Automatic test tube transmission device and nucleic acid amplification instrument
By designing an automatic test tube transmission device, which utilizes the linkage of slider and connecting rod to achieve automatic rising and falling of test tubes, the problem of complex test tube operation in existing technologies is solved. This achieves automated operation of test tubes and stability of thermal cycling reaction, while reducing costs and improving response speed.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-01-22
- Publication Date
- 2026-03-20
AI Technical Summary
In existing technologies, the insertion and removal of test tubes in nucleic acid amplification instruments is complex, inflexible, structurally complex, costly, and slow in response, making it impossible to achieve automatic transmission control for a single test tube.
An automatic test tube transmission device was designed, including a cover, a drive assembly, and a transmission assembly. The automatic raising and lowering of the test tube is achieved through the linkage of a slider and a connecting rod. Combined with a start sensor and a position sensor, the automatic positioning and detection of the test tube are realized. The structure is simple and only requires one motor to achieve synchronous linkage.
It achieves automated operation of test tubes, with stable structure, low cost, convenient operation, and fast response. It is suitable for flexible control of single test tubes or batches of test tubes, ensuring mechanical stability and heat conduction during the thermal cycling reaction process.
Smart Images
Figure CN224015610U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This application belongs to the field of biological detection technology, specifically relating to an automatic test tube transmission device and a nucleic acid amplification instrument. Background Technology
[0002] In basic biomedical instruments used for detection, such as nucleic acid amplification instruments, placing a test tube containing the sample to be tested into the instrument is a necessary step. In existing technologies, the instrument cap is mostly opened manually when placing the test tube, and then manually pressed and pulled out to move the test tube to / from the designated position. A few batch control solutions can only automatically open and close the entire instrument cap, or automatically raise and lower test tubes arranged in an array within the instrument; they cannot control the transmission of individual test tubes. Furthermore, they require multiple motors for joint control, resulting in a complex overall structure, slow response speed, inconvenient operation, low flexibility, and high cost. Utility Model Content
[0003] In view of the shortcomings or deficiencies of the prior art, the technical problem to be solved by this application is to provide an automatic test tube transmission device.
[0004] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, this application provides the following technical solution:
[0005] An automatic test tube transmission device, characterized in that it comprises: a cover, a drive assembly, and a transmission assembly, wherein the drive assembly is connected to the cover via the transmission assembly, and the transmission assembly comprises: a slider capable of vertical movement, and three connecting rods, wherein the slider is fixedly connected to a first connecting rod, the first connecting rod is rotatably connected to a second connecting rod, the second connecting rod is rotatably connected to a third connecting rod, the third connecting rod is fixedly connected to the cover, and the slider is used to load a single test tube and is connected to the drive assembly.
[0006] Furthermore, the aforementioned automatic test tube transmission device also includes a start-up sensor for identifying when a test tube is loaded.
[0007] Furthermore, the aforementioned automatic test tube transmission device also includes a positioning sensor for identifying when the slider has moved to a designated position.
[0008] Furthermore, in the aforementioned automatic test tube transmission device, the angles formed by the first connecting rod and the second connecting rod, and the second connecting rod and the third connecting rod in the vertical plane, are oriented in opposite directions.
[0009] Furthermore, in the aforementioned automatic test tube transmission device, when the slider moves downward in the vertical direction, the angles formed by the first connecting rod and the second connecting rod, and the second connecting rod and the third connecting rod in the vertical plane all increase, and the cover gradually closes; and / or, when the slider moves upward in the vertical direction, the angles formed by the first connecting rod and the second connecting rod, and the second connecting rod and the third connecting rod in the vertical plane all decrease, and the cover gradually opens.
[0010] Furthermore, the aforementioned automatic test tube transmission device also includes a spring plate, which elastically abuts against the second connecting rod when the cover is fully closed.
[0011] Furthermore, the aforementioned automatic test tube transmission device also includes a receiving part and a positioning part. The receiving part is rotatably connected to the cover and fixedly connected to the positioning part. The receiving part, the positioning part, and the slider together provide a test tube receiving space.
[0012] Furthermore, in the aforementioned automatic test tube transmission device, the positioning part includes a positioning shaft, which is slidably connected to the sliding edge in the vertical direction.
[0013] Furthermore, in the aforementioned automatic test tube transmission device, foam is provided on the inner side of the cap body.
[0014] This patent also proposes a nucleic acid amplification instrument, characterized in that it includes an automatic test tube transmission device as described above, and a reactor disposed below the automatic test tube transmission device. When the test tube enters the reactor, the slider has not yet moved to the designated position; when the slider moves to the designated position, the test tube is tightly attached to the reactor and fixed in place.
[0015] Compared with the prior art, this application has the following technical effects:
[0016] During the operation of the test tube transmission device, the rising / falling of the test tube is linked to the opening / closing of the cap. For the operator, simply inserting the test tube manually allows it to automatically move to the designated position, the cap to close automatically, and the detection to begin automatically. After the detection is complete, the cap opens automatically, and the test tube rises to expose itself for easy retrieval. The entire operation is structurally stable and requires only one motor for synchronous control, resulting in a simple structure, low cost, convenient operation, and rapid response. Furthermore, each test tube transmission device is individually controlled, offering high instrument compatibility and flexibility when used in batches. When the test tube transmission device is applied to a nucleic acid amplification instrument, the relative position of the reactor and the transmission device can be designed to apply pressure to the test tube from the cap, ensuring that the outer wall of the test tube is tightly adhered to the inner wall of the reactor when the cap is closed. This guarantees a stable mechanical structure and rapid, stable heat conduction during the thermal cycling reaction. Attached Figure Description
[0017] Other features, objects, and advantages of this application will become more apparent from the following detailed description of non-limiting embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings:
[0018] Figure 1 This application presents a schematic diagram of the open-cap position of a test tube transmission device according to an embodiment (including the test tube).
[0019] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the structure of a test tube transmission device according to an embodiment of this application. Figure 1 (Including test tubes);
[0020] Figure 3 This application presents a schematic diagram of the closed-state position structure of a test tube transmission device according to an embodiment (including a test tube).
[0021] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the test tube transmission device according to an embodiment of this application. Figure 2 (Including test tubes)
[0022] Figure 5 This application presents a schematic diagram of the open-cap position of a test tube transmission device according to an embodiment (excluding the test tube).
[0023] Figure 6 This application presents a schematic diagram of the closed-state position structure of a test tube transmission device according to an embodiment (excluding the test tube).
[0024] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of the structure of a test tube transmission device according to an embodiment of this application (excluding the test tube).
[0025] Figure 8 : A schematic diagram of the linkage structure of multiple test tube transmission devices in another embodiment of this application Figure 1 ;
[0026] Figure 9 : A schematic diagram of the linkage structure of multiple test tube transmission devices in another embodiment of this application Figure 2 .
[0027] In the figure: 1. Cover body; 2. Receiving part; 3. Positioning part; 31. Connecting shaft; 32. Fixing block; 33. Positioning shaft; 4. Drive assembly; 41. Motor drive plate; 42. Motor; 43. Screw; 5. Transmission assembly; 51. Slider; 52. First connecting rod; 53. Second connecting rod; 54. Third connecting rod; 6. Start sensor; 7. Foam; 8. Position sensor (not shown in the figure); 9. Test tube; 10. Spring. Detailed Implementation
[0028] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.
[0029] like Figures 1-7 As shown, in one embodiment of this application, an automatic test tube transmission device includes: a cover 1, a receiving part 2, a positioning part 3, a driving assembly 4, a transmission assembly 5, a start sensor 6, foam 7, and a positioning sensor (not shown in the figure). The positioning part 3 includes a connecting shaft 31, a fixing block 32, and a positioning shaft 33; the driving assembly 4 includes a motor drive plate 41, a motor 42, and a screw 43. The transmission assembly 5 includes a slider 51, a first connecting rod 52, a second connecting rod 53, and a third connecting rod 54.
[0030] The cover 1 is rotatably connected to the accommodating part 2; the accommodating part 2 is fixedly connected to the positioning part 3. Specifically, the cover 1 is rotatably connected to the accommodating part 2 through the connecting shaft 31, the accommodating part 2 is fixedly connected to the connecting shaft 31 and the fixing block 32, the fixing block 32 is fixedly connected to the positioning shaft 33, and the fixing block 32 is fixedly connected to the instrument (in this embodiment, it can be a nucleic acid amplification instrument) so that the test tube transmission device is fixed inside the instrument. The positioning shaft 33 is slidably connected to the slider 51 in the vertical direction through the through hole on the slider 51, and keeps the position of the slider 51 stable in the horizontal direction.
[0031] The drive assembly 4 is fixedly connected to the fixed block 32. The motor drive board 41 can drive the motor 42 to start. The rotating shaft of the drive motor 42 is fixedly connected to the screw 43, so that the screw 43 can rotate in both directions. The screw 43 is threadedly connected to the slider 51. When the screw 43 rotates, it can drive the slider 51 to move up and down in the vertical direction.
[0032] In the transmission assembly 5, the slider 51 is located below the fixed block 32, is threadedly connected to the screw 43, slidably connected to the positioning shaft 33 in the vertical direction, and fixedly connected to the first connecting rod 52; the first connecting rod 52 is rotatably connected to the second connecting rod 53; the second connecting rod 53 is rotatably connected to the third connecting rod 54; and the third connecting rod 54 is fixedly connected to the cover 1. The angle formed by the first connecting rod 52 and the second connecting rod 53 in the vertical plane is opposite in direction to the angle formed by the second connecting rod 53 and the third connecting rod 54 in the vertical plane.
[0033] The accommodating part 2, the fixing block 32, and the slider 51 all have coaxial hollow structures to jointly construct the accommodating space of the test tube 8. The test tube 8 can enter the accommodating space through the accommodating part 2 and finally be loaded onto the slider 51.
[0034] The start sensor 6 is mounted on the fixed block 32. When the test tube 8 is loaded by the slider 51, the start sensor 6 can identify it and send a signal to start the drive component 4.
[0035] The positioning sensor (not shown in the figure) is located below the slider 51. When the slider 51 moves downward to the designated position, the positioning sensor can recognize that the test tube has been positioned and can start the detection.
[0036] Foam 7 is disposed on the inner surface of the cover 1. When foam 7 contacts the top of the test tube, the cover 1 can apply pressure to the test tube 8 through foam 7.
[0037] Specifically, in an embodiment where the test tube transmission device is applied to a nucleic acid amplification instrument, a reactor for accommodating the test tube 8 is provided below the slider 51 inside the instrument. This reactor can be designed such that when the test tube is loaded by the slider 51 and descends into the reactor, the cover 1 is not yet fully closed. At this time, the slider 51 continues to descend, causing the cover 1 to press down, thus bringing the cover 1 into contact with the top of the test tube 8 and applying pressure to it. This ensures that the outer wall of the test tube is tightly fitted against the inner wall of the reactor until the cover 1 is fully closed. This guarantees a fixed position and structural stability during the thermal cycling reaction, and also ensures rapid and stable heat transfer from the reactor to the test tube. Furthermore, the foam 7 allows the pressure to be applied elastically and with some buffering, without damaging the top of the test tube or the structure of the cover 1.
[0038] The spring piece 9 is mounted on the fixed block 32 and can elastically abut against the second connecting rod 53 when the cover 1 is closed. By applying the elastic force to the second connecting rod 53, the third connecting rod 54 will rotate in the same direction as the cover closing under the action of the elastic force component, so that the cover 1 is further pressed and sealed, which can better avoid the cover not being able to close completely or spring open due to factors such as unstable mechanical structure or accidental operation; and in the test tube transmission device equipped with the spring piece 9, the connecting rod can be set to be shorter, and the included angle between the connecting rods when the cover 1 is closed can be set to be larger, which will occupy less internal space of the instrument.
[0039] In this embodiment, the slider 51, the first connecting rod 52, the second connecting rod 53, and the third connecting rod 54, which are capable of vertical movement, are connected and work together in sequence. The screw 43 drives the slider 51 to move up and down while transmitting power to the first connecting rod 52, the second connecting rod 53, and the third connecting rod 54, which in turn drive the cover 1 to rotate and open and close. This achieves synchronous linkage between the automatic opening and closing of the cover and the automatic lifting of the test tube. The entire transmission device has a simple and stable structure, is easy to operate, and can respond quickly.
[0040] The automatic test tube transmission device described in this patent has two fixed positions:
[0041] Open position: The cover 1 is flipped open until it is perpendicular to the horizontal plane. The angle formed by the first link 52 and the second link 53 in the vertical plane, and the angle formed by the second link 53 and the third link 54 in the vertical plane are both at their minimum in this embodiment. The slider 51 is in the initial position of downward movement.
[0042] Closed position: The cover 1 is completely closed, and the angles formed by the first link 52 and the second link 53 in the vertical plane and the angles formed by the second link 53 and the third link 54 in the vertical plane are both at their maximum values in this embodiment. The slider 51 is in the final designated position for downward movement.
[0043] The minimum and maximum included angles and the length of the slider's sliding path are designed to be adaptable and adjustable according to the length of the test tube and the available space inside the instrument.
[0044] The specific workflow of the automatic test tube transmission device described in this patent includes:
[0045] The test tube descent and cap closing process: With the transmission device in the open position, test tube 8 is placed in and loaded by slider 51. At this time, the upper part of test tube 8 is exposed. The start sensor 6 detects that the test tube has been loaded and sends a start signal to the drive assembly 4. The motor drive plate 41 drives the shaft of motor 42 to rotate clockwise, causing screw 43 to rotate. Because of the threaded connection with screw 43, slider 51 is driven to slide downwards along positioning shaft 33, simultaneously transmitting downward force to the first connecting rod 52, causing the first connecting rod 52, second connecting rod 53, and third connecting rod 54 to move in tandem. In this embodiment, during the descent linkage process, the angles between the first connecting rod 52 and the second connecting rod 53, and between the second connecting rod 53 and the third connecting rod 54, in the vertical plane are opposite in direction and both increase from small to large. The cap 1 gradually closes from the open state, and test tube 8 descends under the drive of slider 51. In some embodiments, it can descend under the combined action of the closing pressure of cap 1 until cap 1 is completely closed. At this time, the transmission device is in the closed position, and the positioning sensor recognizes that the test tube has reached its position and sends a start detection signal. The process diagram is visible. Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3
[0046] The process of the test tube rising and the lid opening: When the detection is completed, the positioning sensor sends an end detection signal to the drive component 4. The motor drive board 41 drives the shaft of the motor 42 to reverse, causing the screw 43 to rotate in the opposite direction. Because it is threadedly connected to the screw 43, the slider 51 is driven to slide upward along the positioning shaft 33, and at the same time, it transmits the upward force to the first connecting rod 52, so that the first connecting rod 52, the second connecting rod 53, and the third connecting rod 54 are linked. In the upward linkage process of this embodiment, the angles between the first connecting rod 52 and the second connecting rod 53, and between the second connecting rod 53 and the third connecting rod 54 in the vertical plane are opposite and both decrease from large to small. The lid 1 gradually opens from the closed state, and the test tube 8 rises under the drive of the slider 51. In some embodiments, the lifting of the test tube 8 can speed up the opening process of the lid 1 until the lid 1 is fully opened, the upper part of the test tube 8 is exposed, and the transmission device returns to the open state position.
[0047] During the operation of the transmission device, the rising / falling of the test tube is linked to the opening / closing of the lid. For the operator, simply placing the test tube manually into the receiving space allows it to automatically move to the designated position, the lid to close automatically, and the detection to begin automatically. After the detection is complete, the lid opens automatically, and the test tube rises to expose itself for easy retrieval. The entire process is stable and requires only one motor for synchronous control, resulting in a simple structure, low cost, and convenient operation.
[0048] Furthermore, to adapt to the needs of different biological detection instruments, the automatic test tube transmission device described in this patent can be used individually or in batches, either in rows or arrays, such as... Figures 8-9 In the scheme shown, when the test tube transmission devices are used in rows, the motor drive board is still independently controlled, and each test tube transmission device can work independently, which is extremely flexible.
[0049] In the description of this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "connected," "linked," and "fixed" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; 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; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application according to the specific circumstances.
[0050] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature includes the first feature being directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature includes the first feature being directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.
[0051] In the description of this embodiment, the terms "upper," "lower," "left," "right," etc., refer to the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for ease of description and simplification of operation, 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. In addition, the terms "first" and "second" are used only for distinction in description and have no special meaning.
[0052] The above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this application and are not intended to limit it. The preferred embodiments have been described in detail. Those skilled in the art should understand that modifications or equivalent substitutions can be made to the technical solutions of this application without departing from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of this application, and all such modifications and substitutions should be covered within the scope of the claims of this application.
Claims
1. An automatic test tube transmission device, characterized in that, include: The device comprises a cover, a drive assembly, and a transmission assembly. The drive assembly is connected to the cover via the transmission assembly. The transmission assembly includes a slider capable of vertical movement and three connecting rods. The slider is fixedly connected to a first connecting rod, the first connecting rod is rotatably connected to a second connecting rod, the second connecting rod is rotatably connected to a third connecting rod, and the third connecting rod is fixedly connected to the cover. The slider is used to load a single test tube and is connected to the drive assembly.
2. The automatic test tube transmission device according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: A start-up sensor used to identify when a test tube is loaded.
3. The automatic test tube transmission device according to claim 2, characterized in that, Also includes: A position sensor used to identify when a slider has moved to a specified position.
4. The automatic test tube transmission device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first link and the second link, and the second link and the third link form opposite angles in the vertical plane.
5. The automatic test tube transmission device according to claim 4, characterized in that, When the slider moves downward in the vertical direction, the angles formed by the first link and the second link, and the second link and the third link in the vertical plane all increase, and the cover gradually closes; and / or, when the slider moves upward in the vertical direction, the angles formed by the first link and the second link, and the second link and the third link in the vertical plane all decrease, and the cover gradually opens.
6. The automatic test tube transmission device according to claim 5, characterized in that, It also includes a spring sheet that elastically abuts against the second link when the cover is fully closed.
7. The automatic test tube transmission device according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, It also includes a receiving part and a positioning part, wherein the receiving part is rotatably connected to the cover and fixedly connected to the positioning part; the receiving part, the positioning part and the slider together provide a test tube receiving space.
8. The automatic test tube transmission device according to claim 7, characterized in that, The positioning part includes a positioning shaft, which is slidably connected to the slider in the vertical direction.
9. The automatic test tube transmission device according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, Foam is provided on the inner side of the cover.
10. A nucleic acid amplification instrument, characterized in that, The device includes the automatic test tube transmission device as described in any one of claims 1 to 9, and further includes a reactor disposed below the automatic test tube transmission device, wherein when the test tube enters the reactor, the slider has not yet moved to the designated position; when the slider moves to the designated position, the test tube is tightly attached to the reactor and fixed in place.