A detachable PCR instrument

Abstract

The utility model relates to medical instrument technical field more specifically, the utility model relates to a detachable PCR instrument, including communication connection's host computer and heating module, heating module is detachably connected with the host computer, still include the locking mechanism for heating module and host computer reliable connection, locking mechanism is lever structure. The utility model discloses heating module and host computer detachable connection's setting, so that can change different heating module according to need, has met the requirement of customer use different module, also can change into multiple program control's heating module according to, like this can realize on single PCR instrument, realizes the multiple program experiment requirement, has improved the use level efficiency and reduced the cost simultaneously.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of medical instrument technology, and more specifically, to a detachable PCR instrument. Background Technology

[0002] PCR instruments, or polymerase chain reaction instruments, are mainly used in biotechnology and medical research, playing a core role, especially in DNA analysis and diagnosis.

[0003] Since PCR instruments typically involve three steps—denaturation, annealing, and extension—each requiring different temperature controls, the heating module plays a crucial role. However, most commonly used gradient PCR instruments use a single program interface to control a single heating module, thus failing to support multiple heating modules controlled by multiple programs within a single interface. Furthermore, the heating modules in current gradient PCR instruments are not separable from the main unit and cannot be replaced, making it impossible to meet customer requirements for using different modules. This necessitates multiple devices to operate multiple heating modules, increasing costs and significantly reducing efficiency. Utility Model Content

[0004] In order to overcome the above-mentioned defects of the prior art, the present invention provides a detachable PCR instrument to solve the problems mentioned in the background art.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides the following technical solution: a detachable PCR instrument, including a host computer and a heating module connected for communication, wherein the heating module is detachably connected to the host computer, and further includes a locking mechanism for reliable connection between the heating module and the host computer, wherein the locking mechanism is a lever structure.

[0006] This invention, through the detachable connection between the heating module and the main unit, allows for the replacement of different heating modules as needed, meeting the requirements of customers using different modules. It also allows for the replacement of multiple program-controlled heating modules, enabling multi-program experiments on a single PCR instrument, improving efficiency and reducing costs. Furthermore, a locking mechanism for reliable connection between the heating module and the main unit, using a lever structure, ensures the heating module is properly installed. Since the heating module and the main unit have a communication connection, reliable and stable installation is crucial, and the locking mechanism guarantees this. Simultaneously, the lever structure of the locking mechanism makes operation time-saving and labor-saving, greatly reducing the force required for users to install or remove the heating module.

[0007] Preferably, the heating module is a combination of several heating units. By configuring the heating module as a combination of several heating units, the number of heating units can be selected as needed, allowing two or more programs to run simultaneously on a single PCR instrument. This improves convenience and avoids the need for multiple devices, thus reducing costs.

[0008] Preferably, the main unit includes a housing, which has mounting slots for mounting a plurality of heating units. The mounting slots have a plurality of slots, and each heating unit has a plurality of connectors detachably connected to the slots. The mounting slots on the housing facilitate the placement of the heating units. The slots and connectors on the heating units facilitate quick assembly and disassembly of the heating units from the mounting slots.

[0009] Preferably, the locking mechanism includes a sliding plate movably installed in the mounting slot, a flip-top plate disposed at the tail of the mounting slot and abutting the rear end of the heating unit, and a locking assembly. One end of the locking assembly is fixedly connected to the flip-top plate, and the other end is rotatably connected to the sliding plate. The locking assembly is a lever assembly; by pulling the flip-top plate, the locking assembly transmits force, thereby moving several heating units placed on the sliding plate to a designated position to achieve locking, and vice versa, unlocking. The lever assembly design ensures that several heating units are reliably locked in the mounting slot, guaranteeing installation reliability and preventing unreliable communication between the host and the heating module, which could affect signal transmission. Furthermore, the lever principle makes unlocking and locking operations time-saving and labor-saving, improving operational efficiency. Additionally, the flip-top plate abutting the rear end of the heating unit ensures that when force is applied to the flip-top plate, the locking mechanism directly applies force to the heating units abutting the flip-top plate, ensuring that the heating units are properly installed.

[0010] Preferably, the locking assembly includes a support arm and a push rod. One end of the support arm is fixedly connected to the flip cover, and the other end of the support arm is rotatably connected to one end of the push rod. The other end of the push rod is rotatably connected to a sliding plate. This configuration allows the support arm to rotate when the flip cover is pulled, which in turn causes the push rod to rotate. The push rod then causes the sliding plate to move in a planar motion, thus completing the unlocking and locking functions. Furthermore, these components form a linkage, or lever function, making operation time-saving and labor-saving.

[0011] Preferably, the support arm is provided with a positioning hole, and the side wall of the mounting groove is provided with a positioning ball for engaging with the positioning hole. The positioning hole on the support arm and the positioning ball on the side wall of the mounting groove are designed so that when locking, the positioning hole engages with the positioning ball, indicating that the installation is in place and locked. This facilitates confirmation of proper installation and also strengthens the locking mechanism, ensuring that the heating module is securely installed and locked reliably.

[0012] Preferably, the connector is a cylindrical pin. The use of a cylindrical pin as the connector is merely one possible connector and not a limiting requirement; other connectors are also acceptable, as long as they can reliably engage with the slot.

[0013] Preferably, the sliding plate is slidably connected to the mounting groove. This slidable connection allows the sliding plate to engage or disengage with the mounting groove via a locking mechanism during locking and unlocking processes, thus completing the locking and unlocking process.

[0014] Preferably, the flip cover is provided with a hand-operated and gripping mechanism. This hand-operated and gripping mechanism on the flip cover facilitates operation and improves ease of use.

[0015] Preferably, one end of the support arm is fixedly connected to the flip cover plate via a threaded structure, the other end of the support arm is rotatably connected to one end of the push rod via a stepped threaded structure, and the other end of the push rod is rotatably connected to the sliding plate via a stepped threaded structure. This configuration is merely one possible connection method, not a restrictive requirement, but rather a preferred option; other connection methods that achieve the same functionality are also feasible.

[0016] The technical effects and advantages of this utility model are as follows:

[0017] This invention, through the detachable connection between the heating module and the main unit, allows for the replacement of different heating modules as needed, meeting the requirements of customers using different modules. It also allows for the replacement of multiple program-controlled heating modules, enabling multi-program experiments on a single PCR instrument. Furthermore, a locking mechanism for reliable connection between the heating module and the main unit, using a lever structure, ensures the heating module is properly installed. Since the heating module and the main unit have a communication connection, reliable and stable installation is crucial, and the locking mechanism guarantees reliable installation. Simultaneously, the lever structure of the locking mechanism makes operation time-saving and labor-saving, greatly reducing the force required for users to install or remove the heating module. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1This is a schematic diagram of a detachable PCR instrument with a heating module consisting of three heating units.

[0019] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a heating module with two heating units;

[0020] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a heating module with three heating units;

[0021] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a detachable PCR instrument before the heating module is installed;

[0022] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of a detachable PCR instrument with a heating module consisting of two heating units.

[0023] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of a PCR instrument in its locked state;

[0024] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of a PCR instrument in its unlocked state;

[0025] Figure 8 A schematic diagram of a detachable PCR instrument in its locked state;

[0026] Figure 9 This is a diagram of a detachable PCR instrument in its unlocked state. Detailed Implementation

[0027] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present utility model.

[0028] As attached Figure 1-9 The detachable PCR instrument shown includes a host 1 and a heating module 2 connected for communication. The heating module 2 is detachably connected to the host 1. It also includes a locking mechanism 3 for reliably connecting the heating module 2 and the host 1. The locking mechanism 3 is a lever structure.

[0029] The heating module 2 is a combination of several heating units 21. By combining several heating units 21 into the heating module 2, the number of heating units can be selected as needed, allowing two or more programs to run simultaneously on a single PCR instrument. This improves convenience and avoids the need for multiple devices, thus reducing costs.

[0030] Additionally, the main unit 1 includes a housing 11, on which a mounting slot 111 for mounting a plurality of heating units 21 is provided. The mounting slot 111 has a plurality of slots 112, and each heating unit 21 has a plurality of connectors 22 detachably connected to the slots 112. The mounting slot on the housing facilitates the placement of the heating units. The slots and connectors on the heating units facilitate quick assembly and disassembly of the heating units from the mounting slots.

[0031] The locking mechanism 3 includes a sliding plate 31 movably installed in the mounting groove 111, a flip-top plate 32 located at the tail of the mounting groove 111 and fitting against the rear end of the heating unit 21, and a locking assembly 33. One end of the locking assembly 33 is fixedly connected to the flip-top plate 32, and the other end is rotatably connected to the sliding plate 31. The locking assembly 33 is a lever assembly; by pulling the flip-top plate 32, the locking assembly 33 transmits force, thereby moving several heating units 21 placed on the sliding plate 31 to a designated position to achieve locking, and vice versa. The lever assembly design of the locking assembly not only reliably locks several heating units in the mounting groove, ensuring installation reliability and avoiding unreliable communication between the host and the heating module, thus affecting signal transmission, but also saves time and effort in unlocking and locking operations due to the lever principle, improving operational efficiency. In addition, the flip-top plate that fits against the rear end of the heating unit ensures that when force is applied to the flip-top plate and the locking mechanism is operated, the force can be directly applied to the heating unit that fits against the flip-top plate, thereby ensuring that several heating units can be installed in place.

[0032] In addition, the locking assembly 33 includes a support arm 331 and a push rod 332. One end of the support arm 331 is fixedly connected to the flip cover 32, and the other end of the support arm 331 is rotatably connected to one end of the push rod 332. The other end of the push rod 332 is rotatably connected to the sliding plate 31. With this configuration, by pulling the flip cover, the flip cover can drive the support arm connected to it, the support arm drives the push rod to rotate, and then the push rod drives the sliding plate connected to it to move in a plane, thereby completing the unlocking and locking functions. Moreover, they form a linkage, or lever function, which saves time and effort in operation.

[0033] The support arm 331 is provided with a positioning hole 333, and the side wall of the mounting groove 111 is provided with a positioning ball 113 for engaging with the positioning hole 333. The positioning hole on the support arm and the positioning ball on the side wall of the mounting groove are designed so that when locking, the positioning hole engages with the positioning ball, indicating that the installation is in place and locked. This serves as a reminder that the installation is in place, and also strengthens the locking, ensuring that the heating module is installed in place without loosening, and ensuring reliable locking.

[0034] Additionally, the connector 22 is a cylindrical pin. The use of a cylindrical pin as the connector is merely one possible design and not a limiting requirement; other connectors are also acceptable, as long as they can reliably engage with the slot.

[0035] The sliding plate 31 is slidably connected to the mounting groove 111. This slidable connection allows the sliding plate to engage or disengage with the mounting groove during locking and unlocking processes via a locking mechanism.

[0036] In addition, the flip cover 32 is provided with a hand-clip structure 321 for easy operation and hand gripping. The hand-clip structure on the flip cover is designed to facilitate hand gripping, that is, to facilitate operation and improve the convenience of operation.

[0037] In this configuration, one end of the support arm 331 is fixedly connected to the flip cover 32 via a threaded structure, and the other end of the support arm 331 is rotatably connected to one end of the push rod 332 via a stepped threaded structure. The other end of the push rod 332 is rotatably connected to the sliding plate 31 via a stepped threaded structure. This configuration is merely one possible connection method, not a restrictive requirement, but rather a preferred option. Other connection methods that can achieve the same function are also feasible.

[0038] Specific installation and working principle:

[0039] Installation instructions: The flip cover 32 and the support arm 331 are fixedly connected by screws; the support arm 331 and the push rod 332 are connected by stepped screws to achieve rotation; the push rod 332 and the sliding plate 31 are connected by stepped screws to achieve rotation; the sliding plate 31 is fixed to the mounting groove 111 inside the main unit 1 housing to achieve planar movement; the slot 112 moves synchronously with the sliding plate 31 on the sliding plate 31.

[0040] Working principle: From the locked state to the unlocked state, pulling the flip cover 32 outward causes the support arm 331 to rotate the push rod 332. The push rod 332 pulls the sliding plate 31 to move planar within the mounting slot 111 of the main unit 1 housing. The flip cover 32 rotates approximately 45° clockwise from its vertical position (it should be noted that this angle is preferred, not a limiting rule), and the sliding plate 31 moves to the unlocked position of the main unit 1 housing. The unlocked position is connected to the outside, allowing the heating module 2 to be removed from the outside.

[0041] From the unlocked state to the locked state, pushing the flip cover 32 inward causes the support arm 331 to rotate, driving the push rod 332 to move in a plane within the mounting slot 111 of the housing. The flip cover 32 rotates counterclockwise from a 45° angle (this is a preferred angle, not a limiting rule) to a vertical position. The sliding plate 31 moves to the locked position of the main unit 1 housing. At this point, the positioning hole 333 on the support arm 331 engages with the positioning ball 113, and the cylindrical pin of the heating module 2 engages with the slot 112, which is the locked position. The unlocked position is closed to the outside, and the heating module 2 is locked inside the mounting slot 111 of the main unit 1 housing, making it impossible to remove from the top of the main unit 1.

[0042] Preferably, the distance by which the sliding plate 31 translates within the mounting groove 111 is generally set between 9mm and 15mm. In this embodiment, it can be selected as 10mm.

[0043] In summary, the heating module in this solution is detachable. Simply replacing the heating module achieves the effect of two or more machines, saving users costs and meeting the requirements of multi-process experiments. Secondly, the novel lever-type locking mechanism allows for free replacement of the heating module. This lever-type locking mechanism greatly reduces the force required for disassembling the heating module, significantly improving the user experience while ensuring the stability of the mechanism. Furthermore, a locking mechanism with positioning ball 113 and positioning hole 333 ensures that the heating module 2 is securely installed and does not become loose.

[0044] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present utility model and is not intended to limit the present utility model. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present utility model should be included within the protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A detachable PCR instrument, characterized in that: The device includes a host (1) and a heating module (2) connected by communication. The heating module (2) is detachably connected to the host (1). It also includes a locking mechanism (3) for reliable connection between the heating module (2) and the host (1). The locking mechanism (3) is a lever structure.

2. The detachable PCR instrument according to claim 1, characterized in that: The heating module (2) is a combination module of several heating units (21).

3. The detachable PCR instrument according to claim 1, characterized in that: The host (1) includes a housing (11), the housing (11) is provided with a mounting groove (111) for mounting a plurality of heating units (21), the mounting groove (111) is provided with a plurality of slots (112), and the heating unit (21) is provided with a plurality of connectors (22) that are detachably connected to the slots (112).

4. A detachable PCR instrument according to claim 3, characterized in that: The locking mechanism (3) includes a sliding plate (31) movably installed in the mounting groove (111), a flip-top plate (32) set at the tail of the mounting groove (111) and attached to the rear end of the heating unit (21), and a locking assembly (33); one end of the locking assembly (33) is fixedly connected to the flip-top plate (32), and the other end is rotatably connected to the sliding plate (31); the locking assembly (33) is a lever assembly, which transmits force by pulling the flip-top plate (32), thereby moving several heating units (21) placed on the sliding plate (31) to a designated position to achieve locking, and vice versa to unlock.

5. A detachable PCR instrument according to claim 4, characterized in that: The locking assembly (33) includes a support arm (331) and a push rod (332). One end of the support arm (331) is fixedly connected to the flip cover (32), and the other end of the support arm (331) is rotatably connected to one end of the push rod (332). The other end of the push rod (332) is rotatably connected to the sliding plate (31).

6. A detachable PCR instrument according to claim 5, characterized in that: The support arm (331) is provided with a positioning hole (333), and the side wall of the mounting groove (111) is provided with a positioning ball (113) for engaging with the positioning hole (333).

7. A detachable PCR instrument according to claim 3, characterized in that: The connector (22) is a cylindrical pin.

8. A detachable PCR instrument according to claim 4, characterized in that: The sliding plate (31) is slidably connected to the mounting groove (111).

9. A detachable PCR instrument according to claim 4, characterized in that: The flip cover (32) is provided with a hand-clip structure (321) for easy operation and hand gripping.

10. A detachable PCR instrument according to claim 5, characterized in that: One end of the support arm (331) is fixedly connected to the flip cover plate (32) by a threaded structure, and the other end of the support arm (331) is rotatably connected to one end of the push rod (332) by a stepped threaded structure. The other end of the push rod (332) is rotatably connected to the sliding plate (31) by a stepped threaded structure.

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