Reagent rack and full-automatic chemiluminescence analyzer

Abstract

This utility model relates to a reagent rack, comprising a reconstitution solution rack and at least one reagent cup rack connected along a first direction; the reconstitution solution rack has at least one reconstitution solution trough between its first and second ends for holding reconstitution solutions, and the first end of the reconstitution solution rack has a handle; the at least one reagent cup rack is used to place reagent cups, and a plurality of reagent cup troughs are provided between its first and second ends; the number of reconstitution solution troughs corresponds to the number of reagent cup racks; the second end of the reconstitution solution rack is detachably connected to the first end of the reagent cup rack. It also relates to a fully automated chemiluminescence analyzer, including the above-mentioned reagent rack, and further comprising: a mounting plate, horizontally fixed inside the instrument; and a reagent rack bracket for accommodating the reagent rack, which is horizontally and slidably mounted on the mounting plate along the first direction. This reagent rack, when installed on a fully automated chemiluminescence analyzer, offers high space utilization, low maintenance costs, and high flexibility.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of reagent racks, and more specifically, to a reagent rack and a fully automated chemiluminescence analyzer. Background Technology

[0002] In medical testing instruments, fully automated chemiluminescence analyzers, with their advantages of high automation, fast detection speed, and high sensitivity, have become indispensable equipment in clinical diagnosis and scientific research. Reagent racks are a crucial component of fully automated chemiluminescence analyzers, and their structure and function directly affect the overall performance and detection efficiency of the instrument. However, existing reagent racks used in fully automated chemiluminescence analyzers have the following drawbacks: Firstly, the space utilization rate is low. In existing fully automated chemiluminescence analyzers, reagent racks mostly adopt a row-column or ring layout, which is not compact enough and increases the overall volume of the reagent rack. Secondly, the maintenance cost is high. The reagent rack module structure in existing fully automated chemiluminescence analyzers is not easy to clean and maintain, and it is easy to accumulate dust and residual reagents, which may contaminate the reagents and affect the accuracy of the test.

[0003] Finally, there is a lack of flexibility. Most existing fully automated chemiluminescence analyzers adopt a fixed integrated model, with different reagent combinations for different detection items. However, the existing design makes it difficult to disassemble and reassemble the reagent rack modules, which limits the flexibility of multi-item detection. Utility Model Content

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a reagent rack to solve the problems mentioned in the background art.

[0005] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the present invention adopts the following technical solution.

[0006] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a reagent rack, comprising: a solution rack and at least one reagent cup rack connected along a first direction.

[0007] The reconstitution rack has a first end and a second end, and at least one reconstitution tank is provided between the first end and the second end. The reconstitution tank is used to hold the reconstitution solution, and the first end of the reconstitution rack is provided with a handle. At least one of the reagent cup holders is used to place reagent cups, and has a first end and a second end, with a plurality of reagent cup slots provided between the first end and the second end; The number of reconstitution solution tanks corresponds to the number of reagent cup racks; The second end of the reconstitution rack is detachably connected to the first end of the reagent cup rack.

[0008] In some embodiments of this application, the second end of the reconstitution rack and the first end of the reagent cup rack are respectively provided with corresponding reconstitution rack slots and hooks, which are laterally engaged; if there are multiple reagent cup racks, the multiple reagent cup racks are connected sequentially along the first direction, and the second end of one of every two adjacent reagent cup racks and the first end of the other are also respectively provided with corresponding reagent cup rack slots and hooks, which are laterally engaged.

[0009] In some embodiments of this application, the top of the reconstitution tank is open, and the open portion is provided with a sealing structure for isolating the reconstitution solution from the outside environment.

[0010] In some embodiments of this application, the bottom of the reconstitution tank is provided with an inclined surface that slopes to one side.

[0011] In some embodiments of this application, the handle surface is provided with anti-slip texture.

[0012] In some embodiments of this application, the reagent cup holder slots are multiple, and the uppermost reagent cup holder slot is provided with a guide rail extending along the length direction of the reagent cup holder slot.

[0013] In some embodiments of this application, a limiting ring is provided at the top opening of the reagent cup slot, and the inner periphery of the limiting ring extends towards the central axis to form a constraint flange. When the reagent cup is inserted into the reagent cup slot, the constraint flange forms a detachable interference fit with the outer wall of the reagent cup.

[0014] In some embodiments of this application, the reagent cup contains dry microspheres or liquid reagents.

[0015] Secondly, this utility model provides a fully automated chemiluminescence analyzer, including the reagent rack described in any of the above embodiments, and further comprising; The mounting plate is horizontally fixed inside the fully automated chemiluminescence analyzer. A reagent rack holder for accommodating the reagent rack is horizontally slidable on the mounting plate along a first direction.

[0016] In some embodiments of this application, a limiting block is provided on the side wall of the first end of the reconstitution rack of the reagent rack; the reagent rack bracket includes one or more mounting slots arranged in parallel along a second direction, the second direction being perpendicular to the first direction, each mounting slot being used to accommodate one of the reagent racks; a V-shaped spring is provided on the inner side wall of each mounting slot, one end of the V-shaped spring abutting against the limiting block, and the other end being fixed to the inner side wall of the mounting slot.

[0017] As can be seen from the above technical solution, the embodiments of this utility model have at least the following advantages and positive effects: 1. High space utilization: The reagent racks are compactly arranged after being snapped together, resulting in a small overall volume; the rectangular design of the reagent racks supports rapid expansion with multiple modules, improving space utilization.

[0018] 2. Low maintenance cost: The snap-fit ​​design of the reagent rack allows for tool-free disassembly and assembly, and the reagent rack can be removed separately for easy rinsing, reducing the maintenance cost of the reagent rack.

[0019] High flexibility: Multiple rectangular reagent racks can be spliced ​​vertically to flexibly adapt to different reagent quantity requirements; reagent rack modules for different testing items can be quickly replaced by snap-fit ​​without disassembling the entire instrument. Attached Figure Description

[0020] The various objectives, features, and advantages of this invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The drawings are merely illustrative illustrations of the invention and are not necessarily drawn to scale. In the drawings, the same reference numerals always denote the same or similar parts. Wherein: Figure 1 This is a 3D view of the reagent rack.

[0021] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Enlarged view at point A Figure 3 This is a 3D diagram of the reconstituted solution rack.

[0022] Figure 4 This is a front view of the second end of the reconstitution rack.

[0023] Figure 5 This is a 3D diagram of a reagent cup holder.

[0024] Figure 6 This is a front view of the second end of the reagent cup holder.

[0025] Figure 7 This is a 3D view of the reagent rack installed on the reagent rack holder.

[0026] Figure 8 It is a 3D view of multiple reagent racks with hidden reagent rack holders.

[0027] Figure 9 yes Figure 8 Enlarged view at point B.

[0028] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the reagent rack holder on the reagent rack holder mounting plate.

[0029] The annotations in the attached figures are explained as follows: 1. Refill solution rack; 11. Refill solution tank; 111. Limiting block; 112. Sealing structure; 12. Handle; 121. Anti-slip texture; 13. Refill solution rack slot; 2. Reagent cup holder; 21. Reagent cup slot; 211. Limiting ring; 211a. Constraint flange; 22. Hook; 23. Reagent cup holder slot; 231. Guide rail; 24. Groove; 3. Reagent cup; 4. Reagent rack bracket; 41. Mounting slot; 42. V-shaped spring; 5. Installation disk. Detailed Implementation

[0030] Although the present invention can be readily embodied in various forms, only some specific embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings and will be described in detail in this specification. It is understood that this specification should be regarded as an exemplary illustration of the principles of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention to what is described herein.

[0031] Therefore, a feature pointed out in this specification is used to describe one feature of one embodiment of the present invention, and does not imply that every embodiment of the present invention must have the described feature. Furthermore, it should be noted that this specification describes many features. Although certain features may be combined to illustrate possible system designs, these features may also be used in other combinations not explicitly stated. Therefore, unless otherwise stated, the described combinations are not intended to be limiting.

[0032] In the embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings, the directional indications (such as up, down, left, right, front, and back) used to explain the structure and movement of the various elements of this invention are relative rather than absolute. These descriptions are appropriate when these elements are in the positions shown in the drawings. If the descriptions of the positions of these elements change, these directional indications also change accordingly.

[0033] Example 1 Please see Figure 1 , Figure 3 , Figure 5 The reagent rack provided in one embodiment of this utility model.

[0034] This utility model provides a reagent rack, including: a solution rack 1 and at least one reagent cup rack 2 connected along a first direction.

[0035] The reconstitution rack 1 has a first end and a second end, and at least one reconstitution tank 11 is provided between the first end and the second end. The reconstitution tank 11 is used to hold the reconstitution solution. The first end of the reconstitution rack 1 is provided with a handle 12.

[0036] At least one of the reagent cup holders 2 is used to place reagent cups 3, and has a first end and a second end, with a plurality of reagent cup slots 21 provided between the first end and the second end.

[0037] The number of reconstitution tanks 11 corresponds to the number of reagent cup holders 2.

[0038] The second end of the reconstitution rack 1 is detachably connected to the first end of the reagent cup rack 2.

[0039] This utility model's reagent racks are compactly arranged after snapping together, resulting in a small overall size. The rectangular design of the reagent racks supports rapid expansion with multiple modules, improving space utilization. The snap-fit ​​design of the reagent racks enables tool-free disassembly and assembly, allowing individual racks to be removed for easy rinsing, reducing maintenance costs. Multiple rectangular reagent racks can be longitudinally spliced ​​to flexibly adapt to different reagent quantity requirements, supporting individual switching of reagent racks for different testing items. Reagent rack modules for different testing items can be quickly replaced via snap-fit ​​without the need for complete instrument disassembly, offering high flexibility.

[0040] Preferably, there are two reconstitution tanks 11 and two reagent cup racks 2. The dual-tank, dual-rack design features simple operating logic, a user-friendly interface, compatibility with the reagent compartments of most instruments, and can be directly matched with existing equipment. Preferably, the number of reagent cup slots 21 is 10. Each reagent cup holder 2 is equipped with 10 reagent cup slots 21, which can seamlessly adapt to the detection throughput requirements of a standard 96-well plate (8x12 arrangement) and facilitate matching with the pipetting path of the instrument's robotic arm.

[0041] Please see Figure 1 , Figures 4 to 6 In a preferred embodiment, the second end of the reconstitution rack 1 and the first end of the reagent cup rack 2 are respectively provided with corresponding reconstitution rack slots 13 and hooks 22, which are laterally engaged; if there are multiple reagent cup racks 2, the multiple reagent cup racks 2 are connected sequentially along the first direction, and the second end of one of every two adjacent reagent cup racks 2 and the first end of the other are also respectively provided with corresponding reagent cup rack slots 23 and hooks 22, which are laterally engaged.

[0042] The slots and hooks that allow docking only in a specific direction prevent misassembly or reverse installation between the reconstitution rack 1 and reagent cup rack 2, as well as between adjacent reagent cup racks 2, thus improving assembly accuracy. Multiple reagent cup racks 2 can be flexibly expanded in the same direction, making it easy to increase or decrease the number according to experimental needs, thus improving the adaptability of the reagent rack. In addition, the snap-fit ​​design of the reagent rack simplifies operation, allowing for quick assembly or disassembly without additional tools, thus improving the efficiency of reagent rack use.

[0043] Please see Figure 3In a preferred embodiment, the top of the reconstitution tank 11 is open, and a sealing structure 112 is provided at the open end to isolate the reconstitution solution from the outside environment. By providing a sealing structure 112 at the top of the reconstitution tank 11, external contaminants such as dust and microorganisms are effectively isolated from the reconstitution solution, reducing the evaporation of the reconstitution solution and ensuring the stability of the reagent.

[0044] Preferably, the sealing structure 112 is an easy-open aluminum foil cap. The aluminum foil cap can be directly heat-sealed or pressed onto the opening of the reconstituted solution without the need for additional fixing components, resulting in a simple and compact structure. The easy-open design facilitates operation and is suitable for high-frequency applications in laboratories. The aluminum foil layer has excellent high barrier properties, completely isolating external oxygen, moisture, and light, preventing the reconstituted solution from absorbing moisture, oxidizing, or photodegrading, thus extending the shelf life of the reconstituted solution. Furthermore, the aluminum foil cap has low mass production costs, reducing the production cost of a single reagent rack and supporting large-scale single-use requirements.

[0045] Preferably, the sealing structure 112 is a cross-shaped reagent stopper. The cross-shaped pre-cut design of the cross-shaped reagent stopper reduces the puncture resistance of the needle when dispensing liquid, eliminating the need for an additional capping step and improving sample dispensing efficiency; the cross-shaped reagent stopper is mostly made of medical-grade silicone or rubber, which is puncture-resistant and highly resilient, and can still maintain a good sealing effect after multiple uses, preventing reconstitution solution from overflowing or evaporating.

[0046] Please see Figure 3 In a preferred embodiment, the bottom of the reconstitution tank 11 is provided with a slope that tilts to one side. The slope design allows the residual reconstitution solution to flow naturally to the lower side, making it easier to completely absorb the solution during sampling; it avoids the dead corners of liquid accumulation in flat-bottomed tanks, and the water flow can quickly wash away impurities during rinsing; the slope design also reduces the amount of reconstitution solution adhering to the bottom of the reconstitution tank 11, preventing reconstitution solution residue.

[0047] Please see Figure 3 In a preferred embodiment, the handle 12 has an anti-slip texture 121 on its surface. In addition to the anti-slip effect, the texture design of the anti-slip texture 121 can also provide tactile feedback to the operator, allowing for quick positioning of the handle 12 even when wearing gloves or with limited visibility, thus improving operating efficiency.

[0048] Please see Figure 6 In a preferred embodiment, there are multiple reagent cup holder slots 23, and the uppermost reagent cup holder slot 23 is provided with a guide rail 231 extending along the length of the reagent cup holder slot 23. The guide rail 231 ensures that the reagent holder can slide along a fixed path during the snap-fit ​​process, ensuring accurate and misaligned connection. This guiding function also makes it easier to align the slot and the hook, greatly reducing the difficulty of adjustment during disassembly and assembly, and making the operation smoother and less strenuous.

[0049] Please see Figure 6In a preferred embodiment, a groove 24 is provided in the interval area between the reagent cup holder slots 23 for placing a QR code label. The QR code label is placed within the groove 24, its fixed position facilitating quick positioning by the scanning device and improving detection efficiency; it also prevents the QR code label from being exposed, avoiding damage caused by scratches, liquid splashes, or mechanical impacts, ensuring the long-term readability of the QR code. The groove 24 can be a rectangular groove, a shallow arc-shaped groove, or a stepped groove.

[0050] Preferably, the groove 24 is a square groove, which can perfectly match the shape of the standard QR code label, making it easy for the label to be accurately positioned and for automated scanning equipment to quickly identify it.

[0051] Please see Figure 1 and Figure 2 In a preferred embodiment, a limiting ring 211 is provided at the top opening of the reagent cup trough 21. The inner periphery of the limiting ring 211 extends towards the central axis to form a constraint flange 211a. When the reagent cup 3 is inserted into the reagent cup trough 21, the constraint flange 211a forms a detachable interference fit with the outer wall of the reagent cup 3.

[0052] The inclined structure of the constraint flange 211a has a guiding function, which helps the reagent cup 3 to be inserted smoothly and reduces the assembly difficulty; the interference fit ensures that the reagent cup 3 does not wobble after being inserted into the reagent cup slot 21, avoiding the risk of displacement of the reagent cup 3 during instrument operation; at the same time, the tight fit between the constraint flange 211a and the outer wall of the reagent cup 3 forms a sealing barrier, which effectively prevents reagent liquid from splashing and cross-contamination.

[0053] In a preferred embodiment, the reagent cup 3 contains dry microspheres or liquid reagents.

[0054] Preferably, the reagent cup 3 is used to hold dry microspheres. The pre-packaged freeze-dried reagent is precisely quantified through a standardized production process, eliminating the risk of volume errors that exist in manual solution preparation. Combined with the limiting ring 211 structure of the reagent cup slot 21, the reagent cup 3 can be used immediately, reducing instrument preparation time and significantly improving the overall operating efficiency of the instrument.

[0055] Furthermore, the dry microspheres are CZ microspheres and / or AE microspheres. CZ microspheres refer to carboxylated microspheres, which target proteins and are used for conjugating antigens or antibodies in immunoassays; AE microspheres refer to aminated microspheres, which target nucleic acids and are used for molecular diagnostics. When immunoassay or molecular detection is required separately, the instrument can use a single reagent cup 3 loaded with CZ microspheres or AE microspheres to complete a single test; when immunoassay and molecular detection are required simultaneously, multiple reagent cup holders 2 can be connected in parallel to simultaneously load two types of reagent cups 3 containing CZ microspheres and AE microspheres, realizing multi-target joint detection and parallel processing of immunoassay and molecular detection.

[0056] Example 2 The fully automated chemiluminescence analyzer comprises six modules: sample processing, reagent management, reaction and incubation, cleaning and separation, chemiluminescence detection, and a control system. During operation, the sample processing module handles sample loading and dispensing; the reagent management module automatically adds reagents to the sample; the reaction and incubation module incubates the sample-reagent mixture at a constant temperature; subsequently, the reagent management module adds the chemiluminescence substrate to trigger luminescence; the cleaning and separation module removes unbound impurities; the chemiluminescence module captures the light signal and converts it into an electrical signal; and the control system analyzes the electrical signal and outputs a report. The fully automated chemiluminescence analyzer has wide applications in biomedicine, environmental monitoring, food safety, and drug development. In clinical diagnostics, this instrument can detect the levels of various biomarkers in samples such as blood, plasma, or urine, providing crucial information for the early diagnosis of various diseases.

[0057] Since fully automated chemiluminescence analyzers are existing technology, this utility model will not go into further detail about them.

[0058] Please see Figure 10 This utility model provides a fully automated chemiluminescence analyzer, including the reagent rack described in Example 1, and further including: a mounting plate 5 and a reagent rack bracket 4.

[0059] The mounting plate 5 is horizontally fixed inside the fully automated chemiluminescence analyzer.

[0060] The reagent rack bracket 4 is used to accommodate the reagent rack, and the reagent rack bracket 4 is horizontally slidably mounted on the mounting plate 5 along a first direction.

[0061] Please see Figures 7 to 9 In a preferred embodiment, the side wall of the first end of the reconstitution rack 1 of the reagent rack is provided with a limiting block 111; the reagent rack bracket 4 includes one or more mounting slots 41 arranged in parallel along a second direction, the second direction being perpendicular to the first direction, each mounting slot 41 being used to accommodate one of the reagent racks; a V-shaped spring piece 42 is provided on the inner side wall of each mounting slot 41, the V-shaped spring piece 42 abutting against the limiting block 111, and the other end being fixed to the inner side wall of the mounting slot 41.

[0062] This fully automated chemiluminescence analyzer features a reagent rack bracket 4 with multiple mounting slots 41 arranged side-by-side along a second direction, supporting the simultaneous mounting of multiple reagent racks. The number of reagent racks can be increased or decreased according to testing needs, achieving modular and flexible expansion. The precise cooperation between the V-shaped spring 42 and the limiting block 111 restricts the displacement of the reagent rack on the reagent rack bracket 4 along the first direction, ensuring positioning accuracy. The bidirectional layout design of the reagent rack bracket 4 allows multiple reagent racks to be arranged compactly, maximizing the use of the internal space of the fully automated chemiluminescence analyzer. The horizontal sliding design not only supports the rapid replacement of individual reagent racks but also simplifies the mechanical operation path, significantly improving the operating efficiency of the instrument.

[0063] Existing fully automated chemiluminescence analyzers mostly use rotary reagent trays for their reagent management modules. Compared to existing technologies, the fully automated chemiluminescence analyzer of this embodiment uses rectangular snap-fit ​​reagent racks in its reagent management module. In terms of structural fit, the reagent racks are accurately positioned through a precise fit between the V-shaped spring clips 42 on the inner wall of the mounting slot 41 and the limiting block 111. Regarding spatial layout, the reagent racks are installed in a two-way layout reagent rack bracket 4, allowing for a compact arrangement of multiple racks. In terms of operation, the combination of horizontal sliding and snap-fit ​​design enables rapid positioning and replacement of the reagent racks. Compared to existing rotary reagent management modules, the fully automated chemiluminescence analyzer of this invention has advantages such as small size, flexible expansion, and high space utilization.

[0064] Although the present invention has been described with reference to several typical embodiments, it should be understood that the terminology used is descriptive and exemplary, and not restrictive. Since the present invention can be embodied in many forms without departing from the spirit or essence of the invention, it should be understood that the above embodiments are not limited to any of the foregoing details, but should be interpreted broadly within the spirit and scope defined by the appended claims. Therefore, all variations and modifications falling within the scope of the claims or their equivalents should be covered by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A reagent rack, comprising: A solution rack and at least one reagent cup rack connected along a first direction, characterized in that, The reconstitution rack has a first end and a second end, and at least one reconstitution tank is provided between the first end and the second end. The reconstitution tank is used to hold the reconstitution solution, and the first end of the reconstitution rack is provided with a handle. At least one of the reagent cup holders is used to place reagent cups, and has a first end and a second end, with a plurality of reagent cup slots provided between the first end and the second end; The number of reconstitution solution tanks corresponds to the number of reagent cup racks; The second end of the reconstitution rack is detachably connected to the first end of the reagent cup rack.

2. The reagent rack according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second end of the reconstitution rack and the first end of the reagent cup rack are respectively provided with corresponding reconstitution rack slots and hooks, which are horizontally engaged; if there are multiple reagent cup racks, the multiple reagent cup racks are connected sequentially along the first direction, and the second end of one of every two adjacent reagent cup racks and the first end of the other are also respectively provided with corresponding reagent cup rack slots and hooks, which are horizontally engaged.

3. The reagent rack according to claim 1, characterized in that, The top of the reconstitution tank is open, and the open area is equipped with a sealing structure to isolate the reconstitution solution from the outside environment.

4. The reagent rack according to claim 1, characterized in that, The bottom of the reconstitution tank is provided with an inclined surface that slopes to one side.

5. The reagent rack according to claim 1, characterized in that, The handle surface is provided with anti-slip texture.

6. The reagent rack according to claim 2, characterized in that, The reagent cup holder has multiple slots, and the uppermost reagent cup holder slot is provided with a guide rail extending along the length of the reagent cup holder slot.

7. The reagent rack according to claim 1, characterized in that, A limiting ring is provided at the top opening of the reagent cup slot. The inner periphery of the limiting ring extends towards the central axis to form a constraint flange. When the reagent cup is inserted into the reagent cup slot, the constraint flange forms a detachable interference fit with the outer wall of the reagent cup.

8. The reagent rack according to claim 1, characterized in that, The reagent cup contains dry microspheres or liquid reagents.

9. A fully automated chemiluminescence analyzer, characterized in that, The reagent rack comprising any one of claims 1-8 further comprises: The mounting plate is horizontally fixed inside the fully automated chemiluminescence analyzer. A reagent rack holder for accommodating the reagent rack, the reagent rack holder being horizontally and slidably mounted on the mounting plate along a first direction.

10. The fully automated chemiluminescence analyzer according to claim 9, characterized in that, The reagent rack has a limiting block on the side wall of the first end of the reconstitution rack; the reagent rack bracket includes one or more mounting slots arranged in parallel along a second direction, the second direction being perpendicular to the first direction, each mounting slot being used to accommodate one of the reagent racks; each mounting slot has a V-shaped spring piece on its inner side wall, one end of the V-shaped spring piece abutting against the limiting block, and the other end being fixed to the inner side wall of the mounting slot.

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