Full-automatic incubator

Abstract

The embodiment of the utility model discloses a full-automatic incubator. The full-automatic incubator comprises a box body, a sample container carrier, a sealing cover and a sliding mechanism, a temperature-adjustable sample cavity and a box opening communicated with the sample cavity are formed in the box body; the sample container carrier is movably arranged in the box body, and the sample container carrier is used for bearing a sample; the sealing cover is arranged on the surface of the sample container carrier and is used for blocking the box opening when the sample container carrier moves into the sample cavity; one end of the sliding mechanism is arranged in the box body in a sliding mode, the sliding mechanism is located on one side of a cavity body of the sample cavity, the other end of the sliding mechanism is connected with the sealing cover, and the sliding mechanism is used for doing reciprocating motion in the direction of moving in or moving out of the box opening so as to drive the sample container carrier to enter or exit from the sample cavity. The full-automatic incubator is simple in structure and convenient to disassemble and assemble, the occupied space in the width direction of the full-automatic incubator can be saved, and then the size of the full-automatic incubator is reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of cell culture technology, and more specifically, to a fully automated incubator. Background Technology

[0002] With the increasing demand for cell culture and analysis instruments, incubators have gradually become essential basic instruments in laboratories in the field of life science research. At the same time, in order to achieve stability and efficiency in cell culture, fully automated incubators have become one of the indispensable instruments in the automated process of cell analysis.

[0003] However, most existing fully automatic incubators use a double-arm track structure for movement, which moves the sample in and out of the incubator body. This allows the sample container to move the sample in and out of the incubator body. However, the existing double-arm track structure not only increases cost and size, but also makes it difficult to maintain balance. The design and assembly are somewhat complicated, resulting in cumbersome installation and increased difficulty in subsequent maintenance.

[0004] Therefore, how to provide a small-sized, easy-to-assemble and disassemble fully automatic incubator has become a technical problem that urgently needs to be solved in this field. Utility Model Content

[0005] In view of the shortcomings of the existing technology, the purpose of this utility model is to provide a fully automatic incubator that can solve the problems of large size and cumbersome disassembly and assembly in the existing technology.

[0006] The above-mentioned technical objective of this utility model is achieved through the following technical solution:

[0007] A fully automatic incubator includes a chamber body, a sample container carrier, a sealing cap, and a sliding mechanism. The chamber body forms a temperature-adjustable sample chamber and an opening communicating with the sample chamber. The sample container carrier is movably disposed in the chamber body and is used to carry samples. The sealing cap is disposed on the surface of the sample container carrier and is used to seal the opening when the sample container carrier moves into the sample chamber. One end of the sliding mechanism is slidably disposed in the chamber body and is located on one side of the sample chamber. The other end of the sliding mechanism is connected to the sealing cap. The sliding mechanism is used to reciprocate along the direction of moving into or out of the opening to drive the sample container carrier in and out of the sample chamber.

[0008] Furthermore, the sliding mechanism is configured in multiple ways. The fully automatic incubator also includes multiple sliding drive mechanisms. The multiple sliding drive mechanisms are set inside the chamber and are respectively configured one-to-one with the multiple sliding mechanisms. The sliding drive mechanism is connected to one end of the sliding mechanism and is used to drive the sliding mechanism to slide.

[0009] Furthermore, the housing has a track opening, and the sliding mechanism includes a track and a crossbeam. One end of the track extends into the housing from the track opening, and the crossbeam connects the other end of the track to the sealing cover.

[0010] Furthermore, a partition is vertically arranged on one side of the sample chamber inside the chamber, and a sliding mechanism is slidably arranged on the side of the partition away from the sample chamber. The fully automatic incubator also includes a guiding mechanism, which includes a fixed block and a bearing connected together. The fixed block is installed on the partition, and the bearing is located on the lower side of the track and abuts against the outer surface of the track.

[0011] Furthermore, the fully automatic incubator includes a quick-release assembly, which is set inside the track. One end of the crossbeam has a fixed cavity, and the end of the track is engaged in the fixed cavity. The crossbeam and the track are fixed by the quick-release assembly.

[0012] Furthermore, the quick-release assembly includes: a sleeve installed within the rail; a first positioning element connecting the sleeve and the crossbeam to position the sleeve and the crossbeam; and a second positioning element connecting the rail and the crossbeam to position the rail and the crossbeam.

[0013] Furthermore, the quick-release assembly also includes a fastener. A first mounting hole is provided on the side of the track. The fastener passes through the first mounting hole and the sleeve and is connected to the side of the track opposite to the side to fix the sleeve inside the track. The fastener is a plug bolt.

[0014] Furthermore, the quick-release assembly also includes a first connector, and the crossbeam has a second mounting hole. The first connector passes through the second mounting hole to connect the sleeve, so as to fix the sleeve to the crossbeam.

[0015] Furthermore, the quick-release assembly also includes a second connector, and the rail has a third mounting hole. The second connector passes through the third mounting hole to connect the sleeve, thereby fixing the rail and the sleeve together.

[0016] Furthermore, the box body includes a sealing plate, which is disposed at the box opening and has at least one sample inlet that communicates with the box opening. At least one sealing cover is provided, which corresponds to the sample inlet to seal the sample inlet.

[0017] The beneficial effects of this utility model embodiment are:

[0018] The fully automated incubator provided in this application embodiment uses a sliding mechanism on one side of the sample chamber to move the sample container carrier carrying the sample into and out of the sample chamber, thereby realizing cell culture. It has a simple structure and is easy to assemble and disassemble, which can save the space occupied in the width direction of the fully automated incubator and thus reduce the volume of the fully automated incubator. Attached Figure Description

[0019] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the embodiments of this application will be briefly described below.

[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a fully automated incubator according to an embodiment of this application;

[0021] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of a fully automated incubator according to an embodiment of this application;

[0022] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the sliding drive mechanism of a fully automated incubator according to an embodiment of this application;

[0023] Figure 4 This is a side view of the internal structure of a fully automated incubator as shown in an embodiment of this application;

[0024] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the sliding mechanism of a fully automated incubator according to an embodiment of this application;

[0025] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the crossbeam structure of a fully automated incubator according to an embodiment of this application;

[0026] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the track structure of a fully automated incubator according to an embodiment of this application;

[0027] Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view of the beam connecting rail of a fully automated incubator, as shown in one embodiment of this application.

[0028] Reference numerals: Box body 1; Sample chamber 11; Box opening 12; Front plate 13; Sealing plate 14; Track opening 15; Partition 16; Sample inlet 17; Sample container carrier 2; Sample container 21; Sealing cap 3; Sliding mechanism 4; Track 41; Crossbeam 42; Fixed cavity 421; Sliding drive mechanism 5; Guide rail 51; Belt 52; Pulley 53; Sliding drive component 54; Guide mechanism 6; Fixing block 61; Bearing 62; Quick release assembly 7; Sleeve 71; First positioning component 72; Second positioning component 73; Fixing component 74; First connecting component 75; Second connecting component 76. Detailed Implementation

[0029] In the description of this application, it should be noted that the terms "inner" and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, or the orientation or positional relationship commonly used when the product is in use. They are used only for the convenience of describing this application and for simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this application. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," etc., are used only to distinguish descriptions and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0030] The purpose of this invention is to provide a fully automatic incubator that solves the problems of increased cost and complicated disassembly and assembly caused by the existing double-arm track structure.

[0031] The technical solutions in the embodiments of this application will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0032] See Figure 1 -2. This application provides a fully automatic incubator, including a chamber body 1, a sample container carrier 2, a sealing cover 3, and a sliding mechanism 4.

[0033] The housing 1 has a temperature-adjustable sample chamber 11 and a housing opening 12 that connects to the sample chamber 11.

[0034] The sample container carrier 2 is movably disposed on the box 1 and is used to carry the sample.

[0035] The sealing cap 3 is disposed on the surface of the sample container carrier 2 and is used to seal the opening 12 when the sample container carrier 2 moves into the sample chamber 11.

[0036] One end of the sliding mechanism 4 is slidably disposed inside the box 1, and the sliding mechanism 4 is located on one side of the cavity of the sample chamber 11. The other end of the sliding mechanism 4 is connected to the sealing cover 3. The sliding mechanism 4 is used to reciprocate along the direction of moving in or out of the box opening 12 to drive the sample container carrier 2 into and out of the sample chamber 11.

[0037] The fully automated incubator provided in this embodiment uses a sliding mechanism 4 on one side of the sample chamber 11 to move the sample container carrier 2 carrying the sample into and out of the sample chamber 11, thereby realizing cell culture. Compared with the existing technology that uses a double-arm track structure - that is, two moving sample container carriers 2 are provided on both sides of the sample chamber 11, the fully automated incubator of this application has a simpler structure and is easier to assemble and disassemble. It can save the space occupied in the width direction of the fully automated incubator and reduce the volume of the fully automated incubator.

[0038] In one embodiment, a sealing cavity (not shown in the figure) is formed inside the sealing cover 3, and one end of the sliding mechanism 4 extends into the sealing cavity from the side of the sealing cover 3 and is fixed to the sealing cover 3 by means of fasteners or welding.

[0039] In one embodiment, the sample container carrier 2 can be paired with the sample container 21 according to its requirements, and the sample container carrier 2 is connected to the sealing cap 3 by a non-detachable screw. The sample container carrier 2 is moved by the movement of the sealing cap 3. Its structure is stable and easy to disassemble.

[0040] In one embodiment, the housing 1 includes a front plate 13 and a sealing plate 14. The housing opening 12 is formed on the front plate 13, and the sealing plate 14 is disposed at the housing opening 12. The sealing plate 14 has at least one sample inlet 17 communicating with the housing opening 12. Correspondingly, at least one sealing cover 3 is provided, and the sealing cover 3 corresponds to the sample inlet 17 to seal the sample inlet 17.

[0041] The number of injection ports 17 can be set according to the sample culture requirements, and there is no specific limit to this.

[0042] In one embodiment, the housing 1 has a track opening 15, and the sliding mechanism 4 includes a track 41 and a crossbeam 42. One end of the track 41 extends into the housing 1 from the track opening 15 and is connected to the sliding drive mechanism 5.

[0043] The track openings 15 are vertically spaced along the height of the box 1. The track openings 15 are designed to be openable and closable. The fully automatic incubator is equipped with a cover (not shown in the figure). When there is no need for the corresponding sliding mechanism 4 to pass through the fully automatic incubator, the track openings 15 at the corresponding positions can be sealed by the cover to ensure that the outer wall heating of the sample chamber 11 and / or the cooling elements located in the box 1 can provide a continuous and stable temperature and humidity environment.

[0044] The crossbeam 42 connects the other end of the track 41 and the sealing cover 3. The sliding drive mechanism 5 drives the track 41 to slide, thereby moving the crossbeam 42 and the sealing cover 3.

[0045] In one embodiment, a vertically arranged partition 16 is provided inside the housing 1, which divides the interior of the housing 1 into a first installation chamber and a second installation chamber. The sample chamber 11 is located in the first installation chamber, and a sliding mechanism is provided on the partition 16 on the side close to the second installation chamber.

[0046] In one embodiment, the sample chamber 11 can be a rectangular cavity that is closed on five sides and open on one side, and the opening of the sample chamber 11 is set to correspond to the opening 12.

[0047] In one embodiment, multiple sliding mechanisms 4 are provided, and the multiple sliding mechanisms 4 are arranged vertically at intervals along the height direction of the box body 1. The fully automatic incubator also includes multiple sliding drive mechanisms 5, which are arranged in the second mounting chamber. The multiple sliding drive mechanisms 5 are respectively arranged in one-to-one correspondence with the multiple sliding mechanisms 4. The sliding drive mechanism 5 is connected to one end of the sliding mechanism 4 and is used to drive the sliding mechanism 4 to slide.

[0048] Specifically, the sliding drive mechanism 5 is located inside the housing 1 and on the side of the partition 16 near the second mounting chamber.

[0049] See Figure 3 -4. In one embodiment, the sliding drive mechanism 5 includes a guide rail 51, a belt 52, a pulley 53, and a sliding drive component 54.

[0050] The guide rail 51 is horizontally fixed on the partition plate 16, and the side of the track 41 is engaged with the guide rail 51 and can slide along the guide rail 51.

[0051] Specifically, in one embodiment, a slider (not shown in the figure) is fixedly provided on the side of the track 41. The slider is provided with a locking cavity that cooperates with the guide rail 51. The slider is locked onto the guide rail 51 through the locking cavity and slides along the guide rail 51 to drive the track 41 to slide.

[0052] The pulleys 53 are located at the bottom of both sides of the guide rail 51. The belt 52 is sleeved on the pulleys 53 and connected to the rail 41. The sliding drive component 54 is located on the side of the partition 16 near the first mounting chamber and on the back of the sample chamber 11, that is, on the side of the sample chamber 11 away from the opening 12. The sliding drive component 54 is connected to the pulleys 53. The pulleys 53 are driven to rotate by the sliding drive component 54, which in turn drives the belt 52 to rotate, and finally drives the rail 41 to move along the guide rail 51.

[0053] The sliding drive component 54 can be a stepper motor.

[0054] In one embodiment, the fully automated incubator further includes a guiding mechanism 6, which includes a fixed block 61 and a bearing 62 connected together. The fixed block 61 is mounted on the partition 16 on one side of the second mounting chamber, that is, the side away from the sample chamber 11.

[0055] The bearing 62 is located on the lower side of the track 41. The bottom of the track 41 abuts against the outer surface of the bearing 62, that is, the bottom surface of the track 41 is in tangential contact with the outer surface of the bearing 62. The track 41 will be in close contact with the bearing 62 when it is moved in or out.

[0056] By setting the bearing 62, the movement direction of the track 41 can be guided and its pressure can be borne, which can ensure the smoothness of the movement of the track 41 and further improve the stability and balance of the movement of the sliding mechanism 4. Compared with the existing double-arm track structure, the sliding mechanism 4 of this application embodiment does not need to be leveled, which can ensure smooth movement and improve the efficiency of installation.

[0057] In one embodiment, the bearing 62 can be a rubber-coated bearing 62, which has excellent shock absorption, noise reduction, and low friction coefficient performance. By setting the rubber-coated bearing 62, the vibration and friction generated when the track 41 moves are reduced, further ensuring the smoothness of the track 41 movement and the stability of the track 41 structure, and preventing the problem of track 41 wear caused by friction.

[0058] See Figure 5 -8. In one embodiment, the fully automatic incubator also includes a quick-release assembly 7, which is connected to the track 41. One end of the crossbeam 42 has a fixing cavity 421, and the end of the track 41 is engaged in the fixing cavity 421. The crossbeam 42 and the track 41 are fixed by the quick-release assembly 7.

[0059] In one embodiment, the quick-release assembly 7 includes a sleeve 71, a first positioning element 72, and a second positioning element 73.

[0060] The sleeve 71 is installed inside the track 41. The first positioning member 72 connects the sleeve 71 and the crossbeam 42 to position the sleeve 71 and the crossbeam 42. The second positioning member 73 connects the track 41 and the crossbeam 42 to position the track 41 and the crossbeam 42.

[0061] Specifically, multiple first positioning elements 72 are provided. The multiple first positioning elements 72 are fixedly connected to the sleeve 71 on the side corresponding to the fixed cavity 421 by welding or other means. A first connecting hole is provided in the fixed cavity 421. The first positioning elements 72 are engaged in the first connecting hole to position the sleeve 71 and the crossbeam 42.

[0062] Multiple second positioning elements 73 are provided. The multiple second positioning elements 73 are fixedly connected to the side of the track 41 corresponding to the fixed cavity 421 by welding or other means. A second connecting hole is provided in the fixed cavity 421. The second positioning elements 73 are engaged in the second connecting hole to position the track 41 and the crossbeam 42.

[0063] In one embodiment, the quick-release assembly 7 further includes a fixing member 74. A first mounting hole is provided on the side of the track 41. The fixing member 74 passes through the first mounting hole and the sleeve 71 and is connected to the side of the track 41 opposite to the side of the track 41 to fix the sleeve 71 inside the track 41.

[0064] Specifically, the fastener 74 can penetrate the sleeve 71 and the track 41 to improve the stability of the connection between the sleeve 71 and the track 41, while also increasing the rigidity of the track 41 and preventing the track 41 from bending or deforming. Compared with the track 41 structure in the prior art, the track 41 of this application has greater overall strength and is more stable, while maintaining its balance.

[0065] Among them, the fixing component 74 is a plug bolt. Compared with the fixing with ordinary bolts, the fixing structure of this application can make the track 41 and the sleeve 71 less likely to loosen under the action of external force. During transportation or when subjected to vibration, it can prevent the structure from loosening, ensure the normal operation of the fully automatic incubator, and further ensure its stability.

[0066] In one embodiment, the quick-release assembly 7 further includes a first connector 75, and a second mounting hole is provided on the crossbeam 42. The first connector 75 passes through the second mounting hole and is connected to the sleeve 71 to fix the sleeve 71 to the crossbeam 42.

[0067] In one embodiment, the quick-release assembly 7 further includes a second connector 76, and a third mounting hole is provided on the track 41. The second connector 76 passes through the third mounting hole and is connected to the sleeve 71 to fix the track 41 and the sleeve 71 together.

[0068] In this embodiment, the crossbeam 42 and the track 41 can be separated by loosening the first connector 75, thereby improving the quick loading and unloading function and working efficiency of the fully automatic incubator and simplifying the maintenance and parts replacement workload of the fully automatic incubator.

[0069] Combination Figure 1 -3. In this embodiment, the fully automated incubator is connected to a computer, and the computer software controls the fully automated incubator. During operation, commands are input into the software according to actual needs, and the main control module of the fully automated incubator (not shown in the figure) instructs the sliding drive mechanism 5 to work, so as to drive one or more sliding mechanisms 4 to slide out or slide in for loading and unloading samples. The specific working process is as follows:

[0070] When it is necessary to place or remove a sample, a removal command is input to the computer. The computer sends the removal command, and after receiving the removal command, the main control module controls the sliding drive component 54 to drive the sliding mechanism 4 to slide to a preset position away from the back of the box 1 (i.e., the side of the box 1 opposite to the box opening 12), so as to move the sample container carrier 2 out of the sample chamber 11. When the sample container carrier 2 is completely removed, the sample container 21 containing cells is placed on the sample container carrier 2 by a fully automatic robotic arm or manually, or the sample container 21 containing cells placed on the sample container carrier 2 is removed by a fully automatic robotic arm or manually.

[0071] Once the above work is completed, the computer sends an insertion command. After receiving the insertion command, the main control module controls the sliding drive component 54 to drive the sliding mechanism 4 to slide towards the back of the housing 1 to a preset position, so as to move the sample container carrier 2 into the sample chamber 11 until the sealing cap 3 seals the sample inlet 17.

[0072] During the cell culture process of the fully automated incubator in this embodiment, the time for removing and inserting the sample container 21 can be set as needed so that the user can observe the cell growth.

[0073] In the description of this application, it should also be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "setup" and "connection" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0074] It should be noted that, where there is no conflict, the features in the embodiments of this application can be combined with each other.

[0075] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this application and is not intended to limit this application. Various modifications and variations can be made to this application by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A fully automatic incubator, characterized in that, include: The housing has a temperature-adjustable sample chamber and an opening communicating with the sample chamber. A sample container carrier is movably disposed within the housing, and the sample container carrier is used to hold the sample; A sealing cap is disposed on the surface of the sample container carrier and is used to seal the opening of the container when the sample container carrier moves into the sample cavity. A sliding mechanism is provided, one end of which is slidably disposed inside the box and located on one side of the sample chamber. The other end of the sliding mechanism is connected to the sealing cover. The sliding mechanism is used to reciprocate along the direction of moving in or out of the box opening to drive the sample container carrier in and out of the sample chamber.

2. The fully automatic incubator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sliding mechanism is configured in multiple ways, and the fully automatic incubator also includes multiple sliding drive mechanisms. The multiple sliding drive mechanisms are disposed in the incubator body, and each of the multiple sliding drive mechanisms is respectively configured in one-to-one correspondence with the multiple sliding mechanisms. The sliding drive mechanism is connected to one end of the sliding mechanism and is used to drive the sliding mechanism to slide.

3. The fully automatic incubator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The housing has a track opening, and the sliding mechanism includes a track and a crossbeam. One end of the track extends into the housing from the track opening, and the crossbeam connects the other end of the track to the sealing cover.

4. The fully automatic incubator according to claim 3, characterized in that, A partition is vertically arranged on one side of the sample chamber inside the chamber. The sliding mechanism is slidably arranged on the side of the partition away from the sample chamber. The fully automatic incubator also includes a guiding mechanism, which includes a fixed block and a bearing connected together. The fixed block is installed on the partition, and the bearing is located on the lower side of the track and abuts against the outer surface of the track.

5. The fully automatic incubator according to claim 3, characterized in that, The fully automatic incubator includes a quick-release assembly, which is disposed within the track. One end of the crossbeam has a fixed cavity, and the end of the track is engaged within the fixed cavity. The crossbeam and the track are fixed by the quick-release assembly.

6. The fully automatic incubator according to claim 5, characterized in that, The quick-release assembly includes: A sleeve, which is installed inside the track; A first positioning element connects the sleeve and the crossbeam to position the sleeve and the crossbeam. The second positioning element connects the track and the crossbeam to position the track and the crossbeam.

7. The fully automatic incubator according to claim 6, characterized in that, The quick-release assembly also includes a fixing member. A first mounting hole is provided on the side of the track. The fixing member passes through the first mounting hole and the sleeve and is connected to the side of the track opposite to the side to fix the sleeve inside the track. The fastener is a plug bolt.

8. The fully automatic incubator according to claim 6, characterized in that, The quick-release assembly also includes a first connector, and the crossbeam has a second mounting hole. The first connector passes through the second mounting hole to connect the sleeve, so as to fix the sleeve to the crossbeam.

9. The fully automatic incubator according to claim 6, characterized in that, The quick-release assembly also includes a second connector. The track has a third mounting hole. The second connector passes through the third mounting hole to connect the sleeve, thereby fixing the track and the sleeve together.

10. The fully automatic incubator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The housing includes a sealing plate disposed at the housing opening, and the sealing plate has at least one sample inlet communicating with the housing opening. At least one sealing cover is provided, and the sealing cover corresponds to the sample inlet to seal the sample inlet.

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