Modular flow cytometer and use method thereof
The modular design and disassembly/assembly of the flow cytometer solves the problem of inconvenient transportation of traditional flow cytometers, enabling convenient disassembly and assembly, and improving the efficiency of instrument movement and maintenance.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202511080547.1
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-08-01
- Publication Date
- 2025-11-04
- Estimated Expiration
- Not applicable · inactive patent
AI Technical Summary
Traditional flow cytometers use an integrated design, resulting in large and heavy equipment that is difficult to transfer and transport. Existing auxiliary equipment cannot fundamentally solve the problem of inconvenient transportation.
The flow cytometer housing adopts a modular design and can be disassembled into multiple modules, including a cell sorting and collection module, an optical detection module, a mobile support module, and a support and protection module. Modular disassembly and assembly are achieved through limiting holes, fastening screws, and adjustment components, while the use of wheels and trays improves the stability of movement.
This improves the portability and flexibility of flow cytometers, reduces maintenance difficulty, decreases manpower and material consumption, and enhances the flexibility and stability of instrument use.
Smart Images

Figure CN120897378A_ABST
Abstract
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of flow cytometry, in particular to a modular flow cytometer and a use method thereof. BACKGROUND
[0002] In the field of flow cytometry, it is crucial to accurately analyze, process and sort the fluid and components or particles in the sample, which usually requires precise alignment of particles in the flow cytometer, distribution in the form of a series of droplets, each containing a single particle, or accurate identification and sorting after the particles pass through the internal detection area, such as a single cell; in some applications, it is also necessary to remove specific particles from the flow stream or classify, activate, deactivate the particles in the flow stream; In the fields of modern life science research, clinical diagnosis and drug development, flow cytometry, as an important instrument for quickly and accurately analyzing cells and other biological particles, plays an irreplaceable role. It can quantitatively analyze the size, internal structure, DNA, RNA, protein and other parameters of cells, providing key data support for scientific research and medical work; However, the traditional flow cytometer usually adopts a whole design, which is large in size, complex in structure and heavy in weight. In actual use, it often faces the problem of difficult transfer and handling. Whether it is the adjustment of position within the laboratory or the transfer between different laboratories and hospital departments, it needs to consume a lot of manpower and material resources, and even the performance and detection accuracy of the instrument may be affected by factors such as vibration and collision during the handling process. The auxiliary equipment used in the prior art for handling large instruments only provides external auxiliary support and movement function, and cannot fundamentally solve the problem of inconvenient handling caused by the structure of the flow cytometer itself. At the same time, the whole design makes it necessary to operate the entire device during maintenance and upgrading, which not only increases the maintenance difficulty and cost, but also prolongs the downtime. SUMMARY
[0003] The present application relates to the technical field of flow cytometry, in particular to a modular flow cytometer and a use method thereof.
[0004] To achieve the above-mentioned purpose, the present application provides the following technical solutions: The utility model provides a modular flow cytometer, including flow cytometer shell, the recess is opened to the front of flow cytometer shell, the cell sorting collection module is inserted in the recess, and the optical detection module is installed at the top of flow cytometer shell, the bottom of flow cytometer shell is overlapped with the isolation frame, a plurality of limiting holes are formed in the isolation frame, the bottom of isolation frame is equipped with mobile support module, the top of mobile support module penetrates and slides in a plurality of jack, the both sides of isolation frame are respectively connected with two fastening screws, and one end of two fastening screws of the same side is clamped in one side of mobile support module, the both sides of isolation frame are respectively equipped with limiting hole, the support protection module is slidably connected in the isolation frame, and the both sides of the bottom of support protection module penetrate and slide in two limiting holes, the bottom groove is formed in the bottom of flow cytometer shell, six clamping grooves are formed to the inner wall of bottom groove at equal intervals, the middle part of support protection module is fixed with the clamping seat, the clamping seat is located in the bottom groove, the bottom of clamping seat is equipped with the installation groove, the adjusting assembly is installed in the installation groove, the both ends of adjusting assembly penetrate installation groove and extend to the both sides of flow cytometer shell, the top of adjusting assembly penetrates the middle part of clamping seat and is fixed with locking assembly, a plurality of slideways are formed to the clamping seat at equal intervals, and the locking assembly is slidably connected in a plurality of slideways.
[0005] As a further scheme of the utility model, the cell sorting collection module comprises a sample tube rack, the sample tube rack is inserted into the recess, two sealing doors are installed on the front of the sample tube rack, and handles are fixed on the both sides of the sample tube rack.
[0006] As a further scheme of the utility model, the mobile support module comprises a support frame, three walking wheels are installed on the front and back of the bottom of the support frame, a plurality of limiting columns are fixed on the top of the support frame, the limiting columns penetrate and slide in the jacks, adjusting bolts are threadedly connected on the both sides of the bottom of the support frame, and pressing plates are fixed on the bottom ends of the adjusting bolts.
[0007] As a further scheme of the utility model, the support protection module comprises a supporting plate, the supporting plate is fixed with the bottom of the clamping seat, a sliding frame is fixed on the bottom of the supporting plate, the sliding frame penetrates and slides in the two limiting holes, and a plurality of springs are fixed between the supporting plate and the isolation frame.
[0008] As a further scheme of the utility model, the adjusting assembly comprises a worm, connecting shafts are fixed on the both ends of the worm, the connecting shafts are rotatably connected in the clamping seat through the shaft sleeves, handles are fixed on the ends, away from the worm, of the connecting shafts, a worm wheel is meshingly connected outside the worm, and the top of the worm wheel is rotatably connected in the middle part of the clamping seat through a bearing.
[0009] As a further scheme of the present application, first grooves are formed in the two side walls of the isolation frame respectively, second grooves are formed in the bottom of the flow cytometer shell respectively, and the two second grooves are communicated with the bottom groove, and the connecting shaft is located in the first groove and the second groove.
[0010] As a further scheme of the present application, the locking assembly comprises a rotating disc, the bottom of the rotating disc is fixed with the top end of the worm wheel, six slide holes are formed in the rotating disc at equal intervals, the slide holes are designed in arc shape, a slide column is slidably penetrated in the slide hole, a slide rod is fixed at the bottom end of the slide column, a push plate is fixed at the end of the slide rod away from the slide column and penetrates the clamping seat, and the slide rod is slidably connected in the slide channel, and a clamping strip is fixed at the outer side of the push plate.
[0011] A use method of the modular flow cytometer, the use method comprising the following steps: When the cell sorter is disassembled, the whole cell sorting and collecting module is separated from the notch in front of the flow cytometer shell by holding the handles on both sides of the sample tube frame and pulling forward, so as to disassemble the cell sorting and collecting module, and then rotating the handle in the adjusting assembly to drive the worm to rotate through the connecting shaft, the worm drives the upper rotating disc to rotate through the worm wheel, and the rotating disc drives the slide column to move through the slide hole, when the slide column slides on the arc surface in the slide hole, the slide rod in the slide channel is pulled to slide, the slide rod is supported and limited by the slide channel, the stability of the horizontal movement of the push plate driven by the slide rod is improved, the multiple push plates drive the multiple clamping strips to move synchronously and disengage from the clamping grooves in the bottom groove, so as to release the locking state between the support and protection module and the flow cytometer shell. Then, the flow cytometer shell is lifted upward to disengage from the support and protection module and the isolation frame, and when the support and protection module and the isolation frame are disassembled, the fastening screws on both sides of the isolation frame are loosened to disengage from both sides of the moving support module, so as to release the locking state between the isolation frame and the moving support module, the insertion hole in the isolation frame is disengaged from the multiple limiting columns in the moving support module by lifting the isolation frame, that is, the support and protection module and the isolation frame are disassembled from the moving support module, at this time, the flow cytometer shell, the cell sorting and collecting module, the moving support module and the support and protection module are in a separated state, so as to complete the disassembly and separation of the whole cell sorter. In the assembly of the cell instrument, the isolation frame is placed above the support frame, the limiting column on the support frame is inserted into the jack in the isolation frame, the limiting column is limited to the isolation frame and the upper support protection module, the fastening screws on both sides of the isolation frame are tightened, the end of the fastening screw is embedded in the side wall of the support frame, the stability of the installation of the isolation frame is improved, the flow cytometer shell is placed in the isolation frame and in contact with the supporting plate in the support protection module, the bottom groove below the flow cytometer shell is located outside the clamping seat, the flow cytometer shell is limited by the isolation frame, the free rotation of the flow cytometer shell is prevented, and the installation stability is affected, the rotating handle is rotated in reverse, and the worm wheel is rotated through the connecting shaft, the worm wheel rotates the plurality of sliding holes through the rotating disc, the sliding column slides in the sliding hole and drives the sliding rod to move in the sliding groove, and the plurality of sliding rods drive the plurality of clamping strips to move away from each other and are clamped in the clamping groove through the push plate, the purpose of locking the flow cytometer shell is achieved, so that the flow cytometer shell is installed on the isolation frame and the support protection module, and the cell sorting and collecting module is pushed into the notch in front of the flow cytometer shell. When the cell instrument is transferred, the flow cytometer shell or the support frame is pushed, the walking wheels in the support frame roll on the ground, the cell instrument is conveniently moved, when the cell instrument is transferred, the flow cytometer shell presses the supporting plate, the supporting plate drives the sliding frame to slide in the two limiting holes, the supporting plate is limited by the limiting hole, the stability of the flow cytometer shell moving in the vertical direction is improved, the supporting plate is pressed when moving downward, and the plurality of springs are pressed, then the supporting plate is reversely supported by the elastic force of the springs, the flow cytometer shell above the supporting plate is buffered and protected, since the supporting plate is fixed with the clamping seat, the connecting shaft in the adjusting assembly is moved when the supporting plate moves up and down, since the connecting shaft is located in the first groove and the second groove and moves inside, the connecting shaft is not interfered with the stroke of the connecting shaft moving up and down, after the transfer, the adjusting screw is screwed to drive the pressing plate to move downward and contact the ground, the cell instrument is supported, and the free movement of the moving support module affects the stability of the cell instrument.
[0012] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present application are: 1、The present application is through holding the handle of the sample tube frame and pulling forward, the whole cell sorting collection module will be separated from the notch in front of the flow cytometer shell, so as to remove the cell sorting collection module, secondly rotate the handle to drive the connecting shaft and worm rotation, worm through the worm gear drive upper turntable rotation, turntable through the sliding hole drive slide column movement, when the slide column in the sliding hole in the arc surface sliding will pull the slide bar in the slide way sliding, a plurality of push plate drive a plurality of card strip synchronous movement and remove the locking slot in the bottom groove, in order to remove the support protection module and flow cytometer shell between the locking state, lift the flow cytometer shell to make it separate from the support protection module and isolation frame, then remove the support protection module and isolation frame, by loosening the isolation frame both sides of the fastening screw to make it separate from the both sides of the moving support module, in order to remove the isolation frame and the locking state between the moving support module, lift the isolation frame to make its inside the jack will separate from the plurality of limit column in the moving support module, namely the support protection module and isolation frame from the moving support module, at this time, the flow cytometer shell, cell sorting collection module, moving support module and support protection module are in the separation state, in order to complete the whole cell instrument disassembly and separation work, thus through the modular design of the cell instrument, improve the convenience of the cell instrument transfer, separate or combined transport is more labor saving, can effectively reduce the consumption of manpower and material resources, can be targeted to the module with problems for repair or replacement, without disassembling the whole cell instrument, reduce the difficulty of maintenance; 2、The present application is through the isolation frame placed in the upper support frame, the limit column on the support frame is inserted into the jack in the isolation frame, plays a role in limiting the isolation frame and the upper support protection module, the flow cytometer shell is placed in the isolation frame and contacted with the support protection module in the supporting plate, the bottom groove below the flow cytometer shell is located outside the card seat, reverse rotation handle and drive the worm gear rotation through the connecting shaft, worm gear through the turntable drive a plurality of sliding hole rotation, the slide column in the sliding hole in the process of sliding drive the slide bar in the slide way movement, and a plurality of slide rods through the push plate drive a plurality of card strip away from each other and into the card slot, realize the purpose of locking the flow cytometer shell, in order to install the flow cytometer shell on the isolation frame and support protection module, then push the cell sorting collection module into the notch in front of the flow cytometer shell, in order to combine the modules, enhance the flexibility of the cell instrument, according to the specific use requirement, select different function module for combination, secondly, when the cell instrument is transferred, the flow cytometer shell will press the supporting plate, the supporting plate drive the slide frame to slide in the two limit hole, through the limit hole limiting the supporting plate, improve the stability of the flow cytometer shell in the vertical direction, the supporting plate will extrude a plurality of springs, then through the spring force of the supporting plate, play a role in buffering protection of the flow cytometer shell above the supporting plate. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0013] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application, the drawings required to be used in the following embodiment description will be briefly introduced. Obviously, the drawings in the following description are only some embodiments of the present application, and other drawings can be obtained by those skilled in the art without any creative effort on the basis of these drawings.
[0014] Figure 1 It is a schematic view of the structure of the present application; Figure 2 It is a schematic view of the structure of the present application; Figure 3 It is a schematic view of the structure of the present application; Figure 4 It is a schematic view of the structure of the present application; Figure 5 It is a schematic view of the structure of the present application; Figure 6 It is a schematic view of the structure of the present application; Figure 7 It is a schematic view of the structure of the present application; Figure 8 It is a schematic view of the structure of the present application.
[0015] In the drawings, the components represented by each number are listed as follows: 1, flow cytometer housing; 2, notch; 3, cell sorting and collecting module; 301, sample tube rack; 302, sealing door; 303, handle; 4, isolation rack; 5, jack; 6, limiting hole; 7, fastening screw; 8, first groove; 9, mobile support module; 901, support rack; 902, walking wheel; 903, limiting column; 904, adjusting bolt; 905, pressing plate; 10, support protection module; 101, supporting plate; 102, sliding rack; 103, spring; 11, bottom groove; 12, clamping groove; 13, second groove; 14, clamping seat; 15, mounting groove; 16, adjusting assembly; 161, worm; 162, connecting shaft; 163, handle; 164, worm gear; 17, locking assembly; 171, rotating disc; 172, sliding hole; 173, sliding column; 174, sliding rod; 175, push plate; 176, clamping strip; 18, slide; 19, optical detection module. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0016] The technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the drawings in the embodiments of the present application. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present application, rather than all the embodiments of the present application. Based on the embodiments in the present application, all other embodiments obtained by a person of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort belong to the protection scope of the present application.
[0017] Please refer to Figures 1-8 The present application provides a technical solution: The modular flow cytometer comprises a flow cytometer shell 1, a notch 2 is formed on the front face of the flow cytometer shell 1, and a cell sorting and collecting module 3 is inserted into the notch 2, the cell sorting and collecting module 3 comprises a sample tube rack 301, the sample tube rack 301 is inserted into the notch 2, two sealing doors 302 are mounted on the front face of the sample tube rack 301, the sample tube rack 301 and the sealing doors 302 form a storage space, and handles 303 are fixed to the two sides of the sample tube rack 301. During operation, the cell sorting and collecting module 3 is separated from the notch 2 in front of the flow cytometer shell 1 by holding the handles 303 on the two sides of the sample tube rack 301 and pulling forward, so that the cell sorting and collecting module 3 is conveniently disassembled.
[0018] As a further solution of the present application, an optical detection module 19 is mounted on the top of the flow cytometer shell 1, a separation frame 4 is overlapped on the bottom of the flow cytometer shell 1, a plurality of insertion holes 5 are formed in the separation frame 4, a mobile support module 9 is arranged at the bottom of the separation frame 4, the top end of the mobile support module 9 penetrates and slides in the plurality of insertion holes 5, the mobile support module 9 comprises a support frame 901, three walking wheels 902 are mounted on the front and rear sides of the bottom of the support frame 901, a plurality of limiting columns 903 are fixed to the top of the support frame 901, the limiting columns 903 penetrate and slide in the insertion holes 5, and adjusting bolts 904 are threadedly connected to the two sides of the bottom of the support frame 901, a pressing plate 905 is fixed to the bottom end of the adjusting bolts 904, the adjusting bolts 904 drive the pressing plate 905 to move downward and contact the ground, thereby supporting the cell instrument.
[0019] As a further solution of the present application, two fastening screws 7 are threadedly connected to the two sides of the separation frame 4, respectively, and one end of the two fastening screws 7 on the same side is clamped to one side of the mobile support module 9.
[0020] During operation, the fastening screws 7 on the two sides of the separation frame 4 are loosened to separate the two sides of the mobile support module 9, so that the separation frame 4 is conveniently disassembled from the mobile support module 9, the fastening screws 7 on the two sides of the separation frame 4 are tightened, so that the end of the fastening screw 7 is embedded in the side wall of the mobile support module 9, and the stability of the installation of the separation frame 4 is improved.
[0021] As a further scheme of the present application, limit holes 6 are respectively formed in the two sides of the isolation frame 4, and a support protection module 10 is slidingly connected in the isolation frame 4, and the two sides of the bottom of the support protection module 10 slidingly penetrate the two limit holes 6. A bottom groove 11 is formed in the bottom of the flow cytometer shell 1, and six clamping grooves 12 are equidistantly formed in the inner wall of the bottom groove 11, and a clamping seat 14 is fixedly arranged on the middle part of the support protection module 10 and located in the bottom groove 11.
[0022] The support protection module 10 comprises a supporting plate 101 fixedly connected with the bottom of the clamping seat 14, and a sliding frame 102 fixedly connected with the bottom of the supporting plate 101 and penetratingly sliding in the two limit holes 6. The limit holes 6 are designed in a long strip shape, and the sliding frame 102 is designed in a U shape, so that the protruding parts on the two sides of the sliding frame 102 can penetratingly slide in the limit holes 6 designed in a long strip shape, thereby improving the stability of the sliding frame 102 in the vertical direction, and a plurality of springs 103 are fixedly connected between the supporting plate 101 and the isolation frame 4. In operation, the flow cytometer shell 1 presses down the supporting plate 101, so that the supporting plate 101 drives the sliding frame 102 to slide in the two limit holes 6, and the supporting plate 101 is limited by the limit holes 6, thereby improving the stability of the flow cytometer shell 1 in the vertical direction, and when the supporting plate 101 moves downward, the plurality of springs 103 are compressed, and then the supporting plate 101 is reversely supported by the elastic force of the springs 103, thereby buffering and protecting the flow cytometer shell 1 above the supporting plate 101.
[0023] As a further scheme of the present application, an installation groove 15 is formed in the bottom of the clamping seat 14, and an adjusting assembly 16 is installed in the installation groove 15, and the two ends of the adjusting assembly 16 penetratingly extend to the two sides of the flow cytometer shell 1 through the installation groove 15. The adjusting assembly 16 comprises a worm 161, and the two ends of the worm 161 are fixedly connected with connecting shafts 162, the connecting shafts 162 are rotatably connected in the clamping seat 14 through shaft sleeves, one end of each connecting shaft 162 away from the worm 161 is fixedly connected with a rotating handle 163, and a worm wheel 164 is meshingly connected with the worm 161, and the top end of the worm wheel 164 is rotatably connected in the middle part of the clamping seat 14 through a bearing. In operation, when the helix angle of the worm 161 is less than or equal to the equivalent friction angle between the worm 161 and the worm wheel 164, the self-locking condition is met, the reverse torque applied by the worm wheel 164 cannot overcome the static friction force on the thread surface of the worm 161, so the worm 161 cannot be driven to rotate.
[0024] As a further scheme of the present application, first grooves 8 are respectively formed in the two side walls of the isolation frame 4, second grooves 13 are respectively formed in the two sides of the bottom of the flow cytometer shell 1, and the two second grooves 13 are communicated with the bottom groove 11, and the connecting shafts 162 are located in the first grooves 8 and the second grooves 13. When the work is in progress, the connecting shaft 162 in the adjusting assembly 16 is moved up and down along with the movement of the supporting plate 101, and since the connecting shaft 162 is located in the first groove 8 and the second groove 13 and moves internally, it will not interfere with the stroke of the up and down movement of the connecting shaft 162.
[0025] As a further scheme of the present application, the top end of the adjusting assembly 16 penetrates the middle part of the clamping seat 14 and is fixed with the locking assembly 17, a plurality of slide ways 18 are equidistantly arranged on the clamping seat 14, the locking assembly 17 is slidingly connected in the plurality of slide ways 18, and the number of the slide ways 18 is six and is arrayed around the clamping seat 14, and the included angle between adjacent two slide ways 18 is sixty degrees. The locking assembly 17 comprises a rotating disc 171, the bottom of the rotating disc 171 is fixed with the top end of the worm wheel 164, six slide holes 172 are equidistantly arranged on the rotating disc 171, the slide holes 172 are designed in an arc shape, the end of the six slide holes 172 close to each other is close to the center of the clamping seat 14, and the end of the six slide holes 172 far away from each other is located at the edge of the clamping seat 14, the six slide holes 172 are arrayed around the clamping seat 14, and the included angle between adjacent two slide holes 172 is sixty degrees, a slide column 173 is slidingly penetrated in the slide hole 172, a slide rod 174 is fixed at the bottom end of the slide column 173, a push plate 175 is fixed at the end of the slide rod 174 far away from the slide column 173 and penetrates the clamping seat 14, and the slide rod 174 is slidingly connected in the slide way 18, a clamping strip 176 is fixed at the outer side of the push plate 175, and the clamping strip 176 corresponds to the position of the clamping groove 12 in position; When the work is in progress, the rotating disc 171 drives the slide column 173 to move through the slide hole 172, and when the slide column 173 slides on the arc surface in the slide hole 172, the slide rod 174 is pulled to slide in the slide way 18, the slide rod 174 is supported and limited by the slide way 18, the stability of the horizontal movement of the slide rod 174 driving the push plate 175 is improved, the plurality of push plates 175 drive the plurality of clamping strips 176 to move synchronously, so as to lock and unlock the clamping seat 14.
[0026] A method of using a modular flow cytometer, the method comprising the steps of: When disassembling the cytometer, the whole cell sorting collection module 3 is separated from the notch 2 in front of the flow cytometer shell 1 by holding the handles 303 on both sides of the sample tube rack 301 and pulling forward, so as to facilitate the disassembly of the cell sorting collection module 3. Then, the knob 163 in the adjusting assembly 16 is rotated to drive the worm 161 to rotate through the connecting shaft 162, the worm 161 drives the upper rotating disc 171 to rotate through the worm wheel 164, and the rotating disc 171 drives the sliding column 173 to move through the sliding hole 172. When the sliding column 173 slides on the arc surface in the sliding hole 172, it pulls the sliding rod 174 to slide in the slide way 18. The sliding rod 174 is supported and limited by the slide way 18, which improves the stability of the horizontal movement of the sliding rod 174 and the push plate 175, so that the plurality of push plates 175 drive the plurality of clamping strips 176 to move synchronously and be separated from the clamping groove 12 in the bottom groove 11, thereby releasing the locking state between the support protection module 10 and the flow cytometer shell 1. Then, the flow cytometer shell 1 is lifted upward to be separated from the support protection module 10 and the isolation frame 4, and the support protection module 10 and the isolation frame 4 are disassembled. By loosening the fastening screws 7 on both sides of the isolation frame 4, the isolation frame 4 is separated from both sides of the moving support module 9, thereby releasing the locking state between the isolation frame 4 and the moving support module 9. The isolation frame 4 is lifted upward so that the bushing 5 in the isolation frame 4 is separated from the plurality of limiting columns 903 in the moving support module 9, that is, the support protection module 10 and the isolation frame 4 are disassembled from the moving support module 9. At this time, the flow cytometer shell 1, the cell sorting collection module 3, the moving support module 9 and the support protection module 10 are in a separated state, thereby completing the disassembly and separation of the whole cytometer; In the assembly of the cell instrument, the isolation frame 4 is placed above the support frame 901, the limiting column 903 on the support frame 901 is inserted into the jack 5 in the isolation frame 4, which limits the isolation frame 4 and the upper support protection module 10, then the fastening screws 7 on both sides of the isolation frame 4 are tightened, the end of the fastening screw 7 is embedded in the side wall of the support frame 901, which improves the stability of the installation of the isolation frame 4, then the flow cytometer shell 1 is placed in the isolation frame 4 and in contact with the supporting plate 101 in the support protection module 10, the bottom groove 11 below the flow cytometer shell 1 is located outside the clamping seat 14, the flow cytometer shell 1 is limited by the isolation frame 4, which prevents the flow cytometer shell 1 from rotating freely and affecting the stability of the installation, then the handle 163 is rotated in the opposite direction and the connecting shaft 162 drives the worm gear 164 to rotate, the worm gear 164 drives the plurality of sliding holes 172 to rotate through the rotating disc 171, the sliding column 173 moves in the sliding hole 172, and the plurality of sliding rods 174 drive the plurality of clamping strips 176 to move away from each other and be clamped into the clamping groove 12 through the push plate 175, which achieves the purpose of locking the flow cytometer shell 1, so as to install the flow cytometer shell 1 on the isolation frame 4 and the support protection module 10, and then the cell sorting and collecting module 3 is pushed into the notch 2 in front of the flow cytometer shell 1. In the transfer of the cell instrument, the flow cytometer shell 1 or the support frame 901 is pushed, so that the running wheel 902 in the support frame 901 rolls on the ground, facilitating the movement of the cell instrument, when the cell instrument is moved and jolted, the flow cytometer shell 1 presses the supporting plate 101, so that the supporting plate 101 drives the sliding frame 102 to slide in the two limiting holes 6, the supporting plate 101 is limited by the limiting hole 6, which improves the stability of the vertical movement of the flow cytometer shell 1, when the supporting plate 101 moves downward, it presses the plurality of springs 103, and then the supporting plate 101 is reversely supported by the elastic force of the spring 103, which buffers and protects the flow cytometer shell 1 above the supporting plate 101, since the supporting plate 101 is fixed with the clamping seat 14, when the supporting plate 101 moves up and down, the connecting shaft 162 in the adjusting assembly 16 moves, since the connecting shaft 162 is located in the first recess 8 and the second recess 13 and moves inside, it does not interfere with the up and down movement of the connecting shaft 162, after the transfer is completed, the adjusting screw 904 is tightened, which drives the pressing plate 905 to move downward and contact the ground, which supports the cell instrument, preventing the movement of the supporting module 9 from affecting the stability of the cell instrument.
Claims
1. A modular flow cytometer, comprising a flow cytometer housing (1), characterized in that: The flow cytometer housing (1) has a notch (2) on the front, into which a cell sorting and collection module (3) is inserted. An optical detection module (19) is installed on the top of the flow cytometer housing (1). An isolation frame (4) is attached to the bottom of the flow cytometer housing (1). Several limiting holes (6) are provided in the isolation frame (4). A movable support module (9) is provided at the bottom of the isolation frame (4). The top of the movable support module (9) slides through several insertion holes (5). Two fastening screws (7) are threaded to both sides of the isolation frame (4). One end of the two fastening screws (7) on the same side is engaged with one side of the movable support module (9). Limiting holes (6) are provided on both sides of the isolation frame (4). A support and protection module (10) is slidably connected inside the isolation frame (4). 10) The bottom sides slide through two limiting holes (6). The bottom of the flow cytometer housing (1) is provided with a bottom groove (11). The inner wall of the bottom groove (11) is provided with six slots (12) at equal intervals. The middle part of the support and protection module (10) is fixed with a card seat (14). The card seat (14) is located in the bottom groove (11). The bottom of the card seat (14) is provided with an installation groove (15). An adjustment component (16) is installed in the installation groove (15). The two ends of the adjustment component (16) pass through the installation groove (15) and extend to the two sides of the flow cytometer housing (1). The top of the adjustment component (16) passes through the middle of the card seat (14) and is fixed with a locking component (17). Several slides (18) are provided at equal intervals on the card seat (14). The locking component (17) is slidably connected in several slides (18).
2. The modular flow cytometer according to claim 1, characterized in that: The cell sorting and collection module (3) includes a sample tube rack (301), which is inserted into a notch (2). Two sealing doors (302) are installed on the front of the sample tube rack (301), and handles (303) are fixed on both sides of the sample tube rack (301).
3. A modular flow cytometer according to claim 1, characterized in that: The mobile support module (9) includes a support frame (901). Three wheels (902) are installed on the front and rear sides of the bottom of the support frame (901). Several limiting posts (903) are fixed on the top of the support frame (901). The limiting posts (903) slide through the insertion hole (5). Adjusting bolts (904) are threadedly connected to both sides of the bottom of the support frame (901). A pressure plate (905) is fixed at the bottom end of the adjusting bolts (904).
4. A modular flow cytometer according to claim 1, characterized in that: The support and protection module (10) includes a tray (101), which is fixed to the bottom of the card seat (14). A sliding frame (102) is fixed to the bottom of the tray (101), and the sliding frame (102) slides through two limiting holes (6). Several springs (103) are fixed between the tray (101) and the isolation frame (4).
5. A modular flow cytometer according to claim 1, characterized in that: The adjusting assembly (16) includes a worm (161), with connecting shafts (162) fixed at both ends of the worm (161). The connecting shafts (162) are rotatably connected to the card holder (14) via bushings. A handle (163) is fixed at the end of the connecting shaft (162) away from the worm (161). A worm wheel (164) is meshed with the worm (161), and the top end of the worm wheel (164) is rotatably connected to the middle of the card holder (14) via a bearing.
6. A modular flow cytometer according to claim 5, characterized in that: The isolation frame (4) has a first groove (8) on each of its two side walls. The flow cytometer housing (1) has a second groove (13) on each of its two sides. The two second grooves (13) are connected to the bottom groove (11). The connecting shaft (162) is located in the first groove (8) and the second groove (13).
7. A modular flow cytometer according to claim 6, characterized in that: The locking assembly (17) includes a turntable (171), the bottom of which is fixed to the top of a worm gear (164). Six sliding holes (172) are equally spaced on the turntable (171). The sliding holes (172) are arc-shaped. A sliding column (173) slides through the sliding hole (172). A sliding rod (174) is fixed at the bottom of the sliding column (173). A push plate (175) is fixed at the end of the sliding rod (174) away from the sliding column (173) and through the card seat (14). The sliding rod (174) is slidably connected in the slide rail (18). A locking strip (176) is fixed on the outside of the push plate (175). The locking strip (176) corresponds to the position of the card slot (12).
8. A method of using a modular flow cytometer, wherein the modular flow cytometer according to any one of claims 1-7 is characterized in that, The method of use includes the following steps: When disassembling the cytometer, by holding the handles (303) on both sides of the sample tube rack (301) and pulling forward, the entire cell sorting and collection module (3) will detach from the notch (2) in front of the flow cytometer housing (1), making it easy to remove the cell sorting and collection module (3). Next, rotate the handle (163) in the adjustment assembly (16), so that the handle (163) drives the worm gear (161) to rotate through the connecting shaft (162). The worm gear (161) drives the upper turntable (171) to rotate through the worm wheel (164). The turntable (171) then rotates through the sliding hole ( 172) Drive the sliding column (173) to move. When the sliding column (173) slides on the arc surface in the sliding hole (172), it will pull the sliding rod (174) to slide in the slide rail (18). The slide rail (18) supports and limits the sliding rod (174), improving the stability of the sliding rod (174) driving the push plate (175) to move horizontally. This allows multiple push plates (175) to drive multiple locking strips (176) to move synchronously and disengage from the locking slots (12) in the bottom groove (11), thereby releasing the locking state between the support and protection module (10) and the flow cytometer housing (1). Next, lift the flow cytometer housing (1) upwards to detach it from the support and protection module (10) and the isolation frame (4). When removing the support and protection module (10) and the isolation frame (4), loosen the fastening screws (7) on both sides of the isolation frame (4) to detach it from both sides of the moving support module (9), thereby releasing the locking state between the isolation frame (4) and the moving support module (9). Lift the isolation frame (4) upwards so that the internal insertion hole (5) will detach from the multiple limiting posts (903) in the moving support module (9), that is, remove the support and protection module (10) and the isolation frame (4) from the moving support module (9). At this time, the flow cytometer housing (1), the cell sorting and collection module (3), the moving support module (9) and the support and protection module (10) are in a separated state, thereby completing the disassembly and separation of the entire flow cytometer. When assembling the cell analyzer, the isolation frame (4) is placed above the support frame (901), so that the limiting post (903) on the support frame (901) passes through and is inserted into the insertion hole (5) in the isolation frame (4), which serves to limit the isolation frame (4) and the upper support and protection module (10). Next, the fastening screws (7) on both sides of the isolation frame (4) are tightened so that the ends of the fastening screws (7) are embedded in the side wall of the support frame (901), which improves the stability of the installation of the isolation frame (4). Then, the flow cytometer housing (1) is placed in the isolation frame (4) and contacts the tray (101) in the support and protection module (10), so that the bottom groove (11) under the flow cytometer housing (1) is located outside the card holder (14). The isolation frame (4) limits the flow cytometer housing (1) and prevents the flow cytometer cells from being trapped. The free rotation of the flow cytometer housing (1) affects the installation stability. Secondly, the handle (163) is rotated in the opposite direction and the worm gear (164) is driven to rotate through the connecting shaft (162). The worm gear (164) drives multiple sliding holes (172) to rotate through the turntable (171). During the sliding process of the sliding column (173) in the sliding hole (172), the sliding rod (174) moves in the slide (18). The multiple sliding rods (174) are driven by the push plate (175) to move multiple locking strips (176) away from each other and into the slot (12), so as to lock the flow cytometer housing (1) so that the flow cytometer housing (1) can be installed on the isolation frame (4) and the support and protection module (10). Then, the cell sorting and collection module (3) is pushed into the notch (2) in front of the flow cytometer housing (1). When transferring the flow cytometer, push the flow cytometer housing (1) or support frame (901) to make the wheels (902) in the support frame (901) roll on the ground, facilitating the movement of the flow cytometer. When bumps occur during the transfer of the flow cytometer, the flow cytometer housing (1) will press down on the tray (101), causing the tray (101) to drive the sliding frame (102) to slide in the two limiting holes (6). The limiting holes (6) limit the tray (101) and improve the stability of the flow cytometer housing (1) in the vertical direction. When the tray (101) moves down, it will squeeze multiple springs (103), and then the elastic force of the springs (103) will provide reverse support to the tray (101). The support serves to buffer and protect the flow cytometer housing (1) above the tray (101). Since the tray (101) is fixed to the card holder (14), the connecting shaft (162) in the adjustment assembly (16) will move when the tray (101) moves up and down. Since the connecting shaft (162) is located in the first groove (8) and the second groove (13) and moves inside, it will not interfere with the stroke of the connecting shaft (162) moving up and down. After the transfer is completed, the adjusting bolt (904) is turned to make the pressure plate (905) move down and contact the ground, which serves to support the flow cytometer and prevent the moving support module (9) from moving freely and affecting the stability of the flow cytometer.