3b A structural schematic diagram of a first motion module provided for an embodiment of the present application. The first motion module 12 may include a first motion plate 121, a first guide rail 122, a second motion plate 123, a second guide rail 124, a first drive mechanism 125 and a second drive structure 126. Among them, the height of the second motion plate 123 in the second direction is lower than the height of the first motion plate 121 in the second direction. The first guide rail 122 can be arranged on the second motion plate 123, and the length direction of the first guide rail 122 is parallel to the first direction, and the first motion plate 121 is slidably connected to the first guide rail 122. The chip module 11 is fixed on the first motion plate 121. The first drive structure 125 is used to drive the first motion plate 121 to move along the length direction of the first guide rail 122. That is, it is realized that the first drive structure 125 can drive the first motion plate 121 to move along the X direction.

[0060] The second guide rail 124 is fixedly connected to the frame 5, and the length direction of the second guide rail is parallel to the third direction. The length of the second guide rail 124 can be greater than the length of the first guide rail 122. The second moving plate 123 is slidably connected to the second guide rail 124, and the second driving structure 126 is used to drive the second moving plate 123 to move along the length direction of the second guide rail 124. That is, the second driving structure 126 can drive the second moving plate 123 to move along the Y direction. When the first motion module 12 drives the first moving plate 121 to move to the first set position along the third direction, the chip module 11 equipped with the chip 6 can be fixedly installed on the first moving plate 121.

[0061] For example, both the first drive structure 125 and the second drive structure 126 can be a motor drive structure, a hydraulic drive structure, etc. Figure 3bIn the embodiment, the first driving structure 125 and the second driving structure 126 are both motor driving structures. The first driving structure 125 may specifically include a first motor 1251 and a first rotating screw 1252 whose length direction is parallel to the first direction. The second driving structure 126 may specifically include a second motor 1261 and a second rotating screw 1262 whose length direction is parallel to the third direction. Each motor can rotate the corresponding rotating screw, and the rotating screw can be connected to the guide rail. The rotation of the rotating screw can drive the corresponding connected guide rail to move, and the movement of the guide rail can drive the corresponding connected moving plate to move. In this way, through the transmission between the motor, the rotating screw and the guide rail, it is possible to drive the moving plate to move.

[0062] To understand the specific structure of the chip module 11, please refer to Figure 4 The schematic diagram of the structure of the chip module shown in FIG. The length direction of the chip module 11 may be the first direction, and the width direction may be the third direction. The chip module 11 may include a capping assembly 111, a switch lock 112, at least one pressing claw 113 arranged in the width direction of the capping assembly 111, a chip platform 114 for carrying the chip 6, at least one first chip positioning reference block 115 arranged in the length direction of the chip module 11, and at least one second chip positioning reference block 116 arranged in the width direction of the chip module 11. The first chip positioning reference block 115 may realize positioning in the first direction, and the second chip positioning reference block 116 may realize positioning in the third direction. When installing the chip 6, the chip 6 may be installed on the chip platform 114 according to the positioning position indicated by the first chip positioning reference block 115 and the second chip positioning reference block 116. Then, the capping assembly 111 may be pressed on the chip 6 and the switch lock 112 may be locked, so as to fix the chip 6 in the chip module 11. The cover assembly 111 may be a transparent assembly or a hollow assembly, so as to ensure that the fluorescence signal corresponding to the chip 6 can be detected by the optical-mechanical module 2 through the cover assembly 111 .

[0063] like Figure 5 As shown, it is a schematic diagram of a combination of a chip-carrying module and an optomechanical module installed with a chip provided in an embodiment of the present application, wherein the chip-carrying module 1 and the optomechanical module 2 are stacked in the second direction, the chip module 11 in the chip-carrying module 1 is located on the first motion module, and the optical window of the optomechanical module 2 faces the detection surface of the chip 6 in the chip module 11.

[0064] Continue to refer Figure 1a and Figure 1b, the first reagent box module 3 is located between the two second support plates 52 and is fixedly connected to the frame 5. In the second direction, the first reagent box module 3 is stacked with the chip-carrying module 1, and the first reagent box module 3 is located on the side of the chip-carrying module 1 away from the optical-mechanical module 2. That is, the optical-mechanical module 2 is arranged on one side of the chip-carrying module 1, and the first reagent box module 3 is arranged on the other side.

[0065] The second reagent kit module 4 and the first reagent kit module 3 are arranged side by side on the rack 5 along the first direction. The second reagent kit module 4 may include a buffer reagent kit, which is used to store a buffer reagent. The buffer reagent is used to clean the flow channel in the chip 6 to prevent the detection reagent that flows into the flow channel first during detection from affecting the use effect of the detection reagent that flows into the flow channel later.

[0066] For the first test kit module 3, please refer to Figure 6 , Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the structure of a first reagent kit module provided in an embodiment of the present application. The first reagent kit module 3 may specifically include a reagent kit 31, a reagent guide assembly, and a support frame 33 for supporting the reagent kit and the reagent guide assembly. The reagent kit 31 includes at least a plurality of detection reagents, and the detection reagent can generate a fluorescent signal after reacting with the sample to be detected in the flow channel of the chip 6, thereby realizing the detection of the chip 6. The reagent guide assembly is used to select any one of the detection reagents from a plurality of detection reagents and conduct the selected detection reagent to the flow channel of the chip 6 for chemical reaction, and to conduct the buffer reagent in the buffer reagent kit to the flow channel of the chip 6 for chemical reaction.

[0067] In an optional implementation, continue to refer to Figure 6 The reagent flow guide assembly in the first reagent box module 3 may specifically include a distribution valve 32, a conduction structure 34, and a second motion module. The conduction structure 34 may be fixedly connected to the support frame 33, and is used to obtain various detection reagents from the reagent box 31 and conduct the various detection reagents to the distribution valve 32. The second motion module is used to drive the reagent box 31 to move along the second direction, so that the conduction structure 34 can obtain various detection reagents from the reagent box 31. Figure 7 and Figure 8 , Figure 7 A schematic diagram of a conductive structure provided in an embodiment of the present application; Figure 8A schematic diagram of the connection structure and the distribution valve provided in the embodiment of the present application. Specifically, the conduction structure 34 and the test kit 31 can be stacked on the support frame 33 along the second direction, and the distribution valve 32 can be arranged side by side with the conduction structure 34 along the first direction and fixedly connected to the support frame 33. The conduction structure 34 may include a plurality of tees 341 arranged in parallel along the third direction. The tees 341 include a first through hole toward the test kit and two second through holes correspondingly arranged, and the first through hole is connected with a reagent needle 342, and the needle head of the reagent needle 342 is toward the test kit 31. A hose 343 for connecting to the distribution pipeline in the distribution valve 32 is provided in the second through hole. The reagent needle 342 is used to obtain the detection reagent from the test kit 31 and conduct to the hose 343, and the detection reagent can circulate to the distribution pipeline in the distribution valve 32 through the hose 343. The distribution valve 32 may include a plurality of distribution pipes, which may be connected to the hose 343 in the second through hole, so as to obtain the detection reagent in the reagent needle 342 through the hose 343 in the second through hole, and conduct the detection reagent to the flow channel of the chip 6 through the distribution pipe for chemical reaction. Figure 8 In the embodiment, the two second through holes in the three-way connection 341 are respectively connected to the hoses 343, which are respectively connected to the distribution pipes in different distribution valves 32. The number of distribution valves 32 can be determined according to the total number of detection reagents and buffer reagents that need to be conducted and the number of distribution pipes in each distribution valve 32.

[0068] In order to minimize the paths of various detection reagents when they circulate, the first reagent box module 3 and the chip-carrying module 1 are stacked in the second direction, so that the vertical distance between the two can be reduced. In addition, the distribution valve 32 can be located on the side of the support frame 33 close to the chip 6, so that the distribution valve 32 is close to the detection reagents in the reagent box 31 and the chip 6 at the same time, thereby reducing the distance of the flow channel of the detection reagent from the reagent box 31 to the chip 6, which plays a role in saving the detection reagents.

[0069] The manner in which the multiple three-way connections 341 in the conduction structure 34 are arranged in parallel may include a single row arrangement, a double row arrangement, a multi-row arrangement, etc. In the case of a multi-row arrangement, the number of reagent needles 342 on each row does not need to be consistent. In order to improve the acquisition accuracy of the reagent needle 342 when acquiring the detection reagent, the conduction structure 34 may also include a guide plate 344 perpendicular to the second direction, and the guide plate 344 includes openings corresponding to each reagent needle 342. The guide plate 344 can be used to constrain the position of the reagent needle 342, so that the reagent needle 342 can accurately obtain the required detection reagent from the test kit 31.

[0070] The second motion module may include a third motion plate, a third guide rail and a third driving mechanism; the third motion plate may be slidably connected to the third guide rail, and the reagent box 31 may be fixed on the third motion plate; the third guide rail may be fixedly connected to the support frame, and the length direction of the third guide rail is parallel to the second direction. The third driving mechanism may be, for example, a motor drive structure, a hydraulic drive structure, etc. The third driving mechanism is used to drive the third motion plate to move in the second direction. Since the reagent box 31 is arranged on the third motion plate, it is also realized that the reagent box 31 is driven to move in the second direction. The reagent needle 342 is used to obtain the detection reagent from the reagent hole of the reagent box 31 when the third motion plate moves to the second set position along the length direction of the third guide rail. Specifically, the reagent box 31 includes a reagent hole corresponding to each detection reagent. The reagent needle 342 can be used to insert the reagent hole of the reagent box 31 when the reagent box 31 moves to the second set position along the second direction to obtain the detection reagent from the reagent hole.

[0071] In an optional implementation, continue to refer to Figure 6 , the first reagent box module 3 may further include a protection plate 35. The protection plate 35 is fixedly connected to the support frame 33 and is perpendicular to the second direction. Moreover, the protection plate 35 and the reagent box 31 are located on both sides of the conductive structure 34. In this way, in the first reagent box module 3, the chip box 31, the conductive structure 34 and the protection plate 35 can be stacked along the second direction, so that the protection plate 35 can be used to protect the reagent box 31 and the conductive structure 34.

[0072] In an optional implementation, continue to refer to Figure 6 The first reagent kit module 3 may further include a drag chain 36, which is disposed on one side of the distribution valve 32 and fixedly connected to the support frame 33. The side where the drag chain 36 is located is the side of the distribution valve 32 away from the conduction structure 34. The length direction of the drag chain 36 is parallel to the third direction. The drag chain 36 can be used to fix and protect the wiring harness corresponding to the distribution valve 32, and the wiring harness corresponding to the distribution valve 32 can be used to power the distribution valve.

[0073] Optionally, the first reagent box module 3 may further include a third motion module. The third motion module may be used to drive the reagent box 31 to move along a third direction. In this way, the reagent box 31 may move synchronously with the chip 6 in the third direction. The specific structure and setting method of the third motion module may refer to the first motion module described above, and will not be described in detail here.

[0074] Continue to refer Figure 1a , Figure 1b and Figure 3bIn order to further improve the stability of the gene sequencer provided in the embodiment of the present application, the frame 5 may include a base 53 and a support platform 54 stacked along the second direction, the base 53 is used to support the first reagent kit module 3 and the second reagent kit module 4, and is fixedly connected to one end of the second support plate 52. The height of the base 53 in the second direction is lower than the height of the support platform 54 in the second direction. The support platform 54 is used to support the chip-carrying module 1 and the optical-mechanical module 2. Specifically, the first support plate 51 is fixed to the side of the support platform 54 away from the base 53, and the end of the first support plate 51 away from the support platform 54 is fixedly connected to the optical-mechanical module 2. The chip-carrying module 1 is arranged on the support platform 54 and is located between the two first support plates 51. The support platform 54 can specifically be a concave support platform, and the concave direction of the concave area of ​​the concave support platform is parallel to the Z direction. The chip-carrying module 1 is arranged on the concave area, and a folded edge area is arranged on both sides of the concave area along the first direction.

[0075] The second support plate 52 is provided with a bent edge 521 at one end facing the support platform 54, and there is a gap between the bent edge 521 and the support platform 54, which can be specifically a gap between the folded edge area of ​​the support platform 54 and the bent edge 521. At least one elastic buffer pad 7 is provided in the above-mentioned gap, and the two ends of the elastic buffer pad 7 abut against the bent edge and the support platform one by one. Specifically, one end of the elastic buffer pad 7 abuts against the folded edge area of ​​the support platform 54, and the other end abuts against the bent edge 521 of the second support plate 52. In this way, the elastic buffer pad 7 can be used to isolate the influence of possible external vibration when the gene sequencer is working normally, thereby improving the stability of the gene sequencer.

[0076] Alternatively, a fixing component is provided under the folded edge region of the support platform 54, and the fixing component is used to fix the elastic buffer pad 7 in the folded edge region. When connected, the bent edge 521 can abut against the side of the fixing component away from the elastic buffer pad 7, so that the elastic buffer pad 7 can be used to isolate the influence of possible external vibration when the gene sequencer is working normally.

[0077] In an optional implementation, reference is made to Fig. 9 and Fig.10 , Fig. 9 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the second test kit module provided in this application, Fig.10Schematic diagram of the second reagent box module provided in the present application from another perspective. The second reagent box module 4 may include a buffer reagent box 41, a waste liquid box 42 and a waste liquid tube connector 43. The waste liquid tube connector 43 is fixed to the side facing the waste liquid box 42, and the waste liquid tube connector 43 is used to connect the waste liquid tube and conduct at least one of the detection reagent and the buffer reagent in the chip 6 to the waste liquid box 42. The waste liquid tube connector 43 is a sub-component in the reagent diversion assembly, so that at least one of the detection reagent and the buffer reagent in the chip is conducted to the waste liquid box 42 using the reagent diversion assembly. The buffer reagent box 41 is close to the first reagent box module 3, and the waste liquid box 42 and the buffer reagent box 41 are arranged side by side along the first direction. It should be noted that in Fig.10 The buffer reagent box 41 and the waste liquid box 42 are not shown.

[0078] The second reagent kit module 4 may further include a buffer reagent tank 44 and a waste liquid tank 45. The buffer reagent kit 41 is located in the buffer reagent tank 44, and the waste liquid box 42 is located in the waste liquid tank 45. The buffer reagent tank 44 and the waste liquid tank 45 may be surrounded by a plate, and at one end in a third direction perpendicular to the first direction, the buffer reagent tank 44 and the waste liquid tank 45 surrounded by the plate have an opening. The buffer reagent kit 41 may be placed into the buffer reagent tank 44 or taken out from the buffer reagent tank 44 along the third direction from the opening, and the waste liquid box 42 may be placed into the waste liquid tank 45 or taken out from the waste liquid tank 45 along the third direction from the opening.

[0079] The second reagent kit module 4 also includes a lifting device 46 and a liquid pipette 47, and the liquid pipette 47 is used to absorb the buffer reagent. The lifting device 46 is used to drive the liquid pipette 47 and the waste liquid tube connector 43 to rise and fall, and cooperate with the buffer reagent kit 41 and the waste liquid box 42 to complete the extraction of the buffer reagent and the collection of the waste liquid. The lifting device 46 specifically includes a fixed frame 461 and a lifting platform 462; the fixed frame 461 and the waste liquid tank 45 and the buffer reagent tank 44 are stacked and fixedly connected along the second direction. Fig.10 As shown, the fixing frame 461 can be fixed to the plates surrounding the buffer reagent tank 44 and the waste liquid tank 45 by means of threaded connection, welding, etc.

[0080] The lifting platform 462 is slidably connected to the fixing frame 461 and can slide relative to the fixing frame 461 along the second direction. Fig.10 As shown, the fixing frame 461 is provided with a guide rail extending in the second direction, and the fixing frame 461 is mounted on the guide rail to realize the sliding connection between the lifting platform 462 and the fixing frame 461. The driving force for the lifting platform 462 to slide in the second direction can be driven manually by an operator or by a mechanical driving mechanism.

[0081] In addition to being able to slide along the second direction, the lifting platform 462 can also stay at a first height and a second height in the second direction. When the lifting platform 462 is at the first height, each aspiration needle 47 withdraws from the buffer reagent box 44, so that the operator can take out the buffer reagent box 41 or insert the buffer reagent box 41. When the lifting platform 462 is at the second height, each aspiration needle 47 enters the buffer reagent box 41 and reaches a set depth in the buffer reagent box 41, so as to extract the buffer reagent through the aspiration needle 3.

[0082] There is at least one pipette needle 47, and each pipette needle 47 is fixed to the side of the lifting platform 462 facing the buffer reagent kit 44. When the lifting platform 462 slides along the second direction, each pipette needle 47 can be raised and lowered along with the lifting platform 462. One end of each pipette needle 47 is connected to the reagent guide assembly, and then the reagent guide assembly is used to guide the detection reagent in the buffer reagent kit to the flow channel of the chip for chemical reaction, thereby cleaning the flow channel of the chip.

[0083] Specifically, when the reagent diversion assembly includes a distribution valve 32, one end of each aspiration needle 47 can be connected to the distribution pipeline in the distribution valve 32 through a hose, so as to extract the buffer reagent during the operation of the gene sequencer and distribute it to any flow channel of the chip 6 through the distribution valve 32.

[0084] Usually, different processes of gene sequencing require the use of different types of buffer reagents, so a plurality of buffer reagents can be stored separately in the buffer reagent kit, and each aspiration needle 47 corresponds to a buffer reagent to meet the requirements of extracting different types of buffer reagents at different stages of the sequencing process.

[0085] In an optional embodiment, a sensor 463 may be provided on the fixing frame 461, and the sensor 463 may be a photoelectric sensor. A sensing sheet cooperating with the sensor 463 is provided on the lifting platform 462. When the sensor 463 senses the sensing sheet, it can be determined that the lifting platform 462 has risen to the second height, at which time the buffer reagent box 41 can be placed into the buffer reagent tank 44 or taken out from the buffer reagent tank 44 along the third direction from the opening, and the waste liquid box 42 can be placed into the waste liquid tank 45 or taken out from the waste liquid tank 45 along the third direction from the opening.

[0086] Optional, continue to refer to Figure 1a and Figure 1b The gene sequencer provided in the present application may further include a data analysis and processing module 8. The data analysis and processing module 8 is used to obtain the electrical signal converted by the optical-mechanical module 2, and determine the gene sequencing result according to the electrical signal. The data analysis and processing module 8 is fixedly connected to the frame 5, and is arranged side by side with the first reagent kit module 3 and the second reagent kit module 4 along the first direction. The second reagent kit module 4 and the data analysis and processing module 8 can be located on both sides of the first reagent kit module 3.

[0087] In the above technical solution, the optomechanical module, the chip-carrying module and the first reagent kit module can be stacked in the second direction and the chip-carrying module can be located between the first reagent kit module and the optomechanical module, so that the straight-line distance between the reagent kit in the first reagent kit module and the chip in the chip-carrying module in the second direction can be the shortest. In addition, by arranging the second reagent kit module and the first reagent kit module side by side in the first direction, the various modules of the gene sequencer can be distributed on the rack according to the functions of each module and the associations between the modules, which effectively simplifies the overall structure of the gene sequencer and reduces the difficulty of assembly and manufacturing of each module. While the second reagent kit module and the first reagent kit module are arranged side by side, by fixing the reagent guide assembly on the support frame of the first reagent kit module, the liquid path pipeline when the detection reagent is introduced from the reagent kit into the distribution valve and then introduced into the flow channel of the chip by the distribution valve can be effectively shortened. In this way, the waste of detection reagents can be effectively reduced, which plays a role in saving reagents and reducing costs.

[0088] One or more embodiments of this specification are intended to cover all such substitutions, modifications and variations that fall within the broad scope of the appended claims. Therefore, any omissions, modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc. made within the spirit and principles of one or more embodiments of this specification should be included in the scope of protection of this disclosure.

[0089] The above are only specific implementations of the present application, but the protection scope of the present application is not limited thereto. Any technician familiar with the technical field can easily think of changes or substitutions within the technical scope disclosed in the present application, which should be included in the protection scope of the present application. Therefore, the protection scope of the present application should be based on the protection scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A gene sequencer, characterized in that: include: A chip carrying module, an optical-mechanical module, a first reagent kit module, a second reagent kit module and a rack; The optical-mechanical module is fixedly connected to the frame via two first support plates arranged along a first direction; the optical window of the optical-mechanical module faces the detection surface of the chip; The chip-carrying module is fixedly connected to the frame through two second support plates arranged along the first direction; the chip-carrying module is located between the two first support plates and is stacked with the optical-mechanical module along the second direction; the chip-carrying module is used to place the chip and drive the chip to move along at least one of the first direction and the third direction; the first direction and the third direction are located in the same plane, which is perpendicular to the optical axis of the optical-mechanical module; The first reagent kit module is located between the two second support plates and is stacked with the chip bearing module along the second direction; the second direction is parallel to the optical axis of the optomechanical module; wherein the first reagent kit module is located on the side of the chip bearing module away from the optomechanical module; the first reagent kit module at least includes a reagent kit, a reagent guide assembly and a support frame for supporting the reagent kit and the reagent guide assembly, and the reagent kit includes at least a plurality of detection reagents; The second reagent kit module and the first reagent kit module are arranged side by side on the rack along a first direction; the second reagent kit module at least includes a buffer reagent kit; The reagent guide component is used to guide any one of the multiple detection reagents into the flow channel of the chip for chemical reaction, and to guide the buffer reagent in the buffer reagent kit into the flow channel of the chip for chemical reaction.

2. The gene sequencer according to claim 1, characterized in that: The third direction is perpendicular to the arrangement direction of the two first support plates; When the chip carrying module drives the chip to move to the first set position along the third direction, the chip and the optical-mechanical module are spaced apart by a preset distance in the third direction.

3. The gene sequencer according to claim 1, characterized in that: The chip carrying module comprises a chip module and a first motion module, wherein the chip is installed in the chip module; one or more flow channels are arranged in the chip, and a sample to be detected is attached to the flow channel; The first motion module includes a first motion plate, a first guide rail, a second motion plate, a second guide rail, a first driving mechanism and a second driving mechanism; The first guide rail is arranged on the second moving plate, and the length direction of the first guide rail is parallel to the first direction; the first moving plate is slidably connected to the first guide rail; the chip module is fixed on the first moving plate; the first driving mechanism is used to drive the first moving plate to move along the length direction of the first guide rail; The second guide rail is fixedly connected to the frame, and the length direction of the second guide rail is parallel to the third direction; the second moving plate is slidably connected to the second guide rail; and the second driving mechanism is used to drive the second moving plate to move along the length direction of the second guide rail.

4. The gene sequencer according to claim 1, characterized in that: The rack comprises a base and a support platform stacked along the second direction, wherein the height of the base in the second direction is lower than the height of the support platform in the second direction; the base is fixedly connected to one end of the second support plate; the first support plate is fixed to a side of the support platform away from the base, and the chip carrying module is arranged on the support platform; wherein, The second support plate is provided with a bent edge at one end facing the support platform; there is a gap between the bent edge and the support platform, an elastic buffer pad is provided in the gap, and both ends of the elastic buffer pad are in one-to-one contact with the bent edge and the support platform.

5. The gene sequencer according to claim 1, characterized in that: The reagent flow guide component in the first reagent kit module includes a conduction structure 、 The distribution valve and the second motion module; the conduction structure is fixedly connected to the support frame and is stacked with the reagent box along the second direction; The conducting structure comprises a plurality of tees arranged in parallel along a third direction, wherein the tees comprise a first through hole facing the reagent box and two corresponding second through holes, wherein the first through hole is connected to a reagent needle; and a hose for connecting to a distribution pipeline in the distribution valve is arranged in the second through hole; The second motion module comprises a third motion plate, a third guide rail and a third driving mechanism; the third guide rail is fixedly connected to the support frame, and the length direction of the third guide rail is parallel to the second direction; the third motion plate is slidably connected to the third guide rail; the reagent box is fixed to the third motion plate; the third driving mechanism is used to drive the third motion plate to move along the second direction; the reagent needle is used to obtain the detection reagent from the reagent hole of the reagent box when the third motion plate moves to the second set position along the length direction of the third guide rail; The distribution valve is fixedly connected to the support frame and is arranged adjacent to the conduction structure; the distribution valve is used to obtain the detection reagent in the reagent needle through the hose in the second through hole, and conduct the detection reagent to the flow channel of the chip for chemical reaction.

6. The gene sequencer according to claim 5, characterized in that: The first reagent kit module also includes a protection plate; The protection plate and the reagent box are located on both sides of the conductive structure, and the protection plate is fixedly connected to the support frame and is perpendicular to the second direction.

7. The gene sequencer according to claim 5, characterized in that: The first reagent kit module also includes a drag chain; the drag chain is used to fix and protect the wiring harness corresponding to the distribution valve; The drag chain is arranged on one side of the distribution valve and is fixedly connected to the support frame.

8. The gene sequencer according to claim 1, characterized in that: The second reagent kit module further includes a waste liquid box, and the waste liquid box and the buffer reagent kit are arranged side by side along the first direction; The reagent flow guiding component is also used to guide at least one of the detection reagent and the buffer reagent in the chip to the waste liquid box.

9. The gene sequencer according to claim 8, characterized in that: The second reagent kit module further comprises a buffer reagent tank and a waste liquid tank; the buffer reagent kit is located in the buffer reagent tank, and the waste liquid box is located in the waste liquid tank; The second reagent kit module further comprises a lifting device and a pipette needle, wherein the lifting device comprises a fixed frame and a lifting platform; the fixed frame and the waste liquid tank and the buffer reagent tank are stacked and fixedly connected along the second direction; the lifting platform is slidably connected to the fixed frame, and the lifting platform can slide along the second direction and stay at the first height and the second height; The number of the pipette needles is at least one, each of the pipette needles is fixed to the side of the lifting platform facing the buffer reagent kit, and one end of each of the pipette needles is connected to the reagent guide assembly; when the lifting platform is at the first height, each of the pipette needles exits the buffer reagent kit; when the lifting platform is at the second height, each of the pipette needles enters the buffer reagent kit and reaches a set depth in the buffer reagent kit.

10. The gene sequencer according to claim 9, characterized in that: The fixing frame is provided with a sensor, and the lifting platform is provided with a sensing sheet cooperating with the sensor; when the sensor senses the sensing sheet, the lifting platform rises to the second height.

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