Gear-driven optical focusing device

Abstract

The utility model discloses a gear-driven optical focusing device, which relates to the technical field of image acquisition, can quickly and accurately adjust the focusing position through the accurate movement of a focusing lens in the axial direction, is suitable for consumables with different fluxes and heights, and is high in universality. The fluorescence image acquisition precision and efficiency are improved; in addition, through matching of the lens supporting gear and the lifting shading hole, it is ensured that the lifting shading hole can prevent external light from entering the focusing lens in the focusing process, and the image purity and the detection accuracy are improved. Through a multi-stage gear reduction structure, stepping motor driving and an automatic focusing function, the frequency and complexity of manually adjusting a focusing position by a user are reduced, and the detection speed and the working efficiency are improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of image acquisition technology, and specifically to a gear-driven optical focusing device. Background Technology

[0002] In the field of PCR detection technology, PCR instruments (polymerase chain reaction instruments) are widely used for qualitative and quantitative analysis of test samples. The typical analytical method involves emitting excitation light from a light source, which illuminates the pre-treated test sample, thereby eliciting fluorescence (emission). The emitted fluorescence is collected by the detection instrument, and the sample is then analyzed based on the collected results. This process requires extremely high precision in the fluorescence image; any inaccuracy in the focal position will lead to a blurred fluorescence image, thus affecting the accuracy of the detection.

[0003] With the development of PCR detection technology, higher demands are placed on the throughput and versatility of PCR instruments. The optimal focal position for fluorescence acquisition changes when using consumables of different throughputs and heights. Most existing focusing technologies rely on manual focusing, which presents several problems: Manual focusing requires frequent adjustments to the focal position, especially when changing consumables, necessitating recalibration. This increases operational complexity and reduces detection efficiency. The calibration process after each consumable change is time-consuming and labor-intensive, particularly at higher throughputs where multiple sample positions need calibration, significantly increasing user workload. When consumable height changes only slightly, manual focusing struggles to achieve precise focal positions, resulting in poor image acquisition accuracy and impacting test results. During manual and semi-automatic focusing, stray light can easily enter the focusing lens, causing blurring and contamination of the fluorescence image, further affecting detection accuracy. This interference is particularly severe in applications with multiple modules and consumable specifications, as different consumable specifications can alter the distance between the focusing lens and the sample, introducing more stray light. Utility Model Content

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to address the aforementioned problems by providing a gear-driven optical focusing device. Through precise movement of the focusing lens along its axis, the focusing position can be adjusted quickly and accurately, adapting to consumables with different throughputs and heights, thereby improving the accuracy and efficiency of fluorescence image acquisition. Furthermore, by matching the lens support gear with the lifting light-blocking hole, external light is prevented from entering the focusing lens during focusing, thus improving image purity and detection accuracy.

[0005] The technical solution adopted in this utility model is as follows:

[0006] A gear-driven optical focusing device includes a reference unit, a sampling unit, and a gear drive assembly. The reference unit is equipped with a fixed support base, which has a lifting light-shielding hole with an internal thread. The sampling unit includes an image sampling component and a focusing lens. The gear drive assembly includes a drive device, a drive gear unit, and a lens support gear. The image sampling component is mounted on the reference unit, and the focusing lens is coaxially arranged with the image sampling component. One axial end of the focusing lens is mounted on the lens support gear, and the other end is threadedly connected to the lifting light-shielding hole. The drive gear unit meshes with the lens support gear, and the drive device can drive the lens support gear to rotate via the drive gear unit, causing the lens support gear to move axially relative to the lifting light-shielding hole.

[0007] Furthermore, the drive gear unit includes a drive gear and several meshing transmission gears. The transmission gears are located between the drive gear and the lens support gear, and mesh with the drive gear and the lens support gear respectively. The drive device is connected to and acts on the drive gear.

[0008] Furthermore, the drive gear, transmission gear, and lens support gear cooperate with each other to form a multi-stage gear reduction structure.

[0009] Furthermore, the shaft of the transmission gear is connected to the reference unit.

[0010] Furthermore, the axial thickness of the transmission gear is not less than the maximum stroke of the lens support gear along its axial direction.

[0011] Furthermore, the lens support gear is provided with an assembly groove, and a lens support block for limiting the focusing lens is provided in the assembly groove. The bottom of the assembly groove is provided with a through hole that matches the focusing lens. A light-shielding sleeve is provided on the outer ring of the assembly groove, and the lifting light-shielding hole at least partially overlaps with the light-shielding sleeve.

[0012] Furthermore, the reference unit is provided with a fixing plate, one end of which is connected to the reference unit and the other end is equipped with a driving device.

[0013] Furthermore, the fixing plate and the reference unit cooperate to form an L-shaped structure, and the driving device is a stepper motor.

[0014] Furthermore, it also includes a loading unit for loading the target sample, the gear drive assembly being able to move the focusing lens so that the sampling unit focuses on the target sample.

[0015] Furthermore, the image sampling component is signal-connected to the control device, the gear drive assembly is signal-connected to the control device, image data can be transmitted between the image sampling component and the control device, and the control device can transmit control signals to the gear drive assembly based on the received image data.

[0016] In summary, due to the adoption of the above technical solution, the beneficial effects of this utility model are:

[0017] 1. This utility model can quickly and accurately adjust the focus position by precisely moving the focusing lens along the axial direction, adapting to consumables with different throughput and height, and improving the accuracy and efficiency of fluorescence image acquisition.

[0018] 2. This utility model uses a lens support gear in conjunction with a lifting light-blocking hole to ensure that external light cannot enter the focusing lens during focusing, thereby improving image purity and detection accuracy.

[0019] 3. This utility model reduces the frequency and complexity of users manually adjusting the focus position by using a multi-stage gear reduction structure, stepper motor drive, and automatic focusing function, thereby improving detection speed and work efficiency.

[0020] 4. Through precise structural adjustments, this utility model can adapt to consumables with different throughputs and heights, improving the system's versatility and flexibility, and making it suitable for various testing needs. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional view of the gear-driven optical focusing device of this utility model (the focusing lens is at the bottom of the lifting light-blocking hole).

[0022] Figure 2 This is a diagram showing the focusing lens moving to the middle state of the lifting light-blocking hole in the gear-driven optical focusing device of this utility model.

[0023] Figure 3 This is a diagram showing the state of the focusing lens moving to the top of the lifting light-blocking hole in the gear-driven optical focusing device of this utility model.

[0024] Figure 4 This is a detailed diagram of the threaded connection between the focusing lens and the lifting light-shielding hole in the gear-driven optical focusing device of this utility model.

[0025] Figure 5 This is a rendering without using the lift-up light-shielding hole;

[0026] Figure 6 This is a rendering of the effect of using the lifting light-shielding hole in this utility model.

[0027] The markings in the diagram are: 1-Sampling unit, 2-Gear drive assembly, 4-Reference unit, 5-Fixing plate, 7-Lifting light-blocking hole, 8-Lens support block, 11-Image sampling component, 12-Focusing lens, 21-Drive device, 22-Drive gear, 23-Transmission gear, 24-Lens support gear. Detailed Implementation

[0028] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0029] 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. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the present utility model and are not intended to limit the present utility model.

[0030] Example 1

[0031] A gear-driven optical focusing device, such as Figures 1-6As shown, the assembly includes a reference unit 4, a sampling unit 1, and a gear drive assembly 2. The reference unit 4 is equipped with a fixed support base, which has a lifting light-shielding hole 7 with an internal thread. The sampling unit 1 includes an image sampling component 11 and a focusing lens 12. The gear drive assembly 2 includes a drive device 21, a drive gear unit, and a lens support gear 24. The image sampling component 11 is mounted on the reference unit 4. The focusing lens 12 is coaxially arranged with the image sampling component 11. One axial end of the focusing lens 12 is mounted on the lens support gear 24, and the other end is threadedly connected to the lifting light-shielding hole 7. The drive gear unit meshes with the lens support gear 24. The drive device 21 can drive the lens support gear 24 to rotate via the drive gear unit, causing the lens support gear 24 to move axially relative to the lifting light-shielding hole 7. The thread travel within the lifting light-shielding hole 7 is not less than the maximum axial travel of the transmission gear 23 that allows the lens support gear 24 to move, thereby preventing the lens from jamming during movement or the thread from failing to match, which would prevent the focusing lens 12 from focusing. The drive gear unit includes a driving gear 22 and several meshing transmission gears 23. The transmission gears 23 are located between the driving gear 22 and the lens support gear 24, and mesh with both the driving gear 22 and the lens support gear 24. The drive device 21 is connected to and acts on the driving gear 22. It is understood that the drive gear unit could also include only the driving gear 22, and the lens support gear 24 could be driven directly by meshing with the driving gear 22. However, to achieve higher control precision, this embodiment includes a transmission gear 23, so that the driving gear 22, the transmission gear 23, and the lens support gear 24 cooperate to form a multi-stage gear reduction structure, thereby achieving fine-tuning control of the lens support gear 24. Of course, any number of transmission gears 23 can be used, and this is not limited here.

[0032] The shaft of the transmission gear 23 is fixedly connected to the reference unit 4, such as by inserting or threading the shaft of the transmission gear 23 into the reference unit 4; a bearing is provided at each of the two axial ends of the transmission gear 23, and the inner ring of the bearing is fixed to the shaft of the transmission gear 23, such as by using screws or snap rings to fix the bearings. The outer ring of the bearing contacts the hub of the transmission gear 23 to ensure that the rotation of the transmission gear 23 is not hindered and that it does not move axially.

[0033] The axial thickness of the transmission gear 23 is not less than the maximum stroke of the lens support gear 24 along its axial direction.

[0034] The lens support gear 24 is provided with a mounting groove, and a lens support block 8 for limiting the focusing lens 12 is provided in the mounting groove. The bottom of the mounting groove is provided with a through hole that matches the focusing lens 12. A light-shielding sleeve is provided around the outer ring of the mounting groove. The lifting light-shielding hole 7 overlaps at least partially with the light-shielding sleeve to ensure that no ambient light leaks between the lifting light-shielding hole 7 and the focusing lens 12, thus ensuring the accuracy of the sampling of the focusing lens 12. Specifically, the lens support block 8 is circumferentially fitted around the focusing lens 12 until the bottom of the lens support block 8 abuts against the platform outside the focusing lens 12, giving the focusing lens 12 downward pressure. The lens support block 8 is provided with an external thread, and the light-shielding sleeve is provided with an internal thread. The external thread of the lens support block 8 meshes with the internal thread of the light-shielding sleeve on the lens support gear 24, ensuring that the focusing lens 12 and the lens support gear 24 rotate coaxially and preventing relative sliding between the focusing lens 12 and the lens support gear 24, thus ensuring the focusing accuracy of the focusing lens 12. Preferably, a shim can also be placed at the contact point between the lens support gear 24 and the bottom of the focusing lens 12. When the lens support block 8 applies downward pressure to the focusing lens 12, the shim deforms, thereby generating a small stress, which makes the focusing lens 12 and the lens support block 8 contact more tightly, ensuring that the focusing lens 12 and the lens support gear 24 remain relatively fixed during the up-and-down movement.

[0035] The reference unit 4 is provided with a fixing plate 5. One end of the fixing plate 5 is connected to the reference unit 4, and the other end is equipped with a driving device 21 for fixing the driving device 21.

[0036] The fixed plate 5 and the reference unit 4 cooperate to form an L-shaped structure, and the driving device 21 is a stepper motor.

[0037] It also includes a loading unit for loading the target sample, wherein the gear drive assembly 2 can drive the focusing lens 12 to move so that the sampling unit 1 focuses on the target sample.

[0038] The image sampling component 11 is signal-connected to the control device, and the gear drive assembly 2 is signal-connected to and controlled by the control device. Image data can be transmitted between the image sampling component 11 and the control device, and the control device can control the gear drive assembly 2 based on the received image data.

[0039] In this embodiment, the pitch of the lifting light-shielding hole 7 is 0.5mm, meaning that for every revolution of the focusing lens 12, it rises / falls 0.5mm along the axial direction of the lifting light-shielding hole 7. In this embodiment, the control precision of the stepper motor is 1.8°. The module of the drive gear 22, transmission gear 23, and lens support gear 24 is all 0.5. The transmission ratio between the drive gear 22 and the lens support gear 24 is 2, meaning that for every 1.8° rotation of the stepper motor, the lens support gear 24 rotates 0.9°, and the focusing lens 12 rotates 0.9°. The focusing lens 12 moves 1.25 μm up / down along the axial direction, corresponding to a focusing distance variation range of ±0.26 mm. When this change in focusing distance is reflected in the image, the luminous point becomes a circle of confusion with a diameter of 0.6 μm, which is much smaller than the diameter of the camera's circle of confusion (5.14 μm). Therefore, through the high-precision control of the stepper motor, the focusing lens 12 can achieve high-precision displacement. The control device obtains images with more refined sharpness variations, achieves accurate contrast calculation, and obtains a more precise focus position. The control device uses the Sobel algorithm to calculate the sharpness of each received image, compares the calculated sharpness values, and selects the position of the focusing lens 12 with the highest sharpness value as the optimal focus position.

[0040] This document uses specific embodiments to illustrate the principles and implementation methods of this utility model. The descriptions of the embodiments above are only for the purpose of helping to understand the method and core ideas of this utility model. It should be noted that for those skilled in the art, several improvements and modifications can be made to this utility model without departing from the principles of this utility model, and these improvements and modifications also fall within the protection scope of the claims of this utility model.

[0041] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that the terms "center", "upper", "lower", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "inner", "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 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.

[0042] 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.

Claims

1. A gear-driven optical focusing device, characterized by, The utility model provides a kind of image sampling device, including benchmark unit, sampling unit and gear drive assembly;The fixed support seat is assembled on the benchmark unit, and the lifting light-shield hole is equipped on the fixed support seat, and the internal thread is equipped in the lifting light-shield hole;The sampling unit includes image sampling component and focusing lens;The gear drive assembly includes driving device, driving gear unit and lens support gear;The image sampling component is assembled in benchmark unit, and the focusing lens is coaxially arranged with image sampling component, and the axial one end of the focusing lens is assembled in lens support gear, and the other end is threadedly connected with lifting light-shield hole. The driving gear unit is engaged with lens support gear, and the driving device can drive lens support gear to rotate through driving gear unit, and make lens support gear move along its axial relative to lifting light-shield hole.

2. The gear-driven optical focusing device of claim 1, wherein, The driving gear unit includes driving gear and a plurality of mutually engaged transmission gears, and the transmission gears are arranged between driving gear and lens support gear, and the transmission gears are engaged with driving gear and lens support gear respectively, and the driving device is connected and acts on driving gear.

3. The gear-driven optical focusing device of claim 2, wherein, The driving gear, transmission gear and lens support gear form multi-stage gear reduction structure by mutual cooperation.

4. The gear-driven optical focusing device of claim 2, wherein, The shaft of the transmission gear is connected to the benchmark unit.

5. The gear-driven optical focusing device of claim 2, wherein, The axial thickness of the transmission gear is not less than the maximum stroke of lens support gear along its axial.

6. The gear-driven optical focusing device of claim 1, wherein, Lens support block for limiting focusing lens is arranged in the assembly groove of the lens support gear, and the bottom of the assembly groove is provided with a through hole matched with the focusing lens;The outer ring of the assembly groove is provided with a light-shield sleeve, and the lifting light-shield hole at least partially overlaps with the light-shield sleeve.

7. The gear-driven optical focusing device of claim 1, wherein, The benchmark unit is provided with a fixed plate, one end of the fixed plate is connected to the benchmark unit, and the other end is provided with a driving device.

8. The gear-driven optical focusing device of claim 7, wherein, The fixed plate and the benchmark unit form an L-shaped structure by mutual cooperation, and the driving device is a stepping motor.

9. The gear-driven optical focusing device of claim 1, wherein, It also includes a loading unit for loading target sampling object, and the gear drive assembly can drive the focusing lens to move so that the sampling unit focuses on the target sampling object.

10. A gear driven optical focusing device according to any one of claims 1-9, wherein, The image sampling component is signal connected to the control device, and the gear drive assembly is signal connected to the control device, and the image sampling component and the control device can transmit image data, and the control device can transmit control signal to the gear drive assembly according to the received image data.

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