An automated sealing device for an automated library construction system

Abstract

This invention provides an automatic sealing device for an automated document construction system, comprising a heat-sealing film feeding unit, a transfer unit, and a hot-pressing unit. The heat-sealing film feeding unit includes a heat-sealing film carrier component for carrying the heat-sealing film and a suction cup gripping component for gripping the heat-sealing film and transferring it to the component to be sealed. The transfer unit is used to transfer the component to be sealed from the heat-sealing film feeding unit to the hot-pressing unit. The hot-pressing unit is used to heat-press the heat-sealing film to fuse it together with the component to be sealed. This device replaces the roll film conveying and cutting mechanism with the heat-sealing film carrier component and the suction cup gripping component, greatly simplifying the overall structure and reducing the size of the equipment. This compact design allows it to be flexibly embedded inside an automated document construction instrument, achieving integration with the instrument. After the component is sealed, the transfer path is greatly shortened, thereby significantly reducing the chance of contamination of the sealed component.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of molecular biology experimental equipment technology, and in particular to an automatic sealing device for an automated library construction system. Background Technology

[0002] With the widespread application of high-throughput sequencing technology, library construction has gradually become automated. Automated library construction instruments require PCR amplification and subsequent reaction steps during library construction experiments, involving various consumables (PCR plates, deep-well plates, etc.). During operation, these consumables need to be sealed to avoid the following problems: 1. Aerosol contamination: PCR amplification easily generates aerosols. If consumables are not sealed promptly, the internal environment of the library construction chamber will be contaminated, affecting the accuracy of experimental results. 2. Reagent evaporation and failure: Some reagents are volatile; prolonged exposure within the chamber can cause a decrease in concentration or even complete failure, reducing experimental repeatability and stability. Therefore, sealing is necessary.

[0003] Traditionally, PCR plates are sealed using heat-sealing film technology. Existing roll-to-roll sealing equipment uses a continuous roll-to-roll film supply method, cutting the heat-sealing film sequentially to cover the consumable (PCR plate), and then heating the heat-sealing film with a heating element to fuse the heat-sealing film to the consumable (PCR plate) to achieve a seal.

[0004] However, existing roll-to-roll sealing equipment is bulky and requires a large amount of extra operating space; moreover, the large size of the equipment makes it difficult to directly embed into the automated library preparation instrument, making it difficult to integrate with the automated library preparation instrument. When sealing consumables (PCR plates), the consumables (PCR plates) need to be transported, and the transport path is long, increasing the risk of cross-contamination. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to address the shortcomings of existing technologies and provide an automatic sealing device for an automated library construction system.

[0006] The purpose of this utility model is achieved through the following technical solution: an automatic sealing device for an automated document library construction system, comprising a heat-sealing film feeding unit, a transfer unit, and a hot-pressing unit. The heat-sealing film feeding unit includes a heat-sealing film bearing component for carrying the heat-sealing film and a suction cup gripping component for gripping the heat-sealing film and transferring it to the component to be sealed. The transfer unit is used to transfer the component to be sealed from the heat-sealing film feeding unit to the hot-pressing unit. The hot-pressing unit is used to hot-press the heat-sealing film to fuse the heat-sealing film together with the component to be sealed.

[0007] Preferably, the heat-sealing film feeding unit further includes a first fixed base and a first lifting drive device. The first lifting drive device is fixedly mounted on the first fixed base, and a lifting plate is connected to the lower end of the first lifting drive device. The suction cup gripping component is connected to the lifting plate. The heat-sealing film carrying component is fixedly connected to the first fixed base and is located below the suction cup gripping component.

[0008] Preferably, the lifting plate is provided with a first guide rod, and the first fixed seat is provided with a first guide sleeve corresponding to the first guide rod, and the first guide rod and the first guide sleeve are slidably engaged.

[0009] Preferably, the hot pressing unit includes a third fixed base and a heating component. A second lifting drive device is provided on the third fixed base, and a support plate is connected to the upper end of the second lifting drive device. The heating component is located directly above the support plate and is connected to the third fixed base through an elastic connection mechanism. During hot pressing, the component to be sealed is placed on the support plate.

[0010] Preferably, a heat insulation plate is provided on the side of the heating component away from the support plate, and the elastic connection mechanism includes a long screw and a spring, with one end of the long screw connected to the heat insulation plate; a through hole corresponding to the long screw is provided on the third fixing seat, through which the long screw passes; a spring sleeve is provided on the long screw, with both ends of the spring connected to the heat insulation plate and the third fixing seat respectively.

[0011] Preferably, the pallet is provided with a second guide rod, and the third fixed seat is provided with a second guide sleeve corresponding to the second guide rod, with the second guide rod and the second guide sleeve slidingly engaged.

[0012] Preferably, the transfer unit includes a second fixed base, on which a rotary drive device is provided, and a transfer fixture for carrying the sealed component is connected to the rotary drive device; the rotary drive device drives the transfer fixture to rotate between the heat-sealing film feeding unit and the heat-pressing unit.

[0013] Preferably, the transfer fixture is provided with a positioning groove for positioning the sealed component, and a through groove for the pallet to pass through is provided below the positioning groove.

[0014] The beneficial effects of this utility model are: 1. Compared to the complex structure of traditional roll film equipment with continuous film winding and sequential cutting, this device replaces the roll film conveying and cutting mechanism with a heat-sealing film carrying component and a suction cup gripping component, greatly simplifying the overall structure and reducing the size of the equipment, thus achieving miniaturization. This compact design allows it to be flexibly embedded inside the automatic warehousing machine, achieving integration with the automatic warehousing machine without requiring a large amount of additional installation space. Due to its high integration with the automatic warehousing machine, after the sealed component is sealed, it can be gripped by the robotic arm inside the automatic warehousing machine for subsequent warehousing operations. The sealed component will not leave the working area of ​​the warehousing machine during the entire operation, greatly shortening the transfer path and thus significantly reducing the chance of contamination of the sealed component.

[0015] 2. The entire sealing process of this utility model, from grasping and covering the heat-sealing film to transferring and hot-pressing the sealed parts, requires no manual operation. This avoids errors caused by manual operation, reduces labor costs, and also reduces contact between personnel and the sealed parts, thus reducing the possibility of human contamination. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of this utility model.

[0017] Figure 2 This is a front view of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the transfer unit.

[0019] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the PCR plate structure.

[0020] In the diagram: 1-1, First fixed seat; 1-2, Heat-sealing film bearing component; 1-3, Suction cup gripping component; 1-4, Lifting plate; 1-5, First lifting drive device; 1-6, First guide rod; 1-7, First guide sleeve; 2-1, Second fixed seat; 2-2, Rotation drive device; 2-3, Transfer fixture; 2-3a, Positioning groove; 2-3b, Through groove; 3-1, Third fixed seat; 3-2, Support plate; 3-3, Second lifting drive device; 3-4, Second guide sleeve; 3-5, Second guide rod; 3-6, Heat insulation plate; 3-7, Spring; 3-8, Long screw; 3-9, Heating component; 4, Sealed component; 5, Heat-sealing film. Detailed Implementation

[0021] 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. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the present utility model are within the protection scope of the present utility model.

[0022] like Figures 1 to 4 As shown, an automatic sealing device for an automated document construction system includes a heat-sealing film feeding unit, a transfer unit, and a hot-pressing unit. The heat-sealing film feeding unit includes a heat-sealing film carrying component 1-2 for carrying the heat-sealing film 5 and a suction cup gripping component 1-3 for gripping the heat-sealing film 5 and transferring it to the component to be sealed 4. The transfer unit is used to transfer the component to be sealed 4 from the heat-sealing film feeding unit to the hot-pressing unit. The hot-pressing unit is used to hot-press the heat-sealing film 5 to fuse the heat-sealing film 5 with the component to be sealed 4.

[0023] The heat-sealing film 5 is pre-cut to a shape that matches the shape of the component 4 to be sealed and stacked on the heat-sealing film carrier 1-2. When sealing the component 4, the component 4 is first placed on the transfer unit, which then transfers it to the heat-sealing film feeding unit. The suction cup gripping component 1-3 picks up a piece of heat-sealing film 5 from the heat-sealing film carrier 1-2 by suction and moves it to a specific height. Then, the transfer unit transfers the component 4 to the heat-sealing film feeding unit, where the component 4 is located below the suction cup gripping component 1-3. The suction cup gripping component 1-3 covers the upper end of the component 4 with the picked-up heat-sealing film 5. The transfer unit then transfers the component 4 with the heat-sealing film 5 to the hot-pressing unit, where the heat-sealing film 5 is hot-pressed to fuse it with the component 4, thus completing the sealing of the component 4.

[0024] Compared to the complex structure of traditional roll film equipment with continuous film winding and sequential cutting, this device replaces the roll film conveying and cutting mechanism with heat-sealing film carrying components 1-2 and suction cup gripping components 1-3, greatly simplifying the overall structure and reducing the size of the equipment, thus achieving miniaturization. This compact design allows it to be flexibly embedded inside the automatic warehousing machine, achieving integration with the automatic warehousing machine without requiring a large amount of additional installation space. Due to its high integration with the automatic warehousing machine, after sealing, the sealed component 4 can be gripped by the robotic arm inside the automatic warehousing machine for subsequent warehousing operations. The sealed component 4 will not leave the working area of ​​the warehousing machine during the entire operation, greatly shortening the transfer path and thus significantly reducing the chance of contamination of the sealed component 4.

[0025] The entire sealing process of this utility model, from the grasping and covering of the heat-sealing film 5 to the transfer and hot-pressing of the sealed component 4, requires no manual operation. This avoids errors caused by manual operation, reduces labor costs, and also reduces contact between personnel and the sealed component 4, thus reducing the possibility of human contamination.

[0026] In this application, the sealed component 4 is a PCR plate.

[0027] The heat-sealing film feeding unit also includes a first fixed base 1-1 and a first lifting drive device 1-5. The first lifting drive device 1-5 is fixedly mounted on the first fixed base 1-1, and a lifting plate 1-4 is connected to the lower end of the first lifting drive device 1-5. A suction cup gripping component 1-3 is connected to the lifting plate 1-4. A heat-sealing film carrying component 1-2 is fixedly connected to the first fixed base 1-1 and is located below the suction cup gripping component 1-3. The heat-sealing film carrying component 1-2 is a horizontally arranged plate-like structure with a heat-sealing film 5 positioning groove 2-3a for placing the heat-sealing film 5. The first lifting drive device 1-5 is a screw jack. The first lifting drive device 1-5 drives the suction cup gripping component 1-3 to move up and down, thereby realizing the gripping and transfer of the heat-sealing film 5.

[0028] A first guide rod 1-6 is provided on the lifting plate 1-4, and a first guide sleeve 1-7 corresponding to the first guide rod 1-6 is provided on the first fixed seat 1-1. The first guide rod 1-6 and the first guide sleeve 1-7 are slidably engaged.

[0029] Specifically, the hot pressing unit includes a third fixed base 3-1 and a heating component 3-9. A second lifting drive device 3-3 is provided on the third fixed base 3-1. The upper end of the second lifting drive device 3-3 is connected to a support plate 3-2. The heating component 3-9 is located directly above the support plate 3-2 and is connected to the third fixed base 3-1 through an elastic connection mechanism. During hot pressing, the sealed component 4 is placed on the support plate 3-2.

[0030] The hot pressing unit operates as follows: The second lifting drive device 3-3 first drives the pallet 3-2 to descend to its initial low position, preparing to receive the sealed component 4; the transfer unit transfers the sealed component 4, covered with the heat-sealing film 5, to the hot pressing unit. Then, the second lifting drive device 3-3 drives the pallet 3-2 to move upward. During the upward movement, the pallet 3-2 supports the bottom of the sealed component 4 and moves it upward until the heat-sealing film 5 contacts the heating component 3-9; the pallet 3-2 continues to rise slightly, causing the elastic connecting mechanism to deform under pressure until the preset hot pressing pressure is reached, and then the current pressure is maintained. In the first stage, the heat-sealing film 5 is heated by the heating component 3-9 to fuse it with the sealed component 4 under pressure and temperature, thereby sealing the component 4. After the hot pressing is completed, the second lifting drive device 3-3 drives the pallet 3-2 to return to its initial low position. The elastic connection mechanism returns to its original state after the pressure disappears, and the heating component 3-9 maintains a constant temperature to wait for the next hot pressing command. During the process of the pallet 3-2 moving downward to return to its original position, the sealed component 4 falls back onto the transfer fixture 2-3. Subsequently, the sealed component can be transferred to the next process through the transfer unit.

[0031] The flexible connection mechanism provides a buffer when the heating element 3-9 comes into contact with the sealed part 4. If there is a slight error in the lifting of the pallet 3-2, or if there is a slight unevenness on the surface of the sealed part 4, the flexible structure can offset these deviations through its own deformation, preventing the heating element 3-9 from applying rigid pressure to the consumables, preventing the sealed part 4 from cracking or deforming due to excessive pressure, and also preventing the heat sealing film 5 from being damaged by pressure.

[0032] In this embodiment, the heating component 3-9 is an electric heating plate, and the second lifting drive device 3-3 is a screw jack.

[0033] Furthermore, a heat insulation plate 3-6 is provided on the side of the heating component 3-9 away from the support plate 3-2. The elastic connection mechanism includes a long screw 3-8 and a spring 3-7. One end of the long screw 3-8 is connected to the heat insulation plate 3-6. A through hole corresponding to the long screw 3-8 is provided on the third fixing seat 3-1, and the long screw 3-8 passes through the through hole. The spring 3-7 is sleeved on the long screw 3-8, and both ends of the spring 3-7 are connected to the heat insulation plate 3-6 and the third fixing seat 3-1, respectively.

[0034] The function of the heat insulation plate 3-6 is to insulate the heat of the heating component 3-9 and protect the surrounding components. Since the heating component 3-9 generates high temperature when it is working, the heat insulation plate 3-6 can block the heat from being conducted to the third fixed seat 3-1, the elastic connecting mechanism and other surrounding components, so as to prevent these components from deforming, aging or failing due to long-term heat exposure. The second guide rod 3-5 is provided on the support plate 3-2 of the hot pressing unit, and the second guide sleeve 3-4 corresponding to the second guide rod 3-5 is provided on the third fixed seat 3-1. The second guide rod 3-5 and the second guide sleeve 3-4 are slidably engaged.

[0035] The transfer unit includes a second fixed base 2-1, on which a rotary drive device 2-2 is mounted. A transfer fixture 2-3 for carrying the sealed component 4 is connected to the rotary drive device 2-2. The rotary drive device 2-2 drives the transfer fixture 2-3 to rotate between the heat-sealing film feeding unit and the heat-pressing unit. The rotary drive device 2-2 is a geared motor. By driving the transfer fixture 2-3 to rotate within a certain angle range, the sealed component 4 is transferred between the heat-sealing film feeding unit and the heat-pressing unit.

[0036] The transfer fixture 2-3 is provided with a positioning groove 2-3a for positioning the part to be sealed 4, and a through groove 2-3b for the pallet 3-2 to pass through is provided below the positioning groove 2-3a. The part to be sealed 4 is embedded in the positioning groove 2-3a on the transfer fixture 2-3, and the positioning groove 2-3a ensures the stable placement of the part to be sealed 4, preventing the part to be sealed 4 from falling or shifting its position during the transfer process.

[0037] This utility model is not limited to the above-described preferred embodiments. Anyone can derive other forms of products under the guidance of this utility model. However, regardless of any changes made in their shape or structure, any technical solution that is the same as or similar to this application falls within the protection scope of this utility model.

Claims

1. An automatic sealing device for an automated library construction system, characterized in that, It includes a heat-sealing film feeding unit, a transfer unit, and a hot-pressing unit. The heat-sealing film feeding unit includes a heat-sealing film carrying component for carrying the heat-sealing film and a suction cup gripping component for gripping the heat-sealing film and transferring it to the component to be sealed. The transfer unit is used to transfer the component to be sealed from the heat-sealing film feeding unit to the hot-pressing unit. The hot-pressing unit is used to hot-press the heat-sealing film to fuse the heat-sealing film together with the component to be sealed.

2. The automatic sealing device for an automated library construction system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The heat-sealing film feeding unit also includes a first fixed base and a first lifting drive device. The first lifting drive device is fixedly mounted on the first fixed base, and a lifting plate is connected to the lower end of the first lifting drive device. The suction cup gripping component is connected to the lifting plate. The heat-sealing film carrying component is fixedly connected to the first fixed base and is located below the suction cup gripping component.

3. An automatic sealing device for an automated library construction system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The lifting plate is provided with a first guide rod, and the first fixed seat is provided with a first guide sleeve corresponding to the first guide rod, and the first guide rod and the first guide sleeve are slidably engaged.

4. An automatic sealing device for an automated library construction system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The hot pressing unit includes a third fixed base and a heating component. A second lifting drive device is provided on the third fixed base. A tray is connected to the upper end of the second lifting drive device. The heating component is located directly above the tray and is connected to the third fixed base through an elastic connection mechanism. During hot pressing, the component to be sealed is placed on the tray.

5. An automatic sealing device for an automated library construction system according to claim 4, characterized in that, A heat insulation plate is provided on the side of the heating component away from the support plate. The elastic connection mechanism includes a long screw and a spring. One end of the long screw is connected to the heat insulation plate. A through hole corresponding to the long screw is provided on the third fixing seat. The long screw passes through the through hole. A spring sleeve is provided on the long screw. The two ends of the spring are connected to the heat insulation plate and the third fixing seat, respectively.

6. An automatic sealing device for an automated library construction system according to claim 4, characterized in that, The pallet is provided with a second guide rod, and the third fixed seat is provided with a second guide sleeve corresponding to the second guide rod. The second guide rod and the second guide sleeve are slidably engaged.

7. An automatic sealing device for an automated library construction system according to claim 4, characterized in that, The transfer unit includes a second fixed base, on which a rotary drive device is provided, and a transfer fixture for carrying the sealed component is connected to the rotary drive device. The rotary drive device drives the transfer fixture to rotate between the heat-sealing film feeding unit and the hot-pressing unit.

8. An automatic sealing device for an automated library construction system according to claim 7, characterized in that, The transfer fixture is provided with a positioning groove for positioning the sealed component, and a through groove for the pallet to pass through is provided below the positioning groove.

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