Flexible fastening structure, thermal cycle module and sample processing device

Abstract

The utility model discloses a flexible buckling structure, a thermal circulation module and a sample processing device, relates to the technical field of medical instruments and information intelligent equipment, and provides a flexible buckling structure, a thermal circulation module and a sample processing device which are specially used for a detection scheme of top fluorescence collection. The flexible buckling structure comprises a bearing base plate capable of moving relative to a buckling base plane, a moving target is loaded on the bearing base plate and flexibly connected with the bearing base plate through a plurality of elastic assemblies, each elastic assembly comprises a guide rod and an elastic element, one side of each guide rod is fixedly connected with the moving target, and the other side of each guide rod is fixedly connected with the buckling base plane. The other side of the guide rod is movably inserted into the bearing base plate and is limited by a baffle plate; and an elastic element is arranged on the guide rod in a penetrating manner. By means of the flexible buckling structure, it is guaranteed that when the heat circulation assembly is buckled with the heat cover module, the amplification consumables in the heat circulation assembly are not excessively pressed to cause deformation, efficient loading, unloading and pressing of the amplification consumables are achieved, and the stability of pressing force and the heat transfer efficiency are guaranteed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of medical device and intelligent information equipment technology, specifically to a flexible fastening structure, a thermal circulation module, and a sample processing device. Background Technology

[0002] With the rapid development of molecular diagnostic technology, especially its widespread application in disease diagnosis, nucleic acid sequence fragment amplification technology has become an increasingly popular and important in vitro diagnostic method. This type of technology typically requires processing biological samples to release nucleic acids, and then amplifying the target sequence under the action of specific primers and enzymes. Through specific time intervals or cycles, the nucleic acid sequence can be exponentially amplified, and the quantitative amplification results can be output through fluorescent labeling and detection modules. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) is currently one of the most widely used detection technologies in molecular diagnostics.

[0003] In recent years, various diseases, such as respiratory and intestinal diseases, have become increasingly prevalent. In vitro diagnostic technologies have been widely used in clinical practice due to their minimal impact on the tested subjects. Periods of high disease incidence often require the processing of large numbers of samples, but with technological advancements, reliance on manual labor will gradually decrease. Therefore, simple, reliable, and highly automated operations are particularly important, as they not only reduce the risk of contamination but also lessen the demands on operator expertise.

[0004] Early thermal cycling amplification module designs, exemplified by European invention patent EP1090141B1, featured arrayed amplification consumable receiving blocks capable of receiving dozens of consumables with amplification systems, thus efficiently completing temperature-cycled amplification. While this design increased the number of samples processed, it required a high degree of human intervention, making it suitable for the rapid promotion and widespread adoption needed in the early stages of technology development.

[0005] Subsequently, US Patent US20100112683A2 disclosed a thermal cap unit and control method for matching thermal cycling blocks. This thermal cap unit can maintain the top of the amplification consumable at a target temperature of 94℃-110℃, thereby avoiding the problem of liquid condensation and adhesion during amplification and ensuring the reliable and accurate implementation of the top fluorescence acquisition detection scheme. However, the design of this type of thermal cap is complex, and the requirements for the precision of thermal cap control are high, making it relatively rare in practical applications.

[0006] To further improve amplification efficiency, US Patent 10253361B2 proposes a negative pressure suction device. By introducing negative pressure during amplification, the amplification consumables are brought into close contact with the thermal cycling block, thereby enhancing heat transfer efficiency. However, this solution has high equipment complexity and requires very precise negative pressure control, making it rarely seen in practical applications.

[0007] European patent EP2976156B1 discloses a design where the heating cap is rotatably fastened to the warming block. The mechanical clamping force of the rotational fastening applies pressure to the amplification consumables within the warming block to ensure amplification efficiency. However, this design is not conducive to the application of automated operating systems, mainly because the automated modification of the heating cap's opening and closing mechanism is very difficult, and the force applied during the fastening process has a horizontal component, affecting the fit between the amplification consumables and the warming block.

[0008] A further improved US patent, US10850283B2, provides an interface for a detachable temperature calibration board. During use, by connecting an external temperature calibration board, the actual heat transfer characteristics within the temperature block can be accurately sensed, thereby improving the accuracy of amplification results. However, this approach still requires manual intervention and is not entirely suitable for highly automated applications.

[0009] The latest US patent, US11247211B2, designs a cam-linkage driven hot cap locking mechanism. This mechanism not only achieves hot cap locking but also incorporates a vertical lifting motion into the locking trajectory. The hot cap first rotates to a certain height directly above the heated block, then moves vertically downwards to press against the amplification consumable. Compared to a pure rotation locking mechanism, this design applies a clamping force to the amplification consumable without a horizontal component, resulting in higher clamping reliability. However, this design is also unsuitable for detection schemes using top fluorescence acquisition, as the vertical lifting motion of the hot cap may interfere with the detection process.

[0010] In summary, while existing thermal cycling amplification modules improve amplification efficiency and reliability to some extent, they still have some shortcomings. In particular, for detection schemes requiring top fluorescence acquisition, current technologies cannot fully meet the demands of highly automated operation and perform poorly in efficiently processing small sample sizes. Therefore, it is particularly necessary to develop an amplification module that can adapt to top fluorescence acquisition, while also meeting the requirements of convenient and readily available small-volume addition of amplification consumables, and reliable compaction of amplification consumables in an automated environment. Utility Model Content

[0011] The purpose of this invention is to address the aforementioned problems by providing a flexible snap-fit ​​structure, a thermal circulation module, and a sample processing device, specifically designed for top-fluorescence acquisition detection. The flexible snap-fit ​​structure ensures that the amplification consumables inside the thermal circulation component are not excessively compressed and deformed when snapped onto the thermal cover module. The close cooperation between the horizontal drive mechanism and the lifting drive mechanism enables efficient loading, unloading, and compression of the amplification consumables in both horizontal and vertical directions, ensuring the stability of the compression force and heat transfer efficiency.

[0012] The technical solution adopted in this utility model is as follows:

[0013] A flexible fastening structure includes a carrier base plate that can move relative to a fastening base surface. A moving target is loaded on the carrier base plate. The moving target is flexibly connected to the carrier base plate through a plurality of elastic components. The elastic components include a guide rod and an elastic element. One side of the guide rod is fixedly connected to the moving target, and the other side is movably inserted into the carrier base plate and limited by a baffle. An elastic element passes through the guide rod.

[0014] Furthermore, the elastic element is in a predetermined compressed state.

[0015] A thermal cycling module is provided, wherein the thermal cycling module body is equipped with the above-mentioned flexible fastening structure, the moving target loaded on the carrier substrate is a thermal cycling component that can support a number of amplification consumables and perform expansion operations on the amplification consumables, and a thermal cover module is assembled at the fastening base surface. The carrier substrate can move in the vertical direction under the action of the driving component so that the thermal cycling component presses against or disengages from the thermal cover module.

[0016] Furthermore, the driving assembly includes a horizontal driving mechanism and a lifting driving mechanism. The horizontal driving mechanism includes a horizontal driving device, a horizontal transmission device, a horizontal connecting block, a first transmission block, and a first slide rail. The lifting driving mechanism includes a lifting driving device, a lifting transmission device, and a lifting connecting block. One side of the supporting base plate is used to mount the thermal circulation assembly, and the other side is equipped with the first transmission block. One side of the first slide rail is connected to the horizontal driving device, and the other side is inserted into and slidably connected to the first transmission block. The horizontal connecting block is connected to the supporting base surface. The horizontal driving device can drive the horizontal connecting block to move horizontally through the horizontal transmission device. The lifting connecting block is connected to the first transmission block, and the lifting driving device can drive the lifting connecting block to move vertically through the lifting transmission device.

[0017] Furthermore, the lifting transmission device includes a second drive screw, a second transmission block, and a vertical slide rail; the lifting connecting block is slidably connected to the vertical slide rail, the second transmission block is provided with a fitting groove, and the lifting connecting block is provided with a pin that matches the fitting groove, the pin being at least partially inserted into the fitting groove; the second transmission block is threadedly connected to the second drive screw, and the lifting drive device drives the second drive screw to rotate, which can drive the second transmission block to move along the length direction of the second drive screw. The fitting groove and the pin can generate relative motion, driving the lifting connecting block to move up and down along the vertical slide rail.

[0018] Furthermore, the fitting slide groove includes an inclined section, which is an inclined groove body that forms a certain angle with the straight direction; when the pin moves to the high position of the inclined section, it can drive the lifting connecting block to rise, and when the pin moves to the low position of the inclined section, it can drive the lifting connecting block to fall; the fitting slide groove also includes a stabilizing section connected to the end of the inclined section, which is a horizontal groove body that extends from the end of the inclined section to the horizontal direction; when the pin moves in the stabilizing section, the height of the lifting connecting block remains unchanged.

[0019] Furthermore, the supporting base plate is also provided with a support area, the support area and the first transmission block are disposed opposite to each other at both ends of the supporting base plate, and the lifting connecting block is provided with at least two connecting parts, one of which is connected to the first transmission block, and the other connecting part is provided with a roller assembly that can be rolledly connected to the support area.

[0020] Furthermore, the horizontal transmission device includes a first drive screw, which is threadedly connected to a horizontal connecting block; the first drive screw and the second drive screw are arranged in parallel.

[0021] Furthermore, the thermal cycling assembly includes an amplification consumable receiving section for receiving a plurality of amplification consumables, a temperature control device is disposed below the amplification consumable receiving section, and a heat sink is disposed below the temperature control device; the amplification consumable receiving section has a plurality of amplification well units linearly arranged for receiving amplification consumables; a plurality of positioning posts are also disposed on the amplification consumable receiving section, and the thermal cover module includes a thermal cover substrate with a predetermined thickness, the bottom of the thermal cover substrate including a thermal cavity for accommodating the top of the amplification consumables and positioning holes used in conjunction with the positioning posts to achieve precise positioning of the thermal cycling assembly.

[0022] A sample processing device includes a device body, in which a plurality of the above-mentioned thermal cycling modules and detection modules are assembled. The top of the thermal cover module is provided with a thermal cycling substrate, and the thermal cycling substrate is provided with a plurality of detection holes that match the thermal cavity. The detection modules can perform extended detection on the corresponding amplification consumables through the detection holes.

[0023] In summary, due to the adoption of the above technical solution, the beneficial effects of this utility model are:

[0024] 1. This utility model uses a flexible snap-fit ​​structure to ensure that the amplification consumables inside the thermal cycling component are not excessively compressed and deformed when snapped with the thermal cover module; the elastic element is in a predetermined compression state, which can reliably constrain and limit the thermal cycling component and the supporting substrate, and there will be no unreliable connection problems such as shaking or tilting of the thermal cycling component due to the configuration of the elastic element.

[0025] 2. This utility model decomposes the motion drive required for the thermal cycling component into two parts: horizontal motion for receiving amplification consumables and vertical motion for cooperating with the thermal cover module. These two motions can be independently completed through the cooperation of a horizontal drive mechanism and a lifting drive mechanism. Specifically, the horizontal drive mechanism drives the carrier substrate to move horizontally through a first drive screw and a horizontal connecting block, and moves up and down with the carrier substrate through a first slide rail and a first transmission block. This allows the lifting drive mechanism at a lower position to directly drive the horizontal drive mechanism and the carrier substrate to move up and down together through the first transmission block, ensuring that the internal coordination of the component is largely unaffected by the lifting motion.

[0026] 3. The first and second drive screws of this utility model are arranged in parallel, which enables two different motion drives to be reliably configured within a limited space. This avoids the problem that the module cannot be configured or is limited in configuration due to the need for a large vertical space. Through the transmission and cooperation of the screw and slider, the rotational motion is converted into linear reciprocating motion, realizing high-precision and position drive control and ensuring high-precision adjustment of motion in different directions.

[0027] 4. This utility model employs a pin fixed on the lifting connecting block that engages with the fitting groove of the second transmission block, eliminating the need for intermediate transmission structures such as connecting rods and cams. This simplifies the conversion of the horizontal movement of the second transmission block along the second drive screw into the lifting motion of the lifting connecting block along a vertical slide rail. This design improves the efficiency and reliability of motion conversion. The fitting groove includes an inclined section and a stable section. Moving the pin along the inclined section changes the height of the lifting connecting block, while moving it along the stable section maintains the height of the lifting connecting block, ensuring that the heat-sealing module applies sufficient and stable clamping force to the amplification consumables, ultimately improving amplification efficiency. The vertical clamping operation ensures that the clamping force on the amplification consumables has no horizontal component, thus not affecting heat transfer efficiency.

[0028] 5. The sample processing device of this invention can be equipped with multiple thermal cycling modules, each of which can operate independently and perform amplification detection in parallel. This design not only improves detection efficiency but also adapts to application scenarios with varying detection throughput. The detection module can be driven to perform linear reciprocating motion in a horizontal plane, resulting in higher motion precision of the top detection module and higher accuracy of the detection results.

[0029] 6. In scenarios with a higher degree of automation, this invention can reliably and flexibly complete amplification and detection in batches. This design not only improves the automation level of the device but also ensures the efficiency and stability of the detection process, making it particularly suitable for application in modern molecular diagnostic technologies and effectively meeting the needs of large-scale sample processing and high-throughput detection.

[0030] 7. The horizontal telescopic motion and the lifting motion of this utility model can be driven by independent drive mechanisms. The horizontal drive device can drive the heat circulation component to move in the horizontal plane to receive the amplification consumables with higher heat exchange efficiency. Then, the lifting drive device only applies a pressing force to the amplification consumables in the vertical direction to make the amplification efficiency higher. Moreover, by driving the parallel configuration of the drive screw, it can efficiently compress the amplification in a limited space. Attached Figure Description

[0031] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the flexible fastening structure of this utility model;

[0032] Figure 2 This is an exploded view of the thermal cycling component of this utility model;

[0033] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the horizontal drive mechanism of this utility model in the retracted state;

[0034] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the horizontal drive mechanism of this utility model in the extended state;

[0035] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the lifting drive mechanism of this utility model in the lowered position.

[0036] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the lifting drive mechanism of this utility model in the raised position.

[0037] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the thermal cycling module of this utility model before the amplification consumables extend along the horizontal plane;

[0038] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the thermal cycling module of this utility model, which receives the amplification consumables extending a distance along the horizontal plane.

[0039] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the thermal cycling module of this utility model, which supports the amplification consumables extending to their limit along the horizontal plane;

[0040] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the thermal cycling module of this utility model before it retracts after receiving the amplification consumables;

[0041] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the thermal cycling module of this utility model during its retraction after receiving the amplification consumables;

[0042] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the thermal cycling module of this utility model after it receives and retracts the amplification consumables;

[0043] Figure 13This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the thermal circulation component of this utility model being driven close to the thermal cavity;

[0044] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the positioning pin extending into the positioning hole of this utility model;

[0045] Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the heat circulation component of this utility model being pressed into the heat cover module;

[0046] Figure 16 This is a schematic diagram of the sample processing device of this utility model.

[0047] In the diagram, the markings are as follows: 1-Amplification consumables, 101-Thermoelectric heating unit, 102-Enhanced heat exchange unit, 103-Pressure plate, 111-Cooling fan, 112-Cooling duct, 113-Radiator, 114-Elastic component, 115-Amplification consumable receiving part, 116-Positioning post, 200-Supporting base plate, 201-Position sensor, 211-Horizontal drive motor, 212-First drive screw, 213-Horizontal connecting block, 214-First slide rail, 215-First transmission block. 216-Roller assembly, 221-Lifting drive motor, 222-Second drive screw, 223-Second transmission block, 2230-Matching slide groove, 224-Lifting connecting block, 2240-Pin, 225-Vertical slide rail, 30-Heat cover module, 301-Detection sensor, 3001-Detection hole, 311-Heat cavity, 312-Positioning hole, 40-Detection module, 410-Heat circulation base plate, 411-Detection transmission belt, 412-Detection drive wheel, 413-Detection driven wheel. Detailed Implementation

[0048] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0049] 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.

[0050] Example 1

[0051] A flexible fastening structure, such as Figure 1 As shown, it includes a carrier substrate 200 that can move relative to a snap-fit ​​base surface. A moving target is mounted on the carrier substrate 200. The moving target is flexibly connected to the carrier substrate 200 via several elastic components 114. Specifically, the moving target mounted on the carrier substrate 200 is a thermal cycling component capable of supporting several amplification consumables 1 and performing expansion operations on the amplification consumables 1, such as... Figure 10As shown, a thermal cap module 30 is assembled at the snap-fit ​​base surface; the elastic component 114 includes a guide rod and an elastic element. One side of the guide rod is fixedly connected to the moving target, and the other side is movably inserted into the support substrate 200 and limited by a baffle. The elastic element passes through the guide rod. The support substrate 200 can be driven, thereby driving the thermal cycling component to approach and press against the thermal cap module 30, thereby performing the amplification operation. The elastic component 114 ensures that the amplification consumable 1 in the amplification consumable receiving part 115 is not excessively compressed and deformed during this process. To ensure the reliability of the elastic connection, there are four elastic components 114.

[0052] The elastic element is in a predetermined compressed state. Here, the elastic element is preferably a threaded spring with an elastic coefficient of 0.9-1.3 N / mm. This ensures that the thermal cycling assembly and the support substrate 200 are reliably constrained and limited, and there are no unreliable connection problems such as swaying or skewing of the thermal cycling assembly due to the configuration of the elastic element.

[0053] Example 2

[0054] Figure 1This is a schematic diagram of the flexible fastening structure of this utility model. At the top position, there is an amplification consumable receiving part 115, which includes several linearly arranged amplification well units to receive amplification consumables 1. Here, it is shown that eight amplification well units form a linearly arranged amplification consumable receiving part 115, which can receive multiple single amplification tubes or, more commonly, eight-tube amplification consumables. Of course, the number of amplification well units can be other numbers. The linearly arranged amplification well units are more sensitive to the direction of the clamping force but have less requirement for the magnitude of the clamping force, and can more easily balance the differences in clamping force between different well units. Several positioning posts 116 are arranged around the amplification consumable receiving part 115 to ensure that the thermal cycling module performs a more precise clamping operation. A heat sink 113 is disposed at the lower part of the amplification consumable receiving unit 115. The heat sink 113 is a finned heat sink, which is processed by a tooth-shaving process. The fins can be arranged at equal intervals or configured with non-equal intervals to ensure sufficient heat dissipation efficiency. In order to ensure higher heat dissipation efficiency and minimal impact on other functional units during heat dissipation operation, a heat dissipation duct 112 is provided around the heat sink 113. The heat dissipation duct 112 has openings at both ends. One end of the opening is connected to the heat sink 113, and the other end is connected to the cooling fan 111. The fins of the heat sink 113 are arranged at intervals at the openings of the heat dissipation duct 112, so as to drive the airflow along the length of the heat dissipation duct 112 to achieve timely removal of waste heat. The number of cooling fans 111 connected to the heat dissipation duct 112 can be one, two or more. The above functional units constitute a thermal cycle assembly capable of performing thermal cycle amplification. To ensure reliable and efficient driving of the thermal cycling assembly, which is connected to the carrier substrate 200, several elastic components 114 are used to connect the thermal cycling assembly and the carrier substrate 200 to prevent the amplification consumable 1 in the amplification consumable receiving section 115 from being excessively compressed and deformed. To ensure the reliability of the elastic connection, four elastic components 114 are used. Each elastic component 114 includes a guide rod and an elastic element. One side of the guide rod is fixedly connected to the thermal cycling assembly, and the other side is movably inserted into the carrier substrate 200 and limited by a baffle. An elastic element is passed through the guide rod and is placed in a predetermined compression state. The elastic element is preferably a threaded spring with an elastic coefficient of 0.9-1.3 N / mm. This ensures that the thermal cycling assembly and the carrier substrate 200 are reliably constrained and limited, and there are no unreliable connection problems such as shaking or tilting of the thermal cycling assembly due to the configuration of the elastic element.The lower part of the thermal cycling assembly has a horizontal drive mechanism and a lifting drive mechanism arranged in the height direction. The horizontal drive mechanism is located at a higher position and includes a horizontal drive motor 211. The lifting drive mechanism includes a lifting drive motor 221. The output of the horizontal drive motor 211 is connected to the support substrate 200 that carries the thermal cycling assembly. In this way, the horizontal drive motor 211 drives the thermal cycling assembly to move horizontally to the amplification consumable receiving position or the amplification pressing position. The lifting drive motor 221, which is arranged at a lower height, can output the lifting connecting block 224 that connects the horizontal drive mechanism and the support substrate 200 to perform lifting and lowering movements, thereby driving the thermal cycling assembly and the horizontal drive mechanism to lift and lower synchronously.

[0055] Figure 2 This is an exploded view of the thermal cycling component of this utility model. The amplification consumable receiving unit 115 includes eight amplification well units arranged in a line. The amplification well units arranged in a line can be adapted to the detection module 40 which is linearly driven to move, so as to efficiently and quickly obtain the amplification results in the amplification consumable 1 received by multiple amplification well units under simplified motion driving state. In order to improve its heat capacity, the bottom of the amplification well units is connected by connectors. In order to enhance the heat exchange efficiency, the bottom of the amplification well unit is also equipped with an enhanced heat exchange unit 102, which is indirectly connected to the thermoelectric heating unit 101. The thermoelectric heating unit 101 is used as the heat source of the amplification consumable receiving unit 115, which can meet the dual requirements of rapid heating and rapid cooling, so as to make the cycle amplification execution efficiency higher. In order to more reliably fix the amplification consumable receiving unit 115 to the heat sink 113, a clamping plate 103 is also provided above the amplification consumable receiving unit 115. The clamping plate 103, together with the clamping screw, can reliably fix the amplification consumable receiving unit 115 to the heat sink 113. In this embodiment, the number of cooling fans 111 in the thermal circulation component is one. This can optimize the operation control method of the cooling fan 111, and can also detect whether there is any malfunction in time, making maintenance and replacement more convenient. In order to reduce the flow dissipation of the cooling airflow, the cooling air duct 112 includes a transition section with a gradually decreasing cross-sectional area, and also includes a steady flow section with a basically uniform cross-sectional area. The heat dissipation fins of the heat sink 113 are all arranged in the steady flow section. This can reduce the airflow velocity through the heat dissipation fins to ensure more sufficient heat exchange. On the other hand, the dissipation effect in the steady flow section is smaller, making the flow field more stable and almost eliminating flow dead zones.

[0056] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the horizontal drive mechanism of this utility model in the retracted state. Figure 4This is a schematic diagram of the horizontal drive mechanism of this utility model in its extended state. Driven by the horizontal drive motor 211, the supporting base plate 200 can move the connected thermal circulation assembly to different positions. The lifting drive mechanism at a lower position is omitted here, and the view is taken from the bottom of the thermal circulation assembly. In this embodiment, the horizontal drive motor 211 is connected to and can drive the first drive screw 212 to rotate. The first drive screw 212 is threadedly connected to the horizontal connecting block 213, which is fixedly connected to the supporting base plate 200. One side of the supporting base plate 200 is connected to the thermal circulation assembly, and the other side is equipped with the first transmission block 215. The first slide rail 214 is located on one side. Connected to the horizontal drive motor 211 on one side and slidably connected to the first transmission block 215 on the other, the first transmission block 215 is fixedly connected to the lifting connecting block 224 capable of vertical movement. Thus, when the horizontal drive motor 211 outputs rotational motion, the entire supporting substrate 200 can be driven by the first drive screw 212 to move with high precision under the constraint of the first transmission block 215. This motion drive ensures that the relative position of the supporting substrate 200 and the thermal circulation component it carries is fixed, making the reference of the thermal circulation component more constant. A support area is also provided on the supporting substrate 200 along the width direction of the thermal circulation component at a preset distance from the first transmission block 215. The support area is in rolling contact with the roller assembly 216, which is fixedly connected to the lifting connecting block 224. Here, the support area can be at least a portion of the bearing substrate 200 on the other side of the first transmission block 215. The support area can have higher processing precision, or the entire bottom of the bearing substrate 200 can have higher processing precision. The support area and the roller assembly 216 are in rolling contact. The distance between the support area contacted by the roller assembly 216 and the first transmission block 215 is less than the width of the thermal cycling assembly. The distance can be configured to be 0.7-0.95 times the width of the thermal cycling assembly. The bearing substrate 200 achieves this contact through both sliding and rolling contact. Different connection methods are indirectly connected to the lifting connection block 224. The two methods have low risk of mutual interference in the driving movement of the bearing base plate 200, and can be reliably arranged in narrower spaces. They can also introduce the relatively flexible constraint support of the roller group 216 rolling contact, so that even if the bearing base plate 200 is misaligned during assembly or has stronger constraints due to misalignment during long-term use, it can adaptively self-adjust and still ensure that the bearing base plate 200 is reliably driven by low resistance. In order to ensure the reliability of the roller group 216 in supporting the bearing base plate 200 and operating with low resistance, the roller group 216 includes two roller units, and the two roller units are configured with a preset distance between them.

[0057] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the lifting drive mechanism of this utility model in the lowered position. Figure 6This is a structural schematic diagram of the lifting drive mechanism of this utility model in the raised position. The two figures illustrate the process of the lifting drive mechanism driving the lifting connecting block 224 to different heights. The lifting drive mechanism is configured at a lower position below the horizontal drive mechanism. The power source of the lifting drive mechanism is the lifting drive motor 221. The lifting drive motor 221 is connected to and enables the second drive screw 222 to rotate. Here, the second drive screw 222 is arranged parallel to the axis of the first drive screw 212, so that both are rotational motions. During operation, there is basically no risk of mutual interference between the two. This configuration occupies less space, makes subsequent maintenance and repair more convenient, and eliminates the problem of reserving space for staggered drive screws, which could lead to changes in the amplification reaction conditions of the thermal cycling component performing thermal cycling amplification. The second drive screw 222 is threadedly connected to a second transmission block 223. The second transmission block 223 has a groove 2230 formed by milling or other machining processes. A pin 2240 is fixedly connected to the lifting connecting block 224, with at least a portion of the pin 2240 inserted into the groove 2230. To reduce the movement resistance of the pin 2240 inserted into the groove 2230, a pin wheel can be fitted to the end of the pin 2240. This allows the pin wheel to roll and contact the groove 2230, significantly reducing transmission resistance. Several vertical sliders are also fixedly connected to the end of the lifting connecting block 224. The lifting connecting block 224 can be slidably connected to a vertically fixed vertical slide rail 225 via these sliders. This is to ensure vertical... The linear sliding motion offers low resistance, reliability, and smoothness. The number of vertical sliders can be configured to be no less than two, and correspondingly, the number of vertical slide rails 225 is also no less than two. The top of the lifting connecting block 224 is equipped with at least two connecting parts. One connecting part is fixedly connected to the first transmission block 215, and the other connecting part is fixedly connected to the roller assembly 216. The height of the connection surface between the roller assembly 216 and the connecting part is lower than the connection surface between the first transmission block 215 and the connecting part. This accommodates the different space requirements of the two different connection methods. The roller assembly 216 also has sufficient size to ensure reliable support for long-term use, and the risk of wear and damage is also lower. The lifting connecting block 224 is also directly or indirectly connected to the horizontal drive motor 211. In this embodiment, the lifting drive... The motor 221 drives the second drive screw 222 to rotate, and the second transmission block 223, which is threadedly connected to it, can be driven to slide along the axis of the second drive screw 222. When the second transmission block 223 is driven close to the lifting drive motor 221, the fitting groove 2230 on the second transmission block 223 is driven to move, causing the at least partially inserted pin 2240 to move relative to the fitting groove 2230. The fitting groove 2230 is configured to include an inclined section at a certain angle to the vertical direction, and stable sections extending horizontally are provided at both ends of the inclined section. The relative movement of the pin 2240 in the inclined section will gradually raise the height of the pin 2240, thereby raising the height of the lifting connecting block 224.The height of the supporting base plate 200 and the horizontal drive motor 211 connected to it can also be raised together. This allows for a compact arrangement of the device while changing the height of the supporting base plate 200. Furthermore, the angle of the inclined section can be used to adjust the transmission ratio of the lifting drive motor 221 as needed, resulting in higher precision in vertical lifting motion control. The configuration of the end stabilizing section provides sufficient buffering for the lifting motion drive and ensures precise and reliable support for the pin 2240, guaranteeing a more constant final clamping force. This pin 2240 cooperates with the fitting groove 2230 of the second transmission block 223, eliminating the need for intermediate transmission structures such as connecting rods and cams. This simplifies the conversion of the horizontal sliding of the second transmission block 223 on the second drive screw 222 into the lifting motion of the lifting connecting block 224 along the vertical slide rail 225. This results in higher motion conversion efficiency and reliability, and can also adapt to precise and reliable transmission scenarios where multiple linearly arranged augmentation well units require low clamping force. The movement of the second transmission block 223 when driven away from the lifting drive motor 221 is reversed, which will not be elaborated here.

[0058] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the thermal cycling module of this utility model before the amplification consumables extend along the horizontal plane. Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the thermal cycling module of this utility model, which receives the amplification consumables extending horizontally. Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the thermal cycling module of this utility model, which supports the expansion consumables extending to the limit distance along the horizontal plane. This diagram shows the process of the horizontal driving mechanism driving the thermal cycling component to move in the horizontal plane after the horizontal driving mechanism, lifting driving mechanism and thermal cycling component are combined. The horizontal driving motor 211 outputs rotational motion to drive the first driving screw 212 to rotate. The threaded horizontal connecting block 213 converts the rotational motion into linear motion along the axis of the first driving screw 212 through transmission. The horizontal connecting block 213 is fixedly connected to the support base plate 200, so that the support base plate 200 can slide in the horizontal plane. In order to ensure the accuracy of the horizontal movement position, a sensing plate is also provided at the bottom of the support base plate 200. A position sensor 201 is arranged at a specific position on the horizontal plane to serve as a positioning reference or limit position limiting component. The clockwise or counterclockwise rotation of the horizontal driving motor 211 can drive the support base plate 200 to different positions on the horizontal plane to perform different functional operations.

[0059] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the thermal cycling module of this utility model before it retracts after receiving the amplification consumables. Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the thermal cycling module of this utility model during its retraction after receiving the amplification consumables. Figure 12This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the thermal cycling module of this utility model after it retracts after receiving the amplification consumable. A thermal cover module 30 is provided above the thermal cycling component. The thermal cover module 30 can cooperate with the thermal cycling component at a set position. The thermal cover module 30 includes a thermal cover substrate with a predetermined thickness. The bottom of the thermal cover substrate includes a thermal cavity 311 for accommodating the top of the amplification consumable 1 and a positioning hole 312 used in conjunction with the positioning post 116 to achieve precise positioning of the thermal cycling component. The thermal cavity 311 can reliably limit the amplification consumable 1 and provide a relatively closed environment, so that the top of the amplification consumable 1 can be in a relatively stable thermal state. In this environment, to reduce the risk of condensation during amplification, a detection module 40 is configured on the top of the hot-cover substrate, capable of being driven to perform linear reciprocating motion in a horizontal plane. The detection module 40 can be designed to contain any number of detection channels. Here, to achieve detection of more targets, the detection module 40 preferably includes four, five, six, seven, or even eight channels of different wavelength detection channels. Of course, for precise control or positioning of the detection module 40, a detection sensor 301 is fixedly connected to a specific position on the top of the hot-cover module, and a detection sensor sheet is fixedly connected to the detection module 40 in conjunction with it. Before amplification, the horizontal drive motor 211 can output rotational motion, thereby driving the carrier substrate 200 and the thermal cycling components connected to it to move horizontally, such as... Figure 10 As shown, the horizontal drive motor 211 moves the thermal circulation assembly to the amplification consumable receiving position to receive the amplification consumable 1 containing the amplification system solution transferred manually or by an automated robotic arm. During this process, the thermal circulation assembly is driven as a whole, so the state of the amplification consumable 1 remains basically unchanged during subsequent movements, resulting in higher amplification efficiency. After receiving the amplification consumable 1, the horizontal drive motor 211 rotates in the opposite direction to retract the thermal circulation assembly, and finally moves to the horizontal position where the amplification system is to be compressed, as shown. Figure 12 As shown, at this time, the amplification consumable 1 is located directly below the heat storage cavity 311, the positioning post 116 is located directly below the positioning hole 312, and the horizontal drive motor 211 can stop running and then perform the lifting and pressing operation.

[0060] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the thermal circulation component of this utility model being driven close to the thermal cavity. Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of the structure where the positioning pin extends into the positioning hole. Figure 15This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the thermal circulation component pressing against the heat cover module. After the thermal circulation component moves the amplification consumable 1 to the amplification position to be pressed, the lifting drive motor 221 at a lower position can output clockwise or counterclockwise rotational motion, which in turn drives the second drive screw 222, which is parallel to the first drive screw 212, to rotate around the axis. The second transmission block 223, which is threadedly connected, can convert the rotational motion into linear motion along the axis of the second drive screw 222. Then, through the engagement of the fitting slide groove 2230 and the pin 2240, which is at least partially inserted therein, the linear motion direction and transmission ratio are changed. In this way, the thermal circulation component moves vertically, so that the top of the amplification consumable 1 approaches and contacts the heat cover module 30. Since the thermal circulation component and the supporting substrate 200 are elastically connected, after the top of the amplification consumable 1 contacts the heat cover module 30, a gradually increasing pressing force can be applied, so that the amplification consumable 1 is pressed between the thermal circulation component and the heat cover module 30 without the risk of deformation. Finally, as Figure 15 As shown, the pin 2240 can fit into the stable section of the fitting groove 2230, ensuring both clamping force and accurate locking of the clamping state. In the clamped state, the thermoelectric heating unit 101 within the thermal cycling assembly performs cyclic heating and cooling operations according to a set program, causing the amplification reaction system liquid within the amplification consumable 1 to undergo amplification. The top detection module 40 is reciprocated to acquire fluorescence results from different amplification cycles to complete qualitative or quantitative detection of the target. After detection, the lifting drive motor 221 reverses, moving the top of the amplification consumable 1 away from and separating it from the thermal cap module 30.

[0061] Example 3

[0062] A sample processing device, such as Figure 16As shown, the device includes a main body, which can be equipped with any number of the thermal cycling modules provided in Embodiment 2. To achieve a higher throughput and greater detection flexibility, the main body is equipped with six thermal cycling modules, labeled N1-N6. Each thermal cycling module includes an independent horizontal drive mechanism and a lifting drive mechanism. Multiple lifting drive motors 221 can raise or lower the vertical position of the amplification consumables 1 they hold. This allows for independent control of each thermal cycling module, enabling a partially operational but partially inactive state. It also allows for the uninterrupted configuration of amplification consumables 1 in thermal cycling modules that do not hold amplification consumables during amplification processes, adapting to varying detection volumes and increasing module flexibility. The main body also includes a detection module 40. The top of the thermal cover module 30 is equipped with a thermal cycling substrate 410, which has several detection holes 3001 that match the thermal cavity 311. The detection module 40 can perform extended detection on the corresponding amplification consumables 1 through the detection holes 3001. In this embodiment, the detection holes 3001 are arranged linearly to correspond to the amplification consumables 1 received in the amplification consumable receiving part 115 of each thermal cycling component. A detection drive mechanism is arranged on the top of the thermal cycling substrate 410, which includes a detection drive motor. Its output shaft is connected to the detection drive wheel 412, and a detection driven wheel 413 is arranged at a preset distance from it. A detection transmission belt 411 is wound between the two. A detection module 40 is fixedly connected to one side of the detection transmission belt 411. The detection drive motor drives the detection module 40 to move back and forth linearly on the top of the thermal cycling substrate 410 to achieve detection. In order to accurately limit the movement range of the detection module 40, two spaced detection sensors 301 are also arranged on the top of the thermal cycling substrate 410. The two detection sensors 301 correspond to the two extreme positions of the movement direction of the detection module 40, respectively.

[0063] Example 4

[0064] An operating method for a thermal cycling module, applied to the thermal cycling module in Embodiment 2, includes the following steps:

[0065] Amplification consumable 1 loading steps: The horizontal drive device drives the horizontal connecting block 213 to move in the horizontal direction through the horizontal transmission device, causing the carrier substrate 200 to extend to the amplification consumable receiving position outside the thermal cycling module body, and the amplification consumable 1 to be tested is placed into the thermal cycling assembly. Then, the horizontal drive device drives the thermal cycling assembly to retract in the horizontal direction to the amplification pressing position.

[0066] The hot cover pressing step: The lifting drive device drives the lifting connecting block 224 to move in the vertical direction through the lifting transmission device, which drives the horizontal drive mechanism and the carrier substrate 200 to lift synchronously until the top of the amplification consumable 1 matches the hot cover module 30 and generates a preset pressing force.

[0067] Amplification and detection steps: The thermal cycling assembly and the thermal cap module 30 heat the amplification consumable 1 according to the settings to complete the amplification operation, and the detection module 40 performs amplification detection on the corresponding amplification consumable 1;

[0068] Unloading steps for amplification consumable 1: The lifting drive device drives the lifting connecting block 224 to move vertically through the lifting transmission device, causing the horizontal drive mechanism and the carrier substrate 200 to descend synchronously, so that the amplification consumable 1 is detached from the hot cover module 30. The horizontal drive device drives the horizontal connecting block 213 to move horizontally through the horizontal transmission device, causing the carrier substrate 200 to extend to the receiving position of the amplification consumable 1 outside the body of the thermal cycling module, thus unloading the amplification consumable 1.

[0069] 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.

[0070] 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.

[0071] 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 flexible fastening structure, characterized in that, It includes a carrier base plate that can move relative to a snap-fit ​​base surface, on which a moving target is loaded, and the moving target is flexibly connected to the carrier base plate through several elastic components; the elastic components include a guide rod and an elastic element, one side of the guide rod is fixedly connected to the moving target, and the other side is movably inserted into the carrier base plate and limited by a baffle, and the elastic element is passed through the guide rod.

2. The flexible fastening structure as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The elastic element is in a predetermined compressed state.

3. A thermal cycling module, comprising a thermal cycling module body, characterized in that, The thermal cycling module body is equipped with a flexible fastening structure as described in any one of claims 1 or 2. The moving target loaded on the carrier substrate is a thermal cycling component that can support a number of amplification consumables and perform expansion operations on the amplification consumables. A thermal cover module is assembled at the fastening base surface. The carrier substrate can move vertically under the action of the driving component so that the thermal cycling component presses against or detaches from the thermal cover module.

4. The thermal cycling module as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The driving assembly includes a horizontal driving mechanism and a lifting driving mechanism. The horizontal driving mechanism includes a horizontal driving device, a horizontal transmission device, a horizontal connecting block, a first transmission block, and a first slide rail. The lifting driving mechanism includes a lifting driving device, a lifting transmission device, and a lifting connecting block. One side of the supporting base plate is used to mount the thermal circulation assembly, and the other side is equipped with the first transmission block. One side of the first slide rail is connected to the horizontal driving device, and the other side is inserted into and slidably connected to the first transmission block. The horizontal connecting block is connected to the supporting base surface. The horizontal driving device can drive the horizontal connecting block to move horizontally through the horizontal transmission device. The lifting connecting block is connected to the first transmission block, and the lifting driving device can drive the lifting connecting block to move vertically through the lifting transmission device.

5. The thermal cycling module as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The lifting transmission device includes a second drive screw, a second transmission block, and a vertical slide rail; the lifting connecting block is slidably connected to the vertical slide rail, the second transmission block is provided with a fitting groove, and the lifting connecting block is provided with a pin that matches the fitting groove, the pin being at least partially inserted into the fitting groove; the second transmission block is threadedly connected to the second drive screw, and the lifting drive device drives the second drive screw to rotate, which can drive the second transmission block to move along the length direction of the second drive screw. The fitting groove and the pin can generate relative motion, driving the lifting connecting block to move up and down along the vertical slide rail.

6. The thermal cycling module as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The fitting slide groove includes an inclined section, which is an inclined groove body that forms a certain angle with the straight direction; when the pin moves to the high position of the inclined section, it can drive the lifting connecting block to rise, and when the pin moves to the low position of the inclined section, it can drive the lifting connecting block to fall; the fitting slide groove also includes a stabilizing section connected to the end of the inclined section, which is a horizontal groove body that extends from the end of the inclined section in the horizontal direction; when the pin moves in the stabilizing section, the height of the lifting connecting block remains unchanged.

7. The thermal cycling module as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The supporting base plate is also provided with a support area. The support area and the first transmission block are disposed opposite to each other at both ends of the supporting base plate. The lifting connecting block is provided with at least two connecting parts. One connecting part is connected to the first transmission block, and the other connecting part is provided with a roller group that can be rolled and connected to the support area.

8. The thermal cycling module according to any one of claims 5-7, characterized in that, The horizontal transmission device includes a first drive screw, which is threadedly connected to a horizontal connecting block; the first drive screw and the second drive screw are arranged in parallel.

9. The thermal cycling module as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The thermal cycling assembly includes an amplification consumable receiving section for receiving a plurality of amplification consumables, a temperature control device is disposed below the amplification consumable receiving section, and a heat sink is disposed below the temperature control device; the amplification consumable receiving section has a plurality of amplification well units linearly arranged for receiving amplification consumables; a plurality of positioning posts are also disposed on the amplification consumable receiving section; the thermal cover module includes a thermal cover substrate with a predetermined thickness, the bottom of the thermal cover substrate includes a thermal cavity for accommodating the top of the amplification consumables and positioning holes for precise positioning of the thermal cycling assembly in conjunction with the positioning posts.

10. A sample processing apparatus, comprising an apparatus body, characterized in that, The device body is equipped with a plurality of thermal cycling modules and detection modules as described in any one of claims 3-9. The top of the thermal cover module is provided with a thermal cycling substrate, and the thermal cycling substrate is provided with a plurality of detection holes that match the thermal cavity. The detection module can perform extended detection on the corresponding amplification consumables through the detection holes.

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