A knock-down carrier

Abstract

The utility model discloses a detachable pipe carrier relates to reagent detection device, including reagent pipe and base, above -mentioned reagent pipe is multiple, and multiple reagent pipe series connection sets up and forms the pipe, above -mentioned base is provided with the array hole corresponding with pipe, and every array hole is equipped with the mounting hole of corresponding reagent pipe, above -mentioned reagent pipe outer wall is equipped with the limit ring, and the inside of mounting hole is equipped with three or more limit protrusions, above -mentioned limit protrusion touches limit ring and limit reagent pipe and insert the depth of mounting hole, wherein, above -mentioned array hole is two or more, and the anchoring hole is equipped between two adjacent array holes, above -mentioned anchoring hole is used to install the pressing plate screw, and the outer side of pressing plate screw is equipped with the supporting lug, above -mentioned supporting lug is used to touch limit ring, to better obtain a kind of compatible high throughput, low throughput and mixed detection scene polymerase chain reaction experimental carrier on the basis of the existing PCR plate corresponding automation equipment.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to reagent testing devices, specifically to a detachable tube carrier. Background Technology

[0002] PCR plates are multi-well microplates used for polymerase chain reaction (PCR) experiments. The 96-well PCR plate is a standardized product, offering advantages in large-scale screening and virus detection due to its ability to load 96 samples at a time, thus widely used in high-throughput testing scenarios. However, with increasing automation in testing systems and diversified testing needs, PCR plates, in addition to being compatible with single high-throughput testing, need to better adapt to low-throughput testing or multi-sample-type testing requirements. Existing 96-well PCR plates often result in wasted well slots when there are insufficient samples or when multiple samples are pooled, increasing consumable costs. Furthermore, in mixed-sample testing scenarios, existing 96-well PCR plates are not convenient for mixing reagents.

[0003] Currently, when performing mixed assays, smaller-capacity, lower-cost 8-tube strips are commonly considered as reagent containers. However, current 8-tube strips are generally only suitable for low-throughput assays. Analysis shows that compared to standard well plates, 8-tube strips have a more slender structure and smaller volume. Existing automated equipment is mostly designed for well plates and is not easily modified to accommodate 8-tube strips, making them incompatible with high-throughput assays.

[0004] Meanwhile, existing automated equipment's mechanical grippers are prone to slipping or shifting when grasping 8-tube strips due to their slender shape, making them unsuitable for direct application to existing automated equipment designed for 96-well PCR plates. Furthermore, the automation adaptation cost for 8-tube strips is high. Therefore, designing a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) experimental vehicle compatible with high-throughput, low-throughput, and mixed detection scenarios is a worthwhile research area. Utility Model Content

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a detachable tube carrier, in order to better obtain a polymerase chain reaction experimental carrier that is compatible with high-throughput, low-throughput, and mixed testing scenarios, based on the existing automated equipment corresponding to PCR plates.

[0006] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0007] A detachable manifold carrier includes reagent tubes and a base. Multiple reagent tubes are connected in series to form a manifold. The base has arrayed holes corresponding to the manifold, and each arrayed hole has a mounting hole for a corresponding reagent tube. A limiting ring is provided on the outer wall of each reagent tube, and three or more limiting protrusions are provided inside the mounting hole. The limiting protrusions abut against the limiting ring and limit the depth to which the reagent tube is inserted into the mounting hole. There are two or more arrayed holes, and an anchoring hole is provided between two adjacent arrayed holes. The anchoring hole is used to install a pressure plate screw, and the pressure plate screw has a lug on its outer side. The lug abuts against the limiting ring. All the upper surfaces of the limiting rings on the manifold are on the same horizontal plane.

[0008] Preferably, the spacing between two adjacent array holes is the same as the spacing between reagent tubes, so that the center of the anchor hole is located at the intersection of the four reagent tubes. There are four lugs on the pressure plate screw; each lug abuts against a limiting ring, and four reagent tubes are simultaneously restricted by one pressure plate screw.

[0009] A further technical solution is that the width of the aforementioned support lug is smaller than the distance between the reagent tubes, and the aforementioned pressure plate screw is used to drive the support lug to move into the distance between the reagent tubes so that the support lug disengages from the limiting ring.

[0010] Preferably, a connecting bridge is provided between two adjacent reagent tubes on the same connecting tube, and multiple reagent tubes are connected in series by the connecting bridge. A guide groove adapted to the connecting bridge is provided between two adjacent mounting holes on the same array hole, and the connecting bridge is constrained by the guide groove.

[0011] Preferably, the aforementioned limiting protrusion is arranged around the center of the mounting hole, and the upper end of the aforementioned limiting protrusion is provided with a slope, which is used to contact the outer wall of the reagent tube and guide the reagent tube into the mounting hole.

[0012] A further technical solution is that the aforementioned limiting protrusion has a contact surface on the side facing the reagent tube, and the contact surface is arc-shaped.

[0013] A further technical solution is that the inner wall of the mounting hole is provided with a step, the step is located between the limiting protrusions, and the upper end of the step has a height difference with the upper end of the limiting protrusion; the limiting ring is clearance-fitted with the mounting hole, and the step is used to cooperate with the limiting protrusion while abutting against the limiting ring.

[0014] Preferably, the above-mentioned base size is used to correspond to the PCR plate, and the spacing between reagent tubes on the same connector is the sampling distance, which is used to correspond to the sample well spacing on the PCR plate; the length of the connector is the same as the length of the sample wells in the same row on the PCR plate, and the number of connectors installed on the same base is used to correspond to the number of rows of sample wells on the PCR plate.

[0015] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this utility model are at least one of the following:

[0016] This invention employs a detachable installation method for the reagent tube and base. It utilizes the connection between the array holes and the reagent tube to form a manifold. By optimizing the structure of the mounting holes, the limiting protrusion and the limiting ring can cooperate to restrict the insertion depth of the reagent tube, ensuring its stability within the mounting holes. Furthermore, the pressure plate screw on the anchoring hole drives the support lug to lock the limiting ring, ensuring stable placement of the reagent tube during installation. Using the base as a support unit facilitates compatibility with existing automated PCR plate equipment and prevents the reagent tube from loosening or falling off.

[0017] This utility model's connecting tube employs a combination of a connecting bridge and a guide groove, simplifying the tube's placement and removal process. The inclined design of the limiting protrusion facilitates stable insertion of the reagent tube into the mounting hole, and the arc-shaped contact surface increases the contact area between the limiting protrusion and the outer wall of the reagent tube, further improving the stability of the connecting tube installation. The step, working in conjunction with the limiting protrusion, ensures the limiting ring has sufficient support points and also facilitates the positioning of the reagent tube within the mounting hole to some extent. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram comparing the present invention with existing PCR plates.

[0019] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the connecting pipe structure of this utility model.

[0020] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram showing the interaction between the reagent tube and the pressure plate screw of this utility model.

[0021] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the mounting hole structure of this utility model. Detailed Implementation

[0022] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this utility model clearer, the present utility model will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the present utility model and are not intended to limit the present utility model.

[0023] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, a detachable tube carrier includes reagent tubes 101 and a base 2. There are multiple reagent tubes 101, and the multiple reagent tubes 101 are connected in series to form a tube 1. Each reagent tube can individually hold a reagent or sample. The tube 1 can be an existing 8-tube tube, formed by connecting the reagent tubes 101 in series.

[0024] For reference, the reagent tube 101 and base 2 of this utility model are mainly used for splicing and installation, so that the reagent tube 101 can be separated from the base 2 before and after use. Therefore, the base 2 can be used for single or repeated use. The base 2 can be made of injection molding material or stainless steel, and can be used for single or repeated use. The stainless steel material allows the base 2 to be reused. It should be noted that the reagent tube 101 and the base 2 can be separated from each other, but when the base 2 is made of stainless steel, the base 2 needs to be soaked in disinfectant and dried before each use.

[0025] The base 2 is provided with array holes 3 corresponding to the connecting tube 1, and each array hole 3 is provided with a mounting hole 4 for the corresponding reagent tube 101. The reagent tube 101 on the connecting tube 1 is opposite to the mounting hole 4 on the array hole 3, and the mounting hole 4 is used to house the reagent tube 101.

[0026] In order to better limit the reagent tube 101 in the mounting hole 4, the outer wall of the reagent tube 101 is provided with a limiting ring 102, and the inside of the mounting hole 4 is provided with three or more limiting protrusions 5; the limiting protrusions 5 abut against the limiting ring 102 and limit the depth of the reagent tube 101 inserted into the mounting hole 4.

[0027] The reagent tube 101 is inserted into the mounting hole 4. The upper part of the limiting protrusion 5 abuts against the lower part of the limiting ring 102, and the side wall of the limiting protrusion 5 contacts the outer wall of the reagent tube 101 to ensure that the reagent tube 101 is stably fixed in the mounting hole 4, thereby preventing shaking or falling off during use or transportation. Since the cross-sectional profile of the reagent tube 101 is generally tapered, the inner wall of the reagent tube 101 gradually narrows from top to bottom, so that the limiting protrusion 5 can effectively prevent the reagent tube 101 from being inserted too deeply or too shallowly in the mounting hole 4, ensuring that the insertion depth of each reagent tube 101 tends to be consistent.

[0028] Considering that the reagent tube 101 and base 2, after being assembled, are primarily compatible with current mainstream automated equipment, and to meet high-throughput testing requirements, a sufficient number of reagent tubes 101 need to be installed on the base 2, and the stability of a sufficient number of reagent tubes 101 on the base 2 must be ensured. Therefore, there are two or more array holes 3, with anchoring holes 6 between adjacent array holes 3. These anchoring holes 6 are used to install pressure plate screws 7, which are positioned between two array holes 3, allowing one pressure plate screw 7 to act on the connecting tubes 1 on two array holes 3. It should be noted that, considering the length of the connecting tubes 1, each connecting tube 1 generally has at least two support points to ensure structural stability.

[0029] refer to Figure 3As shown, to facilitate the placement and removal of the connecting tube 1, a lug 701 is provided on the outer side of the aforementioned pressure plate screw 7. The lug 701 rotates with the pressure plate screw 7 to move closer to or further away from the base 2. When the lug 701 is close to the base 2, it abuts against the limiting ring 102, thus pressing the connecting tube 1 firmly onto the base 2. To ensure relatively stable contact between the lug 701 and the connecting tube 1, the upper surfaces of all the limiting rings 102 on the connecting tube 1 are at the same horizontal plane. When the reagent tube 101 is installed in the mounting hole 4, the upper end of the limiting ring 102 is flush with or higher than the upper end of the base 2.

[0030] Based on the above embodiments, refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, in another embodiment of this utility model, the spacing between two adjacent array holes 3 is the same as the spacing between reagent tubes 101, so that the center of the anchoring hole 6 is located at the intersection of the four reagent tubes 101. There are four lugs 701 on the pressure plate screw 7; each lug 701 abuts against a limiting ring 102, and four reagent tubes 101 are simultaneously restricted by one pressure plate screw 7.

[0031] The central axis of the pressure plate screw 7 is located at the intersection of the centers of the four mounting holes. By setting the four lugs 701 in relative positions on the pressure plate screw 7, when one lug 701 abuts against the limiting ring 102, the remaining three lugs 701 can also abut against the remaining three limiting rings 102 around the pressure plate screw 7. By simultaneously clamping four reagent tubes 101 with one pressure plate screw 7, the total number of pressure plate screws 7 used on the base 2 can be reduced, which is beneficial to improving the installation efficiency of the connecting tube 1 on the base 2 and better compatibility with existing automation requirements.

[0032] Furthermore, to better lock or release the connecting tube 1 via the lug 701, the width of the lug 701 is smaller than the spacing between the reagent tubes 101. Since the mounting holes 4 correspond to the reagent tubes 101, the spacing between the mounting holes 4 is greater than the width of the lug 701. The pressure plate screw 7 is used to move the lug 701 into the spacing between the reagent tubes 101, so that the lug 701 disengages from the limiting ring 102. When the lug 701 rotates with the pressure plate screw 7 into the space between the mounting holes 4, the spacing between the mounting holes 4 can accommodate the lug 701, thereby ensuring that the lug 701 is disengaged from the connecting tube 1.

[0033] Based on the above embodiments, another embodiment of the present invention is that a connecting bridge 103 is provided between two adjacent reagent tubes 101 on the same connecting tube 1, and multiple reagent tubes 101 are connected in series by the connecting bridge 103. A guide groove 401 adapted to the connecting bridge 103 is provided between two adjacent mounting holes 4 on the same array hole 3, and the connecting bridge 103 is constrained by the guide groove 401.

[0034] In this design, multiple reagent tubes 101 are mounted on the same connecting tube 1, and the connecting bridge 103 between the reagent tubes 101 fixes the multiple reagent tubes 101 into a whole. On the one hand, this ensures that the spacing between each reagent tube 101 on the connecting tube 1 is strictly consistent, meeting the high spacing requirements of high-throughput detection and automated devices. On the other hand, the structure of the connecting bridge 103 can also work with the guide groove 401 on the base 2. The guide groove 401 constrains the connecting bridge 103, ensuring better stability of the connecting tube 1 on the base 2 and avoiding the risk of accidental movement of the reagent tubes 101 on the base 2. It should be noted that after the connecting bridge 103 connects multiple reagent tubes 101 in series, because the connecting bridge 103 corresponds to the guide groove, the connecting tube 1 can be quickly inserted into the base 2, and pressure can be applied to both ends of each connecting tube 1 by a pressure plate screw 7. This avoids the cumbersome steps of installing individual reagent tubes 101 and ensures the stability of the structure.

[0035] Based on the above embodiments, another embodiment of the present invention is that the limiting protrusion 5 is arranged around the center of the mounting hole 4, and the upper end of the limiting protrusion 5 is provided with a ramp 501. The ramp 501 is used to contact the outer wall of the reagent tube 101 and guide the reagent tube 101 into the mounting hole 4.

[0036] Specifically, the ramp 501 enables the limiting protrusion 5 to guide the reagent tube 101 and position it in the mounting hole when the reagent tube 101 is inserted, reducing the risk of jamming and resistance caused by mechanical insertion of the reagent tube 101. Secondly, in the high-throughput detection process, in addition to reducing the mechanical impact during the insertion of the reagent tube 101, the ramp 501 also prevents, to some extent, the risk of collision scratches and damage to the reagent tube 101 and the limiting protrusion 5.

[0037] For reference, the base 2 was designed with the need for repeated use in mind. When the base 2 needs to be reused, it needs to be soaked in disinfectant. The design of its slope 501 can better prevent the accumulation of disinfectant.

[0038] For reference, the ramp 501 of the limiting protrusion 5 can better accommodate reagent tubes 101 with slightly different production tolerances, and the ramp reduces assembly deviations caused by small dimensional differences.

[0039] Furthermore, the aforementioned limiting protrusion 5 has a contact surface 502 on the side facing the reagent tube 101, and the contact surface 502 is arc-shaped. The arc shape of the contact surface 502 is mainly for contacting the outer wall of the reagent tube 101. Considering that the outer wall of the reagent tube 101 is generally cylindrical, the arc-shaped surface design can make contact with the surface of the reagent tube over a larger area and more uniformly.

[0040] It should be noted that the arc shape of the contact surface 502 can objectively reduce the generation of acute angles. At the same time, the arc shape will have a higher degree of fit with the outer wall of the reagent tube 101. If necessary, the contact surface 502 can also be set to the arc shape of the outer wall of the reagent tube 101 to form a multi-point circumferential covering and limiting.

[0041] Furthermore, the inner wall of the mounting hole 4 is provided with a step 402, which is located between the limiting protrusions 5, and the upper end of the step 402 has a height difference with the upper end of the limiting protrusion 5; the limiting ring 102 is clearance-fitted with the mounting hole 4, and the step 402 is used to cooperate with the limiting protrusion 5 while abutting against the limiting ring 102.

[0042] The step 402 is annular and distributed between the limiting protrusions 5. After the reagent tube 101 is inserted into the mounting hole 4, the step 402, together with the limiting protrusions 5, provides a larger supporting area, making the force on the limiting ring 102 more even. The step 402 and the limiting protrusions 5 complement each other and play a locking role for the limiting ring 102. If a single limiting protrusion is damaged due to frequent insertion and removal, machining tolerance, or stress concentration, the step 402 can also play a maximum auxiliary limiting role.

[0043] Based on the above embodiments, one embodiment of this utility model is, with reference to Figure 1 As shown, the dimensions of the base 2 correspond to PCR plate A, and the spacing between reagent tubes 101 on the same connector 1 is the sampling distance, which corresponds to the spacing between sample wells on PCR plate A. The length of the connector 1 is the same as the length of the sample wells in the same row on PCR plate A, and the number of connectors 1 installed on the same base 2 corresponds to the number of rows of sample wells on the PCR plate. This ensures that the carrier is dimensionally compatible with existing PCR plate A, enabling normal gripping based on the automated equipment corresponding to PCR plate A.

[0044] It should be noted that existing automated equipment is generally used to grip the outer wall of PCR plate A. Considering that the shape of base 2 is consistent with that of existing PCR plates, the existing automated equipment for PCR plates can generally also grip and move base 2 normally. Furthermore, this invention does not make significant improvements to existing automated equipment; therefore, the automated equipment will not be described in detail.

[0045] In this specification, terms such as "one embodiment," "another embodiment," "embodiment," and "preferred embodiment" refer to specific features, structures, or characteristics described in connection with that embodiment, which are included in at least one embodiment described in the general description of this application. The appearance of the same term in multiple places in the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Furthermore, when a specific feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with any embodiment, the intention is to suggest that implementing such a feature, structure, or characteristic in conjunction with other embodiments also falls within the scope of this utility model.

[0046] Although the present invention has been described herein with reference to several illustrative embodiments, it should be understood that many other modifications and implementations can be devised by those skilled in the art, which will fall within the scope and spirit of the principles disclosed herein. More specifically, various variations and modifications can be made to the components and / or layout of the subject matter combination within the scope of the disclosure, drawings, and claims. Besides variations and modifications to the components and / or layout, other uses will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. A detachable tubing carrier, comprising a reagent tube (101) and a base (2), characterized in that: The reagent tubes (101) are multiple, and the multiple reagent tubes (101) are connected in series to form a connecting tube (1); the base (2) is provided with array holes (3) corresponding to the connecting tube (1), and each array hole (3) is provided with a mounting hole (4) for the corresponding reagent tube (101). The outer wall of the reagent tube (101) is provided with a limiting ring (102), and the inside of the mounting hole (4) is provided with three or more limiting protrusions (5); the limiting protrusions (5) abut against the limiting ring (102) and limit the depth of the reagent tube (101) inserted into the mounting hole (4); There are two or more array holes (3), and an anchoring hole (6) is provided between two adjacent array holes (3). The anchoring hole (6) is used to install a pressure plate screw (7). A support lug (701) is provided on the outside of the pressure plate screw (7). The support lug (701) is used to abut against the limiting ring (102). In this case, the upper surfaces of all the limiting rings (102) on the connecting pipe (1) are on the same horizontal plane.

2. The detachable pipe-connecting carrier according to claim 1, characterized in that: The spacing between two adjacent array holes (3) is the same as the spacing between reagent tubes (101), so that the center of the anchor hole (6) is located at the intersection of the four reagent tubes (101); Among them, there are four lugs (701) on the pressure plate screw (7); each lug (701) abuts against a limiting ring (102), and four reagent tubes (101) are simultaneously restricted by one pressure plate screw (7).

3. The detachable pipe-connecting carrier according to claim 2, characterized in that: The width of the lug (701) is smaller than the spacing between the reagent tubes (101). The pressure plate screw (7) is used to move the lug (701) into the spacing between the reagent tubes (101) so that the lug (701) is disengaged from the limiting ring (102).

4. The detachable pipe-connecting carrier according to claim 1, characterized in that: A connecting bridge (103) is provided between two adjacent reagent tubes (101) on the same connecting tube (1), and multiple reagent tubes (101) are connected in series by the connecting bridge (103). A guide groove (401) adapted to the connecting bridge (103) is provided between two adjacent mounting holes (4) on the same array hole (3), and the connecting bridge (103) is constrained by the guide groove (401).

5. The detachable pipe-connecting carrier according to claim 1, characterized in that: The limiting protrusion (5) is arranged around the center of the mounting hole (4), and the upper end of the limiting protrusion (5) is provided with a ramp (501). The ramp (501) is used to contact the outer wall of the reagent tube (101) and guide the reagent tube (101) to be inserted into the mounting hole (4).

6. The detachable pipe-connecting carrier according to claim 5, characterized in that: The limiting protrusion (5) has a contact surface (502) on the side facing the reagent tube (101), and the contact surface (502) is arc-shaped.

7. The detachable pipe-connecting carrier according to claim 5, characterized in that: The inner wall of the mounting hole (4) is provided with a step (402), the step (402) is located between the limiting protrusions (5), and the upper end of the step (402) has a height difference with the upper end of the limiting protrusion (5); the limiting ring (102) is clearance-fitted with the mounting hole (4), and the step (402) is used to cooperate with the limiting protrusion (5) and simultaneously abut against the limiting ring (102).

8. The detachable pipe-connecting carrier according to claim 1, characterized in that: The base (2) is sized to correspond to the PCR plate, and the spacing between reagent tubes (101) on the same connecting tube (1) is the sampling distance, which is used to correspond to the sample well spacing on the PCR plate; the length of the connecting tube (1) is the same as the length of the sample wells in the same row on the PCR plate, and the number of connecting tubes (1) installed on the same base (2) is used to correspond to the number of rows of sample wells on the PCR plate.

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