Full-automatic gel imager

Abstract

The utility model discloses a full-automatic gel imager, the distance between an industrial camera and a sample is adjusted through a lifting assembly so as to adjust the image taking range and adjust the size of an image through deformation, and compared with traditional digital amplification, the full-automatic gel imager adjusts the object distance between the camera and the sample through an electric mechanical structure so as to realize lossless image amplification. When a small sample is shot, an image does not need to be cut, each pixel is utilized to the maximum extent, an automatic in-out bin structure is arranged on the lower side of the ultraviolet lamp box, in-out bin of the ultraviolet lamp box can be electrically controlled, and the sample is convenient to take and place; according to the ultraviolet lamp box, the additional pollution risk caused by excessive contact of hands with the ultraviolet lamp box when the ultraviolet lamp box is pulled is avoided, light can be effectively supplemented by arranging a plurality of lighting assemblies, external light interference can be effectively avoided by the shading shell formed by the shading plate, and internal ultraviolet light leakage is effectively avoided.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the technical field of gel imaging, and in particular to the technical field of fully automated gel imaging instruments. Background Technology

[0002] Gel imaging systems are experimental instruments primarily used for the imaging and analysis of proteins and nucleic acids using gels. These systems use ultraviolet or white light sources to excite the sample. The imaging components of the system capture the emitted light through a specific wavelength filter to obtain an image. Then, the system's built-in image analysis software analyzes the acquired image to obtain the detection result for the sample. Currently, most gel imaging instruments have fixed camera positions. Adjusting the imaging range and image size is often done by adjusting the focal length or cropping the image. This method wastes camera pixels and reduces image quality to some extent. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to solve the problems in the prior art by proposing a fully automatic gel imaging instrument. By adjusting the distance between the camera and the sample, the imaging range of the camera is mechanically adjusted to achieve lossless image magnification. When shooting small samples, there is no need to crop the image, maximizing the use of every pixel.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model proposes a fully automatic gel imaging instrument, including a main body, the main body including a light-shielding shell, an imaging space inside the light-shielding shell, an ultraviolet lamp box inside the imaging space, a sample illumination area for irradiating the sample on the ultraviolet lamp box, an opening on one side of the light-shielding shell that cooperates with the ultraviolet lamp box, an industrial camera on the upper side of the ultraviolet lamp box inside the imaging space, and an illumination component that cooperates with the industrial camera next to it;

[0005] The imaging space is also equipped with an object distance adjustment mechanism that works with the industrial camera. The object distance adjustment mechanism includes a fixed bracket and a lifting component for driving the fixed bracket to move up and down. The industrial camera is mounted on the fixed bracket.

[0006] Preferably, the imaging space is equipped with an automatic entry and exit structure for driving the ultraviolet lamp box to move laterally. The automatic entry and exit structure includes a first guide rail, a synchronous belt, pulleys, and a drive motor. The bottom of the imaging space is provided with a first guide rail for cooperating with the ultraviolet lamp box. The ultraviolet lamp box is mounted on the first guide rail. A synchronous belt is provided next to the first guide rail and arranged in the same direction. Pulleys are provided at both ends of the synchronous belt. A drive motor for driving its rotation is connected to any of the pulleys. The ultraviolet lamp box is fixedly connected to any position on the synchronous belt by a fixing member.

[0007] Preferably, a second guide rail is provided on the lower side or side of the synchronous belt, which is arranged in the same direction as the synchronous belt, and the fixing member is fixedly connected to the guide rail slider of the second guide rail.

[0008] Preferably, the drive motor is an encoder motor or the drive motor has an encoder synchronously connected to its rotating shaft.

[0009] Preferably, the imaging space is further provided with an electric focusing mechanism for cooperating with the industrial camera. The electric focusing mechanism includes a fixed-focus lens located in front of the lens of the industrial camera, and a focusing motor is provided next to the fixed-focus lens. The focusing motor and the fixed-focus lens are connected by a transmission component.

[0010] Preferably, the transmission component is a gear set or a belt drive mechanism.

[0011] Preferably, the lighting component is fixed in the imaging space by a lighting bracket, and the lighting component is tilted towards the ultraviolet light box.

[0012] Preferably, the imaging space is further provided with a reflector for use with the industrial camera. The industrial camera is arranged horizontally, and the reflector is used to reflect the image of the sample placement part in the imaging space to the industrial camera.

[0013] Preferably, the lifting assembly includes several first slide rods and lifting screws respectively vertically arranged on both sides of the fixed bracket, with a screw motor for driving the operation of each lifting screw provided next to it, and a synchronous transmission mechanism provided between the two lifting screws.

[0014] Preferably, the fixed bracket includes a second slide rod arranged laterally between the two first slide rods and a sliding fixing block slidably disposed on the second slide rod, and the industrial camera is fixedly disposed on the sliding fixing block.

[0015] The beneficial effects of this fully automatic gel imaging instrument are as follows: This instrument adjusts the imaging range by adjusting the distance between the industrial camera and the sample through a lifting component, and adjusts the image size by deformation. Compared with traditional digital magnification, this instrument adjusts the object distance between the camera and the sample through an electromechanical structure to achieve lossless image magnification. When shooting small samples, there is no need to crop the image, maximizing the use of every pixel. An automatic loading and unloading structure is set on the lower side of the UV light box, which can realize the electric control of the loading and unloading of the UV light box, making it convenient to pick up and put down samples. Compared with the traditional hand-pulled UV light box, it avoids the additional risk of contamination caused by excessive hand contact with the UV light box when pulling the UV light box. Multiple lighting components are set to effectively supplement the light, and the light-shielding shell composed of a light-shielding plate can effectively avoid external light interference and effectively prevent internal UV light leakage.

[0016] The features and advantages of this utility model will be described in detail through embodiments and accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of a fully automatic gel imaging device according to this utility model.

[0018] Figure 2 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the object distance adjustment mechanism of a fully automatic gel imaging instrument according to this utility model.

[0019] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the other side of the object distance adjustment mechanism of a fully automatic gel imaging instrument according to this utility model.

[0020] Figure 4 This is a top view schematic diagram of the object distance adjustment mechanism of a fully automatic gel imaging instrument according to this utility model.

[0021] Figure 5 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the automatic entry and exit chamber structure of a fully automatic gel imaging device according to this utility model.

[0022] Figure 6 This is a top view schematic diagram of a fully automatic gel imaging device according to this utility model.

[0023] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 Schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure of AA.

[0024] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the electric focusing mechanism.

[0025] in:

[0026] 1-Main body; 11-Light-shielding shell; 12-UV lamp box; 13-Industrial camera; 14-Lighting assembly; 15-First guide rail; 16-Synchronous belt; 17-Pulley; 18-Drive motor; 19-Fixed focus lens; 20-Focusing motor; 22-Second guide rail; 25-Fixed bracket; 26-Reflector; 27-First slide bar; 28-Lifting screw; 251-Second slide bar; 252-Sliding fixed block. Detailed Implementation

[0027] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this utility model clearer, the present utility model will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. However, it should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the present utility model and are not intended to limit its scope. Furthermore, descriptions of well-known structures and technologies are omitted in the following description to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the concept of the present utility model.

[0028] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that when an element is referred to as being "fixed to" or "set on" another element, it can be directly on or indirectly on the other element. When an element is referred to as being "connected to" another element, it can be directly connected to or indirectly connected to the other element.

[0029] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that the terms "center," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship, are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, or the orientation or positional relationship commonly used when the utility model product is in use. They are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and 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 utility model. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," and "third," etc., are only used to distinguish descriptions and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this utility model, "multiple" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified. "Several" means one or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0030] In the description of this utility model, it should also be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "set," "install," "connect," and "link" 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 mechanical connection or an electrical 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 utility model based on the specific circumstances. Example 1

[0031] See Figures 1-7This utility model discloses a fully automatic gel imaging device, including a main body 1. The main body 1 includes a light-shielding shell 11, which is composed of multiple opaque light-shielding plates. The light-shielding plates together form an imaging space. The imaging space is equipped with an ultraviolet lamp box 12 and an automatic entry and exit chamber structure for driving the ultraviolet lamp box 12 to move laterally. The ultraviolet lamp box 12 is provided with a sample illumination area for irradiating the sample. One side of the light-shielding shell 11 is provided with an opening for the ultraviolet lamp box 12 to pass through. An industrial camera 13 is provided on the upper side of the ultraviolet lamp box 12 in the imaging space. An illumination component 14 is provided next to the industrial camera 13 to cooperate with it. In this embodiment, by setting an automatic inlet and outlet structure on the lower side of the UV lamp box 12, the inlet and outlet of the UV lamp box 12 can be electrically controlled, which is convenient for picking up and putting in samples. Compared with the traditional manual UV lamp box, it avoids the additional risk of contamination caused by excessive hand contact with the UV lamp box when pulling out the UV lamp box. It is equipped with multiple lighting components, which can effectively supplement the light. The light-shielding shell composed of light-shielding plates can effectively avoid external light interference and effectively prevent internal UV light leakage.

[0032] See Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 The imaging space also includes an object distance adjustment mechanism that works in conjunction with the industrial camera 13. This mechanism includes a fixed support 25 and a lifting assembly for driving the fixed support 25 up and down. The industrial camera 13 is mounted on the fixed support 25. The distance between the industrial camera 13 and the sample is adjusted by the lifting assembly, thereby adjusting the image size. Compared to traditional digital magnification, this instrument uses an electromechanical structure to adjust the object distance between the camera and the sample, achieving lossless image magnification. When photographing small samples, there is no need to crop the image, maximizing the use of every pixel.

[0033] See Figure 5 , Figure 6 and Figure 7 The automatic entry and exit chamber structure includes a first guide rail 15, a synchronous belt 16, pulleys 17, and a drive motor 18. The bottom of the imaging space is provided with the first guide rail 15 for cooperation with the ultraviolet lamp box 12. The ultraviolet lamp box 12 is mounted on the first guide rail 15. A synchronous belt 16, arranged in the same direction as the first guide rail 15, is provided beside it. Pulleys 17 are located at both ends of the synchronous belt 16. A drive motor 18 is connected to each pulley 17 to drive its rotation. The ultraviolet lamp box 12 is fixedly connected to any position on the synchronous belt 16 by a fixing member 21. In this embodiment, the automatic entry and exit chamber is constructed using a belt structure, which is low-cost and stable in operation. The drive motor 18 drives the synchronous belt 16 to rotate, thereby causing the ultraviolet lamp box 12 to move horizontally.

[0034] See Figure 5 , Figure 6 and Figure 7 A second guide rail 22, arranged in the same direction as the synchronous belt 16, is also provided on the lower side or side of the synchronous belt 16. The fixing member 21 is fixedly connected to the guide rail slider of the second guide rail 22. The second guide rail 22 can improve the stability of the fixing member 21 when it moves, thereby improving the movement stability and accuracy of the ultraviolet lamp box 12.

[0035] Preferably, the drive motor 18 is an encoder motor. Using an encoder motor, when the operation of the ultraviolet lamp box 12 is obstructed, the encoder identifies the obstruction and immediately stops the motor, thus achieving an anti-pinch function. Example 2

[0036] See Figure 2 , Figure 8 Based on Embodiment 1, the imaging space is further provided with an electric focusing mechanism for cooperating with the industrial camera 13. The electric focusing mechanism includes a fixed-focus lens 19 located in front of the industrial camera 13, and a focusing motor 20 located beside the fixed-focus lens 19. The focusing motor 20 and the fixed-focus lens 19 are connected by a transmission component. The electric focusing mechanism enables mechanical zoom, resulting in more stable mechanical structure performance and more convenient focusing.

[0037] Preferably, the transmission component is a gear set. This offers high precision and convenient control.

[0038] See Figure 2 The lighting component 14 is fixed within the imaging space by a lighting bracket, and the lighting component 14 is tilted towards the ultraviolet light box 12. The lighting component 14 provides white light and various fluorescent excitation light sources for illumination, and the tilted side illumination can reduce light reflection that could interfere with the industrial camera 13. Example 3

[0039] See Figure 2 , Figure 3 Based on Embodiment 1, the imaging space is further provided with a reflector 26 for cooperation with the industrial camera 13. The industrial camera 13 is horizontally positioned, and the reflector 26 is used to reflect the image of the sample placement area within the imaging space to the industrial camera 13. By changing the light direction through the reflector 26, the industrial camera 13 does not need to be positioned at a very high position to obtain a certain distance from the sample, thus reducing the vertical height of the equipment.

[0040] See Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 4The lifting assembly includes four first sliding rods 27 vertically arranged on both sides of the fixed bracket 25 and two lifting screws 28. A screw motor 29 is provided next to each lifting screw 28 to drive its operation. A synchronous transmission mechanism, which is a belt drive mechanism, is provided between the two lifting screws 28. The screw motor 29 drives the lifting screws 28 on both sides to operate synchronously, thereby controlling the distance between the reflector 26 and the sample, and thus adjusting the image acquisition range of the industrial camera 13.

[0041] Preferably, the lead screw motor 29 is a stepper motor.

[0042] See Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 The fixed bracket 25 includes a second slide rod 251 horizontally disposed between the two first slide rods 27, and a sliding fixing block 252 slidably disposed on the second slide rod 251. The industrial camera 13 is fixedly disposed on the sliding fixing block 252, and the reflector 26 is fixedly disposed at one end of the fixed bracket 25. The horizontal position of the industrial camera 13 can be adjusted by sliding the fixing block 252, thereby adjusting the distance between the industrial camera 13 and the reflector 26 and adjusting the image.

[0043] The working process of this utility model:

[0044] In the operation of this fully automatic gel imaging instrument, the ultraviolet light box 12 is moved outside the imaging space by the automatic entry and exit control chamber, the sample is placed in the sample placement part, the ultraviolet light box 12 is moved into the imaging space by the automatic entry and exit control chamber, the sample image is acquired by the industrial camera 13, and the distance between the industrial camera 13 and the sample is adjusted by the lifting component, thereby adjusting the imaging range and the imaging size.

[0045] All standard parts used in this application can be purchased from the market. The specific connection methods of each part adopt conventional methods such as bolts, rivets, and welding that are mature in the existing technology. The internal components of the electric slide rail, cylinder, welding machine, electric telescopic rod and controller all adopt conventional models in the existing technology, and their internal structure belongs to the existing technology structure. Workers can complete the normal operation of them according to the existing technical manual. In addition, the circuit connection adopts the conventional connection method in the existing technology, and will not be described in detail here.

[0046] It should be noted that although the above embodiments have been described herein, this does not limit the scope of patent protection for this utility model. Therefore, any changes and modifications made to the embodiments described herein based on the innovative concept of this utility model, or equivalent structural or procedural transformations made using the content of this utility model's specification and drawings, directly or indirectly applying the above technical solutions to other related technical fields, are all included within the scope of protection of this utility model patent.

Claims

1. A fully automatic gel imager comprising a main body (1), characterized in that: The main body (1) includes a light shielding shell (11), the inside of the light shielding shell (11) is provided with an imaging space, the imaging space is provided with an ultraviolet light box (12), the ultraviolet light box (12) is provided with a sample transmission area for irradiating a sample, one side of the light shielding shell (11) is provided with an opening matched with the ultraviolet light box (12), an industrial camera (13) is arranged on the upper side of the ultraviolet light box (12) in the imaging space, and a lighting assembly (14) matched with the industrial camera (13) is arranged beside the industrial camera (13). The imaging space is also provided with an object distance adjusting mechanism matched with the industrial camera (13), the object distance adjusting mechanism comprises a fixed support (25) and a lifting assembly for driving the fixed support (25) to move up and down, and the industrial camera (13) is arranged on the fixed support (25).

2. The full automatic gel imager according to claim 1, wherein: The imaging space is provided with an automatic in-out warehouse structure for driving the ultraviolet light box (12) to move transversely, the automatic in-out warehouse structure comprises a first guide rail (15), a synchronous belt (16), a belt pulley (17) and a driving motor (18), the bottom of the imaging space is provided with the first guide rail (15) matched with the ultraviolet light box (12), the ultraviolet light box (12) is arranged on the first guide rail (15), the synchronous belt (16) is arranged on the same side of the first guide rail (15), the two ends of the synchronous belt (16) are provided with the belt pulleys (17), any one of the belt pulleys (17) is connected with the driving motor (18) for driving the rotation of the belt pulley (17), and the ultraviolet light box (12) is fixedly connected to any position of the synchronous belt (16) through the fixing piece (21).

3. The full automatic gel imager according to claim 2, wherein: The driving motor (18) is an encoder motor or the rotating shaft of the driving motor (18) is provided with an encoder connected therewith.

4. The full automatic gel imager according to claim 2, wherein: The lower side or the side of the synchronous belt (16) is also provided with a second guide rail (22) arranged on the same side of the synchronous belt (16), and the fixing piece (21) is fixedly connected with the guide rail slider of the second guide rail (22).

5. The full automatic gel imager as claimed in claim 1, wherein: The imaging space is also provided with a motor focusing mechanism matched with the industrial camera (13), the motor focusing mechanism comprises a fixed focus lens (19) arranged in front of a lens of the industrial camera (13), a focusing motor (20) is arranged beside the fixed focus lens (19), and the focusing motor (20) and the fixed focus lens (19) are drivingly connected through a transmission member.

6. The full automatic gel imager according to claim 5, wherein: The transmission member is a gear set or a belt transmission mechanism.

7. The full automatic gel imager as claimed in claim 1, wherein: The lighting assembly (14) is fixed in the imaging space through a lighting support, and the lighting assembly (14) is arranged obliquely, and the oblique direction of the lighting assembly (14) is arranged towards the ultraviolet light box (12).

8. The full automatic gel imager as claimed in claim 1, wherein: The imaging space is also provided with a reflecting mirror (26) matched with the industrial camera (13), the industrial camera (13) is arranged transversely, and the reflecting mirror (26) is used for reflecting an image of a sample placing part in the imaging space to the industrial camera (13).

9. The full automatic gel imager as claimed in claim 1, wherein: The lifting assembly comprises a plurality of first sliding rods (27) vertically arranged on both sides of the fixed support (25) respectively, and lifting lead screws (28), any one of which is provided with a lead screw motor (29) for driving the operation of the lifting lead screw (28), and a synchronous transmission mechanism is arranged between the two ends of the lifting lead screw (28).

10. The fully automated gel imager of claim 9, wherein: The fixed support (25) comprises a second sliding rod (251) transversely arranged between the two first sliding rods (27), and a sliding fixed block (252) slidably arranged on the second sliding rod (251), and the industrial camera (13) is fixedly arranged on the sliding fixed block (252).

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