KR102543705B1 - A PCR device - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a PCR device, and more particularly, when a block receiving means provided with a heat sink and a cooling fan under a PCR block containing a sample is transferred to the lower portion of a test object holder, the test object holder is moved by a test object holder transfer device. It descends to fix the block receiving means, seals the block for PCR, and scans the sample in a fixed position by moving the optical device back and forth, left and right, so that the sample can be inspected stably even with repeated temperature changes of high and low temperatures. , It relates to a PCR device in which the position of a sample is fixed and the volume of the test device is greatly reduced.

Description

PCR device {A PCR device}

The present invention relates to a PCR device, and more particularly, when a block receiving means provided with a heat sink and a cooling fan under a PCR block containing a sample is transferred to the lower portion of a test object holder, the test object holder is moved by a test object holder transfer device. It descends to fix the block receiving means, seals the block for PCR, and scans the sample in a fixed position by moving the optical device back and forth, left and right, so that the sample can be inspected stably even with repeated temperature changes of high and low temperatures. , It relates to a PCR device in which the position of a sample is fixed and the volume of the test device is greatly reduced.

In general, genetic diagnosis is performed by extracting deoxyribonucleic acid (DEOXYRIBONUCLEIC ACID:DNA) from a small amount of sample, for example, bodily fluid, blood or body cells, and then performing a DNA test. At this time, since most of the extracted DNA is small in quantity and low in purity, it is necessary to amplify the amount of DNA extracted from the sample or amplify only a specific portion of the extracted DNA sequence in order to increase the accuracy of genetic diagnosis.

DNA or RNA amplification technology, which is required as an essential step in such biological research fields, is widely used for R&D and diagnostic purposes in life science, genetic engineering, and medical fields, especially Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). ) DNA amplification technology is widely used.

Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is known as a technology that amplifies only specific DNA and specific nucleotide sequences in DNA as a preliminary step to use genetic diagnosis technology.

PCR is a technique for exponentially amplifying nucleic acids having a specific nucleotide sequence by continuously replicating regions having a specific nucleotide sequence by repeatedly heating and cooling a sample solution containing nucleic acids.

On the other hand, an example of an existing PCR device is to mount a tube-shaped reaction vessel in which a plurality of sample solutions containing template nucleic acids are introduced into one heater, and repeatedly heat and cool the reaction vessel to perform PCR. implemented to perform

In general, PCR is a denaturation step in which the double helix structure of DNA is temporarily unwound to form two strands at a temperature of about 95 degrees Celsius, an annealing step in which primers are attached to the ends of genes at a temperature of about 55 degrees Celsius, and about At a temperature of 72 degrees Celsius, DNA amplification is achieved by repeating an extension step in which Taq polymerase recognizes the primer, attaches to it, and copies the separated DNA strand. The PCR is performed by a PCR device.

A typical PCR device uses a temperature control unit to adjust the temperature of the sample unit to the step-by-step temperature required for DNA synthesis. When adjusting the temperature, if the temperature of the sample part is increased or decreased, it may take a long time to complete the PCR. Therefore, it is required to increase or decrease the temperature of the sample sample part more quickly.

On the other hand, in the PCR device, a PCR block is used to accommodate a sample, and an optical device moves on top of the PCR block to scan and inspect. At this time, the conventional PCR device is provided to raise the PCR block in which the sample is accommodated so that the optical device can be inspected, and mechanical errors or fluctuations may occur, making it difficult to scan. In particular, when the temperature of the PCR block increases, the sample is There is a risk of evaporation or contamination, and there is a problem that the inside of the block contracts and expands repeatedly depending on the temperature change.

In addition, in the conventional PCR device, since the lens is fixed in the optical module and the focus is fixed, there is a problem that the optical device cannot inspect when the length of the tube body contained in the PCR block is different or the height of the sample is different.

On the other hand, the thermal cycler used for gene amplification consists of a hot lead to prevent evaporation of the sample in the tube, a block to mount the tube or plate containing the sample, and a heat supply device for temperature cycling of the block. The device must be capable of heating and cooling, and for this purpose, a thermoelectric element or a heat exchanger has been used. Recently, most of the Peltier elements are used to cycle the temperature of the block containing the tubes for the simplification of the device and the convenience of control.

In a thermal cycler that uses a peltier for temperature cycling, the opposite side of the peltier in contact with the block has the opposite thermal characteristics to that of the block side. When cooled, the opposite side is heated. Heating or cooling of such a Peltier element is determined by the direction of the supplied current, and in the case of a Peltier element, the temperature of the target surface does not change unless the temperature difference between both sides is maintained over a certain temperature, so the Peltier surface opposite the block is usually a heat sink. was attached to induce a difference of more than a certain temperature.

Since a normal block is configured to fit the shape of a tube or plate, its shape or size is almost constant. The temperature has been changed or maintained by attaching a plurality of Peltier elements according to the size of the block and connecting each Peltier element in series or parallel to adjust the amount and direction of the current.

At this time, the Peltier elements attached to the block are usually composed of 4 or 6 pieces. Since the temperature cannot be controlled differently on one Peltier surface, the same amount of heat is supplied within the area of the block corresponding to the size of the Peltier surface. It becomes. However, a temperature deviation occurs around the block from the central part due to temperature disturbance caused by the contact of external air or equipment.

The main factor affecting gene amplification in a thermal cycler for PCR is the temperature of the block, but when using a Peltier element, the temperature difference between the central and periphery of the block cannot be controlled individually. did In addition, the block had to be configured in an integrated form in order to reduce the temperature deviation between the wells and mechanically attach to the Peltier surface. For this reason, the heat capacity of the block increases, and as a result, more energy is consumed than necessary for temperature cycling of the genetic sample, and more time is required for temperature cycling.

Therefore, there is a need to develop a temperature cycling device for PCR capable of independently controlling the temperature of each tube containing the gene sample and rapidly performing temperature cycling by reducing the heat capacity.

Accordingly, the present applicant applied for Korean Patent Registration No. 10-2204931 "A block for PCR capable of independent temperature control", but it sucks and releases air inside the bracket in which the upper board, lower board, heating chamber, and temperature measuring board are embedded. There was a disadvantage that the upper and lower gaps were increased by the suction motor.

KR 10-2010-0117922 (publication number) 2010.11.04. KR 10-2198870 (registration number) 2021.01.05. KR 10-2204931 (registration number) 2021.01.13.

Accordingly, the present invention was made to solve the above conventional problems,

When the block accommodating unit equipped with a heat sink and a cooling fan at the bottom of the PCR block containing the sample is transferred to the lower portion of the specimen holder by the block accommodating unit transfer device, the specimen holder is lowered from the top of the block housing unit by the specimen holder transfer unit. to fix the block receiving means, seal the PCR block with the test object cover, and scan the sample in a fixed position by moving the optical device back and forth, left and right, so that the sample can be inspected stably even with repeated temperature changes of high and low temperatures. The object of the present invention is to provide a PCR device in which the location of the sample is fixed and the volume of the test device is greatly reduced.

Another object of the present invention is a PCR device capable of securing focus flexibly even when samples are contained in tubes of different lengths or the amount of samples contained in tubes is different because the lens in the lens structure moves along the cam axis and the focus can be adjusted. is providing

Another object of the present invention is that the pin protruding from the lower portion of the test object holder is inserted into the fixture of the block receiving means, the test object holder fixes the block receiving means, and the test object cover provided in the test object holder fixes the block for PCR. By sealing, it is to provide a PCR device capable of preventing evaporation and contamination of the sample.

Another object of the present invention is that when the block accommodating means moves to the lower portion of the test object fixing table, the position is confirmed by the sensor, and the object fixing table descends so that the pins protruding from the lower part of the object fixing table are inserted into the fixed body of the block accommodating means to engage male and female. It is fixedly installed, but the elevating guide supporting the test object holder firmly fixes the test object holder to provide a PCR device that can accurately and safely test.

Another object of the present invention is that the PCR block is made of a metal plate on which a plurality of tube holders are integrally formed, receives heat from a thermoelectric element attached to the lower part, and provides heat to the tube body containing the sample inserted into the tube holder. It is an object of the present invention to provide a PCR device having a simple structure and reduced manufacturing cost.

Another object of the present invention is to directly heat a PCR block made of a metal plate to directly transfer heat to the tube body closely attached to the inside, so that the heat conduction time is short and the heating and cooling can be performed quickly, thereby shortening the temperature cycling time. to provide the device.

Another object of the present invention is a PCR device in which packing is provided on the lower surface of the specimen holder so that the specimen cover covers the PCR block so that heat is transferred only to the tube body and does not affect the surroundings of the cooling fan at the bottom. is in providing

Another object of the present invention is a housing in which a block accommodating means transporting device for transporting a block accommodating means, a test object holder transporting device for elevating and descending a test object holder, and an optical device transporting device for transporting optical devices forward and backward and left and right are installed. It is to provide a compactly formed PCR device.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention receives heat from the thermoelectric element 120 attached to the lower portion of the metal plate 110 integrally formed with the plurality of tube holders 111 constituting the array and inserts it into the tube holder 111. A PCR block 100 for providing heat to the tube body 130 in which the sample is accommodated; A heat sink to which the PCR block 100 is attached to the lower portion of the bracket 220, which is extrapolated to the PCR block 100 and opened so that the tube holder 111 protrudes inwardly and into which a pair of fixtures 210 are inserted ( 230) is disposed, a cooling fan 240 for cooling is mounted under the heat sink 230, and a block accommodating means 200 provided to move forward and backward by the moving means 250; The pin 410 that descends from the upper part of the bracket 220 and is inserted into the fixture 210 protrudes from the lower part, and the test object cover made of glass covering the upper surface of the PCR block 100 a specimen holder 400 provided with 420; a test object holder transfer device 500 equipped with a second driving motor 520 for moving the test object holder 400 up and down along the elevating guide 510 connected to the corner of the specimen holder 400; an optical device 600 for scanning the sample accommodated in the PCR block 100 with a photodetector; A left and right transfer guide 720 for guiding the optical device 600 left and right by a third drive motor 710, and a screw 740 connected to the fourth drive motor 730 between the left and right transfer guides 720. An optical device transport device 700 provided with a front and rear transport guide 750 for guiding the optical device 600 forward and backward by ); A housing in which the specimen holder 400 is installed to be able to move up and down by the specimen holder transport device 500, and the optical device 600 is installed to be transportable left and right and forward and backward by the optical device transport device 700 ( 800);

The optical device 600 of the present invention includes a control unit 610, an optical module 620 installed under the control unit 610, and a plurality of lens structures 630 fixedly coupled under the optical module 620. The lens structure 630 is composed of an outer cylinder 631 and an inner cylinder 632 coupled to the optical module 620 after the outer cylinder 631 is extrapolated, and the outer cylinder 631 and the inner cylinder 632 ) The lens 634 installed in the inner cylinder 632 by the adjusting unit 633 installed through the inner cylinder 632 along the camshaft 635 is the inner groove 632a of the inner cylinder 632 and the outer groove 631b of the outer cylinder 631. ) to move between

The moving means 250 of the block accommodating means 200 of the present invention is an agent for absorbing and discharging heat from the heat sink 230 and the PCR block 100 mounted on the upper side of the cooling fan 240 mounted on the lower side. 1 air outlet 251 is formed.

The object holder transport device 500 of the present invention includes an elevating guide 510 made of a pillar connected to the corner of the test object holder 400, and a second driving motor 520 for elevating the elevating guide 510. ), a drive belt 530 connected to the first motor pulley 521 coupled to the second rotational shaft of the second drive motor 520 and rotated, and third and fourth drive belts 530 connected. It includes third and fourth rotation shafts 540 and 550 on which rotation shaft pulleys 541 and 551 are installed, and the elevation guide 510 is moved up and down by rotation of the third and fourth rotation shafts 540 and 550.

The optical device transport device 700 of the present invention is coupled to the second motor pulley 711 and the other pulley 712 coupled to the rotation shaft of the third driving motor 710 installed on the upper surface 802 of the housing 800 The first conveying means 721 connected to the conveying belt 713 driven by and the second conveying means 722 installed at a predetermined interval from the first conveying means 721 are left and right conveying guides 720a and 720b The optical device 600 is horizontally moved left and right inside the housing 800 by moving side by side along the , and the fourth driving motor 730 is placed between the first transfer means 721 and the second transfer means 722 . ) is guided to the forward and backward transfer guide 750 along the screw 740 by the rotation of the optical device 600 is horizontally moved forward and backward.

The test object holder 400 of the present invention descends when the block accommodating means 200 comes to the lower part, and the pin 410 of the test object holder 400 is inserted into the fixture 210 by checking the position of the sensor. to fix the block receiving means 200, and when the packing 430 is provided on the lower surface of the specimen holder 400 and adheres to the bracket 220, the specimen cover 420 is the PCR block 100 to seal

The elevating guide 510 of the present invention is installed on both sides of the housing 800 and is installed through the inside of the housing 800 on both sides of the first and second supports 511a and 511b spaced apart from each other on the top of the housing 800. Two pillars 512 are mounted, and a third rotational shaft 540 and a fourth rotational shaft 550 are installed through the center of the first and second supports 511a and 511b, respectively, and the drive belt 530 and The connected third rotation shaft pulley 541 and the fourth rotation shaft pulley 551 are mounted on the third rotation shaft 540 and the fourth rotation shaft 550, respectively, by the rotation of the third and fourth rotation shaft pulleys 541 and 551. When the third and fourth rotational shafts 540 and 550 are rotated, the first and second supports 511a and 511b on which the third and fourth rotational shafts 540 and 550 are installed move up and down, and the four pillars 512a, 512b, 512c and 512d ) and the specimen holder 400 is lifted.

The inner groove 632a of the present invention is formed to be inclined downward from the lower side of the inner cylinder 632 so that the lens 634 rotates downward along the camshaft 635.

Therefore, in the PCR device of the present invention, when the block accommodating means provided with the heat sink and the cooling fan under the PCR block containing the sample is transferred to the lower part of the test object fixing table by the block accommodating means transfer device, the test object fixing table is located on the top of the block accommodating means. It descends by the test object fixing table transfer device, fixes the block receiving means, seals the PCR block with the test object cover, and scans the sample in a fixed position as the optical device moves back and forth and left and right, so that high and low temperature repetitive It is possible to stably inspect the sample even when the temperature changes, and since the position of the sample is fixed, the volume of the test device is greatly reduced.

In addition, in the present invention, since the lens moves along the cam axis in the lens structure and the focus can be adjusted, the focus can be flexibly secured even if the sample is contained in a tube having a different length or the amount of the sample contained in the tube is different.

And, in the present invention, the pin protruding from the lower portion of the test object holder is inserted into the fixture of the block receiving means, the test object holder fixes the block receiving means, and the test object cover provided on the test object holder seals the PCR block. By doing so, evaporation and contamination of the sample can be prevented.

In addition, in the present invention, when the block accommodating means moves to the lower portion of the test object holder, the position is confirmed by the sensor and the object holder descends, and the pin protruding from the lower portion of the test object holder is inserted into the fixture of the block accommodating means to engage male and female. It is fixedly installed, but the transfer guide supporting the test object holder firmly fixes the test object holder, enabling accurate and safe inspection.

On the other hand, in the present invention, the PCR block is composed of a metal plate on which a plurality of tube holders are integrally formed and a thermoelectric element attached to the lower part of the metal plate, and heat is provided from the thermoelectric element to the tube body accommodating the sample inserted into the tube holder. The structure is simple and the manufacturing cost is reduced.

In addition, the present invention directly heats the PCR block made of a metal plate to directly transfer heat to the tube body closely attached to the inside, so that the heat conduction time is short and heating and cooling can be performed quickly, thereby reducing the temperature cycling time.

In addition, in the present invention, packing is provided on the lower surface of the test object holder so that the test object cover covers the PCR block so that heat is transferred only to the tube body and the cooling fan at the bottom does not affect the surroundings.

In addition, the present invention provides a compact housing in which a block accommodating means transporting device for transporting a block accommodating means, a test object holder transporting device for elevating and descending a test object holder, and an optical device transporting device for transferring optical devices forward and backward and left and right are installed. There are also advantages to being formed.

1 is a perspective view of a state in which a lid is covered on a housing of a PCR device according to the present invention;
2 is a perspective view of the housing of the PCR device according to the present invention in a state where the cover is peeled off;
Figure 3 (a) is a perspective view of the upper surface of the housing viewed from the top in the PCR device according to the present invention,
Figure 3 (b) is a perspective view of the upper surface of the housing viewed from the bottom in the PCR device according to the present invention,
4 is a state diagram in which the upper and lower surfaces of the housing are separated in the PCR device according to the present invention;
5 is a perspective view and cross-sectional view of a test object holder and a test object holder transfer device of a PCR device according to the present invention;
6 is an exploded perspective view of a test sample holder in the PCR device according to the present invention according to the present invention;
7 is a state diagram in which the block receiving means is advanced by the block receiving means transfer device on the lower surface of the housing of the PCR device according to the present invention;
8 is a perspective view of a state in which the block receiving means is advanced by the block receiving means transfer device of the PCR device according to the present invention, as viewed from the bottom;
9 is a state diagram in which the heat sink and the cooling fan are separated from the moving means in the block accommodating means of the PCR device according to the present invention;
10 is a state diagram in which the block accommodating means and the PCR block of the PCR device according to the present invention are separated;
11 is an enlarged perspective view of an optical device in a PCR device according to the present invention;
12 is an operating state diagram and cross-sectional view of the lens structure in the optical device of the PCR device according to the present invention,
13 is an exploded perspective view of the lens structure in the optical device of the PCR device according to the present invention,
14 is a side view of a PCR device according to the present invention.

Hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings, a preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described so that those skilled in the art can easily implement it.

The present invention is a PCR device, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 14,

A tube body 130 receiving heat from the thermoelectric element 120 attached to the bottom of the metal plate 110 to which the plurality of tube holders 111 constituting the array are integrally formed and containing the sample inserted into the tube holder 111 A PCR block 100 providing heat with

A heat sink 230 that is extrapolated to the PCR block 100, where the tube holder 111 protrudes to the inside and the PCR block 100 is attached to the bottom of the bracket 220 into which a pair of fixtures 210 are inserted. is disposed, a cooling fan 240 for cooling is mounted under the heat sink 230, and a block accommodating means 200 provided to be able to move forward and backward by a moving means 250;

A block accommodating means transfer device 300 in which a transfer gear 330 connected to a first drive motor 320 is installed so that the moving means 250 of the block accommodating means 200 is transferred along the front and rear guides 310,

The test object cover 420 made of glass covers the upper surface of the PCR block 100, and the pin 410 protrudes from the upper part of the bracket 220 and comes into close contact with the fixed body 210. ) And the test object holder 400 provided with,

A test object holder transfer device 500 equipped with a second driving motor 520 for moving the test object holder 400 up and down along the elevating guide 510 connected to the edge of the specimen holder 400;

An optical device 600 for scanning the sample accommodated in the PCR block 100 with a photodetector;

The left and right transfer guides 720 guide the optical device 600 left and right by the third drive motor 710 and the optical device 600 along the screw 740 by the fourth drive motor 730. An optical instrument transfer device 700 provided with a forward and backward transfer guide 750 for guiding forward and backward,

The block accommodating means 200 is installed to be able to move forward and backward by the block accommodating means transport device 300, and the test object holder 400 is installed to be able to move up and down by the test object holder transport device 500, The optical device 600 includes a housing 800 installed to be transportable left and right and forward and backward by the optical device transport device 700 .

In the present invention, a test object or specimen to be inspected by being accommodated in the tube body 130 is referred to as a sample, and the sample corresponds to saliva, sputum, and the like.

And in the present invention, the forward and backward direction is the transverse direction of the housing 800, the block receiving means 200 is moved by the block receiving means transport device 300, and the optical device 600 is the optical device transport device 700 In the direction of moving along the forward and backward transfer guide 750, the front direction is the direction in which the block accommodation means 200 moves out of the housing 800 by the block accommodation means transfer device 300, and the rear direction is the direction entering the housing 800. am.

In addition, the left-right direction is a direction in which the optical device 600 moves along the left-right transfer guide 720 of the optical device transfer device 700 in the longitudinal direction of the housing 800 .

Accordingly, in the present invention, the horizontal longitudinal direction of the housing 800 can be described as the X axis, and the vertical longitudinal direction can be described as the Y axis.

The PCR block 100 includes a metal plate 110 integrally formed with a plurality of tube holders 111 forming an array, a thermoelectric element 120 disposed under the metal plate 110, and the thermoelectric element 120 ) Control panel 140 that receives heat from the tube holder 111 and controls power supplied to the tube body 130 in which the sample is accommodated and the thermoelectric element 120 so that the thermoelectric element 120 generates heat ) and provides heat from the thermoelectric element 120 to the tube body 130 inserted into the tube holder 111 of the metal plate 110 by the control panel 140.

At this time, the thermoelectric element 120 is attached between the metal plate 110 and the control panel 140 using a Peltier element, receives power from the outside, and a tube holder into which the tube body 130 containing the sample is inserted ( 111) to cycle the temperature of the metal plate 110 formed thereon.

On the other hand, the PCR block 100 may further include a temperature measurement sensor, and it is most preferable that the temperature measurement sensor measures the temperature of each tube body 130, but by measuring the temperature in each column or row It is possible to determine whether or not to supply electricity to the thermoelectric element 120 from the control panel 140 .

The metal plate 110 serves to heat the tube body 130 by being heated by the thermoelectric element 120 when power is applied, and for this purpose, it is formed in a cylindrical shape with an open top so that a plurality of tube bodies 130 are inserted. A plurality of tube holders 111 are provided.

As such, when power is supplied to the thermoelectric element 120, heat is transferred from the metal plate 110 having high thermal conductivity to the tube holder 111, and the tube body 130 containing the sample inserted into the tube holder 111 is heated. do.

The tube body 130 accommodates the gene sample and inserts it into the tube holder 111 so that the gene sample can be repeatedly heated and cooled. It is called a tube and is commonly used.

Meanwhile, in order to amplify a gene, a process of heating and then cooling the tube body 130 in which the gene sample is accommodated must be quickly repeated several times. To this end, the control panel 140 supplies power to the thermoelectric element 120 to heat the tube body 130, stops heating the tube body 130, and then drives the cooling fan 240 to cool the tube body 130. Repeat the cooling process.

The thermal denaturation process of PCR is usually performed at around 95℃, and the conjugation reaction and polymerization reaction of PCR proceed at a lower temperature of about 55℃ to 75℃. The temperature of the PCR block 100 including is repeatedly raised and lowered. Accordingly, in the present invention, the metal plate 110 is heated by the thermoelectric element 120 and cooled by the cooling fan 240 .

The block accommodating means 200 combined with the PCR block 100 is provided with a fixture 210 to be combined with the specimen holder 400, and the inside is opened so that the PCR block 100 is embedded. A bracket 220 is provided in which a receiving part 221 is formed, a pair of fixtures 210 are inserted into the edge, and a groove 222 is formed to be exposed at the top. ) is disposed, and a moving means 250 to which the cooling fan 240 is screwed is provided under the heat sink 230 . And, the block accommodating means 200 is provided to be able to move forward and backward by means of movement 250 to which wheels 252 are installed at a predetermined interval on both sides, and this is achieved by the block accommodating means transfer device 300.

The heat sink 230 has a PCR block 100 and a fixture 210 coupled to a top plate 231 having a flat top, and a bracket 220 is coupled thereon.

The moving means 250 is spaced apart from the PCR block 100 and the PCR block 100 at a predetermined interval, and a pair of fixtures 210 are coupled to each other, and the PCR block 100 and the fixture are coupled thereon. The heat dissipating plate 230 to which the bracket 220 is coupled so that the 210 is exposed is mounted on the top, the cooling fan 240 is mounted on the bottom, and composed of a bogie that can be slidably moved by wheels 252.

In addition, in the moving means 250, in order to absorb and dissipate heat from the heat sink 230 to which the PCR block 100 is attached to the top of the cooling fan 240 mounted on the bottom, the cooling fan 240 corresponds to A first air outlet 251 is formed. In addition, a second air outlet 801a is formed on the lower surface 801 of the housing 800 disposed below the cooling fan 240 to discharge air to the outside, so that the outside air of the housing 800 is supplied to the cooling fan ( 240) through the second air outlet 801a and the first air outlet 251, cool the PCR block 100 above the heat sink 230, and are provided to be discharged again.

And, as shown in FIG. 9 , the moving means 250 supports the heat sink 230 by the support means 253 fixedly installed at the corner of the heat sink 230 and is coupled with the heat sink 230 .

On the other hand, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the block receiving means 200 accommodates the tube body 130 in the tube holder 111 of the PCR block 100 inserted into the bracket 220. It moves forward and backward by the block receiving means transfer device 300 and is provided to be movable from the inside to the outside and from the outside to the inside of the housing 800 .

The block accommodating means transfer device 300 is provided with a rail 311 on which the wheels 252 of the moving means 250 can move, and moves forward along the forward and backward guides 310 on which the transfer means 312 slides. Alternatively, a transfer gear 330 connected to the first driving motor 320 is installed so that the block accommodating means 200 moves backward.

The front and rear guides 310 are connected to both sides of the moving means 250 and guide the block receiving means 200 horizontally by the conveying means 312 moving along the guide, and a rail 311 is further provided at the top. It is provided so that the wheel 252 can slide and move. In addition, the front and rear guides 310 are provided with support parts 313 for limiting the moving distance of the transfer means 312 and fixing the guide from the bottom, so that the housing ( 800) is fixed to the lower surface 801.

The first driving motor 320 is coupled to and installed above the moving means 250 to operate the transfer gear 330 when driven.

The transfer gear 330 connected to the first rotational shaft of the first driving motor 320 is provided as a rack 332 and a pinion 331 gear, and the pinion 331 connected to the first rotational shaft of the first driving motor 320 ) is engaged with the rack 332 mounted on the top of the rail 311 to rotate and allow the block receiving means 200 to move forward and backward.

When the block receiving means 200 is transferred out of the housing 800 to accommodate the tube body 130 in the tube holder 111 of the PCR block 100, the pinion 331 connected to the first driving motor 320 ) rotates forward and moves along the rack 322, at the same time the block receiving means 200 advances and is discharged out of the housing 800, and when the tube body 130 is accommodated in the tube holder 111, the pinion 331 While moving in reverse along the rack 332, the block receiving means 200 moves backward and comes into the housing 800.

When the block accommodating means 200 is brought into the housing 800 by the block accommodating means transport device 300 and placed under the test object holder 400, the test object holder 400 moves to the test object holder transport device 500. By descending, the block receiving means 200 is fixed.

In this way, the test object holder 400 is for fixing the block accommodating means 200, and the block accommodating means 200 flows into the housing 800 and is transferred to the lower portion of the test object holder 400 so that the sensor When the position is confirmed in the holder control panel 440, the specimen holder transfer device 500 is lowered.

On the other hand, the bracket 220 located at the upper part of the block receiving means 200 is provided with a pair of fixtures 210 exposed, and the fixture 210 is formed to protrude from the lower part of the test piece holder 400. A pin 410 is provided to be inserted. Accordingly, the pin 410 is inserted into the fixture 210 and the block accommodating means 200 and the specimen holder 400 are physically coupled to each other to inspect the PCR block 100 installed in the block accommodating means 200. It is provided to be covered and fixed with the inspection object cover 420 provided on the sieve fixing table 400 .

At this time, if the block accommodating means 200 in which the PCR block 100 is installed goes up, fluctuations may occur and mechanical errors may occur. The specimen holder 400 is lowered by the sieve holder transfer device 500 to fix the block receiving means 200 in which the PCR block 100 is accommodated.

In addition, the test object holder 400 is firmly fixed and installed by the elevating guide 510 provided at the corner of the test object holder 400 in the test object holder transfer device 500, so that the block accommodating means 200 is secured. The pin 410 is inserted into the holder 210 and the bracket 220 is firmly fixed and supported so that the sample of the PCR block 100 accommodated in the bracket 220 can be accurately and safely tested.

In addition, the specimen holder 400 is provided with a packing 430 for sealing the housing 221 in which the PCR block 100 is accommodated on the lower surface coupled to the bracket 220, and the specimen cover ( 420) is provided to cover the PCR block 100 to maintain internal confidentiality to prevent evaporation and contamination of the sample.

In addition, the specimen holder 400 allows the heat of the thermoelectric element 120 in the PCR block 100 to be transferred only to the tube body 130 and not to affect the surroundings of the cooling fan 240 below it. will cover

On the other hand, the elevating guide 510 of the test object holder transfer device 500 is composed of a guide connected to the corner of the test object holder 400 and is installed on the upper surface 802 of the housing 800. A pair of pillars installed on both sides of the support 511 on which the two third and fourth rotation shafts 540 and 550 rotate by the driving of the drive belt 530 connected to the second rotation shaft of the drive motor 520 ( 512) is provided.

At this time, the third and fourth rotation shafts 540 and 550 are fixed to the upper surface 802 of the housing 800 by the third rotation shaft support 542 and the fourth rotation shaft support 552, respectively, and the third rotation shaft support ( 542) and the fourth rotary shaft support 552, and are provided to elevate the support 511 and the pillar 512.

And, the driving belt 530 is driven by the second driving motor 520, supported by the driving belt support part 531 spaced apart from both sides of the first motor pulley 521, and the third rotating shaft 540 ) It is provided to rotate across the third rotary shaft pulley 541 and the fourth rotary shaft pulley 551 of the fourth rotary shaft 550.

In this way, the specimen holder transfer device 500 includes an elevating guide 510 formed of a pillar connected to the corner of the specimen holder 400, a second driving motor 520 for elevating the elevating guide 510, A drive belt 530 connected to the first motor pulley 521 coupled to and rotated by the second rotation shaft of the second drive motor 520, and third and fourth rotation shaft pulleys 541 connected to the drive belt 530 , 551) are installed, and the specimen holder 400 moves up and down together with the elevating guide 510 by the rotation of the third and fourth rotating shafts 540 and 550. provided as possible

On the other hand, the elevating guides 510 are installed as a pair on both sides of the upper surface 802 of the housing 800, and the rod-shaped supports 511 (first and second supports 511a) installed on the upper part of the housing 800 , 511 b)) On both sides, two pillars 512 are mounted that penetrate from the upper surface 802 of the housing 800 to the inside, and the third rotation shaft ( 540) and the fourth rotation shaft 550 are installed through and the third rotation shaft pulley 541 and the fourth rotation shaft pulley 551 connected to the drive belt 530 are the third rotation shaft 540 and the fourth rotation shaft 550 The third and fourth rotary shafts 540 and 550 are rotated by the rotation of the third and fourth rotary shaft pulleys 541 and 551, respectively, and the first and second supports 511a and 511b move up and down, and the pillar 512 The test object holder 400 combined with is capable of moving up and down.

In this way, when the first motor pulley 521 is rotated by the driving of the second driving motor 520 in the test object holder transfer device 500, the driving belt 530 is rotated and the third rotating shaft pulley 541 is rotated. and the fourth rotating shaft pulley 551 are rotated. Accordingly, the third rotation shaft 540 connected to the third rotation shaft pulley 541 rotates to lower the first support 511a, and the fourth rotation shaft 550 connected to the fourth rotation shaft pulley 551 rotates to lower the second support 511a. The support 511b is lowered.

At this time, the first support 511a descends together with the first and second pillars 512a and 512b, and at the same time, the second support 511b descends together with the third and fourth pillars 512c and 512d.

The first and second pillars 512a and 512b installed on the first support 511a are installed at two corners of the test object holder 400, and the third installed on the second support 511b on the opposite side, Since the 4 pillars 512c and 512d are installed at the other two corners of the test object holder 400, the first, second, third and fourth pillars installed on the first and second supports 511a and 511b ( 512a, 512b, 512c, and 512d are installed at the four corners of the test object holder 400 so that the test object holder 400 can be lowered straightly.

At this time, a shock absorber 513 made of a spring is installed on the first, second, third, and fourth pillars 512a, 512b, 512c, and 512d so that the test object holder 400 descends and the block receiving means 200 is secured. It is provided to act as a buffer when combined with the stopper 210 and the bracket 220.

The specimen holder 400 is lowered by the specimen holder transfer device 500, the pin 410 is inserted into the fixture 210 of the block housing unit 200, the bracket 220 is supported, and the block housing unit When 200 is fixed, the optical device 600 can inspect the PCR block 100. At this time, the optical device 600 is moved in the X and Y axes (front and rear, left and right directions) by the optical device transfer device 700 while the test object cover 420 made of glass is covered on the top of the PCR block 100. It is provided to move and scan the block 100 for PCR.

On the other hand, in the optical device 600, as shown in FIG. 11, the optical module 620 is installed below the control unit 610, and the lens structure 630 is fixedly coupled to the lower portion of the optical module 620. The optical module 620 moves, scans the sample, receives light from the control unit 610, and judges it. However, stable diagnosis can be made by adjusting the focus in the plurality of lens structures 630 installed below the optical module 620. this will be done

The optical module 620 consists of a general optical system and detects fluorescence due to the amplification reaction of the sample. In a general optical device, the lens is fixed inside the optical module and the focus is fixed, but in the optical device 600 of the present invention, the lens structure 630 is separately coupled and installed under the optical module 620, and the lens structure 630 The lens 634 is provided to be rotatable so that the focus can be flexibly secured.

On the other hand, the lens structure 630 may be made up of 6 pieces, and 3 pieces are screwed into the optical module 620 in two lines, so that the samples contained in the tube body 130 of the PCR block 100 are loaded by 6 pieces at a time. equipped to scan. Here, three lens structures 630 may be installed in two lines or six may be installed side by side in one line in the optical module 620 . Accordingly, the optical module 620 is capable of scanning six tube bodies 130 at a time.

On the other hand, the lens structure 630 is composed of an outer cylinder 631 and an inner cylinder 632 coupled to the optical module 620 after the outer cylinder is extrapolated, as shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, and the outer cylinder 631 and The lens 634 installed in the inner cylinder 632 by the adjusting part 633 installed through the inner cylinder 632 is along the camshaft 635 in the outer groove 631b of the outer cylinder 631 and the inner groove of the inner cylinder 632. It is configured to be movable in 632a.

At this time, the inner groove 632a is formed to be inclined downward from the lower side of the inner cylinder 632 so that the lens 634 can rotate downward along the camshaft 635.

The lens 634 is inserted into the camshaft 635, and the camshaft 635 moves vertically in the outer groove 631b of the outer cylinder 631 and diagonally in the inner groove 632a of the inner cylinder 632. will move in the direction

The adjusting unit 633 is installed through the adjusting unit moving groove 631a of the outer cylinder 631 and the adjusting unit insertion groove 632b of the inner cylinder 632, is fixed to the inner cylinder 632, and is controlled in the outer cylinder 631. It can move left and right along the buoyancy groove 631a.

In this way, in the lens structure 630, the lens 634 is moved along the camshaft 635 by the adjusting unit 633 and the focus can be adjusted, so that the length of the tube body 130 is different or the tube body 130 ), even if the amount of sample contained in the sample is different, it is possible to secure the focus.

Therefore, the optical device 600 can easily adjust the focus even with repetitive temperature changes.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 3, the optical device transfer device 700 transfers the optical device 600 in the X and Y axes, and the rotational axis of the third drive motor 710 installed on the upper part of the housing 800. The second motor pulley 711 coupled to the first transport means 721 connected to the transport belt 713 driven by the other pulley 712, and the first transport means 721 and is installed at a predetermined interval The optical device 600 horizontally moves in the left and right direction (Y axis) of the housing 800 along the two left and right transfer guides 720a and b along which the second transfer means 722 moves, and the left and right transfer guides ( The rotation of the fourth driving motor 730 between 720a and b) moves along the screw 740 and the optical device 600 guided by the forward and backward transfer guide 750 can horizontally move in the forward and backward direction (X axis). there will be

In the left and right transfer guides 720, the first transfer means 721 moving from the side where the third driving motor 710 is installed is a transfer belt 713 driven by a second motor pulley 711 and another pulley 712. ) and is installed to be movable in the left and right directions along the left transfer guide 720a inside the housing 800 along the longitudinal hole 802a formed in the upper surface 802 of the housing 800.

And, the first transfer unit 721 is connected to the second transfer unit 722 by a forward/rear movement guide 750 and a screw 740.

Therefore, the first conveying means 721 and the second conveying means 722 are connected by the screw 740 on which the optical device 600 is installed and the forward and backward conveying guide 750, so that the second conveying means 722 As the first transfer unit 721 moves, it moves in parallel and the optical device 600 can move left and right.

Further, the optical device 600 is provided to be movable back and forth along the screw 740 connected to the fourth driving motor 730 in the forward and backward transfer guide 750 .

On the other hand, the housing 800 is provided with a lower surface 801 and an upper surface 802 having a rectangular shape in which the horizontal direction is longer than the vertical direction, and the corners of the lower surface 801 and the upper surface 802 are connected. Four pillars are provided, and between the lower surface 801 and the upper surface 802, the block accommodating means 200 is installed to be able to move forward and backward by the block accommodating means transfer device 300, and the test object fixing table 400 is installed to be able to move up and down by the test object holder transport device 500, and the optical device 600 is installed to be able to be transported left and right and forward and backward by the optical device transport device 700.

In the housing 800, an elevating guide 510 and a second driving motor 520 are installed in the specimen holder transfer device 500 for lifting the specimen holder 400 on the upper surface 802, and the optical A third drive motor 710 is installed to transfer the device 600 left and right. In addition, the power supply device 810 is installed on the lower surface 801, and the second air outlet 801a is formed so that air is introduced and heat from the heat sink 230 is discharged when the cooling fan 240 rotates. . In addition, the housing 800 is provided with a cover portion 820 covering the open front and side surfaces and upper surface 802 .

In this way, the cover part 820 is provided with a front part 821 covering the front side, a side part 822 covering both side surfaces, a rear part 823 covering the rear surface, and an upper surface part 824 covering the upper surface, and the front part ( 821) is provided with a slideable drawer 821a that opens and closes the front part 821 when the block transfer means 200 moves in and out of the housing 800, and a display 821b showing the contents processed by the PCR device. .

In addition, the side part 822 is formed with a third air outlet 822a capable of introducing and discharging air to the power supply 810, and the rear part 823 has a fourth air outlet 823a and a cable insertion hole ( 823b) is formed.

The lower surface 801 of the housing 800 is provided with pedestals 830 for supporting from the bottom at four corners, and a cover 840 covering the second air outlet 801a is further provided.

Accordingly, in the present invention, the front, side, rear, and upper surfaces 802 of the housing 800 are covered with a cover 820 so that the inspection is stably performed from the inside, and the lower surface 801, the side surface of the housing 800 , Air intake and discharge are smoothly performed by the second, third, and fourth air outlets 801a, 822a, and 823a formed on the rear side.

In the PCR device of the present invention, the sample is accommodated in the PCR block 100 coupled to the block receiving means 200, and the block receiving means 200 is moved to the housing 800 by the block receiving means transfer device 300. When it is introduced into the inside, the test object holder 400 is lowered by the test object holder transfer device 500 and is brought into close contact with the bracket 220 of the block receiving means 200 as much as possible. In addition, the optical device 600 moves left and right and back and forth by the optical device transfer device 700 and scans the sample contained in the PCR block 100 on the top of the test object cover 420, and the optical device 600 focuses can be controlled and the test can be carried out.

Therefore, in the PCR device of the present invention, when the block accommodating means provided with the heat sink and the cooling fan under the PCR block containing the sample is transferred to the lower part of the test object fixing table by the block accommodating means transfer device, the test object fixing table is located on the top of the block accommodating means. It descends by the test object fixing table transfer device, fixes the block receiving means, seals the PCR block with the test object cover, and scans the sample in a fixed position as the optical device moves back and forth and left and right, so that high and low temperature repetitive It is possible to stably inspect the sample even when the temperature changes, and since the position of the sample is fixed, the volume of the test device is greatly reduced.

In addition, in the present invention, in the lens structure 630 coupled to the lower part of the optical module 620, the lens 634 moves along the camshaft 635 and can adjust the focus, so that the sample is placed in the tube body 130 having a different length. Even if the amount of the sample contained in the tube body 130 is different, it is possible to flexibly secure the focus.

And, in the present invention, the pin 410 protruding from the lower part of the test object holder 400 is inserted into the fixture 210 exposed in the groove 222 of the bracket 220 of the block receiving means 200, The holder 400 fixes the block accommodating means 200, and the specimen cover 420 provided in the specimen holder 400 seals the inside of the bracket 220 in which the PCR block 100 is accommodated, so that the sample Evaporation and contamination can be prevented.

In addition, in the present invention, when the block accommodating means 200 moves to the lower part of the specimen holder 400, the position is confirmed by the sensor, and the specimen holder 400 descends, thereby protruding the pin ( 410) is inserted into the fixture 210 of the block receiving means 200, male and female are coupled, and the lift guide 510 is installed at the four corners of the specimen holder transfer device 500 that supports the specimen holder 400. It is possible to inspect accurately and safely by firmly fixing the test object holder 400 and the block receiving means 200.

Meanwhile, in the present invention, the PCR block 100 includes a metal plate 110 integrally formed with a plurality of tube holders 111, a thermoelectric element 120 attached to the lower part of the metal plate 110, and a control panel 140. Since the heat is provided from the thermoelectric element 120 to the tube body 130 in which the sample inserted into the tube holder 111 is accommodated, the structure is simple and the manufacturing cost is reduced.

In addition, the present invention is directly heated in the thermoelectric element 120 disposed below the metal plate 110 and directly transfers heat to the tube body 130 in close contact with the inside of the tube holder 111, so that the heat conduction time is short, heating and cooling can be performed quickly, thereby shortening the temperature cycling time.

In addition, in the present invention, the packing 430 is provided on the lower surface of the specimen holder 400 so that the specimen cover 420 covers the PCR block 100 so that heat is transferred only to the tube body 130 and the lower part is cooled. It may be covered so that the influence of the fan 240 does not affect the surroundings.

In addition, the present invention includes a block accommodating means transport device 300 for transporting the block accommodating means 200, a test object holder transport device 500 for elevating the test object holder 400, and an optical device 600. There is also an advantage in that the housing 800 in which the optical device transport device 700 that transports forward and backward and left and right is installed is compactly formed.

100: PCR block
110: metal plate 111: tube holder
120: thermoelectric element 130: tube body
140: control panel
200: block receiving means
210: fixture 220: bracket
221: storage unit 222: home
230: heat sink 231: top plate
240: cooling fan 250: means of transportation
251: first air outlet 252: wheel
253: support means
300: block receiving means transfer device
310: front and rear guide 311: rail
312: transfer means 313: support
320: first drive motor 330: transfer gear
331: pinion 332: rack
400: test object holder 401: opening
410: pin 420: check body cover
430: Packing 440: Control Panel for Fixture
500: Test object holder transfer device
510: lifting guide 511: support
512: column 513: buffer
520: second drive motor 521: first motor pulley
530: drive belt 531: drive belt support
540: third rotation shaft 541: third rotation shaft pulley
542: third rotation shaft support 550: fourth rotation shaft
551: fourth rotary shaft pulley 552: fourth rotary shaft support
600: optical equipment
610: control unit 620: optical module
630: lens structure 631: outer tube
631a: moving control unit 631b: outer groove
632: inner cylinder 632a: inner groove
632b: control unit insertion groove 633: control unit
634: lens 635: camshaft
700: optical device transfer device
710: third drive motor 711: second motor pulley
712: other pulley 713: transfer belt
720: left and right transfer guide 721: first transfer means
722: second transfer means 730: fourth drive motor
740: screw 750: forward and backward transfer guide
800: housing 801: lower surface
801a: second air outlet 802: upper surface
802a: hall
810: power supply 820: cover
821: front part 821a: drawer
821b: display 822: side part
822a: third air outlet 823: rear part
823a: 4th air outlet 823b: cable insertion port
824: upper surface 830: pedestal
840: cover

Claims (8)

A tube body 130 receiving heat from the thermoelectric element 120 attached to the bottom of the metal plate 110 to which the plurality of tube holders 111 constituting the array are integrally formed and containing the sample inserted into the tube holder 111 A block 100 for PCR providing a row with;
A heat sink to which the PCR block 100 is attached to the lower portion of the bracket 220, which is extrapolated to the PCR block 100 and opened so that the tube holder 111 protrudes inwardly and into which a pair of fixtures 210 are inserted ( 230) is disposed, a cooling fan 240 for cooling is mounted under the heat sink 230, and a block accommodating means 200 provided to move forward and backward by the moving means 250;
The pin 410 that descends from the upper part of the bracket 220 and is inserted into the fixture 210 protrudes from the lower part, and the test object cover made of glass covering the upper surface of the PCR block 100 a specimen holder 400 provided with 420;
a test object holder transfer device 500 equipped with a second driving motor 520 for moving the test object holder 400 up and down along the elevating guide 510 connected to the corner of the specimen holder 400;
an optical device 600 for scanning the sample accommodated in the PCR block 100 with a photodetector;
A fourth drive motor 730 between two left and right transfer guides 720a and 720b for guiding the optical device 600 left and right by a third drive motor 710 and the left and right transfer guides 720a and 720b an optical device transfer device 700 provided with a front and rear transfer guide 750 for guiding the optical device 600 forward and backward by a screw 740 connected thereto;
A housing in which the specimen holder 400 is installed to be able to move up and down by the specimen holder transport device 500, and the optical device 600 is installed to be transportable left and right and forward and backward by the optical device transport device 700 ( 800);
A PCR device comprising a.
According to claim 1,
The optical device 600 is composed of a control unit 610, an optical module 620 installed under the control unit 610, and a plurality of lens structures 630 fixedly coupled under the optical module 620. ,
The lens structure 630 is composed of an outer cylinder 631 and an inner cylinder 632 coupled to the optical module 620 after the outer cylinder 631 is extrapolated, passing through the outer cylinder 631 and the inner cylinder 632. The lens 634 installed in the inner cylinder 632 is moved between the inner groove 632a of the inner cylinder 632 and the outer groove 631b of the outer cylinder 631 along the camshaft 635 by the adjusting unit 633 installed. PCR device configured to.
According to claim 1,
The moving means 250 of the block accommodating means 200 is a heat sink 230 mounted on the top of the cooling fan 240 mounted on the bottom and a first air outlet for absorbing and discharging heat from the PCR block 100. 251 is formed in the PCR device..
According to claim 1,
The specimen holder transfer device 500 includes an elevating guide 510 formed of a pillar connected to a corner of the specimen holder 400, a second driving motor 520 for elevating the elevating guide 510, The drive belt 530 connected to the first motor pulley 521 coupled to the second rotation shaft of the second drive motor 520 and rotating, and the third and fourth rotation shaft pulleys connected to the drive belt 530 ( 541 and 551) are installed, and the PCR device in which the lift guide 510 is moved up and down by rotation of the third and fourth rotation shafts 540 and 550.
According to claim 1,
The optical device transfer device 700 is driven by a second motor pulley 711 and another pulley 712 coupled to the rotation shaft of a third driving motor 710 installed on the upper surface 802 of the housing 800. The first conveying means 721 connected to the conveying belt 713 and the second conveying means 722 installed at a predetermined interval from the first conveying means 721 are provided along the left and right conveying guides 720a and 720b, respectively. Moving side by side, the optical device 600 is horizontally moved left and right inside the housing 800, and the fourth driving motor 730 rotates between the first transfer unit 721 and the second transfer unit 722. A PCR device in which the optical device 600 is horizontally moved forward and backward by being guided by the forward and backward transfer guide 750 along the screw 740 by.
According to claim 1,
The test object holder 400 descends when the block accommodating means 200 comes to the lower part, and the sensor checks the position so that the pin 410 of the test object holder 400 is inserted into the fixture 210 to accommodate the block Fixing the means 200,
A PCR device in which the packing 430 is provided on the lower surface of the test object holder 400 so that the test object cover 420 seals the PCR block 100 when the test object cover 420 is in close contact with the bracket 220.
According to claim 4,
The elevating guide 510 is installed on both sides of the housing 800, and is installed through the inside of the housing 800 on both sides of the first and second supports 511a and 511b spaced apart from each other on the upper part of the housing 800. A pillar 512 is mounted, a third rotation shaft 540 and a fourth rotation shaft 550 are installed through the center of the first and second supports 511a and 511b, respectively, and a third rotation shaft connected to the drive belt 530 is installed. The rotation shaft pulley 541 and the fourth rotation shaft pulley 551 are mounted on the third rotation shaft 540 and the fourth rotation shaft 550, respectively, and the third and fourth rotation shaft pulleys 541 and 551 rotate. When the 4 rotational shafts 540 and 550 are rotated, the first and second supports 511a and 511b on which the third and fourth rotational shafts 540 and 550 are installed move up and down and are combined with the four pillars 512a, 512b, 512c and 512d. A PCR device in which the sample holder 400 is lifted.
According to claim 2,
The inner groove 632a is formed to be inclined downward from the lower side of the inner cylinder 632 so that the lens 634 rotates downward along the camshaft 635.

Images