TWI859922B - Temperature control assembly - Google Patents

Abstract

A temperature control assembly includes a plurality of heating units and a plurality of temperature sensors. The heating units are arranged in a ring shape, and the temperature sensors are respectively arranged on the heating units. Each heating unit includes a bearing hole and a heating body. The heating body surrounds the bearing hole and is used for heating, and each temperature sensor is used for sensing a temperature. The bearing hole is used for movably accommodating a test tube.

Description

Temperature control components

The present invention relates to a heater, in particular to a temperature control component.

Products on the market that use the principles of PCR (polymerase chain reaction) or QPCR (quantitative polymerase chain reaction) (e.g., gene detection instruments) require rapid temperature rise and fall. Existing detection instruments can test samples in multiple test tubes at the same time. During the test process, the detection instrument uses a rotation method to allow the fluorescent reagent in each test tube to be detected by an optical sensor, and uses a heater and a fan to control the temperature to activate the reagent reaction in the test tube. However, existing detection instruments use a single heater to heat multiple test tubes at the same time, so that the temperature cannot be effectively uniformed.

In some embodiments, a temperature control assembly includes: a plurality of heating units and a plurality of temperature sensors. The plurality of heating units are arranged in a ring shape, and the plurality of temperature sensors are respectively arranged on the heating units. Each heating unit includes: a supporting hole and a heating body. The heating body surrounds the supporting hole. The supporting hole is suitable for removably arranging a test tube.

In some embodiments, the aforementioned temperature control assembly may further include: a control board, and the heating element of each heating unit and each temperature sensor are electrically connected to the control board. Here, the control board is used to drive the corresponding heating element according to the operating result of each temperature sensor.

In some embodiments, each of the aforementioned heat generating bodies includes: a metal-based heat sink, a first circuit, and a second circuit. The first circuit is located on a surface of the metal-based heat sink and surrounds the supporting hole. The second circuit is located on the surface of the metal-based heat sink, is electrically isolated from the first circuit, and is electrically connected to a corresponding temperature sensor. Here, the first circuit generates heat by converting electricity into heat.

In some embodiments, each of the aforementioned heat generating bodies may further include: at least one thermally conductive adhesive, and the thermally conductive adhesive adheres the first circuit and the second circuit to the surface of the metal-based heat sink.

In some embodiments, each of the aforementioned heat generating bodies may further include: a third circuit. The third circuit is located on another surface of the metal-based heat sink and is electrically connected to the first circuit through at least one conductor. The at least one conductor may be at least one of a via and a wire.

In some embodiments, each of the aforementioned heat generating bodies may further include: at least one thermally conductive adhesive, wherein the thermally conductive adhesive adheres the first circuit and the second circuit to the surface of the metal-based heat sink, and adheres the third circuit to another surface of the metal-based heat sink.

In some embodiments, the aforementioned temperature control assembly may further include: a plurality of first connectors and a plurality of wire sets. Each first connector has a plurality of contacts. The plurality of wire sets correspond to a plurality of heating units and correspond to a plurality of first connectors. Each wire set has a plurality of wires. Here, one end of the plurality of wires of each wire set is electrically connected to the first circuit and the second circuit of the corresponding heating unit, and the other end is coupled to the plurality of contacts of the corresponding first connector.

In some embodiments, the aforementioned control board may include: a plurality of second connectors, a circuit substrate, and a control circuit. The control circuit is located on the circuit substrate and electrically connects each heating unit and each temperature sensor. These second connectors are located on the circuit substrate and electrically connect the control circuit. Here, the plurality of second connectors are matched with the plurality of first connectors respectively, and each second connector is pluggable and docked with the corresponding first connector. The control circuit is used to receive the operating results of each temperature sensor through the second circuit and supply power to the first circuit of the heating unit corresponding to the temperature sensor according to the operating results of each temperature sensor.

In other embodiments, each of the aforementioned heating elements includes: a heat-insulating fixture, a heating block, and a thin-film electric heater. The thin-film electric heater is sandwiched between the heat-insulating fixture and the heating block. Here, each temperature sensor is located on the thin-film electric heater of the corresponding heating unit, and the bearing hole penetrates the heat-insulating fixture, the thin-film electric heater, and the heating block of the corresponding heating unit.

In some embodiments, the aforementioned temperature control assembly may further include: an insulating heat-insulating base. Here, a plurality of heating units surround and are fixed on the insulating heat-insulating base. In the detection instrument, the insulating heat-insulating base may be further fixed on a turntable. At this time, the two ends of the rotating shaft are respectively connected to the insulating heat-insulating base and the rotating motor.

In other embodiments, a plurality of heating units may also be directly fixed on the turntable.

In some embodiments, the aforementioned detection instrument may further include: a fan assembly, and the fan assembly is located on the other side of the temperature control assembly relative to the turntable.

In summary, in any embodiment, the temperature control assembly is suitable for use in a detection instrument, which can independently monitor the temperature of multiple test tubes and effectively control their temperatures to achieve uniform temperature. In some embodiments, the temperature control assembly adopts a mechanism design that reduces mass, and simplifies the structure to reduce the overall cost. In some embodiments, the temperature control assembly uses an aluminum substrate (i.e., as a metal-based heat sink) to make a heating unit to further reduce the overall cost. In some embodiments, multiple heating units of the temperature control assembly independently monitor the temperature, and perform double-sided heating when the temperature needs to be increased, so as to quickly increase the temperature to the required temperature.

1 and 2, a temperature control assembly 10 includes a plurality of heating units 110 and a plurality of temperature sensors 120. Each heating unit 110 can be used to adjust the temperature of a sample in a test tube 20. In other words, the temperature control assembly 10 can simultaneously monitor the temperature of a plurality of test tubes 20 (including the samples therein) and effectively control the temperature of the plurality of test tubes 20 to achieve a uniform temperature.

The heating units 110 are arranged in a ring shape. In other words, the long axes of the heating units 110 are radial. The plurality of temperature sensors 120 are respectively disposed on the plurality of heating units. Here, the plurality of temperature sensors 120 correspond one-to-one to the plurality of heating units 110, and each temperature sensor 120 is disposed on the corresponding heating unit 110. In some embodiments, each temperature sensor 120 can be directly welded to the heating unit 110. In some embodiments, each temperature sensor 120 can be a resistance temperature sensor (RTD Sensor).

3 and 4 , each heating unit 110 includes a support hole 111 and a heating element 113. The heating element 113 surrounds the support hole 111. In other words, the heating element 113 is the main body of the heating unit 110, and the support hole 111 is a hole opened on the main body (ie, the heating element 113).

When in use, a test tube 20 can be removably disposed in the supporting hole 111 , and the heating element 113 heats the test tube 20 disposed on the supporting hole 111 , so that the test tube 20 (including the sample therein) can reach a desired temperature.

Each temperature sensor 120 is disposed on the heating element 113 of the corresponding heating unit 110 and is adjacent to the supporting hole 111. When in use, the temperature sensor 120 can perform temperature sensing to sense and obtain the surrounding temperature (that is, equivalent to obtaining the temperature of the test tube 20).

In some embodiments, referring to FIGS. 1 to 4 , each heating unit 110 may be divided into a setting section 110A, a connecting section 110B, and a fixing section 110C. The connecting section 110B and the fixing section 110C are connected to the setting section 110A. In other words, the setting section 110A extends outwardly from the connecting section 110B and the fixing section 110C. The connecting section 110B extends from the setting section 110A in a direction away from the center of the temperature control assembly 10 to facilitate electrical connection with an external assembly (i.e., the control board 130). The fixing section 110C is used to fix the heating unit 110 on other assemblies to facilitate assembly of the temperature control assembly 10 with the external assembly. In one example, the heating units 110 are arranged in a ring shape, and the fixed section 110C of each heating unit 110 is locked on other components (eg, the insulating and heat-insulating base 170 or the turntable).

The supporting hole 111 is located in the setting section 110A. In one example, the supporting hole 111 may be a through hole, that is, the supporting hole 111 penetrates the setting section 110A (i.e., the middle section of the heating element 113) from the upper surface 113A of the setting section 110A (i.e., the middle section of the heating element 113) and connects to the lower surface 113B of the setting section 110A (i.e., the middle section of the heating element 113).

In some embodiments, the temperature sensor 120 may be located at the connection between the setting section 110A and the connecting section 110B.

In some embodiments, the temperature control assembly 10 may further include: a control board 130, and the heating element 113 of each heating unit 110 and each temperature sensor 120 are electrically connected to the control board 130. When in use, the control board 130 receives the operating result of each temperature sensor 120 and drives the corresponding heating element 113 of the heating unit 110 according to the operating result of each temperature sensor 120. Specifically, the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor 120 (i.e., the operating result) is transmitted to the control board 130. Therefore, when the sample detection program is executed to the time point where the temperature needs to be increased, the control board 130 can supply power to (drive) the heating element 113 of the corresponding heating unit 110 according to the temperature sensed by each temperature sensor 120, so that the heating element 113 generates heat by converting electricity into heat, thereby heating the test tube 20 to the required temperature.

In some embodiments, referring to FIG. 3 to FIG. 5 , each heating body 113 includes: a metal-based heat sink 1131, a first circuit 1132, and a second circuit 1133. The first circuit 1132 is located on a surface (i.e., the lower surface 113B) of the metal-based heat sink 1131 and surrounds the supporting hole 111. The second circuit 1133 is also located on the lower surface 113B of the metal-based heat sink 1131 like the first circuit 1132, and is electrically isolated from the first circuit 1132. Here, when power is supplied to the first circuit 1132, the first circuit 1132 can generate heat through electrical heat conversion. The second circuit 1133 is electrically connected to the corresponding temperature sensor 120. Specifically, the temperature sensor 120 corresponding to the heating unit 110 is soldered to the second circuit 1133, and the second circuit 1133 is electrically connected to the control board 130. Therefore, the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor 120 can be transmitted to the control board 130 via the second circuit 1133.

In some embodiments, each heat generating body 113 may further include: at least one thermal conductive adhesive 1135, and the thermal conductive adhesive 1135 adheres the first circuit 1132 and the second circuit 1133 to the lower surface 113B of the metal-based heat sink 1131.

In some embodiments, each heating element 113 may further include: a third circuit 1134. The third circuit 1134 is located on the other surface (i.e., the upper surface 113A) of the metal-based heat sink 1131, and is electrically connected to the first circuit 1132 through one or more conductors 161, 162. The conductors 161, 162 may be vias (not shown) or wires (as shown in FIG. 5). Here, when power is supplied to the heating element 113, power is supplied to the first circuit 1132 and the third circuit 1134, so that the first circuit 1132 and the third circuit 1134 can generate heat through electrical heat conversion, thereby performing double-sided heating. The conductors 161, 162 may both be vias, or both be wires. Alternatively, according to actual needs, a portion of the conductors 161, 162 adopts guide holes, while another portion of the conductors 161, 162 adopts wires.

In some embodiments, referring to FIG. 5 , the conductor 161 may be an internal connection, such as a wire penetrating the metal-based heat sink 1131. In other words, the wire is coupled (e.g., welded) to the first circuit 1132 and the third circuit 1134 located on different surfaces through the through hole 160 penetrating the metal-based heat sink 1131. In some embodiments, the conductor 161 may also be a conductive hole formed by filling or coating the through hole 160 penetrating the metal-based heat sink 1131 with a conductive material. Here, the conductive material at both ends of the through hole 160 is electrically connected to the first circuit 1132 and the third circuit 1134 around the through hole 160, respectively.

In some embodiments, referring to FIG. 6 to FIG. 8 , the conductor 162 may be an external connection, that is, a wire located on the side wall of the metal-based heat sink 1131. In other words, the wire extends from the upper surface 113A of the metal-based heat sink 1131 along the side wall of the metal-based heat sink 1131 to the lower surface 113B of the metal-based heat sink 1131, and the two ends of the wire are respectively coupled (e.g., welded) to the first circuit 1132 and the third circuit 1134 located on different surfaces.

In some embodiments, referring to FIG. 9 , each heat generating body 113 may be provided with both internal connections and external connections, that is, multiple conductors 161, 162 having different configurations.

In some embodiments, each heat generating body 113 may further include at least one thermal conductive adhesive 1135, 1136. Here, the thermal conductive adhesive 1135 adheres the first circuit 1132 and the second circuit 1133 to the lower surface 113B of the metal-based heat sink 1131, and the thermal conductive adhesive 1136 adheres the third circuit 1134 to the upper surface 113A of the metal-based heat sink 1131.

In some embodiments, each heating element 113 may further include: a fourth circuit 1137. The fourth circuit 1137 is located on the upper surface 113A of the metal-based heat sink 1131 and is electrically isolated from the third circuit 1134. Here, the fourth circuit 1137 is also electrically connected to the third circuit 1134 through at least one conductor (not shown). The conductor coupling the third circuit 1134 and the fourth circuit 1137 may be a via (not shown) or a wire (not shown).

In some embodiments, the thermal conductive adhesive 1136 can adhere the third circuit 1134 and the fourth circuit 1137 to the upper surface 113A of the metal-based heat sink 1131.

In some embodiments, the metal-based heat sink 1131 may be a low-alloyed Al-Mg-Si (aluminum-magnesium-silicon) high-plasticity alloy plate. The first circuit 1132 and the second circuit 1133 may be copper foil. The third circuit 1134 and the fourth circuit 1137 may be copper foil.

In some embodiments, referring to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 , the control board 130 may include: a circuit substrate 131 and a control circuit 133. The control circuit 133 is located on the circuit substrate 131, and the control circuit 133 is electrically connected to each heating unit 110 and each temperature sensor 120. When in use, the control circuit 133 can receive the temperature sensed by each temperature sensor 120 through the second circuit 1133 (and the fourth circuit 1137) of each heating unit 110, and supply power to the first circuit 1132 of the heating unit 110 corresponding to the temperature sensor 120 according to the temperature sensed by each temperature sensor 120, so that the heating body 113 generates heat.

In some embodiments, the control board 130 and each heating unit 110 can be electrically connected through two connected connectors. In these embodiments, referring to FIGS. 1 to 5 , the temperature control assembly 10 can further include: a plurality of first connectors 140 and a plurality of wire assemblies 150. The plurality of first connectors 140 respectively correspond to the plurality of heating units 110. Each first connector 140 has a plurality of contacts 140a. The plurality of wire assemblies 150 respectively correspond to the plurality of heating units 110 and respectively correspond to the plurality of first connectors 140. Each wire assembly 150 has a plurality of wires 151, 152. Here, one end of the plurality of wires 151, 152 of each wire set 150 is respectively electrically connected to the first circuit 1132 and the second circuit 1133 of the heating unit 110 corresponding to the wire set 150, and the other end is respectively coupled to the plurality of contacts 140a of the first connector 140 corresponding to the wire set 150.

Specifically, in each wire assembly 150, one end of each wire 151 is coupled (e.g., welded or bonded) to the first circuit 1132 of the corresponding heating unit 110, or is coupled (e.g., welded or bonded) to the third circuit 1134 of the corresponding heating unit 110 and electrically connected to the first circuit 1132 via the third circuit 1134 and the conductor 161 and/or 162. The other end of each wire 151 is coupled (e.g., bonded) to one of the multiple contacts 140a of the corresponding first connector 140. One end of each wire 152 is coupled (e.g., welded or bonded) to the second circuit 1133 of the corresponding heating unit 110, or is coupled (e.g., welded or bonded) to the fourth circuit 1137 of the corresponding heating unit 110 and electrically connected to the second circuit 1133 via the fourth circuit 1137 and the conductor 161 and/or 162. The other end of each wire 152 is coupled (e.g., bonded) to another one of the plurality of contacts 140a of the corresponding first connector 140.

In some embodiments, referring to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 , the control board 130 may further include: a plurality of second connectors 135. These second connectors 135 are located on the circuit substrate 131 and are electrically connected to the control circuit 133. Here, the plurality of second connectors 135 are matched with the plurality of first connectors 140, respectively, and each second connector 135 is pluggably connected to the corresponding first connector 140. In other words, when the first connector 140 is plugged into the corresponding second connector 135, the plurality of contacts 140a of the first connector 140 are in one-to-one contact with the plurality of contacts of the second connector 135, so that the plurality of contacts 140a of the first connector 140 are electrically connected with the plurality of contacts of the second connector 135, respectively. In FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 , the second connector 135 is drawn with dotted lines to facilitate the insertion of the first connector 140 therein.

Therefore, when in use, the control circuit 133 can receive the temperature sensed by each temperature sensor 120 through each second connector 135, the first connector 140 connected to the second connector 135, the wire 152 connected to the first connector 140, and the second circuit 1133 connected to the wire 152. In addition, the control circuit 133 determines whether the heating unit 110 corresponding to the temperature sensor 120 needs to be heated according to the received temperature and the expected temperature. When the received temperature is lower than the expected temperature, the control circuit 133 supplies power to the first circuit 1132 (i.e., supplies power to the heating element 113) of the heating unit 110 corresponding to the temperature sensor 120 via the second connectors 135, the first connector 140 connected to the second connector 135, and the wire 151 connected to the first connector 140, so that the heating element 113 generates heat to increase the temperature of the test tube 20 carried by the heating unit 110. Otherwise, the control circuit 133 stops supplying power to the heating unit 110 corresponding to the temperature sensor 120.

In some embodiments, the bearing hole 111 penetrates the metal-based heat sink 1131. The first circuit 1132 is distributed on the lower surface 113B of the setting section 110A and the connecting section 110B. The first circuit 1132 can be divided into a ring-shaped routing and two connecting routings (hereinafter referred to as first connecting routings). The first circuit 1132 on the setting section 110A is a ring-shaped routing, which is arranged on the lower surface 113B of the metal-based heat sink 1131 beside the bearing hole 111 along the edge of the bearing hole 111. The first circuit 1132 on the connecting section 110B is a first connecting routing, which starts from the ring-shaped routing and extends toward the edge of the metal-based heat sink 1131, and extends to the edge of the metal-based heat sink 1131 through the connecting section 110B. That is, one end (hereinafter referred to as the first end) of the two first connection traces is coupled to the ring trace, and the other end (hereinafter referred to as the second end) can be directly or through the wire 151 connected to the control board 130. The second circuit 1133 is distributed on the lower surface 113B of the connecting section 110B. The second circuit 1133 can be another two connecting traces (hereinafter referred to as the second connecting traces). The second connecting traces extend from the connection between the setting section 110A and the connecting section 110B toward the edge of the metal-based heat sink 1131, and extend to the edge of the metal-based heat sink 1131 through the connecting section 110B. At the connection between the setting section 110A and the connection section 110B, the temperature sensor 120 is soldered to one end (hereinafter referred to as the first end) of the second connection trace, that is, the first ends of the two second connection traces are respectively coupled to the two electrodes of the temperature sensor 120. At the edge of the metal-based heat sink 1131, the other end (hereinafter referred to as the second end) of the second connection trace can be directly connected to the control board 130 or through the wire 152. Among them, the two second connection traces of the second circuit 1133 can be distributed between the two first connection traces of the first circuit 1132.

Here, the third circuit 1134 is distributed on the upper surface 113A of the setting section 110A and the connecting section 110B, and its structure and distribution are substantially the same as the first circuit 1132. The conductors 161 and/or 162 connecting the upper surface 113A and the lower surface 113B of the metal-based heat sink 1131 electrically connect the third circuit 1134 to the first circuit 1132.

In one example, each wire set 150 may have four wires 151 and 152. One end of two wires 151 is respectively welded to the second end of two first connection traces of the third circuit 1134, and the other end of the two wires 151 is respectively in contact with two contacts 140a of the first connector 140. One end of two wires 152 is respectively welded to the second end of two first connection traces of the fourth circuit 1137, and the other end of the two wires 152 is respectively in contact with the other two contacts 140a of the first connector 140.

For example, the first circuit 1132 and the second circuit 1133 may be a patterned circuit layer formed on the lower surface 113B of the metal-based heat sink 1131. The patterned circuit layer may be formed on the lower surface 113B of the metal-based heat sink 1131 using a PCB (printed circuit board) process. The third circuit 1134 and the fourth circuit 1137 may be a patterned circuit layer formed on the upper surface 113A of the metal-based heat sink 1131. The patterned circuit layer may be formed on the upper surface 113A of the metal-based heat sink 1131 using a PCB (printed circuit board) process.

In some embodiments, the metal-based heat sink 1131 may have good thermal conductivity, electrical insulation and machinability. The metal-based heat sink 1131 may be an aluminum substrate. The aluminum substrate can carry a higher current, its withstand voltage can reach 4500V, and its thermal conductivity is greater than 2.0. The first circuit 1132 and the second circuit 1133 may be a patterned aluminum foil. The third circuit 1134 and the fourth circuit 1137 may be another patterned aluminum foil.

In some embodiments, the temperature control assembly 10 may further include: an insulating heat-insulating base 170. Here, a plurality of heating units 110 surround the insulating heat-insulating base 170 along the edge of the insulating heat-insulating base 170 and are fixed on the insulating heat-insulating base 170. For example, the fixing section 110C of each heating unit 110 is locked on the insulating heat-insulating base 170. In some embodiments, the insulating heat-insulating base 170 may be a bakelite insulation material.

In some embodiments, the temperature control assembly 10 can be assembled with other components into an instrument by fixing the insulating and heat-insulating base 170 to other components.

Specifically, a detection instrument includes the temperature control assembly 10 of any of the above embodiments, a turntable 40, an optical sensor 50, a rotary motor 70, and a rotating shaft 72. The temperature control assembly 10 is located between the turntable 40 and the optical sensor 50 and is fixed on the turntable 40 by an insulating and heat-insulating base 170. The optical sensor 50 is located on the other side of the temperature control assembly 10 relative to the turntable 40, and is used to detect the test tube 20 located on the supporting hole 111 of the heating unit 110. The rotary motor 70 is connected to one end of the rotating shaft 72 and is used to rotate the rotating shaft 72. The other end of the rotating shaft 72 is coupled to the insulating and heat-insulating base 170 and is used to drive the turntable 40 and the temperature control assembly 10 to rotate, so that the supporting holes 111 of the plurality of heating units 110 are moved to the optical sensor 50 in sequence.

For example, referring to FIG. 10 and FIG. 11 , after the insulating heat-insulating base 170 and the 16 sets of heating units 110 are connected and fixed, the bearing holes 111 of the 16 sets of heating units 110 are aligned with the 16 limiting holes 401 on the turntable 40, and then the insulating heat-insulating base 170 is fixed on the turntable 40. The first connectors 140 of the 16 sets of heating units 110 are plugged into the second connectors 135 of the control board 130 one by one, and the turntable line 42 is assembled and connected to the turntable 40. Then, the two ends of the rotating shaft 72 are assembled and connected to the insulating heat-insulating base 170 and the rotating motor 70 assembled on the frame 80. Finally, the assembled components are covered with the housing 90. When in use, the test tube 20 is inserted into the supporting hole 111 of the heating unit 110 through the limiting hole 401 on the turntable 40 , and the opening of the test tube 20 can be covered by the fixing cover 30 .

In some embodiments, the detection instrument may further include: a fan assembly 60, and the fan assembly 60 is located on the other side of the temperature control assembly 10 relative to the turntable 40. In some embodiments, the fan assembly 60 may include one or more fans 610 and a fan cover 620. In this embodiment, the fan cover 620 is located between the fan 610 and the temperature control assembly 10. The fan cover 620 is gradually narrowed from one end close to the fan 610 to one end close to the temperature control assembly 10, so as to guide the wind blown by the fan 610 to the middle area of the temperature control assembly 10.

In some embodiments, referring to FIG. 12 and FIG. 13 , each heating unit 110 may be rectangular in shape when viewed from above.

In other embodiments, referring to FIG. 14 and FIG. 15 , each heating body 113 may include: a heat insulating fixture 114, a heating block 115, and a thin film heating sheet 116. The thin film heating sheet 116 is sandwiched between the heat insulating fixture 114 and the heating block 115. Referring to FIG. 14 to FIG. 16 , each temperature sensor 120 is located on the thin film heating sheet 116 of the corresponding heating unit 110, and the supporting hole 111 penetrates the heat insulating fixture 114, the thin film heating sheet 116, and the heating block 115 of the corresponding heating unit 110.

In some embodiments, referring to FIGS. 14 to 16 , each thin film heater 116 may include: a setting section 1161 and a connecting section 1162. The setting section 1161 is sandwiched between the heat insulating fixture 114 and the heating block 115. The connecting section 1162 connects the setting section 1161 and is electrically connected to the control board 130. Here, the thin film heater 116 can generate heat under the power supply of the control board 130. Each temperature sensor 120 is located at the connection between the setting section 1161 and the connecting section 1162 of the corresponding heating unit 110, and the bearing hole 111 passes through the heat insulating fixture 114, the setting section 1161 and the heating block 115.

For example, after the heat insulating fixture 114 and the heating block 115 are aligned, the setting section 1161 of the thin film heater 116 is sandwiched therebetween, and then the heat insulating fixture 114 and the heating block 115 are screwed together to form the heating unit 110.

In some embodiments, the connecting section 1162 can be directly coupled to the control circuit 133 of the control board 130. For example, one end of the connecting section 1162 is connected to the setting section 1161, and the other end of the connecting section 1162 is directly welded to the control circuit 133 (not shown).

In some other embodiments, the connecting section 1162 may also be electrically connected to the control circuit 133 of the control board 130 via a wire or a combination of a wire and a connector.

In some embodiments, each thin film heater 116 may be a polyimide (PI) thin film heater.

In some embodiments, referring to FIGS. 17 to 19 , when the detection instrument is assembled, each heating unit 110 can be directly fixed on the turntable 40. For example, referring to FIGS. 14 to 17 , the heat insulating fixing member 114 of each heating unit 110 has a fixing hole 114 a. Therefore, the heating unit 110 can be fixed on the turntable 40 by passing a screw through the fixing hole 114 a and locking it into the turntable 40.

In some embodiments, referring to FIGS. 17 to 19 , the fan assembly 60 may also be directly fixed on the turntable 40. In these embodiments, the fan assembly 60 is located on the other side of the temperature control assembly 10 relative to the turntable 40, and is fixed on the turntable 40 exposed by the hollow area surrounded by the heating unit 110. In other words, the plurality of heating units 110 of the temperature control assembly 10 surround the fan assembly 60. In addition, the other end of the rotating shaft 72 is connected to the fan assembly 60.

For example, after the bearing holes 111 of the 16 heating units 110 are aligned with the 16 limiting holes 401 of the turntable 40, the heat insulation fixing member 114 of each heating unit 110 is locked on the turntable 40. In addition, the fan 610 is locked on the turntable 40 in the middle area surrounded by the 16 heating units 110. The first connectors 140 of the 16 heating units 110 are respectively connected to the second connectors 135 at the corresponding positions of the control board 130. The other end of the rotating shaft 72 is assembled on the outer side of the fan cover 620. Then, the fan 610 is covered with the fan cover 620 and then fixed on the turntable 40.

In this way, the detection instrument can perform detection procedures that require the temperature of the sample to be controlled.

For example, in a PCR (polymerase chain reaction) detection instrument, the first stage of PCR requires a processing temperature of about 94° C., the second stage of PCR requires a processing temperature of about 60° C., and the third stage of PCR requires a processing temperature of about 72° C. In the first stage of PCR, the detection instrument needs to heat the test tube 20 to 94° C. and maintain the temperature at 94° C. At this time, the control circuit 133 of the control board 130 supplies power to the heating unit 110, so that the heating element 113 of the heating unit 110 generates heat to raise the temperature to 94°C, and uses the computer program PID control (Proportional-Integral and Derivative Control) to control the operation of the heating unit 110 and the fan 610 according to the temperature sensed by each temperature sensor 120, so that the temperature is maintained at 94°C. In the second stage of PCR, the control circuit 133 of the control board 130 stops supplying power to the heating unit 110 to turn off the heating element 113, and turns on the fan 610, so that the fan 610 blows toward the heating unit 110 through the fan cover 620 to cool down to about 60°C. Then, the control circuit 133 of the control board 130 uses the computer program PID control to control the operation of the heating unit 110 and the fan 610 according to the temperature sensed by each temperature sensor 120, so that the temperature is maintained at about 60°C. In the third stage of PCR, the control circuit 133 of the control board 130 supplies power to the heating unit 110 again, so that the heating element 113 of the heating unit 110 generates heat to raise the temperature to 72°C, and uses the computer program PID control to control the operation of the heating unit 110 and the fan 610 according to the temperature sensed by each temperature sensor 120, so that the temperature is maintained at 72°C.

In summary, in any embodiment, the temperature control assembly 10 is suitable for use in a detection instrument, which can independently monitor the temperature of multiple test tubes 20 and effectively control their temperatures to achieve uniform temperature. In some embodiments, the temperature control assembly 10 adopts a mechanism design that reduces mass, and its simplified structure reduces hardware and assembly costs. In some embodiments, the temperature control assembly 10 uses an aluminum substrate (i.e., as a metal-based heat sink 1131) to make the heating unit 110, thereby further reducing the overall cost. In some embodiments, the multiple heating units 110 of the temperature control assembly 10 independently monitor the temperature, and perform double-sided heating when the temperature needs to be increased, so as to quickly increase the temperature to the required temperature.

10: Temperature control assembly 110: Heating unit 110A: Setting section 110B: Connecting section 110C: Fixing section 111: Carrying hole 113: Heating element 113A: Upper surface 113B: Lower surface 1131: Metal-based heat sink 1132: First circuit 1133: Second circuit 1134: Third circuit 1135: Thermal conductive adhesive 1136: Thermal conductive adhesive 1137: Fourth circuit 114: Thermal insulation fixing piece 114a: Fixing hole 115: Heating block 116: Thin film heater 1161: Setting section 1162: Connecting section 120: Temperature sensor 130: Control panel 131: Circuit board 133: Control circuit 135: Second connector 140: First connector 140a: Contact 150: Wire assembly 151: Wire 152: Wire 160: Through hole 161: Conductor 162: Conductor 170: Insulation and heat insulation base 20: Test tube 30: Fixed cover 40: Turntable 42: Turntable wire 401: Limiting hole 50: Optical sensor 60: Fan assembly 610: Fan 620: Fan cover 70: Rotating motor 72: Rotating shaft 80: Rack 90: Casing

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a temperature control assembly of an embodiment. FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the temperature control assembly of FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a first exemplary embodiment of a set of heating units and a temperature sensor of FIG. 1 at a viewing angle. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of the same set of heating units and a temperature sensor at an opposite viewing angle of FIG. 3. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of a cross section of the heating unit of FIG. 3 at a tangent to an extension axis. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of a second exemplary embodiment of a set of heating units and a temperature sensor of FIG. 1 at a viewing angle. FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of the same set of heating units and a temperature sensor at an opposite viewing angle of FIG. 6. FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of a cross section of the heating unit of FIG. 6 at a tangent to an extension axis. FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of a cross section of a third exemplary embodiment of a heating unit. FIG. 10 is an exploded view of a detection instrument of an embodiment. FIG. 11 is a partial enlarged view of FIG. 10 . FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram of a third exemplary embodiment of a set of heating units and a temperature sensor in FIG. 1 at a certain viewing angle. FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of the same set of heating units and a temperature sensor at the opposite viewing angle of FIG. 12 . FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram of a fourth exemplary embodiment of a set of heating units and a temperature sensor. FIG. 15 is an exploded view of a set of heating units and a temperature sensor in FIG. 14 . FIG. 16 is an enlarged view of the thin film heater in FIG. 14 . FIG. 17 is a partial schematic diagram of a detection instrument in another embodiment. FIG. 18 is a partially reversed exploded view of FIG. 17 . FIG. 19 is an exploded view of a detection instrument in another embodiment.

10: Temperature control components

110: Heating unit

111: Loading hole

113: Fever body

120: Temperature sensor

130: Control panel

131: Circuit board

133: Control circuit

135: Second connector

140: First connector

170: Insulation and heat insulation base

Claims (20)

A temperature control assembly includes: a plurality of heating units, arranged in a ring shape, each of the heating units including: a supporting hole, suitable for removably setting a test tube; and a heating body, surrounding the supporting hole; and a plurality of temperature sensors, respectively set on the plurality of heating units. The temperature control assembly as described in claim 1 further includes: a control board electrically connecting the heating element of each heating unit and each temperature sensor, and used to drive the corresponding heating element according to the operating result of each temperature sensor. The temperature control assembly as described in claim 1, wherein the heat generating body of each heating unit comprises: a metal-based heat sink; a first circuit located on a surface of the metal-based heat sink and surrounding the supporting hole; and a second circuit located on the surface of the metal-based heat sink, electrically isolated from the first circuit, and electrically connected to the corresponding temperature sensor. The temperature control assembly as described in claim 3, wherein each of the heat generating bodies further comprises: at least one thermally conductive adhesive, which adheres the first circuit and the second circuit to the surface of the metal-based heat sink. The temperature control assembly as described in claim 3, wherein each of the heat generating bodies further comprises: a third circuit located on another surface of the metal-based heat sink and electrically connected to the first circuit through at least one conductor. The temperature control assembly as described in claim 5, wherein each of the heat generating bodies further comprises: at least one thermally conductive adhesive to adhere the first circuit and the second circuit to the surface of the metal-based heat sink and adhere the third circuit to the other surface of the metal-based heat sink. The temperature control assembly as described in claim 3 further includes: a plurality of first connectors, each of which has a plurality of contacts; and a plurality of wire sets, which respectively correspond to the plurality of heating units and respectively correspond to the plurality of first connectors, wherein each of the wire sets has a plurality of wires, one end of the plurality of wires of each of the wire sets respectively electrically connects the first circuit and the second circuit of the corresponding heating unit, and the other end of the plurality of wires of each of the wire sets respectively couples the plurality of contacts of the corresponding first connector. The temperature control assembly as described in claim 7 further comprises: a control board, comprising: a circuit substrate; a control circuit located on the circuit substrate, for receiving a temperature sensed by each temperature sensor through the second circuit of each heating unit and supplying power to the first circuit of the corresponding heating unit according to the temperature sensed by each temperature sensor; and a plurality of second connectors located on the circuit substrate, electrically connected to the control circuit, respectively matched with the plurality of first connectors, and each second connector is pluggable and docked with the corresponding first connector. The temperature control assembly as described in claim 1, wherein each of the heating elements comprises: a heat-insulating fixture; a heating block; and a thin-film electric heater sandwiched between the heat-insulating fixture and the heating block; wherein the temperature sensor is located on the thin-film electric heater of the corresponding heating unit, and the supporting hole penetrates the heat-insulating fixture, the thin-film electric heater and the heating block of the corresponding heating unit. The temperature control assembly as described in claim 1 further includes: an insulating heat-insulating base, wherein the plurality of heating units surround and are fixed on the insulating heat-insulating base. A temperature control assembly includes: a plurality of heating units, arranged in a ring shape, each of the heating units including: a supporting hole, suitable for removably setting a test tube; and a heating body, surrounding the supporting hole; and a plurality of temperature sensors, respectively corresponding to the plurality of heating units, wherein each of the temperature sensors is arranged on the heating body of the corresponding heating unit and adjacent to the supporting hole relative to the edge of the heating body. The temperature control assembly as described in claim 11 further includes: a control board electrically connecting the heating element of each heating unit and each temperature sensor, so as to drive the corresponding heating element according to the operating result of each temperature sensor. The temperature control assembly as described in claim 11, wherein the heat generating body of each heating unit comprises: a metal-based heat sink; a first circuit located on a surface of the metal-based heat sink and surrounding the supporting hole; and a second circuit located on the surface of the metal-based heat sink, electrically isolated from the first circuit, and electrically connected to the corresponding temperature sensor. The temperature control assembly as described in claim 13, wherein each of the heat generating bodies further comprises: at least one thermally conductive adhesive, which adheres the first circuit and the second circuit to the surface of the metal-based heat sink. The temperature control assembly as described in claim 13, wherein each of the heat generating bodies further comprises: a third circuit located on another surface of the metal-based heat sink and electrically connected to the first circuit through at least one conductor. The temperature control assembly as described in claim 15, wherein each of the heat generating bodies further comprises: at least one thermally conductive adhesive to adhere the first circuit and the second circuit to the surface of the metal-based heat sink and adhere the third circuit to the other surface of the metal-based heat sink. The temperature control assembly as described in claim 13 further includes: a plurality of first connectors, each of which has a plurality of contacts; and a plurality of wire sets, which respectively correspond to the plurality of heating units and respectively correspond to the plurality of first connectors, wherein each of the wire sets has a plurality of wires, one end of the plurality of wires of each of the wire sets respectively electrically connects the first circuit and the second circuit of the corresponding heating unit, and the other end of the plurality of wires of each of the wire sets respectively couples the plurality of contacts of the corresponding first connector. The temperature control assembly as described in claim 17 further includes: a control board, including: a circuit substrate; a control circuit, located on the circuit substrate, for receiving a temperature sensed by each temperature sensor through the second circuit of each heating unit and supplying power to the corresponding first circuit of the heating unit according to the temperature sensed by each temperature sensor; and a plurality of second connectors, located on the circuit substrate, electrically connected to the control circuit, respectively matched with the plurality of first connectors, and each second connector is pluggable and docked with the corresponding first connector. The temperature control assembly as described in claim 11, wherein each of the heating elements comprises: a heat-insulating fixture; a heating block; and a thin-film electric heater sandwiched between the heat-insulating fixture and the heating block; wherein the temperature sensor is located on the thin-film electric heater of the corresponding heating unit, and the supporting hole penetrates the heat-insulating fixture, the thin-film electric heater and the heating block of the corresponding heating unit. The temperature control assembly as described in claim 11 further includes: an insulating heat-insulating base, wherein the plurality of heating units surround and are fixed on the insulating heat-insulating base.

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