A micro-pumping mechanism for a liquid storage tank and a bioreactor

Abstract

This invention relates to a micro-pumping mechanism for a liquid storage tank and a bioreactor, comprising: a support assembly, a diversion assembly, and a drive assembly. The support assembly includes a support frame and a tank body, with the tank body positioned on top of the support frame. The diversion assembly includes a manifold sleeve and a plunger channel, both mounted on the support frame. The manifold sleeve has a first manifold port, a second manifold port, and a drain port. A reversing shaft passes through the manifold sleeve, and a reversing channel is provided on the reversing shaft. A reversing disc is provided at the end of the reversing shaft, and multiple reversing grooves are circumferentially arranged on the surface of the reversing disc. A plunger rod is provided within the plunger channel. The drive assembly includes a driving gear, a driven gear, and a rack. Both the driving gear and the driven gear have incomplete teeth. The rack meshes with the incomplete teeth. Shafts that mate with the reversing grooves are provided on the surfaces of both the driving gear and the driven gear. This invention features a compact structure, small size, reliable operation, low shear stress, and stable flow rate.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of laboratory equipment manufacturing technology, and in particular to a micro pumping mechanism for a liquid storage tank and a bioreactor. Background Technology

[0002] Bioreactors provide a supportive environment for biological activity, containing microbial cultures; therefore, a sterile environment is crucial. Because the nutrient solution flowing from the reaction vessel is recirculated, and other nutrient solutions need to be added, mixing different nutrient solutions can contaminate the microbial culture, necessitating cleaning of the reaction vessel. The nutrient solution is pumped out through power components during circulation, and these power components themselves can also become contaminated. Sterilizing these power components requires considerable effort, and debris generated during component replacement or wear can further contribute to contamination.

[0003] To prevent contamination of the power components, existing technologies use tubular pumps, diaphragm pumps, etc., whose drive devices do not come into direct contact with the biological culture medium as infusion pumps. However, these pumps are usually large in size. Traditional liquid volume pumps, such as positive displacement pumps and centrifugal pumps, usually generate unacceptably high shear forces, which can compress and lyse the microorganisms inside. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Therefore, the technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to overcome the fact that the power element of the bioreactor in the prior art has a complex structure and large volume, and that the shear force generated during operation will lyse the microorganisms.

[0005] To solve the above technical problems, the present invention provides a micro pumping mechanism for a liquid storage tank, comprising: A support assembly, the support assembly including a support frame and a tank, the tank being disposed on top of the support frame; The diversion assembly includes a manifold sleeve and a plunger channel, which are mounted on the support frame. The manifold sleeve has a first manifold port, a second manifold port, and a drain port. The first manifold port communicates with the tank body, and the second manifold port communicates with the plunger channel. A reversing shaft passes through the manifold sleeve, and a reversing channel is provided on the reversing shaft. A reversing disc is provided at the end of the reversing shaft, and multiple reversing grooves are circumferentially provided on the surface of the reversing disc. A plunger rod is provided in the plunger channel. A drive assembly includes a driving gear, a driven gear, and a rack. The driving gear and the driven gear are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the reversing shaft and mesh with each other. The outer edges of both the driving gear and the driven gear are provided with incomplete teeth. The rack is arranged along the axial direction of the plunger rod and meshes with the incomplete teeth. The surfaces of both the driving gear and the driven gear are provided with shafts that mate with the reversing groove.

[0006] In one embodiment of the present invention, the first manifold, the second manifold, and the drain outlet are equidistantly distributed along the circumference of the manifold sleeve.

[0007] In one embodiment of the present invention, the two ends of the reversing channel are provided with reversing ports, and the two reversing ports are distributed at 120° around the axis of the reversing shaft on the surface of the reversing shaft.

[0008] In one embodiment of the present invention, three commutation slots are provided, and the three commutation slots are circumferentially and equidistantly distributed on the surface of the commutation disk.

[0009] In one embodiment of the present invention, the driving component further includes a driving source, which is disposed on the support frame, and the output end of the driving source is connected to the drive gear.

[0010] In one embodiment of the present invention, both the driving gear and the driven gear are provided with a web plate on the side near the support frame, and an arc-shaped groove is provided on the web plate, and the commutator is in contact with the arc-shaped groove.

[0011] In one embodiment of the present invention, a sealing ring is provided between the commutation shaft and the bus sleeve.

[0012] In one embodiment of the present invention, a silicone hose is provided at the drain port.

[0013] A bioreactor comprising the aforementioned storage tank and micro-pumping mechanism.

[0014] The technical solution of the present invention has the following advantages compared with the prior art: This invention discloses a micro-pumping mechanism for a liquid storage tank and a bioreactor. By driving the drive gear to rotate, the reversing shaft rotates, thereby switching the reversing channel and discharging the liquid from the tank. The incomplete gears on the surfaces of the drive and driven gears drive the plunger rod in reciprocating motion, realizing the pumping in and out of the plunger channel. This invention features a compact structure and small size. The pumping flow rate is controlled by adjusting the speed of the drive source, eliminating the need for complex program control. It is reliable in operation, exhibits low shear stress, and provides stable flow. Attached Figure Description

[0015] To make the content of this invention easier to understand, the invention will be further described in detail below with reference to specific embodiments and accompanying drawings, wherein... Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the present invention; Figure 2 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of the central support component; Figure 3 for Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the middle splitter component; Figure 4 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of the drive component; Figure 5 for Figure 4 Schematic diagram of the driving gear and driven gear in the middle section; Figure 6 for Figure 5 Schematic diagram of the reversing shaft; Explanation of reference numerals in the accompanying drawings: 1. Support assembly; 2. Diverting assembly; 3. Drive assembly; 4. Hoses; 11. Support frame; 12. Tank body; 21. Manifold sleeve; 22. Plunger channel; 23. Reversing shaft; 24. Reversing disc; 25. Sealing ring; 31. Drive gear; 32. Driven gear; 33. Incomplete gear; 34. Rack; 35. Plunger rod; 36. Drive source; 37. Web plate; 38. Shaft; 211. First manifold; 212. Second manifold; 213. Drain port; 231. Reversing channel; 241. Reversing groove; 371. Arc-shaped groove. Detailed Implementation

[0016] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments, so that those skilled in the art can better understand and implement the present invention. However, the embodiments described are not intended to limit the present invention. Example

[0017] Reference Figures 1-6 As shown, the present invention discloses a micro pumping mechanism for a liquid storage tank, comprising: Support assembly 1, which includes a support frame 11 and a tank 12, with the tank 12 disposed on top of the support frame 11; The diversion assembly 2 includes a manifold 21 and a plunger channel 22, which are mounted on a support frame 11. The manifold 21 has a first manifold port 211, a second manifold port 212, and a drain port 213. The first manifold port 211 is connected to the tank body 12, and the second manifold port 212 is connected to the plunger channel 22. A reversing shaft 23 is inserted inside the manifold 21, and a reversing channel 231 is provided on the reversing shaft 23. A reversing disc 24 is provided at the end of the reversing shaft 23, and multiple reversing grooves 241 are circumferentially arranged on the surface of the reversing disc 24. A plunger rod 35 is provided inside the plunger channel 22. The drive assembly 3 includes a drive gear 31, a driven gear 32, and a rack 34. The drive gear 31 and the driven gear 32 are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the reversing shaft 23 and mesh with each other. The outer edges of the drive gear 31 and the driven gear 32 are provided with incomplete teeth 33. The rack 34 is arranged axially along the plunger rod 35 and meshes with the incomplete teeth 33. The surfaces of the drive gear 31 and the driven gear 32 are provided with shafts 38 that cooperate with the reversing groove 241.

[0018] As can be seen, a reversing shaft 23 is provided inside the manifold 21, and a reversing channel 231 is provided inside the reversing shaft 23. The rotation of the reversing shaft 23 can realize the switching of the reversing channel 231 between any two of the first manifold 211, the second manifold 212 and the drain port 213. The reversing channel 231 connects the first manifold 211 and the second manifold 212, and the liquid in the tank 12 enters the plunger channel 22. The reversing channel 231 connects the second manifold 212 and the drain port 213, and the liquid in the plunger channel 22 is discharged from the drain port 213. Specifically, the rotation of the reversing shaft 23 is achieved by the shafts 38 on the driving gear 31 and driven gear 32 alternately engaging with the reversing groove 241; the plunger rod 35 in the plunger channel 22 is connected to the rack 34, and the incomplete teeth 33 on the surfaces of the driving gear 31 and driven gear 32 alternately mesh with the rack 34 to drive the rack 34 to move. The reciprocating motion of the rack 34 will drive the plunger rod 35 to move, thereby realizing the pumping in and out of the liquid in the plunger channel 22.

[0019] It should be noted that the driving gear 31 and the driven gear 32 rotate in opposite directions, which causes the shaft 38 to drive the reversing shaft 23 to rotate in both directions. Similarly, the incomplete teeth 33 on the surfaces of the driving gear 31 and the driven gear 32 will alternately drive the rack 34 to reciprocate.

[0020] This invention drives the rotation of the driving gear 31 to rotate the reversing shaft 23, which in turn drives the switching of the reversing channel 231, thus discharging the liquid from the tank 12. The incomplete gears 33 on the surfaces of the driving gear 31 and the driven gear 32 drive the plunger rod 35 to reciprocate, thus pumping the liquid into and out of the plunger channel 22. This invention has a compact structure and small size. The pumping flow rate is controlled by controlling the rotation speed of the drive source 36, eliminating the need for complex program control. It is reliable in operation, has low shearing, and stable flow rate.

[0021] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the pump head is designed for easy disassembly, and the components in contact with the medium, such as the plunger rod 35 and the reversing shaft 23, are injection-molded disposable parts, resulting in low cost. The more complex gears and racks 34 pose no risk of contamination and can be reused in subsequent applications without replacement.

[0022] Furthermore, the first manifold 211, the second manifold 212, and the drain 213 are equidistantly distributed along the circumference of the manifold sleeve 21. Reversing ports are provided at both ends of the reversing channel 231, and the two reversing ports are distributed at 120° around the axis of the reversing shaft 23 on the surface of the reversing shaft 23.

[0023] Specifically, the first manifold 211, the second manifold 212, and the drain outlet 213 are equidistantly distributed within the manifold sleeve 21, with an angle of 120° between adjacent ports. The reversing channel 231 within the reversing shaft 23 is arc-shaped, and the angle between the two ports of the reversing channel 231 is also 120°, allowing the two reversing ports of the reversing channel 231 to precisely connect with the first manifold 211, the second manifold 212, and the drain outlet 213.

[0024] Furthermore, in this invention, three reversing slots 241 are provided, and the three reversing slots 241 are distributed at 120° intervals on the surface of the reversing disk 24. The shaft 38 drives the reversing disk 24 to rotate 120°, ensuring that the reversing channel 231 can be accurately aligned with the first manifold 211, the second manifold 212, and the drain port 213 during the rotation of the reversing disk 24.

[0025] Furthermore, the drive assembly 3 also includes a drive source 36, which is mounted on the support frame 11, and the output end of the drive source 36 is connected to the drive gear 31.

[0026] Specifically, the present invention uses a drive source 36 to drive the drive gear 31. As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the drive source 36 is a servo motor. By controlling the speed of the servo motor, the flow rate of the drained liquid is controlled.

[0027] Furthermore, both the driving gear 31 and the driven gear 32 are provided with a web plate 37 on the side near the support frame 11, and an arc-shaped groove 371 is provided on the web plate 37, with the reversing disc 24 fitting into the arc-shaped groove 371.

[0028] Specifically, when the incomplete tooth 33 meshes with the rack 34, the steering wheel will fit against the arc-shaped groove 371, restricting the left and right wobbling of the steering wheel 24, thereby restricting the rotation of the reversing shaft 23, and preventing misalignment between the reversing channel 231 and the first manifold 211, the second manifold 212, and the drain port 213, which would lead to drainage failure.

[0029] Furthermore, a sealing ring 25 is provided between the reversing shaft 23 and the manifold 21 to prevent liquid from leaking out between the manifold 21 and the reversing shaft 23.

[0030] Furthermore, a silicone hose 4 is provided at the drain port 213. The silicone hose 4 serves as a guide to pump the liquid in the plunger channel 22 to other containers. Example

[0031] A bioreactor includes the micro-pumping mechanism for the storage tank described in Example 1.

[0032] In summary, this invention introduces a micro-pumping mechanism for a liquid storage tank and a bioreactor, which uses a drive source 36 to drive liquid intake and discharge. The specific operation steps are as follows: The first stage is to prepare for liquid aspiration: the reversing shaft 23 is switched to the liquid aspiration valve position, and the first manifold 211 and the second manifold 212 are connected. Specifically, the shaft 38 on the drive gear 31 is cut into the reversing groove 241, which drives the reversing shaft 23 to rotate 120° clockwise, while the incomplete gear 33 and the rack 34 do not mesh.

[0033] The second stage involves liquid aspiration: the plunger rod 35 moves upward, driving the liquid reagent in the tank 12 through the first inlet 211, the reversing channel 231, and the second inlet 212 into the plunger channel 22. Specifically, the incomplete teeth 33 of the driven gear 32 mesh with the rack 34, driving the plunger rod 35 upward. The shaft 38 does not contact the reversing groove 241, while the arc-shaped groove 371 of the web 37 fits against the reversing disc 24, ensuring that the reversing shaft 23 is reliably in the liquid aspiration valve position during this stage.

[0034] The third stage is to prepare for drainage: the reversing shaft 23 is switched to the drainage valve position, and the second manifold 212 and the drainage port 213 are connected; specifically, the shaft 38 on the driven gear 32 is cut into the reversing groove 241, driving the reversing shaft 23 to rotate counterclockwise by 120°, while the incomplete gear 33 and the rack 34 do not mesh.

[0035] In the fourth stage, the liquid is drained: the plunger rod 35 moves downward, driving the liquid reagent in the plunger channel 22 through the first manifold 211, the reversing channel 231, and the drain port 213 into the silicone tube 4. Specifically, the incomplete teeth 33 of the drive gear 31 mesh with the rack 34, driving the plunger rod 35 to move downward. The shaft 38 does not contact the reversing groove 241, while the arc-shaped groove 371 of the web 37 fits against the reversing disc 24, ensuring that the reversing shaft 23 is reliably in the suction valve position during this stage.

[0036] This invention drives the rotation of the driving gear 31 to rotate the reversing shaft 23, which in turn drives the switching of the reversing channel 231, thus discharging the liquid from the tank 12. The incomplete gears 33 on the surfaces of the driving gear 31 and the driven gear 32 drive the plunger rod 35 to reciprocate, thus pumping the liquid into and out of the plunger channel 22. This invention has a compact structure and small size. The pumping flow rate is controlled by controlling the rotation speed of the drive source 36, eliminating the need for complex program control. It is reliable in operation, has low shearing, and stable flow rate.

[0037] Obviously, the above embodiments are merely illustrative examples for clear explanation and are not intended to limit the implementation. Those skilled in the art will recognize that other variations or modifications can be made based on the above description. It is neither necessary nor possible to exhaustively list all possible implementations here. However, obvious variations or modifications derived therefrom are still within the scope of protection of this invention.

Claims

1. A reservoir micro-pumping mechanism, characterized by, include: A support assembly, the support assembly including a support frame and a tank, the tank being disposed on top of the support frame; The diversion assembly includes a manifold sleeve and a plunger channel, which are mounted on the support frame. The manifold sleeve has a first manifold port, a second manifold port, and a drain port. The first manifold port communicates with the tank body, and the second manifold port communicates with the plunger channel. A reversing shaft passes through the manifold sleeve, and a reversing channel is provided on the reversing shaft. A reversing disc is provided at the end of the reversing shaft, and multiple reversing grooves are circumferentially provided on the surface of the reversing disc. A plunger rod is provided in the plunger channel. A drive assembly includes a driving gear, a driven gear, and a rack. The driving gear and the driven gear are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the reversing shaft and mesh with each other. The outer edges of both the driving gear and the driven gear are provided with incomplete teeth. The rack is arranged along the axial direction of the plunger rod and meshes with the incomplete teeth. The surfaces of both the driving gear and the driven gear are provided with shafts that mate with the reversing groove.

2. The micro pumping mechanism for the liquid storage tank according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first manifold, the second manifold, and the drain outlet are equidistantly distributed along the circumference of the manifold sleeve.

3. The micro pumping mechanism for the liquid storage tank according to claim 1, characterized in that: The reversing channel is provided with reversing ports at both ends, and the two reversing ports are distributed at 120° around the axis of the reversing shaft on the surface of the reversing shaft.

4. The micro pumping mechanism for the liquid storage tank according to claim 1, characterized in that: The reversing slots are provided in three parts, and the three reversing slots are circumferentially and equally distributed on the surface of the reversing disk.

5. The micro pumping mechanism for the liquid storage tank according to claim 1, characterized in that: The drive assembly also includes a drive source, which is mounted on the support frame, and the output end of the drive source is connected to the drive gear.

6. The micro pumping mechanism for the liquid storage tank according to claim 1, characterized in that: Both the driving gear and the driven gear have a web plate on the side near the support frame, and the web plate has an arc-shaped groove, which the commutator fits into.

7. The micro pumping mechanism for the liquid storage tank according to claim 1, characterized in that: A sealing ring is provided between the reversing shaft and the manifold.

8. The micro pumping mechanism for the liquid storage tank according to claim 1, characterized in that: A silicone hose is installed at the drain outlet.

9. A bioreactor, characterized in that, Includes the micro pumping mechanism for the liquid storage tank as described in any one of claims 1-8.

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