A shaking incubation device suitable for in vitro testing equipment

Abstract

This utility model discloses an oscillation incubation device suitable for in vitro diagnostic equipment, belonging to the field of in vitro diagnostic equipment technology. It includes an incubation component, which is fixed to a substrate by several shock-absorbing rubber pillars. A drive component is fixed on the substrate, and the drive shaft of the drive component is connected to the incubation component via a connecting component. The rotation center line of the incubation component is eccentrically set relative to the rotation center line of the drive shaft. During eccentric rotation, the incubation component oscillates up and down under the constraint of the shock-absorbing rubber pillars. This significantly increases the vibration amplitude, allowing the magnetic beads inside the cup to be fully mixed in a short time, greatly improving the mixing effect and thus enhancing the detection efficiency and accuracy of the in vitro diagnostic equipment.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of in vitro diagnostic equipment technology, specifically to the field of oscillation incubation. Background Technology

[0002] In the medical field, thorough mixing of reagents is an essential step to ensure sufficient reaction between them, and subsequent incubation is also a crucial process. Therefore, devices combining shaking and incubation have been developed to mix reagents and then incubate them at a controlled temperature. However, existing shaking incubation devices often suffer from drawbacks such as small shaking amplitude and insufficient mixing. Insufficient mixing can negatively impact experimental results.

[0003] Chinese Patent Publication No. CN212524115U, Publication Date: February 12, 2021, discloses a Chinese patent entitled "An Oscillating Mechanism for Mixing Reactions in a Reaction Cup." The mechanism includes a reaction cup turntable, a rotating structure, and an oscillating structure. The turntable has several placement holes for the reaction cups. The rotating structure drives the turntable to rotate. The oscillating structure includes a first motor and an eccentric wheel. The eccentric wheel is mounted on the output shaft of the first motor, and after the first motor starts, the eccentric wheel can touch the lower side of the reaction cup. This oscillating mechanism only uses the impact force generated by the eccentric motion to vibrate and rotate the reaction cup, resulting in a small oscillation amplitude and potentially causing insufficient mixing of the reaction cup. Utility Model Content

[0004] This invention provides a vibration incubation device suitable for in vitro testing equipment. By setting a shock-absorbing rubber column, the reaction cup will swing up and down to a certain extent under the influence of force during eccentric rotation, increasing the vibration amplitude and improving the mixing effect.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: an oscillation incubation device suitable for in vitro testing equipment, comprising an incubation component, the incubation component being fixed to a substrate by a plurality of shock-absorbing rubber pillars, a drive component being fixed on the substrate, and the drive shaft of the drive component being connected to the incubation component through a connecting component; the rotation center line of the incubation component is eccentrically set relative to the rotation center line of the drive shaft, and the incubation component swings up and down under the restriction of the shock-absorbing rubber pillars when it rotates eccentrically.

[0006] Preferably, the drive shaft of the drive assembly and the upper connecting shaft are eccentrically connected, and the drive shaft and the connecting shaft are fixedly connected by ejector pins. A through hole is provided at the center of the substrate, and the drive assembly is disposed on the lower surface of the substrate. The drive shaft passes through the through hole and connects to the upper connecting shaft. The drive assembly is preferably a stepper motor. The eccentric connection method can effectively realize the eccentric rotational movement of the incubation assembly, providing a power basis for the up-and-down swing of the reaction cup, thereby increasing the vibration amplitude and improving the mixing effect.

[0007] Preferably, the incubation assembly includes an incubation fixing plate, and the incubation fixing plate and the substrate are connected by a plurality of shock-absorbing adhesive pillars. The plurality of shock-absorbing adhesive pillars are evenly arranged, preferably four pillars, respectively located at the four corners of the lower surface of the incubation fixing plate. The shock-absorbing adhesive pillars are elastic. The elastic properties of the shock-absorbing adhesive pillars allow the reaction vessel to swing up and down during eccentric rotation, increasing the vibration amplitude, thereby better achieving the mixing of magnetic beads and improving the accuracy of detection.

[0008] Preferably, a bearing seat is provided at the bottom center of the incubation fixing plate, and a bearing is connected to the bearing seat. The top end of the connecting shaft does not extend beyond the incubation fixing plate. The bearing seat and bearing can effectively reduce the frictional resistance between the connecting shaft and the incubation fixing plate, making the rotation of the incubation component smoother and improving the operating efficiency and stability of the device.

[0009] Preferably, the bearing and the connecting shaft are connected, and the connecting shaft is a stepped shaft, with the bearing located on the lower step at the top of the connecting shaft. This ensures a tight fit between the bearing and the connecting shaft, improving the stability and reliability of the connection.

[0010] Preferably, a zero-position plate is provided on one side of the connecting shaft, located on the side of the inductive switch, which is fixed to the base plate. The inductive switch is fixed to one side of the base plate. This, in conjunction with the zero-position plate on the connecting shaft, ensures that the initial position of the device rotation is always consistent. This helps improve the automation level and operating accuracy of the device, and avoids differences in mixing effect caused by inconsistent initial positions.

[0011] Preferably, the shock-absorbing rubber column is made of rubber, and the incubation assembly includes an incubation cover fixed to the incubation fixing plate. Because the shock-absorbing rubber column is made of rubber, it swings along with the incubation fixing plate during eccentric motion, limiting its rotation amplitude. Furthermore, due to its elasticity, it will oscillate up and down under the influence of force during eccentric rotation, thus improving the mixing effect. The incubation cover provides a relatively enclosed environment for the reaction vessel, reducing external interference and further optimizing the detection conditions.

[0012] Preferably, the inner wall of the incubation enclosure is provided with a first slot and a second slot from top to bottom, and a reaction cup support plate is fixedly mounted on the first slot. The reaction cup is placed on the reaction support plate, with its bottom end resting on a uniform heating plate. This ensures stable placement and fixation of the reaction cup, preventing it from shifting or tipping over during oscillation.

[0013] Preferably, a uniform heating plate is fixedly mounted on the second slot, and a cavity is provided between the reaction cup support plate and the uniform heating plate. The cavity reduces the weight of the incubation assembly, lowers the energy required during oscillation, and improves the stability of the oscillation. The cavity design also helps reduce heat transfer and loss within the incubation assembly, further optimizing the heating effect. Preferably, a heating element is provided below the uniform heating plate, and several holes are opened on both the uniform heating plate and the reaction cup support plate for placing the reaction cup, with each hole corresponding to the previous one. The heating element continuously provides heat to the uniform heating plate, and together with a temperature sensor and a temperature protection switch, the temperature is consistently controlled at 37°C, achieving a suitable incubation environment. This helps improve the automation and intelligence level of the device, reduces human error, and improves the reliability and repeatability of the test results.

[0014] Beneficial effects: By incorporating shock-absorbing rubber columns, this invention allows the reaction vessel to oscillate up and down during eccentric rotation, significantly increasing the vibration amplitude. This enables the magnetic beads inside the vessel to mix thoroughly in a short time, greatly improving the mixing effect and thus enhancing the detection efficiency and accuracy of in vitro diagnostic equipment. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of this utility model.

[0016] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of the present invention without the incubation components.

[0017] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of the incubation component of this utility model.

[0018] Reference numerals: 1: Incubation assembly; 1.1: Incubation fixing plate; 1.2: Incubation outer cover; 1.3: Reaction cup support plate; 1.4: Uniform heating plate; 1.5: Cavity; 1.6: Heating element; 2: Drive assembly; 3: Drive shaft; 4: Bearing seat; 5: Base plate; 5.1: Through hole; 6: Shock-absorbing rubber column; 7: Fixing column; 8: Inductive switch; 9: Bearing; 10: Connecting shaft; 11: Zero position plate. Detailed Implementation

[0019] The oscillation incubation device for in vitro testing equipment provided by this utility model combines the eccentric transmission of the drive component 2 with the elastic support of the shock-absorbing rubber column 6, so that the reaction cup swings up and down during the eccentric rotation, thereby increasing the vibration amplitude and improving the mixing effect, and providing a reliable guarantee for the full mixing of the reaction solution in in vitro testing.

[0020] exist Figure 1In the illustrated embodiment, the oscillating incubation device uses a substrate 5 as a mounting platform. Several damping adhesive columns 6 support the incubation component 1 above the substrate 5, while a drive component 2 is fixed below. Power transmission is achieved through a connecting assembly. The incubation component 1 is fixed to the substrate 5 by the damping adhesive columns 6, which are evenly distributed between the incubation component 1 and the substrate 5, forming an elastic support structure. The drive shaft 3 of the drive component 2 is connected to the incubation component 1 through the connecting assembly, and the rotation center line of the incubation component 1 is eccentrically set relative to the rotation center line of the drive shaft 3. This eccentric design is the core of the oscillation generation: when the drive shaft 3 rotates, it drives the incubation component 1 to rotate eccentrically around an axis offset from its own center. The elastic properties of the damping adhesive columns 6 allow the incubation component 1 to oscillate up and down during the eccentric rotation, avoiding the vibration restriction caused by rigid connections. This increases the vibration amplitude of the liquid in the reaction vessel, allowing for more thorough mixing of the detected components such as magnetic beads.

[0021] exist Figure 1 and Figure 2 In the preferred embodiment shown, the structural design of the drive component 2 ensures stable output of eccentric rotation. The drive component 2 is preferably a stepper motor, with its drive shaft 3 and the upper connecting shaft 10 connected eccentrically. The two are fixedly connected by a pin, ensuring reliable power transmission and precisely maintaining the eccentric distance. A through hole 5.1 is provided at the center of the substrate 5. The drive shaft 3 passes through the through hole 5.1 from the lower surface of the substrate 5 and connects to the connecting shaft 10. Several fixing posts 7 are fixedly connected to the lower surface of the substrate 5, evenly distributed. In this embodiment, four fixing posts 7 are preferably provided, respectively located at the four corners of the lower surface of the substrate 5. This layout allows the drive component 2 to be hidden below the substrate 5, saving vertical space and making the connection between the connecting shaft 10 and the incubation component 1 more direct. The selection of a stepper motor facilitates the adjustment of the rotation frequency of the incubation component 1 by controlling the rotation speed, adapting to the oscillation intensity requirements of different detection items. The higher the rotation speed, the more drastic the change in centrifugal force generated by the eccentric rotation. Combined with the elasticity of the damping rubber column 6, the up-and-down swing amplitude of the reaction cup is greater, resulting in a more significant mixing effect.

[0022] exist Figure 1 and Figure 2In the preferred embodiment shown, the structure of the incubation component 1 provides a stable foundation for the reaction cups to support and vibrate. The incubation component 1 includes an incubation fixing plate 1.1, on which the reaction cups can be placed and move synchronously with the incubation component 1. The incubation fixing plate 1.1 is connected to the substrate 5 by a number of damping rubber pillars 6, preferably four damping rubber pillars 6, which are respectively installed at the four corners of the lower surface of the incubation fixing plate 1.1. This symmetrical arrangement at the four corners ensures that the incubation fixing plate 1.1 is subjected to balanced forces, and will not tilt due to excessive force on one side during eccentric rotation, ensuring that the vibration amplitude of each reaction cup is consistent. The damping rubber pillars 6 are made of elastic material and have a certain compressive and tensile deformation capacity: when the incubation fixing plate 1.1 rotates eccentrically, the damping rubber pillars 6 at different positions will alternately bear tensile and compressive forces due to changes in centrifugal force, thereby causing the incubation fixing plate 1.1 to produce a slight up-and-down oscillation. This oscillation, superimposed on the rotational motion, causes the liquid in the reaction vessel to both move in a circular motion and bounce up and down, significantly increasing the contact frequency and collision intensity between the magnetic beads and the reaction liquid, effectively preventing the magnetic beads from settling and improving the uniformity of mixing.

[0023] exist Figure 2 In the preferred embodiment shown, the fit design between the incubation fixing plate 1.1 and the connecting shaft 10 reduces motion resistance and improves operational stability. A bearing seat 4 is located at the bottom center of the incubation fixing plate 1.1, and a bearing 9 is installed inside the bearing seat 4. The bearing 9 connects to the top of the connecting shaft 10, forming a flexible rotational support. The connecting shaft 10 is designed as a stepped shaft, and the bearing 9 is fitted onto the lower step of the top of the connecting shaft 10. This structure ensures a tight fit between the bearing 9 and the connecting shaft 10, preventing radial wobble and allowing for low-friction relative rotation between the connecting shaft 10 and the incubation fixing plate 1.1. When the drive shaft 3 drives the incubation component 1 to rotate via the connecting shaft 10, the presence of the bearing 9 converts the sliding friction between the connecting shaft 10 and the incubation fixing plate 1.1 into rolling friction, significantly reducing frictional resistance, making eccentric rotation smoother, and reducing energy loss and component wear caused by friction. Simultaneously, the top of the connecting shaft 10 does not extend beyond the incubation fixing plate 1.1, avoiding interference with the placement of the incubation component 1 and ensuring a compact device structure.

[0024] In actual operation, the oscillation mixing mechanism of this device is clear and efficient. After starting the drive component 2, the drive shaft 3 of the stepper motor rotates, driving the incubation component 1 to rotate eccentrically through the eccentrically connected connecting shaft 10. Due to the deviation between the rotation center of the incubation component 1 and its own center, a periodically changing centrifugal force is generated during rotation, causing the four corner damping rubber columns 6 to undergo alternating elastic deformation. When one side of the incubation fixing plate 1.1 swings outward due to centrifugal force, the corresponding corner damping rubber column 6 is stretched, and the opposite corner damping rubber column 6 is compressed, causing the incubation fixing plate 1.1 to tilt to that side and rise slightly. As the rotation angle changes, the direction of centrifugal force changes, and the damping rubber column 6 on the other side of the incubation fixing plate 1.1 is deformed by force, causing the fixing plate to tilt to the other side and fall slightly. This periodic up-and-down oscillation and rotational motion superimposed creates complex vortices and convections in the liquid inside the reaction vessel, and the magnetic beads are constantly stirred and collided in the liquid, achieving thorough mixing. Compared with traditional incubation devices that rely solely on rotation, the advantages of this invention are particularly obvious. In traditional apparatus, the reaction vessel only undergoes circular motion, causing magnetic beads to adhere to the wall due to centrifugal force, resulting in insufficient mixing. This apparatus, however, utilizes the elastic support of the shock-absorbing rubber column 6 to allow the reaction vessel to oscillate up and down while rotating. This disrupts the tendency of the magnetic beads to adhere to the wall, ensuring they are evenly dispersed in the reaction solution, thus improving reaction efficiency and detection accuracy. Furthermore, the elasticity of the shock-absorbing rubber column 6 buffers the vibrations generated by rotation, reducing noise during operation and interference with other components, thereby extending the equipment's lifespan.

[0025] The parameters of the device can be flexibly adjusted according to the detection requirements. By changing the speed of the stepper motor, the rotation frequency of the incubation component 1 can be adjusted, thereby changing the amplitude and frequency of the up-and-down oscillation: for reactions requiring vigorous mixing, the speed can be increased to enhance oscillation; for sensitive reagents, the speed can be decreased to reduce impact. The elastic coefficient of the shock-absorbing rubber column 6 can also be selected according to actual needs to ensure that a suitable oscillation amplitude can be generated under different loads, adapting to the use of reaction cups of various sizes.

[0026] exist Figure 2 In the preferred embodiment shown, a zero-position plate 11 is provided on one side of the connecting shaft 10. The zero-position plate 11 has a sheet-like structure and is located on one side of the inductive switch 8, which is fixed to one side of the substrate 5. When the driving assembly 2 drives the connecting shaft 10 to rotate, the zero-position plate 11 triggers the inductive switch 8 to send a signal. After this signal is transmitted to the equipment control system, it can be used as a reference for the initial position of the device rotation. Regardless of the angle at which the device was last stopped, when it is restarted, the control system will adjust the driving assembly 2 according to the signal from the inductive switch 8, so that the incubation assembly 1 returns to the preset initial position. This design ensures that the starting state of each oscillation incubation is consistent, avoiding differences in the vibration trajectory of the reaction cups due to different initial positions, thereby preventing deviations in the mixing effect. Especially in batch testing, it can effectively ensure the consistency of the processing conditions of each reaction cup and improve the repeatability of the test results.

[0027] exist Figure 1 and Figure 2 In the preferred embodiment shown, the shock-absorbing rubber column 6 is made of rubber, a material that combines elasticity and toughness, which is key to achieving the up-and-down swing of the reaction cup. When the incubation fixing plate 1.1 rotates eccentrically, the rubber shock-absorbing rubber column 6 undergoes elastic deformation with the change of centrifugal force: the column on the force-bearing side is compressed, while the column on the opposite side is stretched, causing the incubation assembly 1 to tilt and swing slightly up and down; at the same time, the damping characteristics of rubber limit the swing amplitude, preventing excessive shaking that could cause the reaction cup to tip over. This characteristic of "allowing swing but not exceeding limits" increases the vibration amplitude of the reaction cup, ensuring thorough mixing of the magnetic beads and the reaction liquid, while also guaranteeing the stability of the oscillation process. The incubation assembly 1 also includes an incubation cover 1.2 fixed to the incubation fixing plate 1.1. The cover encloses the reaction cup, forming a relatively enclosed space, which can block external airflow and dust from interfering with the reaction system, and reduce collisions between the reaction cup and the outside environment during oscillation, providing a stable environment for the incubation process.

[0028] exist Figure 3 In the preferred embodiment shown, the inner wall of the incubation cover 1.2 is provided with a first slot and a second slot from top to bottom. The first slot is used to fix the reaction cup support plate 1.3, and the second slot is used to fix the uniform heating plate 1.4. The reaction cup is placed in the hole of the reaction cup support plate 1.3, with its bottom end passing through the hole and resting on the uniform heating plate 1.4. This double-layer support structure ensures that the reaction cup will not shift or tip over during oscillation: the support plate restricts the lateral swaying of the reaction cup from the top, and the uniform heating plate 1.4 provides support from the bottom, so that the reaction cup can maintain a stable posture even during violent oscillation. A cavity 1.5 is provided between the reaction cup support plate 1.3 and the uniform heating plate 1.4. This cavity 1.5 reduces the overall weight of the incubation component 1, thereby reducing the energy required by the drive component 2 to drive its oscillation, reducing equipment energy consumption, and reducing the effect of inertia, making the oscillation more stable. On the other hand, the cavity 1.5 reduces the direct contact area between the reaction cup support plate 1.3 and the uniform heating plate 1.4, reducing the speed of heat transfer from the uniform heating plate 1.4 to the support plate, which helps to reduce heat loss and maintain the temperature stability of the uniform heating plate 1.4.

[0029] exist Figure 3In the preferred embodiment shown, a heating element 1.6 is provided below the uniform heating plate 1.4. The heating element 1.6 is in close contact with the bottom surface of the uniform heating plate 1.4, enabling uniform heat transfer to the entire plate. The uniform heating plate 1.4 and the reaction vessel support plate 1.3 have several corresponding holes. The bottom end of the reaction vessel passes through the holes and contacts the uniform heating plate 1.4, allowing heat to be directly transferred to the reaction liquid inside the reaction vessel. The heating element 1.6 is controlled by the equipment control system. In conjunction with the temperature sensor and temperature protection switch on the uniform heating plate 1.4, the incubation temperature can be stably controlled at 37°C, which is the suitable temperature for most in vitro detection reactions. The temperature sensor monitors the temperature of the uniform heating plate 1.4 in real time. When the temperature is below 37°C, the control system activates the heating element 1.6; when the temperature approaches or exceeds 37°C, the heating element 1.6 stops working; if abnormally high temperatures occur, the temperature protection switch automatically cuts off the heating circuit to prevent excessive temperature from damaging the reaction system. This intelligent temperature control design reduces errors from manual adjustment, ensures the reaction always proceeds at the optimal temperature, and improves the reliability of the detection results.

[0030] In actual operation, the synergistic effect of each system demonstrates a highly efficient oscillation incubation effect. After the device is started, the drive component 2 drives the connecting shaft 10 to rotate, and the zero-position plate 11 rotates with the connecting shaft 10. The induction switch 8 determines the initial position through the signal of the zero-position plate 11, ensuring that the incubation component 1 starts to oscillate from the same angle. The rubber shock-absorbing column 6 undergoes elastic deformation under the centrifugal force of the eccentric rotation, causing the incubation fixing plate 1.1 and the incubation outer cover 1.2 above it to swing up and down. The reaction cup rotates outward and bounces up and down, and the magnetic beads inside the cup are fully mixed in the complex motion. The incubation outer cover 1.2 forms a closed space to reduce external interference. The cavity 1.5 is designed to reduce weight and optimize heat preservation. The heating plate 1.6 provides a stable temperature of 37°C to the reaction cup through the uniform heating plate 1.4, and works with the temperature control component to maintain a constant reaction environment.

[0031] This invention constructs a highly efficient and stable oscillation incubation system through the positioning cooperation between the zero-position plate 11 and the inductive switch 8, the elastic oscillation of the rubber shock-absorbing column 6, the closed protection of the incubation cover 1.2, and the precise temperature control of the heating component. These designs not only significantly increase the vibration amplitude of the reaction vessel and improve the mixing effect of the magnetic beads, but also ensure operational accuracy and the stability of the incubation environment, providing a reliable reaction processing module for in vitro detection equipment and effectively improving detection efficiency and result accuracy.

Claims

1. A shaking incubation device suitable for in vitro testing equipment, characterized in that, It includes an incubation component, which is fixed to the substrate by several shock-absorbing adhesive pillars. A drive component is fixed on the substrate, and the drive shaft of the drive component is connected to the incubation component through a connecting component. The rotation center line of the incubation component is set eccentrically relative to the rotation center line of the drive shaft. When the incubation component rotates eccentrically, it swings up and down under the constraint of the shock-absorbing rubber column.

2. The shaking incubation device suitable for in vitro testing equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The drive shaft of the drive assembly is eccentrically connected to the connecting shaft above it, and the drive shaft and the connecting shaft are fixedly connected by a pin.

3. The oscillation incubation device suitable for in vitro testing equipment according to claim 2, characterized in that, The incubation assembly includes an incubation fixing plate, and the incubation fixing plate and the substrate are connected by several shock-absorbing adhesive pillars.

4. The oscillation incubation device suitable for in vitro testing equipment according to claim 3, characterized in that, The incubation fixing plate has a bearing seat at the bottom center, and the bearing seat is connected to a bearing.

5. The oscillation incubation device suitable for in vitro testing equipment according to claim 4, characterized in that, The bearing is connected to the connecting shaft, which is a stepped shaft, and the bearing is located on the lower step at the top of the connecting shaft.

6. A shaking incubation device suitable for in vitro testing equipment according to claim 2 or 5, characterized in that, A zero-position plate is provided on one side of the connecting shaft. The zero-position plate is located on the side of the inductive switch, and the inductive switch is fixed on the base plate.

7. A shaking incubation device suitable for in vitro testing equipment according to claim 1 or 3, characterized in that, The shock-absorbing rubber column is made of rubber, and the incubation assembly includes an incubation cover, which is fixed to the incubation fixing plate.

8. The shaking incubation device suitable for in vitro testing equipment according to claim 7, characterized in that, The inner wall of the incubation cover is provided with a first slot and a second slot from top to bottom, and a reaction cup support plate is fixed on the first slot.

9. The oscillation incubation device suitable for in vitro testing equipment according to claim 8, characterized in that, A uniform heating plate is fixedly installed on the second slot, and a cavity is provided between the reaction cup support plate and the uniform heating plate.

10. A shaking incubation device suitable for in vitro testing equipment according to claim 9, characterized in that, A heating element is located below the uniform heating plate. Several holes are opened on the uniform heating plate and the reaction cup support plate for placing the reaction cup. The holes on both correspond one-to-one.

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