Sperm preferential duct

Abstract

The sperm optimal tube comprises an upper tube, a lower tube and an inner tube, the upper tube and the inner tube are communicated, the upper tube is detachably connected with the lower tube, when the upper tube is connected with the lower tube, the lower tube is located outside the inner tube, one end of the inner tube is communicated with the upper tube, and the other end is provided with an opening allowing sperm to pass through, and a switch valve is arranged on the opening, the switch valve can be opened under the action of centrifugal force and closed after the centrifugal force stops. The device can effectively separate normal and active sperm, and especially because the switch valve is arranged, the sperm is allowed to flow out under the action of centrifugal force, and the switch valve is closed to seal the inner tube when the centrifugal force is eliminated, so that the abnormal sperm, the inactivated sperm and other cell components in the semen in the inner tube are prevented from entering the lower tube, and the complete separation of sperm with different activities is realized; the design of the inner tube, the upper tube and the lower tube facilitates the disassembly of the outer tube, the semen is more convenient to take out, and the mutual interference is avoided.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application belongs to the technical field of sperm separation, and particularly relates to a sperm preferred tube for separating sperm. BACKGROUND

[0002] Sperm separation technology is a key technology in assisted reproduction. Existing sperm separation methods mainly include density gradient centrifugation and the swim-up method. The principle of the density gradient centrifugation method is that normal sperm and abnormal sperm, non-motile sperm and other cell components in semen differ in terms of movement ability, movement trajectory and buoyant density, and the ability to run in a density gradient solution column also differs. After centrifugation, the various components in the semen reach equilibrium in the density gradient solution column and stay at their respective isofluidic density points, thereby separating normal sperm. Compared with the swim-up method, the density gradient centrifugation method can recover more morphologically normal sperm and significantly increase sperm motility and in vitro survival ability. In particular, for severe semen abnormalities (oligospermia, asthenospermia, teratospermia, etc.), the density gradient centrifugation method can better demonstrate its superiority in terms of high recovery rate. However, the existing density gradient centrifugation device cannot achieve complete separation of normal sperm and abnormal sperm, and often results in partial mixing during the centrifugation process, which leads to mixing of abnormal sperm in the collected normal sperm, and cannot achieve complete separation of the two. SUMMARY

[0003] To solve the above problems, the present application provides a sperm preferred tube, which comprises an upper tube, a lower tube and an inner tube, the upper tube and the inner tube are in communication, the upper tube and the lower tube are detachably connected, when the upper tube and the lower tube are connected, the lower tube is located outside the inner tube, the lower tube is marked with a scale, the tube body of the inner tube is a structure with gradually reduced diameter, one end of the inner tube is in communication with the upper tube, the other end of the inner tube is provided with an opening allowing sperm to pass through, and a switch valve is further provided on the opening, which can be opened under the action of centrifugal force and closed after the centrifugal force stops.

[0004] Preferably, the upper tube and the lower tube are connected by a threaded connection.

[0005] Further, a tube cover is provided on the upper tube and connected to the upper tube by a threaded connection.

[0006] Preferably, the upper tube and the inner tube are integrally formed or connected by heat sealing.

[0007] According to one embodiment of the present application, the switch valve is made of elastic material and is in sealing connection with the inner tube. The valve port is opened under the action of centrifugal force and is closed when the centrifugal force is removed. Further, the switch valve comprises two clamping parts which are in cooperation with each other. The outer sides of the two clamping parts are respectively provided with gravity blocks. When the centrifugal force is applied, the outward pulling force applied to the clamping parts by the gravity blocks is greater than the clamping force, and at this time, the switch valve is opened. When the centrifugal force is removed, the outward pulling force applied to the clamping parts by the gravity blocks due to the self-gravity is less than the clamping force, and at this time, the switch valve is in a closed state.

[0008] According to another embodiment of the present application, the switch valve comprises a valve body and a valve block. The valve body is fixedly connected with the lower part of the inner tube, and the valve body is provided with an opening. The sperm in the inner tube can flow out of the inner tube through the opening. The valve block has a shape which is matched with the valve body. The lower part of the valve block is connected to the lower end of the inner tube through an elastic structure. In a normal state, the pushing force applied to the valve block by the elastic structure is greater than the gravity of the valve block itself, so that the valve block is pressed against the valve body, and the valve block blocks the opening on the valve body, so that the inner tube is in a sealed state. When the centrifugal force is applied, the pushing force applied to the valve block by the elastic structure is less than the centrifugal force, the valve block is separated from the valve body, and the opening on the valve body is opened, so that the sperm in the inner tube can flow out through the opening. When the centrifugal force is removed, the valve block will block the opening on the valve body again due to the elastic force, and at this time, the inner tube returns to the sealed state, so that the sperm in the inner tube and the lower tube is completely isolated.

[0009] The present application has the following beneficial effects:

[0010] The device of the present application can effectively separate normal and viable sperm. In particular, due to the switch valve, the sperm is allowed to flow out under the action of centrifugal force, and the switch valve is closed when the centrifugal force is removed, so that the inner tube is sealed, and the abnormal sperm, non-viable sperm and other cell components in the semen in the inner tube are prevented from entering the lower tube, thereby achieving complete separation of sperm with different viability. The design of the inner tube, the upper tube and the lower tube facilitates the disassembly of the outer tube, and the semen is more convenient to take out, thereby avoiding mutual interference. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0011] Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a structural schematic diagram of a sperm selection tube according to the present application;

[0012] Figure 2 FIG. 2 is a structural schematic diagram of an upper tube and an inner tube of a sperm selection tube according to the present application;

[0013] Figure 3 FIG. 3 is a structural schematic diagram of a lower tube of a sperm selection tube according to the present application;

[0014] Figure 4a and4b This is a schematic diagram of the switching valve in Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0015] Figure 5a and 5b This is a schematic diagram of the switching valve in Embodiment 2 of the present invention;

[0016] Figure 6a and 6b This is a schematic diagram of the switching valve in Embodiment 3 of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0017] The present invention will be further illustrated below with reference to specific embodiments. It should be understood that the embodiments are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention. Furthermore, it should be understood that after reading the disclosure of this invention, those skilled in the art can make various modifications or alterations to the invention, and these equivalent forms also fall within the scope of protection defined by this invention.

[0018] Example 1

[0019] like Figures 1-3 As shown, the sperm selection tube of the present invention includes an upper tube 1, a lower tube 2, and an inner tube 3. The upper tube 1 and the inner tube 3 are connected and can be integrally formed or connected by heat sealing or other methods. The upper tube 1 and the lower tube 2 are detachably connected, for example, by a threaded connection. When the upper tube 1 and the lower tube 2 are connected, the lower tube 2 is located outside the inner tube 3. The lower tube 2 is also provided with graduations. The upper tube 1 is also provided with a tube cap 4, and the two are connected by a thread. The lower part of the upper tube 1 is provided with an external thread, and the upper part of the lower tube 2 is provided with an internal thread for mating with the upper tube 1. The lower part of the lower tube 2 is a closed tube body.

[0020] One end of the inner tube 3 is connected to the upper tube 1, and the other end is provided with an opening. A switch valve 5 is provided on the opening. The switch valve 5 is sealed to the tube body of the inner tube 3. The switch valve 5 can be a type of valve that is applicable in the prior art. Its working mode is: it is normally in the closed state, and the valve opens when subjected to centrifugal force.

[0021] For example, in this embodiment, the switching valve 5 is made of an elastic material, such as silicone. Figure 4a , 4b As shown, the switching valve 5 is sealed to the inner tube 3. Under the action of centrifugal force, the valve opening opens, and when the centrifugal force stops, the valve opening closes. Further, the switching valve includes two cooperating clamping parts 51. One (or more) gravity blocks 52 are respectively arranged on the outer side of the two clamping parts. When subjected to centrifugal force, the outward pulling force exerted by the gravity blocks 52 on the clamping parts 51 is greater than the clamping force, at which point the switching valve 5 opens. When the centrifugal force is eliminated, the outward pulling force formed by the gravity blocks 52 due to their own weight on the clamping parts 51 is less than the clamping force, and the switching valve 5 is in a closed state.

[0022] In use, the cap 4 is removed, the semen is injected into the upper tube 1, the lower tube 2 is screwed onto the upper tube 1, and the assembled preferred tube is placed on a centrifuge for centrifugal treatment. Since the inner tube 3 is provided with a switch valve 5, under the action of centrifugal force, the switch valve 5 opens, allowing normal motile sperm to flow into the lower tube 3. When the centrifugal treatment is completed, the switch valve 5 automatically closes. The lower tube 2 is removed from the upper tube 1, and the normal motile sperm is poured out from the lower tube 2; the abnormal, low-motility sperm and the like are left in the inner tube 3.

[0023] As another embodiment of the present application, the upper tube 1 and the lower tube 2 can also be connected by friction, for example, a clamping groove is provided on the upper tube 1, a sealing ring is placed in the clamping groove, and the lower tube 2 is sleeved outside the sealing ring, and the two tube bodies are connected together by the friction of the sealing ring.

[0024] Example 2

[0025] The preferred tube in this embodiment has substantially the same structure as in Example 1, except that the form of the switch valve is different.

[0026] As shown in Figure 5a and 5b , the switch valve 6 includes a valve body 61 and a valve block 62. The valve body 61 is fixedly connected to the lower part of the inner tube 3, and the valve body 61 is provided with an opening 63, which can be one or more. The sperm in the inner tube 3 can flow out of the inner tube 3 through the opening 63 and into the lower tube 2. The valve block 62 has a shape that cooperates with the valve body 61. In this embodiment, the two are cooperated by a tapered surface. The lower part of the valve block 62 is connected to the lower end of the inner tube 3 by an elastic structure 64. Under normal conditions, the pushing force exerted by the elastic structure 64 on the valve block 62 is greater than the weight of the valve block 62 itself, so that the valve block 62 is pressed tightly against the valve body 61, so that the valve block 62 blocks the opening 63 on the valve body 61, at this time, the inner tube 3 is in a sealed state. When the preferred tube is subjected to centrifugal force, the pushing force exerted by the elastic structure 64 on the valve block 62 is less than the centrifugal force, the valve block 62 is separated from the valve body 61, the opening 63 on the valve body 61 is opened and communicates with the inner tube 3, and the sperm in the inner tube 3 can flow out through the opening 63 into the lower tube 2. When the centrifugal force is removed, the valve block 62 will again block the opening 63 on the valve body 61 due to the elastic force, at this time, the inner tube 3 returns to the sealed state, achieving complete isolation of the sperm in the inner tube 3 and the lower tube 2. In this embodiment, the elastic structure can be a spring.

[0027] Example 3

[0028] The preferred tube in this embodiment has substantially the same structure as in Example 2, except that the form of the switch valve is different.

[0029] As shown in Figure 6a and6b As shown, the switch valve 7 comprises a valve body 71 and a valve block 72. The valve body 71 is fixedly connected to the lower part of the inner tube 3, and the valve body 71 is provided with an opening 73, which can be one or more. The sperm in the inner tube 3 can flow out of the inner tube 3 through the opening 73 and flow into the lower tube 2. The valve block 72 has a shape matched with the valve body 61, which is spherical in this embodiment, and matches with the concave surface of the opening 73 to completely close the opening 73. The lower part of the valve block 72 is connected to the lower end of the inner tube 3 through an elastic structure 74. In the normal state, the pushing force of the elastic structure 74 on the valve block 72 is greater than the gravity of the valve block 72, so that the valve block 72 is pressed on the valve body 71, so that the valve block 72 blocks the opening 73 on the valve body 71, at this time, the inner tube 3 is in a sealed state. When the preferred tube is subjected to centrifugal force, the pushing force of the elastic structure 74 on the valve block 72 is less than the centrifugal force, the valve block 72 is separated from the valve body 71, the opening 73 on the valve body 71 is opened and communicated with the inner tube 3, and the sperm in the inner tube 3 can flow out of the lower tube 2 through the opening 73. When the centrifugal force is eliminated, the valve block 72 will block the opening 73 on the valve body 71 again due to the elastic force, at this time, the inner tube 3 returns to the sealed state, and the sperm in the inner tube 3 and the lower tube 2 is completely isolated. In this embodiment, the elastic structure can be a spring.

[0030] The above describes the embodiments of the present application. However, the present application is not limited to the above-described embodiments. Any modification, equivalent replacement, improvement, etc. made within the spirit and principle of the present application shall be included in the protection scope of the present application.

Claims

1. A sperm selection tube, characterized in that, The device includes an upper tube, a lower tube, and an inner tube. The upper tube and the inner tube are connected and detachably connected. When the upper tube is connected to the lower tube, the lower tube is located outside the inner tube. The lower tube is marked with graduations. The inner tube has a tapered diameter structure. One end of the inner tube is connected to the upper tube, and the other end of the inner tube has an opening that allows sperm to pass through. The opening also has a switch valve made of elastic material and sealed to the inner tube. The switch valve includes two cooperating clamping parts. Gravity blocks are respectively provided on the outer sides of the two clamping parts. When subjected to centrifugal force, the outward pulling force exerted by the gravity blocks on the clamping parts is greater than the clamping force, and the switch valve opens. When the centrifugal force is eliminated, the outward pulling force formed by the gravity blocks due to their own weight on the clamping parts is less than the clamping force, and the switch valve closes.

2. A sperm selection tube, characterized in that, The device includes an upper tube, a lower tube, and an inner tube. The upper tube and the inner tube are connected and detachably connected. When the upper tube is connected to the lower tube, the lower tube is located outside the inner tube. The lower tube is marked with graduations. The inner tube has a tapered diameter structure. One end of the inner tube is connected to the upper tube, and the other end of the inner tube has an opening that allows sperm to pass through. The opening also has a switch valve, which includes a valve body and a valve block. The valve body is fixedly connected to the lower part of the inner tube, and the valve body has an opening through which sperm can flow out of the inner tube. The valve block has a shape that matches the valve body. The lower part of the valve block is connected to the lower end of the inner tube via an elastic structure. Under normal conditions, the thrust exerted by the elastic structure on the valve block is greater than the weight of the valve block itself, pressing the valve block tightly against the valve body, thus blocking the opening on the valve body and keeping the inner tube sealed. When subjected to centrifugal force, the thrust exerted by the elastic structure on the valve block is less than the centrifugal force, causing the valve block to separate from the valve body, opening the opening on the valve body, and allowing sperm in the inner tube to flow out through the opening. When the centrifugal force is eliminated, the valve block will again block the opening on the valve body due to its elasticity, at which point the inner tube returns to a sealed state, thereby achieving complete isolation of sperm in the inner tube and the lower tube.

3. The sperm selection tube as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The upper tube and the lower tube are connected by a thread.

4. The sperm selection tube as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The upper tube is provided with a tube cap, which is connected to the upper tube by a thread.

5. The sperm selection tube as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The upper tube and the inner tube are integrally formed or heat-sealed together.

Images