Microporous onboard rack assembly
By designing the follow-up and fixed clamping components in the microplate carrier frame assembly, the problem of the lid loosening in the shaking mode of the ELISA reader was solved, achieving stable clamping of microplates and lids of different sizes, ensuring measurement accuracy and normal instrument operation.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- THERMO FISHER SCI SHANGHAI INSTR CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-05-30
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-30
AI Technical Summary
Existing microplate readers have difficulty effectively clamping and fixing the caps of microplates in shaking mode, resulting in noise, wear, and friction powder affecting measurement results, and they are not compatible with microplates and caps of different sizes.
A microporous plate carrier assembly is designed, comprising a follower pressing member and a fixed pressing member. By moving the locking slider, the elastic support part presses against the cover, and in conjunction with the fixed pressing member, the cover is stably clamped to avoid relative movement.
It effectively avoids the generation of noise and friction powder, ensuring smooth measurement, and is compatible with microplates and caps of different sizes to ensure normal instrument operation.
Smart Images

Figure CN224436330U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of biological equipment testing, and more specifically, to a microporous plate carrier assembly. Background Technology
[0002] Microplate readers, as colorimetric instruments specifically designed for microplates, are widely used in fields such as blood testing, agriculture, food safety, microbiology, and pharmaceuticals. Microplate readers, also known as enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) readers, share the same basic working principle and main structure as photoelectric colorimeters. They are essentially a modified photoelectric colorimeter or spectrophotometer, suitable for situations with large sample volumes and high throughput requirements. The analytical principle utilizes the selective absorption characteristics of substances to different wavelengths of light. Depending on the analyte, a specific wavelength of light is selected, and the absorption degree of the analyte at that specific wavelength is compared with a specific standard substance to calculate the precise content of the analyte. The carrier of the analyte is, for example, a 96-well plate. Microplate readers that sequentially detect individual wells use a two-axis linkage mechanism to ensure the detection light path passes through each well sequentially for detection.
[0003] An ELISA reader typically includes an optical system, a microplate holder and microplates, a detector, electronic components, and a data processing system. The microplate holder is mainly used to fix the microplates during the detection process, ensuring that the detection optical path is accurately centered on the wells.
[0004] In some applications, users need to set the instrument to shake a capped microplate. However, shaking causes the cap to move relative to the microplate, generating noise, wear, and friction powder. If this powder falls into the holes of the microplate or lands on optical components (such as optical lenses), it will directly affect the measurement results, even causing the measurement to fail completely, or it may render the entire instrument inoperable.
[0005] Furthermore, there are various implementations of microporous plates and caps in the existing technology, and different microporous plates have different lengths / widths / heights. How to provide a universal component to clamp and fix microporous plates and caps of different sizes is also a major challenge.
[0006] Therefore, there is a lack in the art of an assembly that clamps and secures the cap relative to the microporous plate in a shaking mode to avoid noise, wear and friction powder, and to make it as compatible as possible with microporous plates and caps of different sizes available on the market. Utility Model Content
[0007] To ensure that the microplate reader clamps and secures the caps relative to the microplate in shaking mode, preventing noise, wear, and friction powder, and to maximize compatibility with microplates and caps of different sizes available on the market, this invention provides a microplate carrier assembly. The assembly includes: a carrier frame having a microplate mounting portion for holding microplates; and a locking mechanism for locking the microplates placed in the mounting portion. The locking mechanism is mounted adjacent to the mounting portion on the carrier frame. The fastening mechanism includes a locking slider movable between a locked position for locking the microporous plate and a released position for picking up and placing the microporous plate. The assembly also includes a follower pressing member, which comprises: a fixing portion disposed on the locking slider to allow the follower pressing member to move with the locking slider; and an elastic support portion extending upward from the fixing portion and having a pressing portion. When the locking slider moves to the locked position, the elastic support portion elastically deforms relative to the fixing portion, and the pressing portion presses against the cover covering the microporous plate. When the locking slider locks the microporous plate housed within the microporous plate mounting portion, the follower pressing member elastically presses against the cover covering the microporous plate with the locking slider. By pressing and fixing the cover and the microporous plate, relative movement between the cover and the microporous plate is reduced or avoided, preventing noise and friction dust.
[0008] According to another aspect of the present invention, when the locking slider moves to the locked position, the follower abutting member moves with the locking slider closer to the first corner of the microplate mounting portion. The abutting member abuts against the corner of the cap, applying a retaining force in a direction inclined relative to the edge forming the corner of the cap. Preferably, the first corner is close to the interior of the microplate reader. This corner abutting configuration minimizes the impact on the user's daily insertion and removal of the microplate and its cap, as the microplate and / or cap are typically inserted and removed from the side.
[0009] According to another aspect of this invention, when the locking slider is in the release position, a gap is formed between the pressing part and the cover on the microporous plate. The locking slider has a pressing surface of the microporous plate, which is inclined relative to the moving direction of the locking slider, and the pressing part is disposed above the pressing surface. Due to the existence of the gap, the pressing part and the cover do not contact each other in the release position; that is, the follower pressing member does not affect or obstruct the removal of the cover.
[0010] According to another aspect of this utility model, the follower-type pressing member includes a bent sheet-like member, and the fixing part includes a first folded portion of the sheet-like member, which is fixed to the locking slider by fasteners; the elastic support part includes a second folded portion extending integrally upward from the first folded portion, and a portion of the second folded portion away from the first folded portion forms the pressing part; the sheet-like member includes metal or plastic. The overall structure of the bent sheet-like member facilitates manufacturing, processing, maintenance, and replacement, and is highly economical.
[0011] According to another aspect of this utility model, the follower-type pressing member includes a bent first metal strip, and the fixing part includes a first bottom section of the first metal strip fixed to the locking slider by fasteners; the elastic support part includes a first vertical section of the first metal strip extending integrally from the bottom section, a first horizontal section of the first metal strip, and a first sleeve sleeved on the horizontal section, the first sleeve sleeve constituting the pressing part. The design of the metal strip reduces the required production materials, resulting in good economic efficiency.
[0012] According to another aspect of this utility model, the assembly further includes a fixing abutment member. When the locking slider is in the locked position, the fixing abutment member and the follower abutment member together clamp and fix the cover. The fixing abutment member includes: a root portion fixed to the carrier plate; and a support portion, the root portion of which extends upward and has an abutment portion for pressing against the cover. By providing the fixing abutment member, the fixing effect of the cover on the microporous plate can be further enhanced. The clamping between the follower abutment member and the fixing abutment member can further improve or promote the fixing of the cover relative to the plate, thereby avoiding or eliminating noise caused by cover shaking and the generation of frictional powder in the shaking mode. Moreover, it eliminates the need for the user to perform additional actions and operations to clamp the cover.
[0013] According to another aspect of this utility model, a fixed pressing member is disposed on a carrier plate adjacent to the microporous plate mounting portion and away from the follower pressing member. The follower pressing member moves with the locking slider closer to the first corner of the microporous plate mounting portion, and the fixed pressing member is disposed at or near the second corner of the microporous plate mounting portion, which is diagonally arranged opposite to the first corner of the microporous plate mounting portion. The diagonal or substantially diagonal arrangement of the fixed pressing member and the follower pressing member can achieve a clamping effect on the one hand, and avoid affecting the insertion and removal of the microporous plate and / or the cover on the other hand.
[0014] According to another aspect of this utility model, the fixing and pressing member includes a bent sheet-like member, the root of which includes a third folded portion fixed to the carrier plate by fasteners; the supporting portion includes a fourth folded portion extending upward from the third folded portion and a flange portion extending from the top of the fourth folded portion towards the microporous plate mounting portion, the flange portion constituting abutment portion, and the bent sheet-like member comprising metal or plastic. The overall structure of the bent sheet-like member of the fixing and pressing member is also convenient for manufacturing, processing, maintenance, and replacement, and has good economic benefits.
[0015] According to another aspect of this utility model, the fixing and pressing member includes a bent second metal strip, the root of which includes a second bottom section of the second metal strip; the supporting part includes a second vertical section of the second metal strip extending upward from the bottom section, a second horizontal section of the second metal strip, and a second sleeve fitted onto the horizontal section of the second metal strip, the second sleeve constituting the abutment part. The design of the metal strip in the fixing and pressing member also reduces the required production materials, resulting in excellent economic efficiency.
[0016] According to another aspect of this invention, in a plane parallel to the mounting plane of the microporous plate mounting portion, the direction in which the fixing pressing member applies a holding force to the outside of the cover is not parallel to the direction in which the pressing portion of the follower pressing member applies a holding force to the outside of the cover. This non-parallel arrangement can provide pressing forces to the cover in multiple directions, superimposed on the fixing of the microporous plate mounting portion, further optimizing the relative fixation between the microporous plate and the cover.
[0017] The microplate carrier assembly of this invention clamps the microplate by using a follower-type pressure member and an optional fixed pressure member to firmly hold the cap in place. When the microplate is shaken, the cap moves with the microplate, and there is no relative movement between the cap and the microplate. Therefore, no noise or friction dust is generated, ensuring smooth measurement and normal instrument operation. Furthermore, the microplate carrier assembly of this invention, through the elastic components of the follower-type pressure member and the optional fixed pressure member, can accommodate microplates and caps of different sizes to the greatest extent possible.
[0018] In addition, the follower pressing component in the microporous plate carrier frame assembly is set on the locking slider, and the fixed pressing component is set on the microporous plate mounting part. This stacked arrangement of components in the vertical direction can reduce the components' occupation of the horizontal space. This blank space in the horizontal direction facilitates the arrangement of other components and supports the insertion and removal of the microporous plate and its cover by the robotic arm. Attached Figure Description
[0019] For a more complete understanding of this invention, reference can be made to the following description of exemplary embodiments taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0020] Figure 1 A perspective view of a microplate carrier assembly according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, mounted on an ELISA reader, is shown.
[0021] Figure 2 It shows Figure 1 Top view of the microporous onboard support assembly;
[0022] Figure 3 It shows Figure 2 A three-dimensional view of the follower-up pressing component in the microporous plate carrier assembly;
[0023] Figure 4 It shows Figure 2 A perspective view of the fixing and pressing component in the microporous plate carrier assembly;
[0024] Figure 5 A top view of a microporous onboard tray assembly according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown;
[0025] Figure 6 It shows Figure 5 A three-dimensional view of the follower-up pressing component in the microporous plate carrier assembly;
[0026] Figure 7 It shows Figure 5 A perspective view of the fixing and pressing component in the microporous plate carrier assembly.
[0027] List of reference numerals in the attached diagram:
[0028] 1 - Carrier;
[0029] 2 - Locking mechanism;
[0030] 3 - Locking slider;
[0031] 4 - Follow-up pressing component;
[0032] 411 - First Fold Section;
[0033] 412 - Second fold section;
[0034] 421 - First bottom section;
[0035] 422 - First vertical section;
[0036] 423 - First level section;
[0037] 424 - First set of cylinders;
[0038] 5 - Fixed pressure component;
[0039] 511 - Third Fold Section;
[0040] 512 - Fourth fold section;
[0041] 513 - Flange portion;
[0042] 521 - Second bottom section;
[0043] 522 - Second vertical section;
[0044] 523 - Second level section;
[0045] 524 - Second set of cylinders;
[0046] 61 - First corner;
[0047] 62 - Second corner;
[0048] 7 – Microplate;
[0049] 8 – Lid. Detailed Implementation
[0050] The present invention will be further described below with reference to specific embodiments and accompanying drawings. More details are set forth in the following description in order to provide a full understanding of the present invention. However, the present invention can obviously be implemented in many other ways different from those described herein. Those skilled in the art can make similar extensions and derivations based on actual application situations without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention should not be limited by the content of this specific embodiment.
[0051] Unless otherwise defined, the technical or scientific terms used in the claims and description shall have the ordinary meaning understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains. The terms “first,” “second,” and similar terms used in this patent application description and claims do not indicate any order, quantity, or importance, but are merely used to distinguish different components. Terms such as “comprising” or “including” indicate that the elements or objects preceding “comprising” or “including” encompass the elements or objects listed following “comprising” or “including” and their equivalents, and do not exclude other elements or objects.
[0052] In the following description, "inner" and "outer" are relative to the center of the microporous substrate holder assembly. The position or direction closer to the center of the microporous substrate holder assembly is "inner", and the position or direction farther from the center of the microporous substrate holder assembly is "outer".
[0053] Figure 1 A perspective view of a microplate carrier assembly according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown, mounted on an ELISA reader. The ELISA reader is in an extended configuration, in which a microplate 7 with a cap 8 is housed in the microplate carrier assembly, specifically in the microplate mounting section. After the microplate 7 with the cap 8 is assembled, the microplate carrier assembly retracts into the ELISA reader. During this process, the microplate carrier assembly clamps and fixes the microplate 7 and its cap 8. Subsequently, the ELISA reader shakes and vibrates the microplate 7 to agitate the reagents in the microplate 7.
[0054] The microplate carrier assembly includes a carrier 1 and a locking mechanism 2. The carrier 1 has a microplate mounting portion for placing a microplate 7 therein. The locking mechanism 2 is used to lock the microplate 7 placed in the microplate mounting portion. It is configured to lock the microplate 7 in the microplate mounting portion by pushing it against the edge of the microplate 7 with a locking slider 3, and to unlock the microplate 7 from the microplate mounting portion by moving the locking slider 3 away from the microplate 7. The locking mechanism 2 is mounted on the carrier 1 adjacent to the microplate mounting portion. The locking mechanism 2 includes a locking slider 3 movable between a locked position for locking the microplate 7 and a released position for releasing the microplate 7. In the locked position, the locking slider 3 presses against the microplate 7, and the microplate 7 is fixed by the pressure of the locking slider 3 and the reception and abutment of the microplate mounting portion; in the released position, the locking slider 3 is spaced apart from the microplate 7, and the microplate 7 can be removed or slid out. The aforementioned microporous plate mounting part and locking mechanism can be any structure and configuration capable of achieving the above functions, such as the structure and related configuration described in the patent filed on July 21, 2014, entitled "Microporous Plate Carrier Frame," with authorization announcement number CN204116351U; or the structure and related configuration described in the placement groove and microcrystalline plate clamping mechanism in the patent filed on June 4, 2019, entitled "A Microporous Plate Placement Tray for a Chemiluminescence Detector," with authorization announcement number CN 210322808U, etc.
[0055] The microplate carrier assembly also includes a follower-type pressing member 4 and a fixed pressing member 5. The follower-type pressing member 4 and the fixed pressing member 5 tightly clamp the cover 8. When the microplate 7 is shaken, the cover 8 will move together with the microplate 7, and there will be no relative movement between the cover 8 and the microplate 7. Therefore, no noise or friction powder is generated, ensuring smooth measurement and normal instrument operation.
[0056] The follower-type pressing member 4 includes a fixing part and an elastic support part disposed on the locking slider 3. The follower-type pressing member 4 is fixed to the locking slider 3 by the fixing part, so that the follower-type pressing member 4 moves with the locking slider 3 as a whole. The fixing part can be fixed to the locking slider 3 by means of bolt fixing, adhesive bonding, welding, snap-fit, etc. The elastic support part extends upward from the fixing part and is provided with a pressing part. When the locking slider 3 moves to the locked position, the elastic support part elastically deforms relative to the fixing part, and the pressing part presses against the cover 8 covering the microporous plate 7. As the pressing action proceeds, the elastic support part of the follower-type pressing member 4 will undergo elastic deformation, and this elastic deformation will generate pressure of the pressing part on the cover 8. The elastic support part can be a spring, a spring or an angle spring; preferably, the elastic support part is a metal spring. The elastic support part can increase its deformation capacity by removing part of it, for example, the elastic support part can be designed to be wholly or partially hollowed out. When the locking slider 3 is in the released position, a gap is formed between the pressing part and the cover 8 on the microporous plate 7. At the same time, there is also a gap between the locking slider 3 and the microporous plate 7. These gaps make it easy to put in and take out the microporous plate 7 and its cover 8.
[0057] The fixing abutment 5 includes a root fixed to the carrier plate and a support extending upward from the root, the support having an abutment for pressing against the cover 8. When the locking slider 3 is in the locked position, the fixing abutment 5 and the follower abutment 4 together clamp and fix the cover 8. If the microplate mounting portion is implemented as a placement groove, the fixing abutment 5 can be installed on the groove wall of the placement groove, abutting against the outer edge of the cover 8 covering the microplate 7 when the microplate 7 is received in the placement groove. Preferably, the abutment extends from the upper part of the support towards the cover 8 to press against the cover 8 with greater force. Preferably, the extension distance of the abutment is 2-8 mm; preferably, 3-5 mm. Preferably, the root does not extend beyond the edge of the microplate mounting portion. Preferably, the root is fixed to the groove wall of the placement groove for receiving the microplate 7, and the root does not extend beyond the outer side of the groove wall. Preferably, the root is fixed to the microplate mounting portion (e.g., the groove wall) by bolting, gluing, welding, snap-fitting, or other methods.
[0058] The elastic components of the follow-up pressing member 4 and the optional elastic components of the fixed pressing member 5 can be adapted to microporous plates 7 and caps 8 of different sizes to the greatest extent.
[0059] The movable pressing member 4 and the fixed pressing member 5 press against the corner of the microporous plate 7 or its vicinity. Preferably, the fixed pressing member 5 and the movable pressing member 4 are arranged diagonally or almost diagonally. When the locking slider 3 moves to the locked position, the movable pressing member 4 moves with the locking slider 3 to a position close to or near the first corner 61 of the microporous plate mounting portion (e.g., ...). Figure 2(As shown in the upper right corner), the pressing part of the follower pressing member 4 abuts against the corner of the cover 8, applying a holding force in a direction inclined relative to the edge forming the corner of the cover 8. Correspondingly, the fixing pressing member 5 is provided at or near the second corner 62 of the microporous plate mounting part, which is arranged diagonally opposite to the first corner 61 of the microporous plate mounting part (e.g., at the upper right corner of the cover 8), and in a direction that is not oblique to the corner of the first corner 61 of the microporous plate mounting part. Figure 2 (As shown in the lower left corner of the left border).
[0060] Preferably, in a plane parallel to the mounting plane of the microporous plate mounting portion, the direction in which the fixing pressing member 5 applies a holding force to the outside of the cover 8 is not parallel to the direction in which the pressing portion of the follower pressing member 4 applies a holding force to the outside of the cover 8. For example... Figure 2 As shown, the follower-type pressing member 4, which is provided at the corner of the cover 8, applies a holding force approximately along the diagonal direction, while the fixing pressing member 5, which is provided along the edge of the corner of the cover 8, applies a holding force along the diagonal direction. Figure 2 A retaining force is applied in the horizontal direction, so that the cover 8 can be held in both the vertical and horizontal directions.
[0061] In one embodiment, the aforementioned follower-up pressing member 4 and fixed pressing member 5 can be as follows: Figure 1-4 Specifically, the enlarged view of the follower-up pressing member 4 is shown below. Figure 3 As shown, an enlarged view of the fixed pressing member 5 is as follows: Figure 4 As shown. Figure 3 As shown, the follower-type pressing member 4 includes a bent sheet-like member. The fixing part includes a first folded portion 411 of the sheet-like member, which is fixed to the locking slider 3 by fasteners (e.g., bolts, snap-fit connectors, or adhesive sheets). The elastic support part includes a second folded portion 412 extending integrally upward from the first folded portion 411. The second folded portion 412 first extends vertically upward, then bends inward, and then bends outward. The inwardly bent portion of the second folded portion 412 forms the pressing part. The sheet-like member is made of metal or plastic. Figure 4 As shown, the fixing and pressing member 5 includes a bent sheet-like member, the root of which includes a third folded portion 511 fixed to the carrier plate by fasteners (e.g., bolts, snap-fit connectors, or adhesive sheets); the support portion includes a fourth folded portion 512 extending upward from the third folded portion 511 and a flange portion 513 extending from the top of the fourth folded portion 512 toward the microporous plate mounting portion, the flange portion 513 constituting abutment. Multiple triangular ribs are provided between the third folded portion 511 and the fourth folded portion 512 to increase the support strength of the support portion. One side of each triangular rib is fixedly connected to the third folded portion 511, and the other side is fixedly connected to the fourth folded portion 512. The bent sheet-like member is made of metal or plastic. In use, when the microporous plate 7 is pushed out (e.g., ... Figure 1As shown, with the locking slider 3 in the released state, a gap is created between the microplate 7 and the locking slider 3. Simultaneously, a gap also forms between the follower-type pressing member 4 and the optional fixing pressing member 5 and the cap 8. This allows the user to easily insert and remove the microplate 7 and its cap 8. After the user inserts the microplate 7 and cap 8 into the microplate mounting section, operating the microplate reader causes the microplate 7 to automatically retract into the instrument chamber. During this process, the locking slider 3 moves forward, automatically clamping the microplate 7 and the cap 8 by the follower-type pressing member 4 and the fixing pressing member 5.
[0062] In another embodiment, the aforementioned follower-up pressing member 4 and fixed pressing member 5 can be as follows: Figure 5-7 Specifically, the enlarged view of the follower-up pressing member 4 is shown below. Figure 6 As shown, an enlarged view of the fixed pressing member 5 is as follows: Figure 7 As shown. Figure 6 As shown, the follower-type pressing member 4 includes a bent first metal strip, and the fixing part includes a first bottom section 421 of the first metal strip fixed to the locking slider 3 by fasteners; the elastic support part includes a first vertical section 422 of the first metal strip extending integrally from the bottom section, a first horizontal section 423 of the first metal strip, and a first sleeve 424 sleeved on the horizontal section, the first sleeve 424 constituting the pressing part. Figure 7 As shown, the fixing and pressing member 5 includes a bent second metal strip, with a second bottom section 521 at the root. The support includes a second vertical section 522 of the second metal strip extending upward from the bottom section, a second horizontal section 523 of the second metal strip, and a second sleeve 524 fitted onto the horizontal section of the second metal strip, the second sleeve 524 constituting abutment. In use, when the microplate 7 is pushed out, the locking slider 3 is in a released state, creating a gap between the microplate 7 and the locking slider 3. Simultaneously, a gap also forms between the follower pressing member 4 and the optional fixing and pressing member 5 and the cover 8, allowing the user to easily insert and remove the microplate 7 and its cover 8. After the user inserts the microplate 7 and the cover 8 into the microplate mounting section, the microplate 7 is automatically returned to the instrument chamber by operating the microplate reader. During this process, the locking slider 3 moves forward, automatically clamping the microplate 7 by the locking slider 3 and clamping the cover 8 by the follower pressing member 4 and the fixing and pressing member 5.
[0063] In another embodiment, the aforementioned follower-type pressing member 4 can be implemented as a metal spring sheet, wherein the metal spring sheet includes a first bent portion as a fixing portion and a second bent portion, a transition portion, and a third bent portion as elastic support portions. The first bent portion is fixed to the locking slider 3 by bolts. The second bent portion extends upward from the first bent portion and is inclined towards the microporous plate mounting portion. The third bent portion is fixedly connected to the upper end of the second bent portion via the transition portion. The third bent portion extends upward from the transition portion and is inclined away from the microporous plate mounting portion. The transition portion, serving as a pressing portion, presses against the cover 8 in the locked position. Preferably, the transition portion presses against the cover 8 through an arc-shaped contact surface. The aforementioned fixing pressing member 5 is implemented as including a sheet-like root portion and a plurality of finger-like support portions arranged side-by-side extending upward from the sheet-like root portion. Each finger-like support portion has a leading edge extending towards the microporous plate mounting portion as abutment at its upper end. Adjacent finger-like support portions are spaced apart from each other. Preferably, the finger-like support portions extend upward from the side of the sheet-like root portion closest to the microporous plate mounting portion. Preferably, the finger-shaped support portion can be tilted toward the microporous plate mounting portion as it extends upward.
[0064] In another embodiment, the aforementioned follower-type pressing member 4 can be implemented as a spring frame, which includes a first frame as a fixing part and a second, third, and fourth frame as elastic support parts. The second and third frames extend upwards from both ends of the first frame, and the fourth frame connects the upper ends of the second and third frames. The first frame is fixed to the locking slider 3 by bolts, and the fourth frame extends laterally towards the microporous plate mounting part from the upper ends of the second and third frames. The fourth frame has a cylindrical member surrounding the fourth frame, serving as a pressing part, which presses against the cover 8 in the locked position. Preferably, at least the second and third frames are elastic. Preferably, both the second and third frames extend towards the microporous plate mounting part during their upward extension. Preferably, the pressing part is located on the inwardly curved portion of the elastic support part. The aforementioned fixing and pressing member 5 comprises a fifth frame, a sixth frame and a seventh frame extending upward from both ends of the fifth frame, and an eighth frame connecting the upper ends of the sixth frame and the seventh frame. The fifth frame is fixed to the carrier plate by bolts. The eighth frame, serving as abutment, extends laterally towards the microporous plate mounting portion from the upper ends of the sixth and seventh frames. The eighth frame has a cylindrical member surrounding the eighth frame. Preferably, both the sixth and seventh frames extend towards the microporous plate mounting portion as they extend upward.
[0065] There are no particular restrictions on the specific implementation of the follower pressing member 4 and the fixed pressing member 5, as long as the above functions can be achieved.
[0066] In other alternative embodiments, the elastic support portion of the follower-type pressing member is designed with an inwardly bent / folded configuration; the pressing portion is disposed on the inwardly bent / folded portion of the elastic support portion; preferably, the pressing portion is located at the innermost side of the elastic support portion. The pressing portion is fixed to the elastic support portion or is integrally formed with the elastic support portion. The locking slider 3 has a pressing surface that presses against the microporous plate 7, the pressing surface being inclined relative to the moving direction of the locking slider 3, and the pressing portion is disposed above the pressing surface. Preferably, the follower-type pressing member 4 includes an additional support portion, which is a columnar member (preferably a rigid member) extending upward from the fixed portion, and the upper end of the elastic support portion is fixed to the additional support portion. That is, the elastic support portion presents an arch-like shape. This configuration of the additional support portion improves the support strength of the elastic support portion. Preferably, the elastic support portion further comprises additional pressure-relief portions providing pressure in different directions. For example, the pressure-relief portion in the embodiment can provide pressure in the lateral direction, while the shape and construction of the additional pressure-relief portions can be designed to provide pressure in a top-down or top-down direction. Preferably, the pressure-relief portion and / or the additional pressure-relief portion have an anti-slip surface. The anti-slip surface includes at least one of a rubber surface, a silicone surface, a sandblasted or sprayed particle coating surface, a raised surface, and a flocked surface.
[0067] In other alternative embodiments, the support portion of the fixing pressure member is designed with an inwardly bent / folded configuration. An abutment portion is disposed on the inwardly bent / folded portion of the support portion; preferably, the abutment portion is located at the innermost side of the support portion. The abutment portion is fixed to the support portion or is integrally formed with or integrally molded with the support portion. The abutment portion provides a pressure against the cover 8 in a lateral direction. Preferably, the fixing pressure member 5 includes an additional support portion that provides a pressure against the cover 8 in a top-down or top-down direction. Preferably, the additional support portion is fixed to the support portion and / or the root portion. Preferably, the additional support portion is designed with an inwardly bent / protruding configuration. Preferably, at least the surface of the abutment portion that contacts the cover 8 is a non-slip surface. In some embodiments, the support portion of the fixing pressure member may be at least partially elastic. However, in some other alternative embodiments, the support portion is entirely or partially rigid. Preferably, the support portion increases its deformability by removing portions of it, and the support portion is designed to be entirely hollow or partially hollow. Preferably, the area of the rigid portion of the support is greater than the area of the elastic portion.
[0068] Preferably, the abutting part and the pressing part are arranged correspondingly; the additional support part and the additional pressing part are arranged correspondingly. That is, the pressing part of the follower pressing member and the abutting part of the fixed pressing member respectively contact the cover 8 to be clamped and apply a pressing force to the cover 8. The directions of these two pressing forces are opposite, or at least the components of the pressing forces are opposite, to clamp the cover 8; preferably, these two pressing forces can be in the same plane. Similarly, the additional support part and the additional pressing part respectively contact the cover 8 to be clamped and apply additional pressing force to the cover 8. The directions of these two additional pressing forces or at least the directions of the components of the additional pressing forces are opposite (e.g., both facing inward) and / or parallel (e.g., both facing downward), to clamp the cover 8; preferably, these two additional pressing forces can be in the same plane.
[0069] While the present invention has been disclosed above with reference to preferred embodiments, it is not intended to limit the present invention. Any person skilled in the art can make possible variations and modifications without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, any modifications, equivalent changes, and alterations made to the above embodiments based on the technical essence of the present invention without departing from the content of the technical solution of the present invention shall fall within the protection scope defined by the claims of the present invention.
Claims
1. A microporous substrate carrier assembly, the assembly comprising: The carrier (1) has a microplate mounting part for placing the microplate; and A locking mechanism (2) for locking the microplate placed in the microplate mounting part, the locking mechanism (2) is mounted on the carrier (1) adjacent to the microplate mounting part, the locking mechanism (2) includes a locking slider (3) movable between a locking position for locking the microplate and a release position for picking up and putting down the microplate. The component is characterized in that it further includes a follower-up pressing member (4), the follower-up pressing member (4) comprising: A fixing part is provided on the locking slider (3) so that the follower abutment (4) moves with the locking slider (3); and The elastic support extends upward from the fixed part and has a pressing part. When the locking slider (3) moves to the locking position, the elastic support elastically deforms relative to the fixed part, and the pressing part presses against the cover covering the microporous plate.
2. The component as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, When the locking slider (3) moves to the locking position, the follower abutment (4) moves with the locking slider (3) closer to the first corner (61) of the microporous plate mounting part, and the abutment abuts against the corner of the cover, applying a holding force in a direction inclined relative to the edge forming the corner of the cover.
3. The component as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, When the locking slider (3) is in the released position, a gap is formed between the pressing part and the cover on the microporous plate. The locking slider (3) has a pressing surface that presses against the microporous plate. The pressing surface is inclined relative to the moving direction of the locking slider (3), and the pressing part is disposed above the pressing surface.
4. The component as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The follower-type pressing member (4) includes a bent sheet-like member. The fixing part includes the first folded part (411) of the sheet-like member, which is fixed to the locking slider (3) by fasteners. The elastic support portion includes a second fold portion (412) that extends integrally upward from the first fold portion (411), and a portion of the second fold portion (412) away from the first fold portion (411) forms the pressure portion; The sheet-like component may be made of metal or plastic.
5. The component as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The follower-type pressing member (4) includes a bent first metal strip, The fixing part includes a first bottom section (421) of the first metal strip that is fixed to the locking slider (3) by fasteners. The elastic support portion includes a first vertical section (422) of the first metal strip integrally extending from the bottom section, a first horizontal section (423) of the first metal strip, and a first sleeve (424) sleeved on the horizontal section, the first sleeve (424) constituting the pressure-resistant portion.
6. The component as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The assembly also includes a fixing and pressing member (5), which, when the locking slider (3) is in the locked position, clamps and fixes the cover together with the fixing and pressing member (4). The fixed pressing member (5) includes: Root, said root is fixed to the carrier plate; and The support portion extends upward from its root and has an abutment portion for pressing against the cover.
7. The component as claimed in claim 6, characterized in that, The fixed pressure member (5) is disposed on the carrier plate adjacent to the microporous plate mounting portion and away from the follower pressure member (4). The follower pressing member (4) moves with the locking slider (3) closer to the first corner (61) of the micro-perforated plate mounting part, and the fixed pressing member (5) is located at or near the second corner (62) diagonally opposite to the first corner (61) of the micro-perforated plate mounting part.
8. The component as claimed in claim 6, characterized in that, The fixing and pressing member (5) includes a bent sheet-like member. The root portion includes a third fold portion (511) that is fixed to the carrier plate by fasteners. The support portion includes a fourth fold portion (512) extending upward from the third fold portion (511) and a flange portion (513) extending from the top of the fourth fold portion (512) toward the microporous plate mounting portion, the flange portion (513) constituting the abutment portion. The bent sheet-like component may be made of metal or plastic.
9. The component as claimed in claim 6, characterized in that, The fixing and pressing member (5) includes a bent second metal strip. The root portion includes the second bottom section of the second metal strip; The support portion includes a second vertical section (522) of a second metal strip extending upward from the bottom section, a second horizontal section (523) of the second metal strip, and a second sleeve (524) sleeved on the horizontal section of the second metal strip, the second sleeve (524) constituting the abutment portion.
10. The component as claimed in claim 6, characterized in that, In a plane parallel to the mounting plane of the microporous plate mounting portion, the direction in which the fixed pressing member (5) applies a holding force to the outside of the cover is not parallel to the direction in which the pressing portion of the follower pressing member (4) applies a holding force to the outside of the cover.