Automatic loading instrument

Abstract

The utility model discloses an automatic loading instrument and belongs to the technical field of gene sequencing. The automatic loading instrument comprises a temperature control module, the temperature control module comprises a temperature change carrying table, a refrigerator is arranged in the temperature change carrying table, and the temperature change carrying table is used for placing a flow cell; the automatic loading module comprises a mounting plate and a plurality of fluid pipes, and the plurality of fluid pipes are arranged on the mounting plate in a penetrating manner; the reagent module comprises a lifting supporting plate and a containing block with a plurality of liquid storage grooves, the containing block is arranged on the lifting supporting plate, and the lifting supporting plate can be close to the mounting plate so that the lower end of the fluid pipe can be inserted into the corresponding liquid storage groove; the control valve comprises an outlet and a plurality of inlets, each inlet is communicated with the upper end of the corresponding fluid pipe through a first connecting pipe, and the outlet is communicated with the liquid injection hole of the flow cell through a second connecting pipe; one end of the pump set is communicated with the liquid discharge hole of the flow cell. According to the utility model, the flow cell is automatically loaded, and the volume and temperature of liquid in the flow cell are accurately controlled.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to the technical field of gene sequencing, in particular to an automatic loader. Background Art

[0002] In current medical detection technologies, next-generation sequencing (NGS) is a testing technology for detecting the base sequence of deoxyribonucleic acid at the molecular scale, which helps in the accurate positioning and detection of clinical refractory diseases and epidemic diseases. Its main principle is to use a flow cell as a carrier for biochemical reactions, and then detect the feedback signals in the flow cell through optical or electronic means to determine the type of base being detected.

[0003] In the prior art, the loading of the flow cell is carried out by manual injection, which is not only cumbersome in operation, but also unable to meet the precise control of the capacity and temperature of the flow cell according to different reaction conditions.

[0004] Therefore, there is an urgent need to provide an automatic loader to solve the above problems. Summary of the Utility Model

[0005] The purpose of the utility model is to provide an automatic loader, which can realize the automatic loading of reagents or samples into the flow cell, and can precisely control the liquid capacity and temperature in the flow cell according to reaction conditions.

[0006] To achieve the above purpose, the following technical solutions are provided:

[0007] An automatic loader, comprising:

[0008] A temperature control module, the temperature control module includes a temperature-changing stage, a refrigerator is arranged in the temperature-changing stage, and the temperature-changing stage is used for placing a flow cell;

[0009] An automatic loading module, the automatic loading module includes a mounting plate and fluid pipes, and a plurality of the fluid pipes penetrate through the mounting plate;

[0010] A reagent module, including a lifting support plate and a receiving block having a plurality of liquid storage grooves, the receiving block is arranged on the lifting support plate, and the lifting support plate can approach the mounting plate so that the lower end of the fluid pipe is inserted into the corresponding liquid storage groove;

[0011] A control valve, including an outlet and a plurality of inlets, each inlet is communicated with the upper end of the corresponding fluid pipe through a first connecting pipe, and the outlet is communicated with the liquid injection hole of the flow cell through a second connecting pipe;

[0012] A pump group, one end of which is communicated with the liquid discharge hole of the flow cell.

[0013] As an alternative solution for the automatic loader, at least two sets of the temperature control module, the automatic loading module, the reagent module, the control valve, and the pump set are provided.

[0014] As an alternative solution for the automatic loader, the automatic loader further includes an interface module. The interface module includes a first fixing plate and an integrated block with a drain joint. The integrated block is disposed on the first fixing plate. The other end of the pump set is communicated with the integrated block. The joint is used for connecting a collection container.

[0015] As an alternative solution for the automatic loader, a power switch, a power cord socket, a USB interface, and / or a network port are disposed on the first fixing plate.

[0016] As an alternative solution for the automatic loader, the reagent module includes a photoelectric travel switch. A light blocking member is provided on the lifting support plate. The light blocking member is used for blocking the photoelectric travel switch.

[0017] As an alternative solution for the automatic loader, the automatic loader further includes a water cooling control module. The water cooling control module is communicated with the refrigerator in the temperature-changing loading platform to provide water cooling support.

[0018] As an alternative solution for the automatic loader, the water cooling control module includes a second fixing plate and a water tank, a water pump, a cold radiator, and a fan disposed on the second fixing plate. The water tank, the water pump, and the cold radiator are sequentially communicated through pipelines. The fan is arranged parallel to and at intervals from the cold radiator.

[0019] As an alternative solution for the automatic loader, the automatic loader further includes an electrical module. The electrical module is used for driving and controlling the electrical control components in the automatic loader.

[0020] As an alternative solution for the automatic loader, the automatic loader further includes a display module. The display module is electrically connected to the electrical module.

[0021] As an alternative solution for the automatic loader, the automatic loader further includes a protective shell. The protective shell is provided with a pick-up and placement window. The pick-up and placement window is oppositely arranged to the temperature-changing loading platform.

[0022] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present utility model:

[0023] The automatic loader provided by the present utility model places the flow cell on the temperature-changing stage of the temperature control module, and the temperature of the flow cell can be controlled according to the reaction conditions. When the lifting support plate of the reagent module drives the receiving block to move upward so that the lower end of the fluid pipe is inserted into the corresponding liquid storage tank, the upper end of the fluid pipe is communicated with the inlet of the control valve through the first connecting pipe, and the outlet of the control valve is communicated with the liquid injection hole of the flow cell through the second connecting pipe to form a complete flow channel. Precise volumes of samples or reagents can be automatically input into the flow cell under the drive of the pump group according to the reaction conditions to meet the reaction conditions. Moreover, since the receiving block has multiple liquid storage tanks, different types of samples or reagents can be input into the flow cell through the control valve, expanding the liquid loading range of the automatic loader. Description of the Drawings

[0024] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present utility model, the following will briefly introduce the drawings required for description in the embodiments of the present utility model. Obviously, the following-described drawings are only some embodiments of the present utility model. For those of ordinary skill in the art, without creative efforts, other drawings can also be obtained based on the content of the embodiments of the present utility model and these drawings.

[0025] Figure 1 Assembly schematic diagram of the automatic loader from the first perspective in the embodiment of the present utility model (the protective shell is not shown);

[0026] Figure 2 Assembly schematic diagram of the automatic loader from the second perspective in the embodiment of the present utility model (the protective shell is not shown);

[0027] Figure 3 Assembly schematic diagram of the temperature control module, automatic loading module, reagent module, control valve and pump group in the embodiment of the present utility model (the relevant connecting pipelines are not shown);

[0028] Figure 4 Structural schematic diagram of the temperature control module in the embodiment of the present utility model;

[0029] Figure 5 Structural schematic diagram of the interface module in the embodiment of the present utility model;

[0030] Figure 6 Structural schematic diagram of the water cooling control module in the embodiment of the present utility model;

[0031] Figure 7 Structural schematic diagram of the electrical module in the embodiment of the present utility model;

[0032] Figure 8 Structural schematic diagram of the protective shell in the embodiment of the present utility model.

[0033] Reference Signs:

[0034] 1000, Flow cell;

[0035] 1, Temperature control module; 2, Automatic loading module; 3, Reagent module; 4, Control valve; 5, Pump group; 6, Interface module; 7, Water cooling control module; 8, Electrical module; 9, Display module; 10, Protective shell; 101, Display window; 102, Pick-and-place window; 103, Ventilation window;

[0036] 11, Temperature-changing stage; 12, Heat exchange block connector; 13, Temperature sensor; 14, Guide pin; 15, Link rod; 16, Clamping block; 17, Cam; 18, Knob;

[0037] 21, Mounting plate; 22, Fluid pipe;

[0038] 31, Lifting support plate; 32, Receiving block; 321, Liquid storage tank; 33, Light-blocking piece; 34, Photoelectric travel switch;

[0039] 61, First fixing plate; 62, Drainage joint; 63, Integrated block; 64, Power switch; 65, Power cord socket; 66, USB interface; 67, Network port;

[0040] 71, Second fixing plate; 72, Water tank; 73, Radiator; 74, Fan; 75, Water pump;

[0041] 81, Industrial computer; 82, Multi-channel control card; 83, Temperature control card; 84, Power module. Detailed implementation manners

[0042] To make the objectives, technical solutions and advantages of the embodiments of the present utility model clearer, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of the present utility model. Obviously, the described embodiments are some, but not all, of the embodiments of the present utility model. Usually, the components of the embodiments of the present utility model described and illustrated in the accompanying drawings here can be arranged and designed in various different configurations.

[0043] In the description of the present utility model, it should be noted that the orientation or positional relationship indicated by the terms "upper", "lower", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "inner", "outer", etc. is based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the drawings, or the orientation or positional relationship in which the product of the present utility model is usually placed during use. It is only for the convenience of describing the present utility model and simplifying the description, rather than indicating or implying that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation to the present utility model. In addition, the terms "first", "second", "third", etc. are only used for distinguishing descriptions and cannot be understood as indicating or implying relative importance. In the description of the present utility model, unless otherwise specified, the meaning of "a plurality" is two or more than two.

[0044] In the description of the present utility model, it should also be noted that unless otherwise clearly specified and defined, the terms "set" 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 or an electrical connection. For those of ordinary skill in the art, the specific meanings of the above terms in the present utility model can be understood according to specific circumstances.

[0045] The embodiments of the present utility model will be described in detail below. The examples of the embodiments are shown in the drawings, in which the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below by referring to the drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain the present utility model and should not be construed as a limitation to the present utility model.

[0046] In order to achieve the automatic loading of reagents or samples into the flow cell and accurately control the liquid volume and temperature in the flow cell according to the reaction conditions, the present embodiment provides an automatic loader. The following will be combined with Figures 1 to 8 to describe the specific content of this embodiment in detail.

[0047] As Figures 1 to 4As shown in the figure, the automatic loader in this embodiment includes a temperature control module 1, an automatic loading module 2, a reagent module 3, a control valve 4, and a pump set 5. Among them, the temperature control module 1 includes a temperature-changing stage 11, a refrigerator is arranged in the temperature-changing stage 11, and the flow cell 1000 is placed on the temperature-changing stage 11. The automatic loading module 2 includes a mounting plate 21 and fluid pipes 22, and several fluid pipes 22 penetrate through the mounting plate 21. The reagent module 3 includes a lifting support plate 31 and a receiving block 32 having several liquid storage tanks 321. The receiving block 32 is arranged on the lifting support plate 31, and the lifting support plate 31 can approach the mounting plate 21 so that the lower end of the fluid pipe 22 is inserted into the corresponding liquid storage tank 321. The control valve 4 includes one outlet and several inlets. Each inlet is communicated with the upper end of the corresponding fluid pipe 22 through a first connecting pipe, and the outlet is communicated with the liquid injection hole of the flow cell 1000 through a second connecting pipe. One end of the pump set 5 is communicated with the liquid discharge hole of the flow cell 1000. Exemplarily, the control valve in this embodiment is a 24-way rotary cutting valve.

[0048] In short, for the automatic loader provided in this embodiment, the flow cell 1000 is placed on the temperature-changing stage 11 of the temperature control module 1, and the temperature of the flow cell 1000 can be controlled according to the reaction conditions. When the lifting support plate 31 of the reagent module 3 drives the receiving block 32 to move upward so that the lower end of the fluid pipe 22 is inserted into the corresponding liquid storage tank 321, the upper end of the fluid pipe 22 is communicated with the inlet of the control valve 4 through the first connecting pipe, and the outlet of the control valve 4 is communicated with the liquid injection hole of the flow cell 1000 through the second connecting pipe to form a complete flow channel. Precise volumes of samples or reagents can be automatically input into the flow cell 1000 under the drive of the pump set 5 according to the reaction conditions to meet the reaction conditions. Moreover, since the receiving block 32 has multiple liquid storage tanks 321, different types of samples or reagents can be input into the flow cell 1000 through the control valve 4, expanding the liquid loading range of the automatic loader.

[0049] Optionally, in this embodiment, at least two sets of the temperature control module 1, the automatic loading module 2, the reagent module 3, the control valve 4, and the pump set 5 are provided. In other embodiments, the actual different loading requirements can be met by increasing the number of modules.

[0050] Further, as shown in Figure 2 、 Figure 3 Combined with Figure 5 shown, the automatic loader further includes an interface module 6. The interface module 6 includes a first fixing plate 61 and an integrated block 63 with a drain joint 62. The integrated block 63 is arranged on the first fixing plate 61. The other end of the pump set 5 is communicated with the integrated block 63, and the joint is used to connect the collection container. The excess liquid from the flow cell 1000 is discharged into the designated collection container through the pump set 5 and the integrated block 63 to avoid waste of liquid.

[0051] Exemplarily, a power switch 64, a power cord socket 65, a USB interface 66, and / or a network port 67 are provided on the first fixing plate 61 for power supply and communication of the internal devices of the automatic loader.

[0052] Furthermore, as Figure 3 shown, the reagent module 3 includes a photoelectric travel switch 34, and a light-blocking member 33 is provided on the lifting support plate 31. The light-blocking member 33 is used to block the photoelectric travel switch 34. Exemplarily, the up and down movement of the lifting support plate 31 is driven by a motor. When the light-blocking member 33 moves upward and blocks the signal of the photoelectric travel switch 34, the motor stops running, so that the lifting support plate 31 moves within the safe travel range.

[0053] Further, as Figure 1 、 Figure 2 Combined with Figure 6 shown, the automatic loader further includes a water-cooling control module 7. The water-cooling control module 7 is connected to the cooler in the temperature-changing stage 11 through a pipeline to provide water-cooling support.

[0054] Further, as Figure 6 shown, the water-cooling control module 7 includes a second fixing plate 71, and a water tank 72, a water pump 75, a cold radiator 73, and a fan 74 provided on the second fixing plate 71. The water tank 72, the water pump 75, and the cold radiator 73 are sequentially connected through a pipeline. The fan 74 is parallel and spaced from the cold radiator 73. The flow of the cooling water is realized by the water pump 75, and the fan 74 blows air towards the cold radiator 73 to facilitate the rapid heat dissipation of the cold radiator 73.

[0055] Furthermore, as Figure 4 shown, the temperature control module 1 further includes a heat exchange block joint 12, a temperature sensor 13, a guide pin 14, a connecting rod 15, and two clamping blocks 16 that can approach each other. A cam 17 is provided at one end of the connecting rod 15, and a knob 18 is provided at the other end of the connecting rod 15. By rotating the knob 18, the cam 17 rotates, and the cam 17 can expand the two clamping blocks 16 to facilitate the placement of the flow cell 1000. By adding a guide pin 14, it is used to guide the movement of the clamping block 16. In this embodiment, one end of each of the two heat exchange block joints 12 is connected to the cooler, the other end of one heat exchange block joint 12 is connected to the water tank 72, and the other end of the other heat exchange block joint 12 is connected to the cold radiator 73 to realize the circulating flow of the cooling water.

[0056] Further, as Figure 1 Combined with Figure 7 shown, the automatic loader further includes an electrical module 8. The electrical module 8 is used to drive and control the electrical control components in the automatic loader. The electrical module 8 includes an industrial computer 81, a multi-channel control card 82, a temperature control card 83, and a plurality of power modules 84 for providing power, temperature control, and system control for the instrument.

[0057] Furthermore, if Figure 1 Combination Figure 2 As shown, the automatic loader also includes a display module 9, which is electrically connected to the electrical module 8, and the display module 9 is used for human-computer interaction and display of the instrument.

[0058] Furthermore, Figure 1 , Figure 2 Combination Figure 8 As shown, the automatic loader also includes a protective shell 10, which is provided with a pick-and-place window 102, a display window 101 and a ventilation window 103. The pick-and-place window 102 is arranged opposite to the temperature-changing stage 11. The display window 101 is arranged opposite to the display module 9, and the ventilation window 103 is arranged opposite to the cold row 73.

[0059] Note that the above are only preferred embodiments of the present invention and the technical principles used. Those skilled in the art will understand that the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described here, and that various obvious changes, readjustments and substitutions can be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of protection of the present invention. Therefore, although the present invention is described in more detail through the above embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and may include more other equivalent embodiments without departing from the concept of the present invention, and the scope of the present invention is determined by the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. Automatic loading device, characterized in that: include: A temperature control module (1), the temperature control module (1) comprising a temperature-variable carrier (11), a refrigerator being arranged inside the temperature-variable carrier (11), and a flow cell (1000) being placed on the temperature-variable carrier (11); An automatic loading module (2), the automatic loading module (2) comprising a mounting plate (21) and a fluid tube (22), a plurality of the fluid tubes (22) being passed through the mounting plate (21); A reagent module (3) comprises a lifting support plate (31) and a receiving block (32) having a plurality of liquid storage tanks (321), wherein the receiving block (32) is arranged on the lifting support plate (31), and the lifting support plate (31) can be close to the mounting plate (21) so that the lower end of the fluid tube (22) can be inserted into the corresponding liquid storage tank (321); A control valve (4) comprising an outlet and a plurality of inlets, each of the inlets being connected to the upper end of the corresponding fluid pipe (22) via a first connecting pipe, and the outlet being connected to the injection hole of the flow pool (1000) via a second connecting pipe; A pump group (5) has one end connected to the drainage hole of the flow pool (1000).

2. The automatic loading device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The temperature control module (1), the automatic loading module (2), the reagent module (3), the control valve (4) and the pump group (5) are each provided in at least two groups.

3. The automatic loading device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The automatic loading instrument further comprises an interface module (6), wherein the interface module (6) comprises a first fixed plate (61) and an integrated block (63) with a drainage connector (62), wherein the integrated block (63) is arranged on the first fixed plate (61), the other end of the pump group (5) is connected to the integrated block (63), and the connector is used for connecting to a collection container.

4. The automatic loading device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The first fixing plate (61) is provided with a power switch (64), a power cord socket (65), a USB interface (66) and / or a network port (67).

5. The automatic loading device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The reagent module (3) comprises a photoelectric travel switch (34), and a light blocking member (33) is provided on the lifting support plate (31), and the light blocking member (33) is used to block the photoelectric travel switch (34).

6. The automatic loader according to claim 1, characterized in that: The automatic loading instrument further comprises a water cooling control module (7), wherein the water cooling control module (7) is connected to the refrigerator in the temperature variable carrier (11) to provide water cooling support.

7. The automatic loading device according to claim 6, characterized in that: The water cooling control module (7) comprises a second fixed plate (71) and a water tank (72), a water pump (75), a cold radiator (73) and a fan (74) arranged on the second fixed plate (71); the water tank (72), the water pump (75) and the cold radiator (73) are connected in sequence through pipelines; the fan (74) and the cold radiator (73) are arranged in parallel and at intervals.

8. The automatic loader according to claim 1, characterized in that: The automatic loader also includes an electrical module (8), and the electrical module (8) is used to drive and control the electrical control components in the automatic loader.

9. The automatic loader according to claim 8, characterized in that: The automatic loading instrument further comprises a display module (9), and the display module (9) is electrically connected to the electrical module (8).

10. The automatic loading device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that: The automatic loading instrument further comprises a protective shell (10), wherein the protective shell (10) is provided with a pick-up and placement window (102), and the pick-up and placement window (102) is arranged opposite to the temperature-variable carrier (11).

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