A gel imaging analyzer

Abstract

The present application relates to a kind of gel imaging analyzers, including instrument body and drawer sample placement box arranged thereon, the inner wall of dark box top is equipped with CCD camera, and is provided with pitch fine adjustment mechanism, the transmission structure of the mechanism is formed by mounting table, fine adjustment motor, fine adjustment shaft and mounting piece, CCD camera can be driven to pitch angle fine adjustment, so that its optical axis always keeps vertical with sample surface, the heat dissipation fin of detachable split is covered in the shell of CCD camera, and the silent fan controlled by temperature control switch is arranged at side access opening, when detecting that sample surface is not flat, system automatically adjusts camera angle, when the temperature in dark box exceeds set value, fan automatically starts heat dissipation;The gel imaging analyzer effectively solves the imaging distortion caused by sample inclination and the image quality problem caused by camera long-time work overheating, improves the imaging stability and reliability of equipment.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of gel imaging analysis instrument technology, and in particular to a gel imaging analyzer. Background Technology

[0002] Gel imaging analyzers are common equipment in molecular biology laboratories, primarily used for capturing and analyzing images of DNA, RNA, or protein gels after electrophoresis. Traditional gel imaging systems typically consist of a dark chamber, sample stage, camera module, and illumination system. During use, the operator places the gel sample into the sample stage inside the dark chamber, closes the door, and takes an image through the camera above.

[0003] In existing devices of this type, the camera is usually mounted at a fixed angle on top of the dark chamber. However, in actual use, due to the placement deviation of the gel tray or the uneven thickness of the gel itself, the sample surface is easily not parallel to the camera's focal plane. Even a slight tilt can cause the image edges to be blurred or distorted, affecting the accuracy of subsequent analysis. In addition, the camera generates a lot of heat when working for a long time. Excessive temperature will increase image noise and reduce the signal-to-noise ratio. Utility Model Content

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to address the shortcomings of existing gel imaging analyzers, where the sample surface is not parallel to the camera focal plane due to deviations in gel tray placement or uneven gel thickness. Even slight tilting can cause blurred or distorted image edges, affecting the accuracy of subsequent analysis. Therefore, this invention proposes a gel imaging analyzer.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: A gel imaging analyzer includes an instrument body for imaging gels, the instrument body having a drawer-type sample placement box for supporting a gel holder, and a CCD camera for taking pictures of the gels on the inner wall of the top of the dark box of the instrument body, the lens of the CCD camera being vertically downward and facing the gel placed on the drawer-type sample placement box. A pitch fine-tuning mechanism is provided, located on the inner wall of the top of the dark box of the instrument body, to adjust the pitch angle of the CCD camera to ensure that its optical axis is always perpendicular to the leveled sample surface.

[0006] Furthermore, the pitch fine-tuning mechanism includes a mounting plate fixed to the inner wall of the top of the dark box of the instrument body. A fine-tuning motor is fixed to the bottom of the mounting plate. A fine-tuning shaft, which is rotatably mounted on the bottom of the mounting plate, is coaxially fixed to the end of the output shaft of the fine-tuning motor. A mounting component is fixed to the bottom of the fine-tuning shaft. The mounting component is fixed to the top of the CCD camera by bolts.

[0007] Furthermore, the outer side of the CCD camera is detachably and tightly fitted with heat dissipation fins for improving heat dissipation during continuous operation of the CCD camera. The heat dissipation fins are arranged in two semi-circular sections for easy disassembly and installation.

[0008] Furthermore, an inspection port is provided on the outer side of the instrument body to facilitate the inspection and maintenance of the internal components of the instrument body. An inspection cover is detachably fixed to the inspection port. A silent fan is fixed to the inner side of the inspection cover by bolts, which uses airflow to remove heat from the heat dissipation fins during non-imaging periods. A temperature control switch for monitoring the internal temperature of the dark box of the instrument body is fixed to the inner side of the inspection cover and is electrically connected to the silent fan.

[0009] Furthermore, an installation frame for positioning and installation is fixed at the inspection port, and the installation frame and the inspection cover are detachably connected by hexagon socket head cap screws.

[0010] Furthermore, a connecting plate is fixedly provided at the bottom of the mounting platform, and a bearing with an inner ring welded to the fine-tuning shaft is fixedly provided on the connecting plate.

[0011] In this utility model, the gel imaging analyzer has an added pitch fine-tuning mechanism. The system can automatically compensate for the sample surface tilt caused by the placement deviation of the gel tray or the uneven gel thickness. This function enables the camera lens to always maintain a perpendicular relationship with the sample surface, effectively avoiding image edge blurring or distortion, and improving the imaging quality and the accuracy of measurement data. The heat dissipation fins covering the camera housing increase the heat dissipation area. Combined with the temperature-controlled silent fan, it can dissipate heat in time when the camera temperature rises. The active cooling method significantly reduces the camera temperature during long-term operation, reduces image noise caused by overheating, and improves the image signal-to-noise ratio. The two semi-circular design of the heat dissipation fins makes them easy to disassemble and clean, which is beneficial for long-term maintenance of the equipment. The camera angle adjustment and the operation of the heat dissipation system do not require manual intervention, which simplifies the operation process and reduces the errors that may be caused by human operation. The instrument can maintain more stable performance when working continuously, making it particularly suitable for experimental environments that require batch processing of samples. Attached Figure Description

[0012] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the front view structure of a gel imaging analyzer proposed in this utility model; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the separation state of the inspection cover and the instrument body of a gel imaging analyzer proposed in this utility model; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the instrument body of a gel imaging analyzer proposed in this utility model; Figure 4 This invention proposes a gel imaging analyzer. Figure 3 Enlarged schematic diagram of part A in the middle.

[0013] In the diagram: 1. Instrument body; 2. Drawer-type sample holder; 3. Inspection port; 4. Mounting frame; 5. Inspection cover; 6. Silent fan; 7. Mounting platform; 8. Fine-tuning motor; 9. Fine-tuning shaft; 10. Mounting components; 11. CCD camera; 12. Heat sink fins; 13. Temperature control switch. Detailed Implementation

[0014] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments of the present utility model. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments.

[0015] In one embodiment Reference Figure 1-4 A gel imaging analyzer is described. During operation, the operator can open the drawer-type sample placement box 2 on the front of the instrument body 1 and place the gel sample that has completed electrophoresis, along with its support, into the box. The drawer-type sample placement box 2 is made of ABS engineering plastic, which has sufficient structural strength and corrosion resistance. After the placement box is closed, the dark box structure of the instrument body 1 can effectively isolate external ambient light. The CCD camera 11 located on the inner wall of the top of the dark box then starts to work, and its lens is vertically downward aimed at the sample to take pictures.

[0016] To enable the CCD camera 11 to make fine-tuning adjustments to the angle according to the actual condition of the sample surface, a pitch fine-tuning mechanism is set on the inner wall of the top of the darkroom. The core of this mechanism is a mounting plate 7 fixed to the top wall. The mounting plate 7 is made of aluminum alloy, which ensures strength while reducing weight. A fine-tuning motor 8 is installed at the bottom of the mounting plate 7. The output shaft of the motor is connected to a fine-tuning shaft 9. The fine-tuning shaft 9 is supported on the mounting plate 7 by a deep groove ball bearing, which can rotate smoothly. A mounting component 10 is fixed at the bottom of the fine-tuning shaft 9. The mounting component 10 is made of hard anodized aluminum alloy. The CCD camera 11 is firmly connected to this mounting component 10 by stainless steel bolts.

[0017] The instrument body 1 is equipped with a device that can detect whether the surface of the gel sample placed inside is uneven. When the system detects that there is a slight unevenness on the surface of the gel sample placed in the drawer-type sample placement box 2, it will send a signal to the fine-tuning motor 8. The motor drives the fine-tuning shaft 9 to rotate a small angle, which in turn drives the entire CCD camera 11 to produce a corresponding pitch change through the mounting part 10, ensuring that its optical axis is always perpendicular to the leveled sample surface.

[0018] The CCD camera 11 generates a lot of heat when it works continuously for a long time. A set of heat dissipation fins 12 are tightly attached to the outside of its aluminum alloy shell. The heat dissipation fins 12 are made of 6063 aluminum alloy and have been anodized. They adopt a two-section semi-circular structure and can be wrapped around the camera shell like a clip. This structure not only ensures close contact to facilitate heat conduction, but also makes it easy to disassemble, clean or replace when needed.

[0019] A maintenance port 3 is provided on the side of the instrument body 1. A mounting frame 4 is fixed at the maintenance port 3. The mounting frame 4 is made of galvanized steel plate. A maintenance cover 5 is detachably installed on the mounting frame 4 by hex bolts. A silent fan 6 is installed on the inside of the maintenance cover 5. A temperature control switch 13 is also installed. It is electrically connected to the silent fan 6. When the temperature inside the dark box rises to a preset threshold, the temperature control switch 13 will automatically start the silent fan 6. The airflow generated by the fan blows over the surface of the heat dissipation fins 12 to accelerate heat dissipation. This system is usually started when the camera has completed exposure and is not in the imaging period. It will automatically shut down after the temperature drops.

[0020] Through the cooperation of mechanical structures, adaptive fine-tuning of camera angle and active control of operating temperature are achieved, which helps to improve the stability of imaging quality and the reliability of equipment operation. Other existing components on the instrument body 1 are not described here as they are not involved in the improvement.

[0021] However, as is well known to those skilled in the art, the working principles and wiring methods of the instrument body 1, fine-tuning click 8, silent fan 6, CCD camera 11 and temperature control switch 13 are all conventional methods or common knowledge, and will not be described in detail here. Those skilled in the art can make any selections according to their needs or convenience.

[0022] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present utility model, but the protection scope of the present utility model is not limited thereto. Any equivalent substitutions or changes made by those skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in the present utility model, based on the technical solution and the inventive concept of the present utility model, should be included within the protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A gel imaging analyzer, used in gel imaging analysis operations, characterized in that, The instrument includes an instrument body (1) for imaging gels, and the instrument body (1) is provided with a drawer-type sample placement box (2) for supporting the gel support. The inner wall of the top of the dark box of the instrument body (1) is provided with a CCD camera (11) for taking pictures of the gels. The lens of the CCD camera (11) is vertically downward and facing the gel placed on the drawer-type sample placement box (2). The pitch adjustment mechanism is located on the inner wall of the top of the dark box of the instrument body (1) to adjust the pitch angle of the CCD camera (11) to ensure that its optical axis is always perpendicular to the leveled sample surface.

2. The gel imaging analyzer according to claim 1, characterized in that, The pitch fine-tuning mechanism includes a mounting plate (7) fixed to the inner wall of the top of the dark box of the instrument body (1). A fine-tuning motor (8) is fixed to the bottom of the mounting plate (7). A fine-tuning shaft (9) is rotatably mounted on the bottom of the mounting plate (7) at the end of the output shaft of the fine-tuning motor (8). A mounting component (10) is fixed to the bottom of the fine-tuning shaft (9). The mounting component (10) is fixed to the top of the CCD camera (11) by bolts.

3. The gel imaging analyzer according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outer side of the CCD camera (11) is detachably fitted with heat dissipation fins (12) for improving heat dissipation when the CCD camera (11) is working continuously. The heat dissipation fins (12) are arranged in two semi-circular sections for easy disassembly and installation.

4. The gel imaging analyzer according to claim 3, characterized in that, The instrument body (1) has an inspection port (3) on its outer side for easy inspection and maintenance of the internal components of the instrument body (1). An inspection cover (5) is detachably fixed at the inspection port (3). A silent fan (6) is fixed to the inner side of the inspection cover (5) by bolts, which uses airflow to remove heat from the heat dissipation fins (12) during non-imaging periods. A temperature control switch (13) for monitoring the internal temperature of the dark box of the instrument body (1) is fixed to the inner side of the inspection cover (5) and is electrically connected to the silent fan (6).

5. A gel imaging analyzer according to claim 4, characterized in that, An installation frame (4) for positioning and installation is fixed at the inspection port (3). The installation frame (4) and the inspection cover (5) are detachably connected by hexagonal bolts.

6. A gel imaging analyzer according to claim 2, characterized in that, The bottom of the mounting plate (7) is fixedly provided with a connecting plate, and the connecting plate is fixedly provided with a bearing whose inner ring is welded to the fine-tuning shaft (9).

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