Automated Immunoassay System
The automated immunoassay system addresses the inefficiencies of manual chip handling by integrating a cartridge unit with integrated light and sensing units and a chip transfer mechanism, enhancing analysis efficiency and accuracy.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- JP2022140953
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2022-03-21
- Filing Date
- 2022-09-05
- Publication Date
- 2025-01-17
- Estimated Expiration
- 2042-09-05
AI Technical Summary
Existing immunoassay systems require manual handling of chips in multiple wells for different processes, leading to increased time and risk of sample denaturation due to movement between wells.
An automated immunoassay system with a cartridge unit containing multiple wells and integrated light source and sensing units, along with a chip transfer mechanism, allows for automated movement of chips through vertical and horizontal directions, integrating light source warming and sensing functions.
Facilitates easier and more accurate photooxidation fluorescence amplification analysis by automating the process, reducing handling time and minimizing sample denaturation risks.
Smart Images

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Abstract
Description
[Technical field]
[0001] The present invention relates to an automated immunoassay system, and more particularly to an automated immunoassay system in which a chip is automatically moved to a number of wells each containing a solution having a different function, thereby enabling photooxidation fluorescence amplification analysis to be performed more easily. [Background technology]
[0002] In recent years, with the completion of the Human Genome Project and the dawn of the post-genome era, the current laboratory analysis systems are finding it difficult to rapidly process the huge amount of micro-information that is overflowing.
[0003] Therefore, in order to rapidly analyze the rapidly increasing amount of micro-information, a micro-integrated analysis system or a lab-on-a-chip can be effectively realized by combining with each appropriate bioanalysis method.
[0004] Methods for analyzing each biomolecule include immunoassays, DNA hybridization, receptor-based analysis, etc. These detection methods for analyzing biomolecules are widely used not only in laboratory analysis but also in medical diagnosis and new drug development.
[0005] Among these, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) is an experimental method that confirms antigen-antibody reactions using an enzyme bound to an antibody. It is mainly used for the qualitative and quantitative analysis of antibodies or antigens. Not only is the experimental method simple and accurate, but it can also analyze many samples at once.
[0006] However, in order to perform the processes of attaching samples, antibodies, and antigens to the chip, the washing process, and the sensing process in wells containing the respective solutions, the chips must be immersed one by one in the individually arranged wells. This requires that wells be provided one by one for each purpose, and there is a problem in that the time required for an experiment is increased due to the process of moving the chip to immerse it in wells that serve different purposes.
[0007] In addition, since the wells in which the reaction has been completed must be moved in order to be attached to separate analytical equipment, the experimental process becomes complicated, and there is a problem that the sample to be analyzed may be altered during the movement of the wells. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]
[0008] [Patent Document 1] Korean Patent No. 10-1809645 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]
[0009] Therefore, the problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an automated immunoassay system in which a chip can be automatically moved to multiple wells each containing a solution that performs a different function, thereby enabling photooxidation fluorescence amplification analysis to be performed more easily.
[0010] The objects of the present invention are not limited to the objects mentioned above, and other objects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description. [Means for solving the problem]
[0011] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention provides an automated immunoassay system comprising: a case having a mounting plate therein; a cartridge unit disposed inside the case and coupled to the mounting plate, in which a plurality of wells are formed; a light source unit disposed on one side of the cartridge unit and irradiating light onto the wells; a sensing unit disposed on the other side of the cartridge unit and sensing a fluorescent signal generated by the light irradiated onto the wells; a cartridge transport unit coupled to the cartridge unit and the mounting plate and moving the cartridge unit horizontally on the mounting plate; chips disposed on an upper portion of the cartridge unit and immersed sequentially in the plurality of wells; and a chip transport unit coupled to an upper surface of the mounting plate and moving the chip vertically.
[0012] Here, the cartridge unit may include a well cartridge having the plurality of wells, and a cartridge loading mechanism coupled to a lower portion of the well cartridge and coupling the well cartridge to the stationary plate.
[0013] The cartridge transport unit may include a cartridge mounting portion that couples the cartridge unit to the mounting plate, and a cartridge transport portion that horizontally transports the cartridge mounting portion with respect to the mounting plate.
[0014] The chip transport unit may include a chip placement part on which the chip is placed, and a chip transport part that transports the chip placement part in a vertical direction. Effect of the Invention
[0015] The automated immunoassay system according to the present invention has the following advantages.
[0016] First, the chip can be automatically moved to multiple wells each containing a solution that performs a different function, which makes it easier to perform photooxidation fluorescence amplification analysis.
[0017] Secondly, a plurality of wells containing solutions each having a different function are included in one cartridge, and the light source unit and the sensing unit are integrated, which provides an advantage that photooxidation fluorescence amplification analysis can be performed more easily.
[0018] Third, by including a shutter unit disposed between the light source unit and the wells to block and illuminate the light irradiated from the light source unit to the wells, it is possible to irradiate the sample with uniform light when the light source unit needs to warm up, and after the light source unit has finished warming up, it is possible to perform a more accurate analysis by irradiating the light from the light source unit to the wells.
[0019] The advantages of the present invention are not limited to those mentioned above, and other advantages not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the claims. [Brief description of the drawings]
[0020] [Figure 1] 1 is an overall schematic diagram of an automated immunoassay system according to the present invention. [Diagram 2] 1 is an overall schematic diagram of an automated immunoassay system according to the present invention. [Diagram 3] 1 is a diagram showing the configurations of a cartridge unit, a light source unit, and a sensing unit of an automated immunoassay system according to the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a well cartridge of the automated immunoassay system according to the present invention. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a cartridge loading mechanism of the automated immunoassay system according to the present invention. [Figure 6] 1 is a diagram showing a light source mounting block of an automated immunoassay system according to the present invention; [Figure 7]1 is a diagram showing a sensing unit mounting block of an automated immune analysis system according to the present invention; [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a cartridge transport unit of the automated immunoassay system according to the present invention. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a cartridge mounting section of the automated immunoassay system according to the present invention. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a cartridge transport section of the automated immunoassay system according to the present invention. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a chip transport unit of the automated immunoassay system according to the present invention. [Figure 12] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a shutter unit of the automated immunoassay system according to the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0021] The advantages, features, and methods of achieving the present invention will become clear from the following detailed description of the embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below, and may be embodied in various different forms. However, the embodiments are provided to fully disclose the present invention and fully inform those skilled in the art of the present invention of the scope of the invention, and the present invention is only defined by the scope of the claims. The same reference numerals refer to the same elements throughout the specification.
[0022] The terms used in this specification are intended to describe specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the present invention. As used in this specification, the singular form can include the plural form unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In addition, throughout this specification, when a part "includes" one component, this means that it can further include other components, unless otherwise specified.
[0023] When a component is said to be connected or joined to another component, it should be understood that the component may be directly connected or joined to the other component, but there may also be other components in between. On the other hand, when a component is said to be directly connected or joined to another component, it should be understood that there are no other components in between. Other expressions describing the relationship between the components should be interpreted similarly.
[0024] All terms, including technical or scientific terms, used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention belongs, unless otherwise defined. Each commonly used predefined term must be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with the contextual meaning of the relevant art, and should not be interpreted in an ideal or overly formal sense unless expressly defined in this specification.
[0025] 1 and 2 are overall schematic diagrams of an automated immunoassay system according to the present invention.
[0026] 1 and 2, the automated immunoassay system according to the present invention includes a case 1000, a cartridge unit 2000, a light source unit 3000, a sensing unit 4000, a cartridge transport unit 5000, a chip 6000, a chip transport unit 7000 and a shutter unit 8000.
[0027] The case 1000 has a cartridge unit 2000, a light source unit 3000, a sensing unit 4000, a cartridge transport unit 5000, a chip 6000, a chip transport unit 7000 and a shutter unit 8000 arranged therein, and is configured to allow a user to easily transport the automated immunoassay system according to the present invention.
[0028] A handle may be formed on the top of the case 1000, and a mounting plate 1100 is provided inside the case 1000 to which the cartridge unit 2000, the light source unit 3000, the sensing unit 4000, the cartridge transport unit 5000, the chip 6000, the chip transport unit 7000 and the shutter unit 8000 are combined.
[0029] It is preferable that the mounting plate 1100 is disposed horizontally to the ground and spaced apart from the lower surface of the case 1000 by a certain distance.
[0030] The cartridge unit 2000 is disposed inside the case 1000 and is coupled to the mounting plate 1100. The cartridge unit 2000 has a plurality of wells formed therein, and the insides of the plurality of wells are filled with a coating solution, an antigen-antibody reaction solution, a washing solution, and an enzyme-substrate reaction solution, enabling photooxidation fluorescence amplification analysis to be performed.
[0031] The light source unit 3000 is disposed on one side of the cartridge unit 2000 and irradiates light onto the wells.
[0032] The sensing unit 4000 is disposed on the other side of the cartridge unit 2000, facing the light source unit 3000, and senses a fluorescent signal generated by light irradiated to the well.
[0033] The cartridge transfer unit 5000 is coupled to the cartridge unit 2000 and the mounting plate 1100 , and moves the cartridge unit 2000 on the mounting plate 1100 in a horizontal direction.
[0034] The chip 6000 is placed on the upper part of the cartridge unit 2000 and is immersed in the plurality of wells in sequence.
[0035] The chip transport unit 7000 is coupled to the upper surface of the mounting plate 1100 and moves the chip 6000 in the vertical direction.
[0036] The shutter unit 8000 is disposed between the light source unit 3000 and the wells and moves so as to block and illuminate the light irradiated from the light source unit 3000 to the wells.
[0037] In addition, the cartridge unit 2000, the light source unit 3000, the sensing unit 4000, the cartridge transporting unit 5000, the chip 6000, the chip transporting unit 7000 and the shutter unit 8000 will be described in detail later with reference to FIGS.
[0038] The cartridge unit 2000 of the automated immunoassay system according to the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS.
[0039] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the configuration of a cartridge unit 2000, a light source unit 3000 and a sensing unit 4000 of the automated immunoassay system according to the present invention. According to FIG. 3, the cartridge unit 2000 includes a well cartridge 2100 and a cartridge loading mechanism 2200.
[0040] The well cartridge 2100 includes a number of wells into which the tips 6000 are sequentially immersed.
[0041] The cartridge loading mechanism 2200 is coupled to the lower portion of the well cartridge 2100 and couples the well cartridge 2100 to the cartridge transfer unit 5000 .
[0042] The light source unit 3000 is disposed on one side of a seventh well 2180 and an eighth well 2190 (to be described later) in the well cartridge 2100, and irradiates the wells with light.
[0043] In this case, the light source unit 3000 includes a first light source unit 3100, a second light source unit 3200, and a light source unit mounting block 3300.
[0044] The first light source unit 3100 is disposed on one side of the seventh well 2180 and irradiates the seventh well 2180 with light, and the second light source unit 3200 is disposed on one side of the eighth well 2190 and irradiates the eighth well 2190 with light.
[0045] The light source unit mounting block 3300 is disposed on one side of the cartridge loading mechanism 2200, and the light source unit 3000 is mounted on the light source unit mounting block 3300.
[0046] The sensing unit 4000 is disposed on the other side of the seventh well 2180 and the eighth well 2190 of the well cartridge 2100, and senses a fluorescent signal generated by light irradiated to the wells.
[0047] In this case, the sensing unit 4000 includes a first sensing unit 4100, a second sensing unit 4200, and a sensing unit mounting block 4300.
[0048] The first sensing unit 4100 is disposed on the other side of the seventh well 2180 and senses a fluorescent signal generated by light irradiated to the seventh well 2180, and the second sensing unit 4200 is disposed on the other side of the eighth well 2190 and senses a fluorescent signal generated by light irradiated to the eighth well 2190.
[0049] Furthermore, the present invention may include an analysis unit (not shown), which analyzes the fluorescent signal sensed by the sensing unit 4000 .
[0050] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the well cartridge 2100 of the automated immunoassay system according to the present invention. According to FIG. 4, the well cartridge 2100 includes a chip storage well 2110, a first well 2120 to an eighth well 2190, a well fixing part 2100a, and a well protecting part 2100b.
[0051] The chip storage well 2110 and the first well 2120 to the eighth well 2190 are formed in a tube shape so that the chip 6000 can be inserted therein, and the chip storage well 2110 and the first well 2120 to the eighth well 2190 are connected to each other to form an integrated structure.
[0052] The chip storage well 2110 is a space where the chip 6000 waits before being moved, and the chip 6000 is inserted into the chip storage well 2110 .
[0053] The first well 2120 to the fourth well 2150 contain a coating solution and an antigen-antibody reaction solution, and as the chip 6000 is sequentially contained in the first well 2120 to the fourth well 2150, an antigen-antibody complex is formed on the chip 6000.
[0054] The fifth well 2160 and the sixth well 2170 contain a washing solution so that the chip 6000 on which an antigen-antibody complex is formed is washed in two steps as the chip 6000 is sequentially contained in the first well 2120 to the fourth well 2150, and at this time, antibodies that do not form antigen-antibody complexes are removed.
[0055] The seventh well 2180 and the eighth well 2190 contain an enzyme-substrate reaction solution, and the chip 6000 is placed therein and reacted with the solution to measure the amount of antigen bound to the antibody through the enzyme-substrate reaction.
[0056] At this time, the seventh well 2180 is a well corresponding to a test subject, and the eighth well 2190 is a well corresponding to a reference so that it can be compared with the seventh well 2180.
[0057] The chip storage well 2110 and the first well 2120 to the eighth well 2190 are arranged in sequence, so that the chip 6000 can easily perform an antigen-antibody immunoassay process and confirm a fluorescence expression reaction while moving in a horizontal direction.
[0058] The well fixing part 2100a is coupled to the outer upper surfaces of the chip storing well 2110 and the first well 2120 to the eighth well 2190, and integrates the chip storing well 2110 and the first well 2120 to the eighth well 2190.
[0059] The well protection portion 2100b protrudes from the lower portion of the well fixing portion 2100a and protrudes only from the lower portion of the well fixing portion 2100a in the area corresponding to the chip storage well 2110 and the first well 2120 to the sixth well 2170, thereby protecting the chip storage well 2110 and the first well 2120 to the sixth well 2170 from external light, etc.
[0060] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a cartridge loading mechanism 2200 of the automated immunoassay system according to the present invention. According to FIG. 5, the cartridge loading mechanism 2200 includes a well support part 2210 and a well cover part 2220. As shown in FIG.
[0061] The well support part 2210 has a lower portion coupled to the cartridge transfer unit 5000, and an upper portion formed with a plurality of well insertion holes 2211 into which the lower portions of the first well 2120 to eighth well 2190 are inserted.
[0062] The well insertion hole 2211 is formed in a shape that covers the exterior of the lower portion of the first well 2120 to the eighth well 2190, and the first well 2120 to the eighth well 2190 are inserted into the well insertion hole 2211, thereby allowing the well support part 2210 to support and fix the first well 2120 to the eighth well 2190.
[0063] The well cover part 2220 is formed to protrude from an upper surface of the well support part 2210 to cover the seventh well 2180 and the eighth well 2190 of the well support part 2210 .
[0064] At this time, a first cover hole 2221 and a second cover hole 2222 are formed on one side of the well cover part 2220 such that one side of the seventh well 2180 and one side of the eighth well 2190 are exposed, respectively.
[0065] In addition, a third cover hole 2223 and a fourth cover hole 2224 are formed on the other side of the well cover part 2220 such that the other sides of the seventh well 2180 and the eighth well 2190 are exposed, respectively.
[0066] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a light source mounting block 3300 of the automated immunoassay system according to the present invention. Referring to FIG. 6, the light source mounting block 3300 is coupled to one side of the well cover part 2220. As shown in FIG.
[0067] At this time, a first light source unit coupling hole 3310 and a second light source unit coupling hole 3320 are formed in the light source unit mounting block 3300 in areas corresponding to the first cover unit hole 2221 and the second cover unit hole 2222, respectively.
[0068] A first light source unit 3100 is inserted and coupled into the first light source unit coupling hole 3310, and a second light source unit 3200 is inserted and coupled into the second light source unit coupling hole 3320, so that the light source unit 3000 irradiates light to the seventh well 2180 and the eighth well 2190.
[0069] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a sensing unit mounting block 4300 of the automated immune analysis system according to the present invention. According to FIG. 7, the sensing unit mounting block 4300 is coupled to the other side of the well cover part 2220, and specifically, the sensing unit mounting block 4300 includes a sensing unit insertion block 4310 and a sensing printed circuit board part 4320.
[0070] The sensing part insertion block 4310 is coupled to the other side of the well cover part 2220, and a first sensing part coupling hole 4311 and a second sensing part coupling hole 4312 are formed in areas corresponding to the third cover part hole 2223 and the fourth cover part hole 2224.
[0071] At this time, the first sensing part 4100 is inserted and coupled to the first sensing part coupling hole 4311, and the second sensing part 4200 is inserted and coupled to the second sensing part coupling hole 4312, thereby enabling the sensing part 4000 to sense the fluorescent signal generated by the light irradiated to the seventh well 2180 and the eighth well 2190.
[0072] The sensing printed circuit board unit 4320 is combined with the sensing unit insertion block 4310 and connected to the first sensing unit 4100 and the second sensing unit 4200, and transmits the fluorescent signal sensed by the sensing unit 4000 to the analysis unit so that the fluorescent signal is analyzed by the analysis unit.
[0073] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a cartridge transport unit 5000 of the automated immunoassay system according to the present invention. The cartridge transport unit 5000 includes a cartridge mounting section 5100 and a cartridge transport section 5200. As shown in FIG.
[0074] The cartridge transfer unit 5000 transferably couples the cartridge unit 2000 to the mounting plate 1100 .
[0075] The cartridge transport unit 5200 transports the cartridge mounting unit 5100 in a horizontal direction with respect to the mounting plate 1100 .
[0076] Figure 9 shows a cartridge mounting section 5100 of the automated immunoassay system according to the present invention, which includes a first guide bar mounting frame 5110, a second guide bar mounting frame 5120, a transport guide bar 5130, a transport frame 5140 and a cartridge mounting plate 5150.
[0077] The first guide bar mounting frame 5110 and the second guide bar mounting frame 5120 are respectively coupled to one end and the other end based on the length direction of the mounting plate 1100, that is, the direction in which the cartridge unit 2000 is moved.
[0078] One end and the other end of the transfer guide bar 5130 are respectively coupled to the first guide bar mounting frame 5110 and the second guide bar mounting frame 5120. At this time, the transfer guide bar 5130 may be configured as a single piece, but for the sake of transfer stability, it is preferable that the transfer guide bar 5130 is configured as two or more pieces and disposed on both sides of the cartridge unit 2000.
[0079] The transfer frame 5140 is formed with a guide bar through hole 5141 through which the transfer guide bar 5130 passes, and the transfer frame 5140 is connected to the transfer guide bar 5130 by inserting the transfer guide bar 5130 through the guide bar through hole 5141, and is configured to be able to move horizontally based on the transfer guide bar 5130.
[0080] The cartridge mounting plate 5150 is coupled to the upper portion of the transfer frame 5140, and as the transfer frame 5140 is moved horizontally based on the transfer guide bar 5130, the cartridge mounting plate 5150 is also moved in the same direction together with the transfer frame 5140.
[0081] In addition, the cartridge mounting plate 5150 is moved horizontally as the cartridge transport unit 5000, the light source unit 3000 and the sensing unit 4000 are coupled to its upper surface, and as a result, the cartridge unit 2000, the light source unit 3000 and the sensing unit 4000 are also moved in the same direction and at the same speed as the cartridge mounting plate 5150.
[0082] FIG. 10 shows a cartridge transport unit 5200 of the automated immunoassay system according to the present invention, which is coupled to the cartridge mounting unit 5100 and transports the cartridge mounting unit 5100 horizontally. Specifically, the cartridge transport unit 5200 includes a step motor 5210, a rotating block, a timing belt 5230, and a transport block 5240.
[0083] The step motor 5210 provides power to drive the rotating block described below, and as shown in FIG. 10, is disposed below the mounting plate 1100, thereby enabling the automated immunoassay system according to the present invention to be made compact.
[0084] The rotating block includes a first rotating block 5221 and a second rotating block 5222, the first rotating block 5221 and the second rotating block 5222 being coupled to the upper surface of the mounting plate 1100, the first rotating block 5221 being positioned at a distance on the side of the first guide bar mounting frame 5110, and the second rotating block 5222 being positioned at a distance on the side of the second guide bar mounting frame 5120.
[0085] In addition, it is preferable that the first rotating block 5221 and the second rotating block 5222 are formed in a cylindrical shape, and the rotation axis is formed in a direction perpendicular to the upper surface of the mounting plate 1100.
[0086] At this time, the step motor 5210 is coupled to the first rotating block 5221 to rotate the first rotating block 5221 in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction.
[0087] The timing belt 5230 is interlocked and connected to the outer peripheral surfaces of the first rotating block 5221 and the second rotating block 5222. When the step motor 5210 is driven, the first rotating block 5221 rotates, and as the first rotating block 5221 rotates, the timing belt 5230 rotates in mesh with the first rotating block 5221, and the second rotating block 5222 also rotates due to the rotation of the timing belt 5230.
[0088] That is, the second rotating block 5222 not only assists the rotation of the timing belt 5230 but also maintains the tension of the timing belt 5230.
[0089] In addition, the outer surfaces of the first rotating block 5221 and the second rotating block 5222 and the inner surface of the timing belt 5230 where the outer surfaces of the first rotating block 5221 and the second rotating block 5222 face each other and mesh with each other are formed with the same uneven shape, allowing the rotational force to be transmitted smoothly without loss.
[0090] The transport block 5240 is connected to the timing belt and is transported on the timing belt 5230 by the rotation of the timing belt 5230. In addition, the transport block 5240 is fixedly connected to the transport frame 5140 and is transported in the same direction as the timing belt 5230 by the rotation of the timing belt 5230, so that the transport frame 5140 is also transported in the same direction, and as a result, the cartridge unit 2000 is transported in the horizontal direction.
[0091] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a chip transfer unit 7000 of the automated immunoassay system according to the present invention. The chip transfer unit 7000 includes a chip placement part 7100, a chip transfer part 7200 and a chip vibration part 7300. As shown in FIG.
[0092] The chip mounting portion 7100 is coupled to the upper surface of the mounting plate 1100 and is coupled to the chip 6000 .
[0093] The chip transport part 7200 transports the chip holder part 7100 in a vertical direction, so that the chip 6000 can be immersed in and transported among the plurality of wells.
[0094] The chip vibrating part 7300 is coupled to the chip mounting part 7100, and vibrates the chip 6000 when the chip 6000 is immersed in the well, thereby facilitating the incubation, washing and reaction steps.
[0095] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a shutter unit 8000 of the automated immunoassay system according to the present invention. The shutter unit 8000 includes a shutter push part 8100 and a shutter body part 8200. As shown in FIG.
[0096] The shutter push part 8100 is coupled to the upper part of the mounting plate 1100 and moves the shutter body part 8200 , and specifically includes a push lever base 8110 and a push lever 8120 .
[0097] The push lever base 8110 is disposed on the upper surface of the mounting plate 1100 in a direction facing the eighth well 2190 and is coupled thereto.
[0098] The push lever 8120 is connected to an end of the push lever base 8110 and is arranged by extending in the direction of the shutter main body part 8200, and the cartridge transport unit 5000 transports the cartridge unit 2000 from the direction of the first well 2120 to the direction of the eighth well 2190, thereby pushing the shutter main body part 8200 described below, and the shutter main body part 8200 moves in the direction of the eighth well 2190.
[0099] The shutter body 8200 is disposed between the light source 3000 and the well, and depending on its position, blocks the light from the light source 3000 irradiating the well or allows the light source 3000 to irradiate the well.
[0100] Specifically, the shutter body 8200 includes a base block 8210 , a shutter link 8220 , a shutter jig 8230 , and a shutter plate 8240 .
[0101] The base block 8210 is coupled to an upper portion of the cartridge mounting plate 5150 and is disposed adjacent to the eighth well 2190 .
[0102] One end of the shutter link 8220 is rotatably connected to the base block, and the shutter jig 8230 is rotatably connected to the other end of the shutter link 8220.
[0103] That is, as the cartridge transport unit 5000 transports the cartridge transport unit 5000 from the direction of the first well 2120 to the direction of the eighth well 2190, the push lever 8120 applies force to the shutter jig 8230 in the direction of the eighth well 2190, thereby rotating the shutter link 8220, thereby moving the shutter jig 8230 from the direction of the eighth well 2190 to the direction of the first well 2120.
[0104] The shutter plate 8240 is rotatably coupled to an end of the shutter jig 8230 and disposed between the light source unit 3000 and the well. A light irradiation hole 8241 is formed in the shutter plate 8240 .
[0105] That is, in an off state in which the push lever 8120 does not apply force to the shutter jig 8230 , the shutter plate 8240 blocks the light irradiated from the light source unit 3000 to the seventh well 2180 and the eighth well 2190 .
[0106] Thereafter, after the chip 6000 has completed the immersion and reaction processes in the first well 2120 to the eighth well 2190 sequentially, the light source unit 3000 irradiates light to the seventh well 2180 and the eighth well 2190. During this process, when the push lever 8120 applies force to the shutter jig 8230 to move the shutter plate 8240 in the on state, the light irradiation hole 8241 formed in the shutter plate 8240 is positioned between the light source unit 3000 and the seventh well 2180 and the eighth well 2190, thereby allowing light to be irradiated from the light source unit 3000 to the seventh well 2180 and the eighth well 2190.
[0107] At this time, when the push lever 8120 applies force to the shutter jig 8230 to move the shutter plate 8240, the shutter plate 8240 moves while maintaining a parallel state with the cartridge mounting plate 5150 so that the light irradiation hole of the shutter plate 8240 is aligned between the 7th well 2180 and the 8th well 2190.
[0108] To this end, the light source unit mounting block 3300 has a shutter plate moving groove 3331 formed on the surface of the light source unit mounting block 3300 facing the shutter plate 8240 so that the shutter plate 8240 can be inserted and moved while maintaining a parallel state with the cartridge mounting plate 5150.
[0109] As a result, by providing the shutter unit 8000 to block and irradiate the light irradiated from the light source unit 3000 to the 7th well 2180 and the 8th well 2190, a more accurate analysis can be performed by irradiating the light of the light source unit 3000 to the wells after the warm-up of the light source unit 3000 is completed, so that uniform light can be irradiated to the sample when the light source unit 3000 needs to be warmed up.
[0110] As described above, preferred embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described above, and it is obvious that various modifications can be made by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the invention pertains without departing from the spirit of the present invention as claimed in the claims. Such modified embodiments should not be understood individually from the technical ideas and perspectives of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]
[0111] 1000 cases 1100 Standing plate 2000 Cartridge Unit 2100 Well Cartridge 2110 Chip storage well 2120 First well 2130 Second Well 2140 Third Well 2150 4th well 2160 5th well 2170 No. 6 Well 2180 No. 7 Well 2190 No.8 Well 2100a Well Fixing Part 2100b Well protection unit 2200 Cartridge Loading Mechanism 2210 Well support 2211 Well insertion hole 2220 Well cover part 2221 First Cover Hall 2222 2nd Cover Hall 2223 3rd Cover Hall 2224 4th Cover Hall 3000 Light source section 3100 1st light source section 3200 2nd light source section 3300 Light source mounting block 3310 First light source connection hole 3320 Second light source connection hole 3331 Shutter plate movement groove 4000 Sensing unit 4100 First Sensing Unit 4200 Second Sensing Unit 4300 Sensing unit mounting block 4310 Sensing part insertion block 4311 1st sensing unit connection hole 4312 Second sensing part connection hole 4320 Sensing printed circuit board part 5000 Cartridge Transfer Unit 5100 Cartridge mounting section 5110 First guide bar mounting frame 5120 Second guide bar mounting frame 5130 Transport guide bar 5140 Transfer Frame 5141 Guide bar through hole 5150 Cartridge Mounting Plate 5200 Cartridge transport unit 5210 Step Motor 5221 1st Rotation Block 5222 2nd Rotation Block 5230 Timing belt 5240 Transport Block 6000 chips 7000 Chip Transfer Unit 7100 Chip holder 7200 Chip transfer unit 7300 Chip vibration part 8000 Shutter Unit 8100 Shutter push part 8110 Push lever base 8120 Push Lever 8200 Shutter body 8210 Base Block 8220 Shutter Link 8230 Shutter Jig 8240 Shutter Plate
Claims
1. In an automated immunoassay system, Cases with internal mounting plates; a cartridge unit disposed inside the case and coupled to the mounting plate, the cartridge unit having a plurality of wells formed therein; a light source unit disposed on one side of the cartridge unit and configured to irradiate the wells with light; a sensing unit disposed on the other side of the cartridge unit and configured to sense a fluorescent signal generated by light irradiated onto the well; a cartridge transfer unit coupled to the cartridge unit and the mounting plate and configured to move the cartridge unit from above the mounting plate in a horizontal direction; a tip disposed on the upper portion of the cartridge unit and sequentially immersed in a plurality of the wells; and a chip transfer unit coupled to an upper surface of the mounting plate and configured to move the chip in an up-down direction; The method further includes a shutter unit disposed between the light source unit and the well to block and illuminate the light irradiated from the light source unit to the well, The shutter unit includes: a shutter body portion that is disposed between the light source portion and the well and blocks light irradiated from the light source portion to the well depending on the position; and a shutter push portion coupled to the mounting plate for moving the shutter body portion; the plurality of wells includes a test well and a reference well for comparison with the test well; The light source unit includes a first light source unit that irradiates light onto the test well; and A second light source unit that irradiates light onto the reference well, The sensing unit is a first sensing unit that senses a signal based on light that has passed through the test well from the first light source unit; and a second sensing unit configured to sense a signal based on light emitted from the second light source unit and passing through the reference well; the shutter body further includes a shutter plate having a light irradiation hole formed therein through which the light irradiated from the first light source unit and the light irradiated from the second light source unit pass, the light irradiation hole simultaneously passing the light irradiated from the first light source unit and the light irradiated from the second light source unit, The shutter push portion is a push lever base coupled to an upper surface of the mounting plate; a base block coupled to the end of the push lever base and spaced apart from the well cartridge; a shutter link, one end of which is rotatably coupled to the base block; a shutter jig rotatably coupled to the other end of the shutter link; The automated immune system further comprises a shutter plate coupled to an end of the shutter jig, the light source unit being disposed between the wells and a light irradiation hole being formed.
2. The cartridge unit includes: A well cartridge having a plurality of the wells; and 2. The automated immunoassay system of claim 1, further comprising: a cartridge loading mechanism coupled to a lower portion of the well cartridge for coupling the well cartridge to the stationary plate.
3. The cartridge transfer unit includes: a cartridge mounting portion for connecting the cartridge unit to the mounting plate; and 2. The automated immunoassay system according to claim 1, further comprising: a cartridge transfer section which transfers said cartridge mounting section in a horizontal direction with respect to said mounting plate.
4. The chip transfer unit includes: A chip mounting portion on which the chip is mounted; and 2. The automated immunoassay system according to claim 1, further comprising: a chip transport unit for transporting the chip holder in a vertical direction.
Citation Information
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