Auxiliary touch screen and cover opening and closing equipment capable of realizing automatic operation of nucleic acid amplification instrument

Abstract

According to the auxiliary touch screen and cover opening and closing equipment capable of achieving automatic operation of the nucleic acid amplification instrument, when the auxiliary touch screen and cover opening and closing equipment is used, a handle at the front end of a PCR instrument hot cover is driven by a second rotation driving device to rotate upwards and backwards; after being rotated by a certain angle, the heat cover is driven to be integrally opened through the first rotation driving device; if the cover needs to be closed, the operation process is opposite to the above process; the capacitive contact is moved to a position to be touched facing the touch screen through the longitudinal and transverse movement driving device; the capacitance contact touches the position to be touched through the extension and retraction of the contact extension and retraction device; after the touch screen is touched, information displayed by the touch screen is shot through the camera, and whether the touch screen operation is correctly completed or not is determined according to the information displayed by the touch screen. The device can be matched with the existing nucleic acid amplification instrument, the cover and the auxiliary touch screen can be automatically opened and closed, and the device can be conveniently combined with full-automatic biochemical experiment equipment, so that the laboratory cost is greatly saved, and the popularization and the use of the full-automatic biochemical experiment equipment are facilitated.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of biochemical research technology, and in particular to the field of nucleic acid amplification instrument operation technology, specifically referring to an auxiliary touch screen and cover switch device that enables automatic operation of a nucleic acid amplification instrument. Background Technology

[0002] Biochemical research, or biochemical studies for short, is mainly used to study the structure and function of various components within cells, such as proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, nucleic acids, and other biological macromolecules.

[0003] A nucleic acid amplification instrument (PCR instrument) is a common instrument in biochemistry laboratories. It replicates nucleic acid template molecules in large quantities through PCR reactions to achieve the detection of ultra-small amounts of nucleic acid molecules. While the technology for developing PCR instruments is mature, these instruments, being relatively old, are primarily operated manually and lack the capability to be integrated with fully automated biochemistry experimental equipment. Achieving fully automated biochemistry experiments typically requires the development of entirely new PCR instruments that can be automatically adapted. Currently, biochemistry laboratories are equipped with a large number of high-performance PCR instruments that perform well and are not yet obsolete. If these manually operated PCR instruments could be fully automated, it would significantly reduce laboratory costs and facilitate the widespread adoption of fully automated biochemistry experimental equipment.

[0004] Therefore, it is hoped that an auxiliary touch screen and cover opening / closing device can be developed to enable automatic operation of nucleic acid amplification instruments. This device can be adapted to existing nucleic acid amplification instruments to achieve automatic cover opening / closing and auxiliary touch screen operation, so as to be used in conjunction with fully automated biochemical experimental equipment, thereby greatly saving laboratory costs and promoting the widespread use of fully automated biochemical experimental equipment. Utility Model Content

[0005] In order to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art, one objective of this utility model is to provide an auxiliary touch screen and cover opening / closing device that enables automatic operation of a nucleic acid amplification instrument. It can be adapted to existing nucleic acid amplification instruments to realize automatic cover opening / closing and auxiliary touch screen operation, so as to be used in conjunction with fully automated biochemical experimental equipment, thereby greatly saving laboratory costs, which is conducive to the promotion and use of fully automated biochemical experimental equipment and suitable for large-scale promotion and application.

[0006] Another objective of this invention is to provide an auxiliary touchscreen and switch cover device that enables automatic operation of a nucleic acid amplification instrument. It is ingeniously designed, has a simple structure, is easy to manufacture, has low manufacturing cost, and is suitable for large-scale promotion and application.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides an auxiliary touchscreen and cover switching device for automating the operation of a nucleic acid amplification instrument. Its features include a base plate, an auxiliary touchscreen mechanism, a PCR instrument hot-cover switching mechanism, and a camera recognition mechanism, wherein:

[0008] The base plate is horizontally positioned along the front-to-back direction and is used to support the PCR instrument.

[0009] The auxiliary touchscreen mechanism includes a touchscreen fixing bracket, a longitudinal moving base plate, a longitudinal moving guide rail, a longitudinal moving slide, a longitudinal moving drive device, a transverse moving plate, a transverse moving drive device, a contact telescopic device, and a capacitive contact. The touchscreen fixing bracket is mounted on the base plate and positioned at the front right of the PCR instrument. The longitudinal moving base plate is arranged in the left-right direction and inclined upwards and backwards from front to back. The front end of the longitudinal moving base plate is mounted on the touchscreen fixing bracket. The longitudinal moving base plate is parallel to the panel of the PCR instrument and positioned above the right side of the touchscreen on the panel. The longitudinal moving guide rail is arranged in the left-right direction and along the inclined direction of the longitudinal moving base plate. The longitudinal moving slide is movably mounted along the inclined direction of the longitudinal moving guide rail. On the longitudinal moving guide rail, the longitudinal moving drive device is disposed on the longitudinal moving base plate and connected to the longitudinal moving slide for driving the longitudinal moving slide to move along the inclined direction of the longitudinal moving guide rail. The transverse moving plate is disposed along the left-right direction and perpendicular to the longitudinal moving base plate and is movably inserted into the longitudinal moving slide. The transverse moving drive device is installed on the longitudinal moving slide and connected to the transverse moving plate for driving the transverse moving plate to move left and right. The capacitive contact is located on the left side of the longitudinal moving base plate and perpendicular to the longitudinal moving base plate and is directed toward the touch screen. The contact telescopic device is located on the left side of the longitudinal moving base plate and installed on the left end of the transverse moving plate and connected to the capacitive contact for telescopically extending the capacitive contact in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal moving base plate.

[0010] The PCR instrument's hot-cover switching mechanism includes a switch cover fixing bracket, a first rotation drive device, a second rotation drive device, a first rotating rod, a second rotating rod, a third rotating rod, a fourth rotating rod, and a top cover connector. The switch cover fixing bracket is mounted on the base plate and positioned at the right rear of the PCR instrument. The second rotating rod and the first rotating rod are both arranged along the front-rear direction and spaced apart from each other, positioned on the right side of the PCR instrument. The first rotation drive device is mounted on the switch cover fixing bracket and connected to the rear end of the first rotating rod to drive the rear end of the first rotating rod to rotate around the left-right direction. The second rotation drive device is mounted on the front end of the first rotating rod and connected to the rear end of the second rotating rod to drive the rear end of the second rotating rod to rotate around the left-right direction. The third rotating rod is vertically arranged, with its lower end positioned on the front end of the second rotating rod. The top cover connector is mounted on the front handle of the PCR instrument's hot cover. The fourth rotating rod is arranged along the left-right direction, with its right end connected to the upper end of the third rotating rod, and its left end inserted into the top cover connector along the left-right direction.

[0011] The camera recognition mechanism includes a camera, a vertical camera support, a horizontal camera support, a camera mounting plate, and a camera fixing plate. The lower end of the vertical camera support is disposed on the base plate and located to the right of the touchscreen mounting bracket. The horizontal camera support is located above the auxiliary touchscreen mechanism, and the right end of the horizontal camera support is connected to the upper end of the vertical camera support. The camera fixing plate and the camera mounting plate are both vertically arranged and along the front-back direction, and are mutually abutting each other. The camera mounting plate is located to the left of the left end of the horizontal camera support and is connected to the left end of the horizontal camera support. The camera fixing plate is connected to the camera mounting plate and is adjustable in angle relative to the camera mounting plate in the left-right direction. The camera is located to the left of the camera fixing plate and is mounted on the camera fixing plate and is used to face the touchscreen.

[0012] Preferably, the touchscreen mounting bracket includes a front support plate, a right support plate, and an inclined support plate. The right support plate is vertically arranged on the base plate along the front-rear direction and located in front of the PCR instrument. The front support plate is vertically arranged on the base plate along the left-right direction and located in front of the PCR instrument. The front support plate is located to the left of the front side of the right support plate and connected to the front side of the right support plate. The inclined support plate is arranged along the left-right direction and perpendicular to the longitudinally movable base plate. The inclined support plate is located above the front support plate and to the left of the right support plate and connected to the right support plate. The front end of the longitudinally movable base plate is disposed on the inclined support plate.

[0013] Preferably, the longitudinal movement drive device includes a longitudinal movement driven wheel, a longitudinal movement driving wheel, a longitudinal movement timing belt, and a longitudinal movement drive component. The longitudinal movement driven wheel and the longitudinal movement driving wheel are both parallel to the longitudinal movement base plate and are spaced apart from each other along the inclined direction of the longitudinal movement base plate. They are both rotatably mounted on the longitudinal movement base plate in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal movement base plate. The longitudinal movement drive component is mounted on the longitudinal movement base plate and connected to the longitudinal movement driving wheel to drive the longitudinal movement driving wheel to rotate in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal movement base plate. The longitudinal movement timing belt is arranged along the left-right direction and along the inclined direction of the longitudinal movement base plate, and is located on the right side of the longitudinal movement guide rail. The front end and rear end of the longitudinal movement timing belt are respectively sleeved on the longitudinal movement driven wheel and the longitudinal movement driving wheel. The left side of the longitudinal movement timing belt is connected to the longitudinal movement slide.

[0014] Preferably, the lateral movement drive device includes a gear, a rack, and a lateral movement drive component. The rack is arranged along the left-right direction and perpendicular to the longitudinal movement base plate. The rack passes through the longitudinal movement slide along the left-right direction and is located in front of and connected to the lateral movement plate. The gear is parallel to the longitudinal movement base plate and rotatably arranged in the longitudinal movement slide about a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal movement base plate. The gear is located in front of the rack and meshes with the rack. The lateral movement drive component is mounted on the longitudinal movement slide and connected to the gear for driving the gear to rotate about a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal movement base plate.

[0015] Preferably, the contact extension device is a push rod motor.

[0016] Preferably, there are multiple longitudinal moving guide rails, and the multiple longitudinal moving guide rails are arranged at intervals from each other on the left and right.

[0017] Preferably, the switch cover fixing bracket includes a supporting base plate, a supporting side plate, and a supporting middle plate. The supporting base plate is horizontally arranged on the base plate along the front-rear direction and is positioned at the right rear of the PCR instrument. The supporting side plate is vertically arranged on the left side of the supporting base plate along the front-rear direction. The supporting middle plate is vertically arranged on the supporting base plate along the left-right direction. The supporting middle plate is located to the right of the middle position of the supporting side plate and connects to the middle position of the supporting side plate. The supporting side plate is higher than the supporting middle plate. The first rotation driving device is located to the right of the supporting side plate above the supporting middle plate and is installed at the position of the supporting side plate above the supporting middle plate.

[0018] Preferably, the top cover connector is a U-shaped connector, which is vertically arranged along the left-right direction, with the opening of the U-shaped connector facing upward. The rear side of the bottom of the U-shaped connector is provided with a slot along the left-right direction, which is used to engage the front part of the front handle. The left end of the fourth rotating rod is inserted into the left and right arms of the U-shaped connector along the left-right direction, respectively.

[0019] Preferably, the camera vertical support is a camera vertical support plate, which is vertically arranged and along the front-to-back direction; the camera horizontal support is a camera horizontal support plate, which is horizontally arranged and along the left-to-right direction; the camera recognition mechanism further includes a connecting plate, which is horizontally arranged and along the left-to-right direction; the right end of the connecting plate is located on the left end of the camera horizontal support plate; and the upper end of the camera mounting plate is connected to the left end of the connecting plate.

[0020] Preferably, the camera recognition mechanism further includes a fixing bolt and a fixing nut. The fixing bolt is arranged along the left-right direction, with its right end located on the right side of the camera mounting plate and abutting against the camera mounting plate. The middle part of the fixing bolt passes through the camera mounting plate and the camera mounting plate along the left-right direction. The left end of the fixing bolt is located on the left side of the camera mounting plate. The fixing nut is fitted onto and threadedly engages with the left end of the fixing bolt. The fixing nut is located on the left side of the camera mounting plate and abuts against the camera mounting plate.

[0021] The main beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows:

[0022] 1. When using the auxiliary touchscreen and cover opening / closing device of this utility model, which enables automatic operation of a nucleic acid amplification instrument, the rear end of the second rotating rod is driven by the second rotation drive device to rotate in the left-right direction, causing the front end of the second rotating rod to rotate upwards and backwards. This, in turn, causes the upper cover connector to rotate upwards and backwards via the third and fourth rotating rods, ultimately causing the front handle of the PCR instrument's hot cover to rotate upwards and backwards. After the front handle rotates upwards and backwards at a certain angle, the rear end of the first rotating rod is driven by the first rotation drive device to rotate in the left-right direction, causing the front end of the first rotating rod to rotate upwards and backwards. This causes the second rotation drive device, the second rotating rod, the third rotating rod, the fourth rotating rod, and the upper cover connector to rotate upwards and backwards as a whole, opening the entire hot cover of the PCR instrument and completing the opening action. To close the cover, the operation process is the same as described above. Conversely, the process works as follows: A longitudinal and lateral movement drive mechanism moves the capacitive contact to the touch-sensitive position facing the touchscreen. Then, a contact extension mechanism extends the contact, causing it to move closer to the touch-sensitive position until it touches it. After the touch, the extension mechanism retracts the contact, moving it away from the touch-sensitive position, thus simulating a touchscreen action. After the touchscreen action, a camera captures the information displayed on the touchscreen, determining whether the touchscreen operation was correctly completed. Therefore, it is compatible with existing nucleic acid amplification instruments, enabling automatic cover opening and closing and auxiliary touchscreen functionality. This allows for integration with fully automated biochemical experimental equipment, significantly reducing laboratory costs and facilitating the widespread use of fully automated biochemical experimental equipment, making it suitable for large-scale application.

[0023] 2. When using the auxiliary touchscreen and cover opening / closing device of this utility model, which enables automatic operation of a nucleic acid amplification instrument, the rear end of the second rotating rod is driven by the second rotation drive device to rotate left and right, causing the front end of the second rotating rod to rotate upwards and backwards. This, in turn, drives the upper cover connector to rotate upwards and backwards via the third and fourth rotating rods, ultimately causing the front handle of the PCR instrument's hot cover to rotate upwards and backwards. After the front handle rotates upwards and backwards at a certain angle, the rear end of the first rotating rod is driven by the first rotation drive device to rotate left and right, causing the front end of the first rotating rod to rotate upwards and backwards. This, in turn, causes the second rotation drive device, the second rotating rod, the third rotating rod, the fourth rotating rod, and the upper cover connector to rotate upwards and backwards as a whole, opening the entire hot cover of the PCR instrument and completing the operation. The process involves opening the cover; to close the cover, the process is reversed. The capacitive contact is moved to the touch-sensitive position facing the touchscreen via a longitudinal and lateral movement drive. Then, the contact extension mechanism extends the contact, moving it closer to the touch-sensitive position until it touches it. After the touch, the extension mechanism retracts the contact, moving it away from the touch-sensitive position, thus simulating a touchscreen action. After the touchscreen action, a camera captures the information displayed on the touchscreen. The system determines whether the touchscreen operation was completed correctly based on this information. Therefore, its design is ingenious, its structure is simple, its manufacturing is easy, and its cost is low, making it suitable for large-scale application.

[0024] These and other objects, features and advantages of this utility model will be fully apparent from the following detailed description and drawings, and can be achieved by the means, devices and combinations thereof specifically pointed out in the description of the utility model. Attached Figure Description

[0025] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of a specific embodiment of the auxiliary touch screen and opening / closing device of this utility model that enables automatic operation of a nucleic acid amplification instrument.

[0026] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A three-dimensional schematic diagram of the auxiliary touchscreen mechanism of a specific embodiment shown. Figure 1 .

[0027] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A three-dimensional schematic diagram of the auxiliary touchscreen mechanism of a specific embodiment shown. Figure 2 .

[0028] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 The diagram shows a partial three-dimensional representation of the structure, which mainly shows the PCR instrument's hot-cover switching mechanism.

[0029] Figure 5 yes Figure 1A three-dimensional schematic diagram of the camera recognition mechanism in a specific embodiment is shown.

[0030] (Symbol Explanation)

[0031] 1. Base plate;

[0032] 2. Auxiliary touchscreen mechanism; 21. Touchscreen fixing bracket; 211. Front support plate; 212. Right support plate; 213. Inclined support plate; 22. Longitudinal moving base plate; 23. Longitudinal moving guide rail; 24. Longitudinal moving slide; 25. Longitudinal moving drive device; 251. Longitudinal moving driven wheel; 252. Longitudinal moving driving wheel; 253. Longitudinal moving synchronous belt; 254. Longitudinal moving drive component; 26. Lateral moving plate; 27. Lateral moving drive device; 271. Gear; 272. Rack; 273. Lateral moving drive component; 28. Contact telescopic device; 29. ​​Capacitor contact;

[0033] 3PCR instrument hot cover switching mechanism; 31 switch cover fixing bracket; 311 support base plate; 312 support side plate; 313 support middle plate; 32 first rotation drive device; 33 second rotation drive device; 34 first rotating rod; 35 second rotating rod; 36 third rotating rod; 37 fourth rotating rod; 38 upper cover connector; 381 slot;

[0034] 4. Camera recognition mechanism; 41. Camera; 42. Camera vertical support; 43. Camera horizontal support; 44. Camera mounting plate; 45. Camera fixing plate; 46. Connecting plate;

[0035] 5. PCR instrument; 51. Panel; 52. Touch screen; 53. Heated cap; 54. Front handle. Detailed Implementation

[0036] In order to better understand the technical content of this utility model, the following embodiments are provided for detailed description.

[0037] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the terms "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. 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.

[0038] Please see Figures 1-5 As shown, in a specific embodiment of this utility model, the auxiliary touch screen and switch cover device for automatic operation of a nucleic acid amplification instrument includes a base plate 1, an auxiliary touch screen mechanism 2, a PCR instrument hot cover switch cover mechanism 3, and a camera recognition mechanism 4, wherein:

[0039] The base plate 1 is horizontally arranged along the front-to-back direction and is used to support the PCR instrument 5 on it;

[0040] The auxiliary touchscreen mechanism 2 includes a touchscreen fixing bracket 21, a longitudinal moving base plate 22, a longitudinal moving guide rail 23, a longitudinal moving slide 24, a longitudinal moving drive device 25, a transverse moving plate 26, a transverse moving drive device 27, a contact telescopic device 28, and a capacitive contact 29. The touchscreen fixing bracket 21 is mounted on the base plate 1 and positioned at the right front of the PCR instrument 5. The longitudinal moving base plate 22 is arranged along the left-right direction and tilted upwards and backwards from front to back. The front end of the longitudinal moving base plate 22 is mounted on the touchscreen fixing bracket 21. The longitudinal moving base plate 22 is parallel to the panel 51 of the PCR instrument 5 and positioned above the right side of the touchscreen 52 on the panel 51. The longitudinal moving guide rail 23 is arranged along the left-right direction and on the longitudinal moving base plate 22 along the tilt direction of the longitudinal moving base plate 22. The longitudinal moving slide 24 is movably mounted along the tilt direction of the longitudinal moving guide rail 23. On the longitudinal moving guide rail 23, the longitudinal moving drive device 25 is disposed on the longitudinal moving base plate 22 and connected to the longitudinal moving slide 24 for driving the longitudinal moving slide 24 to move along the inclined direction of the longitudinal moving guide rail 23. The transverse moving plate 26 is disposed along the left-right direction and perpendicular to the longitudinal moving base plate 22 and is movably inserted into the longitudinal moving slide 24. The transverse moving drive device 27 is installed on the longitudinal moving slide 24 and connected to the transverse moving plate 26 for driving the transverse moving plate 26 to move left and right. The capacitive contact 29 is located on the left side of the longitudinal moving base plate 22 and perpendicular to the longitudinal moving base plate 22 and is directed toward the touch screen 52. The contact telescopic device 28 is located on the left side of the longitudinal moving base plate 22 and installed on the left end of the transverse moving plate 26 and connected to the capacitive contact 29 for telescopically extending the capacitive contact 29 in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal moving base plate 22.

[0041] The PCR instrument's hot-cover switching mechanism 3 includes a switch cover fixing bracket 31, a first rotation drive device 32, a second rotation drive device 33, a first rotating rod 34, a second rotating rod 35, a third rotating rod 36, a fourth rotating rod 37, and an upper cover connector 38. The switch cover fixing bracket 31 is mounted on the base plate 1 and positioned to the right rear of the PCR instrument 5. The second rotating rod 35 and the first rotating rod 34 are both arranged along the front-rear direction and spaced apart from each other, positioned to the right of the PCR instrument 5. The first rotation drive device 32 is mounted on the switch cover fixing bracket 31 and connected to the rear end of the first rotating rod 34 to drive the first rotating rod 34. The rear end rotates around the left and right direction. The second rotation drive device 33 is installed at the front end of the first rotating rod 34 and connected to the rear end of the second rotating rod 35 to drive the rear end of the second rotating rod 35 to rotate around the left and right direction. The third rotating rod 36 is arranged vertically, and the lower end of the third rotating rod 36 is arranged on the front end of the second rotating rod 35. The upper cover connector 38 is used to be installed on the front handle 54 of the hot cover 53 of the PCR instrument 5. The fourth rotating rod 37 is arranged along the left and right direction. The right end of the fourth rotating rod 37 is connected to the upper end of the third rotating rod 36, and the left end of the fourth rotating rod 37 is inserted into the upper cover connector 38 along the left and right direction.

[0042] The camera recognition mechanism 4 includes a camera 41, a camera vertical support 42, a camera horizontal support 43, a camera mounting plate 44, and a camera fixing plate 45. The lower end of the camera vertical support 42 is disposed on the base plate 1 and located to the right of the touch screen fixing bracket 21. The camera horizontal support 43 is located above the auxiliary touch screen mechanism 2, and the right end of the camera horizontal support 43 is connected to the upper end of the camera vertical support 42. The camera fixing plate 45 and the camera mounting plate 44 are both vertically arranged and arranged along the front-back direction, and are mutually abutting each other. The camera mounting plate 44 is located to the left of the left end of the camera horizontal support 43 and is connected to the left end of the camera horizontal support 43. The camera fixing plate 45 is connected to the camera mounting plate 44 and is adjustable in angle relative to the camera mounting plate 44 in the left-right direction. The camera 41 is located to the left of the camera fixing plate 45 and is mounted on the camera fixing plate 45 (e.g., by bolts and nuts) and is used to face the touch screen 52.

[0043] The touchscreen mounting bracket 21 can have any suitable configuration; please refer to [link / reference]. Figures 1-3As shown, in a specific embodiment of this utility model, the touchscreen fixing bracket 21 includes a front support plate 211, a right support plate 212, and an inclined support plate 213. The right support plate 212 is vertically arranged and positioned on the base plate 1 along the front-rear direction, located in front of the PCR instrument 5. The front support plate 211 is vertically arranged and positioned on the base plate 1 along the left-right direction, located in front of the PCR instrument 5. The front support plate 211 is located to the left of the front side of the right support plate 212 and connected to the front side of the right support plate 212. The inclined support plate 213 is arranged along the left-right direction and perpendicular to the longitudinally moving base plate 22. The inclined support plate 213 is located above the front support plate 211 and to the left of the right support plate 212 and connected to the right support plate 212. The front end of the longitudinally moving base plate 22 is disposed on the inclined support plate 213.

[0044] The longitudinal movement drive device 25 can have any suitable configuration; please refer to [link / reference]. Figures 1-3 As shown, in a specific embodiment of this utility model, the longitudinal movement drive device 25 includes a longitudinal movement driven wheel 251, a longitudinal movement driving wheel 252, a longitudinal movement synchronous belt 253, and a longitudinal movement drive component 254. The longitudinal movement driven wheel 251 and the longitudinal movement driving wheel 252 are both parallel to the longitudinal movement base plate 22 and are spaced apart from each other along the inclination direction of the longitudinal movement base plate 22. Both are rotatably mounted on the longitudinal movement base plate 22 about a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal movement base plate 22. The longitudinal movement drive component 254 is mounted on the longitudinal movement drive device 254. The longitudinal moving drive wheel 252 is connected to the moving base plate 22 to drive the longitudinal moving drive wheel 252 to rotate about a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal moving base plate 22. The longitudinal moving synchronous belt 253 is arranged along the left and right direction and along the inclined direction of the longitudinal moving base plate 22 and is located on the right side of the longitudinal moving guide rail 23. The front end and rear end of the longitudinal moving synchronous belt 253 are respectively sleeved on the longitudinal moving driven wheel 251 and the longitudinal moving drive wheel 252. The left side of the longitudinal moving synchronous belt 253 is connected to the longitudinal moving slide 24.

[0045] With the above configuration, when it is necessary to drive the longitudinal moving slide 24 to move along the inclined direction of the longitudinal moving guide rail 23 by the longitudinal moving drive device 25, the longitudinal moving drive component 254 drives the longitudinal moving drive wheel 252 to rotate around a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal moving base plate 22, thereby driving the longitudinal moving synchronous belt 253 to rotate around a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal moving base plate 22, thereby driving the longitudinal moving slide 24 to move along the inclined direction of the longitudinal moving guide rail 23.

[0046] The longitudinal movement drive component 254 can be any suitable drive component. In a specific embodiment of this utility model, the longitudinal movement drive component 254 is a rotary motor.

[0047] The lateral movement drive device 27 can have any suitable configuration; please refer to [link / reference]. Figures 1-3 As shown, in a specific embodiment of this utility model, the lateral movement drive device 27 includes a gear 271, a rack 272, and a lateral movement drive component 273. The rack 272 is arranged along the left-right direction and perpendicular to the longitudinal movement base plate 22. The rack 272 passes through the longitudinal movement slide 24 along the left-right direction and is located in front of and connected to the lateral movement plate 26. The gear 271 is parallel to the longitudinal movement base plate 22 and rotatably arranged in the longitudinal movement slide 24 about a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal movement base plate 22. The gear 271 is located in front of the rack 272 and meshes with the rack 272. The lateral movement drive component 273 is installed on the longitudinal movement slide 24 and connected to the gear 271 to drive the gear 271 to rotate about a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal movement base plate 22.

[0048] With the above configuration, when the lateral moving plate 26 needs to be moved left and right by the lateral moving drive device 27, the lateral moving drive component 273 drives the gear 271 to rotate around a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal moving base plate 22, thereby driving the rack 272 to move left and right, and thus driving the lateral moving plate 26 to move left and right.

[0049] The lateral movement drive component 273 can be any suitable drive component. In a specific embodiment of this utility model, the lateral movement drive component 273 is a rotary motor.

[0050] The contact telescopic device 28 can be any suitable telescopic device. In a specific embodiment of this utility model, the contact telescopic device 28 is a push rod motor.

[0051] The number of longitudinal moving guide rails 23 can be determined as needed. Preferably, there are multiple longitudinal moving guide rails 23, which are arranged alternately on the left and right sides. The term "multiple" refers to two or more. Please refer to [link to relevant documentation]. Figures 1-3 As shown, in a specific embodiment of this utility model, the number of longitudinal moving guide rails 23 is two.

[0052] The first rotation drive device 32 and the second rotation drive device 33 can be any suitable rotation drive device. In a specific embodiment of the present invention, the first rotation drive device 32 and the second rotation drive device 33 are both rotation motors.

[0053] The switch cover mounting bracket 31 can have any suitable configuration; please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 1 and Figure 4 As shown, in a specific embodiment of this utility model, the switch cover fixing bracket 31 includes a supporting base plate 311, a supporting side plate 312, and a supporting middle plate 313. The supporting base plate 311 is horizontally arranged on the base plate 1 along the front-back direction and is positioned to the right rear of the PCR instrument 5. The supporting side plate 312 is vertically arranged on the left side of the supporting base plate 311 along the front-back direction. The supporting middle plate 313 is vertically arranged on the supporting base plate 311 along the left-right direction. The supporting middle plate 313 is located to the right of the middle position of the supporting side plate 312 and connects to the middle position of the supporting side plate 312. The supporting side plate 312 is higher than the supporting middle plate 313. The first rotation driving device 32 is located to the right of the supporting side plate 312 above the supporting middle plate 313 and is installed on the supporting side plate 312 above the supporting middle plate 313.

[0054] The top cover connector 38 can have any suitable shape; please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 1 and Figure 4 As shown, in a specific embodiment of this utility model, the upper cover connector 38 is a U-shaped connector. The U-shaped connector is arranged vertically and along the left-right direction. The opening of the U-shaped connector faces upward. The rear side of the bottom of the U-shaped connector is provided with a slot 381 along the left-right direction. The slot 381 is used to engage the front part of the front handle 54. The left end of the fourth rotating rod 37 is inserted into the left and right arms of the U-shaped connector along the left-right direction.

[0055] The camera vertical support 42 and the camera horizontal support 43 can have any suitable shape. Please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 1 and Figure 5 As shown, in a specific embodiment of this utility model, the camera vertical support member 42 is a camera vertical support plate, which is vertically arranged and arranged along the front-back direction. The camera horizontal support member 43 is a camera horizontal support plate, which is horizontally arranged and arranged along the left-right direction. The camera recognition mechanism 4 also includes a connecting plate 46, which is horizontally arranged and arranged along the left-right direction. The right end of the connecting plate 46 is located on (for example, fixed to) the left end of the camera horizontal support plate by bolts and nuts. The upper end of the camera mounting plate 44 is connected to the left end of the connecting plate 46.

[0056] The camera mounting plate 45 is connected to the camera mounting plate 44 and its rotation angle relative to the camera mounting plate 44 in the left-right direction is adjustable. Any suitable structure can be adopted. In a specific embodiment of this utility model, the camera recognition mechanism 4 further includes a fixing bolt and a fixing nut. The fixing bolt is arranged along the left-right direction. The right end of the fixing bolt is located on the right side of the camera mounting plate 44 and abuts against the camera mounting plate 44. The middle part of the fixing bolt passes through the camera mounting plate 44 and the camera mounting plate 45 along the left-right direction. The left end of the fixing bolt is located on the left side of the camera mounting plate 45. The fixing nut is sleeved on and threadedly engaged with the left end of the fixing bolt. The fixing nut is located on the left side of the camera mounting plate 45 and abuts against the camera mounting plate 45.

[0057] With the above settings, when it is necessary to adjust the rotation angle of the camera mounting plate 45 relative to the camera mounting plate 44 in the left and right directions, loosen the fixing nut, and then rotate the camera mounting plate 45 relative to the camera mounting plate 44 in the left and right directions to the desired position, and tighten the fixing nut, thereby realizing the adjustment of the rotation angle of the camera mounting plate 45 relative to the camera mounting plate 44 in the left and right directions.

[0058] In use, place the PCR instrument 5 in a suitable position on the base plate 1, place the touch screen mounting bracket 21 in front right of the PCR instrument 55 and set it on the base plate 1 (e.g., fixed with bolts), so that the vertically movable base plate 22 is parallel to the panel 51 of the PCR instrument 5 and located above the right side of the touch screen 52 of the panel 51, with the capacitive contact 29 facing the touch screen 52; place the switch cover mounting bracket 31 behind the right of the PCR instrument 5 and set it on the base plate 1 (e.g., fixed with bolts), and install the upper cover connector 38 on the front handle 54 of the hot cover 53 of the PCR instrument 5 (e.g., fixed with screws); place the lower end of the camera vertical support 42 to the right of the touch screen mounting bracket 21 and set it on the base plate 1 (e.g., fixed with bolts), and adjust the rotation angle of the camera mounting plate 45 relative to the camera mounting plate 44 in the left and right directions so that the camera 41 faces the touch screen 52.

[0059] During operation, the second rotation drive device 33 drives the rear end of the second rotating rod 35 to rotate left and right, causing the front end of the second rotating rod 35 to rotate upward and backward. This, in turn, drives the third rotating rod 36 and the fourth rotating rod 37 to rotate the top cover connector 38 upward and backward, ultimately causing the front handle 54 of the hot cover 53 of the PCR instrument 5 to rotate upward and backward. After the front handle 54 has rotated upward and backward to a certain angle, the first rotation drive device 32 drives the rear end of the first rotating rod 34 to rotate left and right, causing the front end of the first rotating rod 34 to rotate upward and backward. This, in turn, causes the second rotation drive device 33, the second rotating rod 35, the third rotating rod 36, the fourth rotating rod 37, and the top cover connector 38 to rotate upward and backward as a whole, opening the hot cover 53 of the PCR instrument 5 and completing the entire opening action. To close the cover, the operation process is the reverse of the above process. This opening and closing action is applicable to a class of nucleic acid amplification instruments, represented by the Veriti amplification instrument from AB Corporation.

[0060] The longitudinal movement drive device 25 can drive the longitudinal movement slide 24 to move along the inclined direction of the longitudinal movement guide 23, thereby driving the lateral movement plate 26 and the contact extension device 28 to move along the inclined direction of the longitudinal movement guide 23, thereby driving the capacitor contact 29 to move along the inclined direction of the longitudinal movement guide 23; the lateral movement drive device 27 can drive the lateral movement plate 26 to move left and right, thereby driving the contact extension device 28 to move left and right, thereby driving the capacitor contact 29 to move left and right; thus, through the longitudinal movement drive device 25 and the lateral movement drive device 27, the capacitor contact 29 can be moved to any touch position facing the touch screen 52, and then the contact extension device 28 extends, causing the capacitor contact 29 to move towards the touch position until it touches the touch position. After touching, the contact extension device 28 shortens, causing the capacitor contact 29 to move away from the touch position, thereby performing a simulated touch screen action;

[0061] After a touch screen action is performed, the camera 41 captures the information displayed on the touch screen 52. Based on the information displayed on the touch screen 52, it is determined whether the touch screen operation was completed correctly. If it was not completed correctly, the above process can be repeated.

[0062] This invention can be integrated into a fully automated biochemical experimental device. The device issues relevant control commands; for example, upon issuing a command to open / close the heated cover 53, the second rotation drive device 33 and the first rotation drive device 32 are activated sequentially. First, the front handle 54 of the heated cover 53 moves, then the entire heated cover 53 moves, completing the opening action. The reverse process closes the heated cover 53. When a touchscreen operation command is issued, the vertical movement drive device 25 and the horizontal movement drive device 27 are activated, moving the capacitive contact 29 above the touch position on the touchscreen 52. Then, the contact extension device 28 extends, causing the capacitive contact 29 to move vertically downwards relative to the touch position, completing the touchscreen operation. After the touchscreen operation is completed, the camera 41 captures the information displayed on the touchscreen 52. Based on the information displayed on the touchscreen 52, it is determined whether the touchscreen operation was completed correctly, and other touchscreen operations can be performed according to subsequent commands. In this way, the operation of the PCR instrument 5 can be automatically completed under the control of the fully automated biochemical experimental device, achieving fully automated adaptation.

[0063] Therefore, this utility model provides an auxiliary touch screen and cover opening / closing device that enables automatic operation of a nucleic acid amplification instrument. The PCR instrument's hot cover can be opened and closed via the hot cover opening / closing mechanism, and the auxiliary touch screen mechanism enables touch screen operation on the PCR instrument's panel. The camera recognition mechanism can determine whether the touch screen operation has been completed correctly. This allows the existing manually operated PCR instrument to be used in conjunction with fully automated biochemical experimental equipment, thereby greatly saving laboratory costs and promoting the widespread use of fully automated biochemical experimental equipment.

[0064] In summary, the auxiliary touch screen and cover opening / closing device of this utility model, which enables automatic operation of nucleic acid amplification instruments, is compatible with existing nucleic acid amplification instruments, realizing automatic opening and closing of the cover and auxiliary touch screen, so as to be used in conjunction with fully automated biochemical experimental equipment, thereby greatly saving laboratory costs and facilitating the promotion and use of fully automated biochemical experimental equipment. It has an ingenious design, simple structure, easy manufacturing, and low manufacturing cost, making it suitable for large-scale promotion and application.

[0065] Therefore, it is evident that the objective of this utility model has been fully and effectively achieved. The function and structural principles of this utility model have been demonstrated and explained in the embodiments. Without departing from the stated principles, any modifications can be made to the implementation methods. Therefore, this utility model includes all modified embodiments based on the spirit and scope of the claims.

Claims

1. An auxiliary touch screen and switch cover apparatus for enabling automated operation of a nucleic acid amplification instrument, comprising: This includes a base plate, an auxiliary touchscreen mechanism, a PCR instrument hot-cover opening and closing mechanism, and a camera recognition mechanism, among which: The base plate is horizontally positioned along the front-to-back direction and is used to support the PCR instrument. The auxiliary touchscreen mechanism includes a touchscreen fixing bracket, a longitudinal moving base plate, a longitudinal moving guide rail, a longitudinal moving slide, a longitudinal moving drive device, a transverse moving plate, a transverse moving drive device, a contact telescopic device, and a capacitive contact. The touchscreen fixing bracket is mounted on the base plate and positioned at the front right of the PCR instrument. The longitudinal moving base plate is arranged in the left-right direction and inclined upwards and backwards from front to back. The front end of the longitudinal moving base plate is mounted on the touchscreen fixing bracket. The longitudinal moving base plate is parallel to the panel of the PCR instrument and positioned above the right side of the touchscreen on the panel. The longitudinal moving guide rail is arranged in the left-right direction and along the inclined direction of the longitudinal moving base plate. The longitudinal moving slide is movably mounted along the inclined direction of the longitudinal moving guide rail. On the longitudinal moving guide rail, the longitudinal moving drive device is disposed on the longitudinal moving base plate and connected to the longitudinal moving slide for driving the longitudinal moving slide to move along the inclined direction of the longitudinal moving guide rail. The transverse moving plate is disposed along the left-right direction and perpendicular to the longitudinal moving base plate and is movably inserted into the longitudinal moving slide. The transverse moving drive device is installed on the longitudinal moving slide and connected to the transverse moving plate for driving the transverse moving plate to move left and right. The capacitive contact is located on the left side of the longitudinal moving base plate and perpendicular to the longitudinal moving base plate and is directed toward the touch screen. The contact telescopic device is located on the left side of the longitudinal moving base plate and installed on the left end of the transverse moving plate and connected to the capacitive contact for telescopically extending the capacitive contact in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal moving base plate. The PCR instrument's hot-cover switching mechanism includes a switch cover fixing bracket, a first rotation drive device, a second rotation drive device, a first rotating rod, a second rotating rod, a third rotating rod, a fourth rotating rod, and a top cover connector. The switch cover fixing bracket is mounted on the base plate and positioned at the right rear of the PCR instrument. The second rotating rod and the first rotating rod are both arranged along the front-rear direction and spaced apart from each other, positioned on the right side of the PCR instrument. The first rotation drive device is mounted on the switch cover fixing bracket and connected to the rear end of the first rotating rod to drive the rear end of the first rotating rod to rotate around the left-right direction. The second rotation drive device is mounted on the front end of the first rotating rod and connected to the rear end of the second rotating rod to drive the rear end of the second rotating rod to rotate around the left-right direction. The third rotating rod is vertically arranged, with its lower end positioned on the front end of the second rotating rod. The top cover connector is mounted on the front handle of the PCR instrument's hot cover. The fourth rotating rod is arranged along the left-right direction, with its right end connected to the upper end of the third rotating rod, and its left end inserted into the top cover connector along the left-right direction. The camera recognition mechanism includes a camera, a vertical camera support, a horizontal camera support, a camera mounting plate, and a camera fixing plate. The lower end of the vertical camera support is disposed on the base plate and located to the right of the touchscreen mounting bracket. The horizontal camera support is located above the auxiliary touchscreen mechanism, and the right end of the horizontal camera support is connected to the upper end of the vertical camera support. The camera fixing plate and the camera mounting plate are both vertically arranged and along the front-back direction, and are mutually abutting each other. The camera mounting plate is located to the left of the left end of the horizontal camera support and is connected to the left end of the horizontal camera support. The camera fixing plate is connected to the camera mounting plate and is adjustable in angle relative to the camera mounting plate in the left-right direction. The camera is located to the left of the camera fixing plate and is mounted on the camera fixing plate and is used to face the touchscreen.

2. The auxiliary touch screen and switch cover apparatus for enabling automated operation of a nucleic acid amplification instrument of claim 1, wherein, The touchscreen mounting bracket includes a front support plate, a right support plate, and an inclined support plate. The right support plate is vertically positioned on the base plate along the front-rear direction and located in front of the PCR instrument. The front support plate is vertically positioned on the base plate along the left-right direction and located in front of the PCR instrument. The front support plate is located to the left of the front side of the right support plate and is connected to the front side of the right support plate. The inclined support plate is positioned along the left-right direction and perpendicular to the longitudinally movable base plate. The inclined support plate is located above the front support plate and to the left of the right support plate and is connected to the right support plate. The front end of the longitudinally movable base plate is positioned on the inclined support plate.

3. The auxiliary touch screen and switch cover apparatus for enabling automated operation of a nucleic acid amplification instrument of claim 1, wherein, The longitudinal movement drive device includes a longitudinal movement driven wheel, a longitudinal movement driving wheel, a longitudinal movement timing belt, and a longitudinal movement drive component. The longitudinal movement driven wheel and the longitudinal movement driving wheel are both parallel to the longitudinal movement base plate and are spaced apart from each other along the inclined direction of the longitudinal movement base plate. They are both rotatably mounted on the longitudinal movement base plate in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal movement base plate. The longitudinal movement drive component is mounted on the longitudinal movement base plate and connected to the longitudinal movement driving wheel to drive the longitudinal movement driving wheel to rotate in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal movement base plate. The longitudinal movement timing belt is arranged along the left-right direction and along the inclined direction of the longitudinal movement base plate, and is located on the right side of the longitudinal movement guide rail. The front end and rear end of the longitudinal movement timing belt are respectively sleeved on the longitudinal movement driven wheel and the longitudinal movement driving wheel. The left side of the longitudinal movement timing belt is connected to the longitudinal movement slide.

4. The auxiliary touch screen and switch cover apparatus for enabling automated operation of a nucleic acid amplification instrument of claim 1, wherein, The lateral movement drive device includes a gear, a rack, and a lateral movement drive component. The rack is arranged along the left-right direction and perpendicular to the longitudinal movement base plate. The rack passes through the longitudinal movement slide along the left-right direction and is located in front of and connected to the lateral movement plate. The gear is parallel to the longitudinal movement base plate and rotatably arranged in the longitudinal movement slide about a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal movement base plate. The gear is located in front of the rack and meshes with the rack. The lateral movement drive component is mounted on the longitudinal movement slide and connected to the gear for driving the gear to rotate about a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal movement base plate.

5. The auxiliary touch screen and switch cover apparatus for enabling automated operation of a nucleic acid amplification instrument of claim 1, wherein, The contact extension device is a push rod motor.

6. The auxiliary touch screen and switch cover apparatus for enabling automated operation of a nucleic acid amplification instrument of claim 1, wherein, The number of longitudinal moving guide rails is multiple, and the multiple longitudinal moving guide rails are arranged at intervals from each other on the left and right.

7. The auxiliary touch screen and switch cover apparatus for enabling automated operation of a nucleic acid amplification instrument of claim 1, wherein, The switch cover fixing bracket includes a supporting base plate, supporting side plates, and supporting middle plates. The supporting base plate is horizontally arranged on the base plate along the front-back direction and is positioned at the right rear of the PCR instrument. The supporting side plates are vertically arranged on the left side of the supporting base plate along the front-back direction. The supporting middle plates are vertically arranged on the supporting base plate along the left-right direction. The supporting middle plates are located to the right of the middle position of the supporting side plates and are connected to the middle position of the supporting side plates. The supporting side plates are higher than the supporting middle plates. The first rotation driving device is located to the right of the supporting side plates above the supporting middle plates and is installed at the position of the supporting side plates above the supporting middle plates.

8. The auxiliary touch screen and switch cover apparatus for enabling automated operation of a nucleic acid amplification instrument of claim 1, wherein, The top cover connector is a U-shaped connector, which is vertically arranged along the left and right direction. The opening of the U-shaped connector faces upward. The rear side of the bottom of the U-shaped connector is provided with a slot along the left and right direction. The slot is used to engage the front part of the front handle. The left end of the fourth rotating rod is inserted into the left and right arms of the U-shaped connector along the left and right directions, respectively.

9. The auxiliary touch screen and switch cover apparatus for enabling automated operation of a nucleic acid amplification instrument of claim 1, wherein, The camera vertical support is a camera vertical support plate, which is vertically arranged and along the front-to-back direction. The camera horizontal support is a camera horizontal support plate, which is horizontally arranged and along the left-to-right direction. The camera recognition mechanism also includes a connecting plate, which is horizontally arranged and along the left-to-right direction. The right end of the connecting plate is located on the left end of the camera horizontal support plate, and the upper end of the camera mounting plate is connected to the left end of the connecting plate.

10. The auxiliary touch screen and switch cover apparatus for enabling automated operation of a nucleic acid amplification instrument of claim 1, wherein, The camera recognition mechanism further includes a fixing bolt and a fixing nut. The fixing bolt is arranged along the left-right direction. The right end of the fixing bolt is located on the right side of the camera mounting plate and abuts against the camera mounting plate. The middle part of the fixing bolt passes through the camera mounting plate and the camera mounting plate along the left-right direction. The left end of the fixing bolt is located on the left side of the camera mounting plate. The fixing nut is sleeved on and threadedly engaged with the left end of the fixing bolt. The fixing nut is located on the left side of the camera mounting plate and abuts against the camera mounting plate.

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