Centrifugal tube, single-tube centrifugal device, single-tube centrifugal reaction method and continuous sample single-tube centrifugal system

Abstract

A centrifuge tube (1) comprises an outer tube (101), a cover body (102) and an inner tube (103), wherein the outer tube (101) is sleeved with the cover body (102) to seal the outer tube (101), and the inner tube (103) is arranged in the outer tube (101). The inner tube (103) comprises an opening for adding a reaction mixture, a joint piece (1031) for fixing the inner tube in the outer tube, a reaction tank (1032) for carrying out reaction, and a liquid outlet (1034) communicated with the reaction tank (1032).

Description

Centrifuge tube, single-tube centrifuge device, single-tube centrifuge reaction method, and continuous sample single-tube centrifuge system Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a centrifuge tube, a single-tube centrifuge device, and a single-tube centrifuge reaction method. Specifically, it relates to a centrifuge tube capable of vertical centrifugation, a centrifuge device capable of single-tube centrifugation, and a single-tube centrifuge reaction method performed by the centrifuge tube and the centrifuge device. Background Art

[0002] With the rapid development of biotechnology, a variety of automated analysis methods and large-sample analysis systems are being introduced. These technological advances have made systematic sample analysis more convenient and rapid. However, for some specialized biochemical analyses, the raw materials and consumables required can be expensive, or samples can be difficult to obtain, making them unsuitable for large-sample analysis systems.

[0003] In addition, automated analysis systems suitable for large numbers of samples require sufficient space and environment, and are usually located in research centers or medical centers. However, hospitals or research institutions located in rural or non-urban areas may not have sufficient space for such systems. If timely analysis results are required, analysis methods and systems that take up less space are needed.

[0004] On the other hand, the number of samples and the delivery time may also vary depending on the analysis object. Traditional analysis methods usually require a larger amount of samples to be more economical. Therefore, a system that can flexibly respond to the number of samples and delivery time is also needed.

[0005] Therefore, there is also market demand for analysis methods suitable for small samples or continuous samples, as well as the machines and consumables required.

[0006] Summary of the Invention

[0007] In order to achieve the above-mentioned purpose, the present invention provides a centrifuge tube, comprising: an outer tube, comprising a first accommodating space; a cover, which is sleeved on the outer tube to seal the outer tube; and an inner tube, which is located in the first accommodating space and comprises: an opening for adding a reactant mixture into the inner tube; a connector, through which the inner tube is sleeved in the outer tube, and the inner tube of the centrifuge tube is coaxial with the outer tube, wherein the tube mouth of the outer tube is the Z axis toward the bottom, and the axis is the line connecting the center positions of the inner tube and the outer tube on a plane perpendicular to the Z axis; a reaction tank, which is connected to the opening and is used to accommodate the reaction mixture added from the opening for reaction, and comprises a first narrow opening between the reaction tank and the opening; and a first drainage port, which connects the reaction tank with the first accommodating space and is symmetrically arranged in a direction perpendicular to the Z axis.

[0008] Preferably, the centrifuge tube further comprises a first one-way valve arranged at the first liquid discharge port, and the opening and closing of the first one-way valve is controlled by the first centrifugal force, so that the waste liquid in the reaction tank is discharged from the reaction tank to the first accommodating space through the first liquid discharge port when the first one-way valve is opened.

[0009] Preferably, the reaction tank includes a first reaction space and a second reaction space, the first reaction space is connected to the opening, and the first narrow opening is included between the first reaction space and the opening, and the second narrow opening is included between the first reaction space and the second reaction space, wherein the first drainage port is located in the first reaction space, and the second reaction space includes a second drainage port.

[0010] Preferably, it further includes a first one-way valve arranged at the second liquid discharge port, which is controlled to open and close by a first centrifugal force, so that when the first one-way valve is opened, the waste liquid in the reaction tank is discharged from the reaction tank to the first accommodating space through the second liquid discharge port.

[0011] Preferably, the centrifuge tube further comprises a supplementary reagent tank, the supplementary reagent tank comprises a reagent tank, a temporary retention tank and a second one-way valve, wherein the temporary retention tank is connected to the reaction tank.

[0012] Preferably, the second one-way valve is a mechanical valve, an electrically controlled valve or a magnetically controlled valve.

[0013] Preferably, the centrifuge tube further comprises a combination of a plurality of one-way valves and liquid discharge ports symmetrically arranged around the axis.

[0014] Preferably, the narrow opening forms an angle of 30-60 degrees with the Z axis.

[0015] Preferably, the narrow opening forms an angle of 30-45 degrees with the Z axis.

[0016] According to another object of the present invention, a single-tube centrifuge device is provided, comprising a centrifuge and a fixing member, wherein the fixing member fixes the centrifuge tube, wherein the centrifuge and the centrifuge tube are coaxial.

[0017] According to yet another object of the present invention, a single-tube centrifugal reaction method is provided, comprising: adding a reaction mixture to the centrifuge tube for reaction; placing the centrifuge tube in the single-tube centrifuge device and securing the centrifuge tube with the fixing member; and centrifuging the centrifuge tube to remove waste liquid.

[0018] Through the above technical features, the present invention has at least the following advantages:

[0019] (1) The centrifuge tube of the embodiment of the present invention can be operated in a single tube, and analysis can be performed without preparing multiple samples.

[0020] (2) With the centrifuge tube and the single-tube centrifuge device of the embodiment of the present invention, waste liquid can be removed simply by single-tube centrifugation after the reaction, and consumables can be reduced.

[0021] (3) By combining the centrifuge tube, single-tube centrifuge device, and single-tube centrifuge reaction method of the embodiments of the present invention, biochemical analysis of small samples can be completed quickly and conveniently. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] FIG1 is an exploded schematic diagram of a centrifuge tube according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] FIG2 is a side schematic diagram of a centrifuge tube according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] FIG3 is a perspective schematic diagram of a centrifuge tube according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] FIG4 is a schematic diagram of a liquid discharge port of a centrifuge tube according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] FIG5 is a partial enlarged schematic diagram of the joint between the joint piece and the cover of the centrifuge tube according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of a narrow opening of an inner tube according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] FIG7 is a perspective schematic diagram of an inner tube 103 a according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] FIG8 is a perspective schematic diagram of an inner tube 103 a according to yet another embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating the closed and open states of the replenishing agent tank according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a replenishing medicine tank according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] FIG11 is a perspective schematic diagram of a single-tube centrifuge according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] FIG12 is a cross-sectional view of a single tube centrifuge according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of the bottom shape of a centrifuge tube according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] FIG14 is a flow chart of a single-tube centrifugation reaction method according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] The following is a detailed description of the embodiments with reference to the relevant drawings. However, these embodiments can be implemented in different forms, but this is not the only form of implementing or applying the specific embodiments of the present invention, and therefore should not be understood as limiting the above embodiments. The features of multiple specific embodiments and the method steps and their sequence for constructing and operating these specific embodiments are covered in the implementation method. However, other specific embodiments can also be used to achieve the same or equal functions and step sequences. On the contrary, these embodiments are provided so that this specification can be thoroughly and completely disclosed to fully express the spirit of the invention to ordinary technicians in the technical field to which the invention belongs. Similar element figures in the drawings refer to similar elements. In the following description, known functions or structures will not be described in detail so as not to repeat unnecessary details in the embodiments.

[0037] Unless otherwise defined, all technical terms and terminology used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention belongs. In the event of a conflict, the present specification, including definitions, will control.

[0038] Unless otherwise specified, any singular noun used in this specification includes the plural form of that noun, and any plural noun used in this specification also includes the singular form of that noun. Furthermore, in this specification and claims, the expressions "at least one" and "one or more" have the same meaning, both representing one, two, three, or more.

[0039] The conjunction "consisting essentially of" is used to define a composition, method, or apparatus that includes materials, steps, features, components, or elements other than those expressly recited, provided that such additional materials, steps, features, components, or elements do not significantly affect the basic and novel characteristics of the claimed invention. The phrase "consisting essentially of" occupies a middle ground between "comprising" and "consisting of."

[0040] While the numerical ranges and parameters used to define the broader scope of the present invention are approximate, the numerical values ​​in the specific examples are presented herein as precisely as possible. However, any numerical value inherently and inevitably contains standard deviations resulting from individual testing methods. As used herein, "about" generally means that the actual value is within plus or minus 10%, 5%, 1%, or 0.5% of the specified value or range. Alternatively, the term "about" means that the actual value falls within an acceptable standard error of the mean, as determined by one of ordinary skill in the art. Except in the examples, or unless expressly indicated otherwise, all ranges, amounts, values, and percentages used herein (e.g., to describe amounts of material, durations of time, temperatures, operating conditions, quantitative ratios, and the like) should be understood to be modified by the word "about." Therefore, unless otherwise indicated, the numerical parameters disclosed in this specification and claims are approximate and may vary as needed. At a minimum, these numerical parameters should be understood to include the number of significant digits indicated and to apply normal rounding. Herein, numerical ranges are expressed from one end point to another point or between two end points; unless otherwise stated, the numerical ranges described herein include the end points.

[0041] The centrifuge tube, single-tube centrifuge device, and single-tube centrifuge reaction method of the present invention are described below through specific examples.

[0042] First, refer to Figures 1 to 6. Figure 1 is an exploded schematic diagram of a centrifuge tube 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 is a side view schematic diagram of a centrifuge tube 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of a centrifuge tube 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of a drain port 1034 of a centrifuge tube 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5 is a partially enlarged schematic diagram of the junction between the joint 1031 and the cover 102 of the centrifuge tube 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of the first narrow opening 1035 of the inner tube 103 of the centrifuge tube 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] The centrifuge tube 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention may include an outer tube 101, a cover 102, and an inner tube 103. The cover 102 may be mounted (e.g., screwed) on the outer side of the opening of the outer tube 101 to seal the outer tube 101. The inner tube 103 is disposed in the accommodation space formed by the outer tube 101. The inner tube 103 may include a connector 1031, a reaction tank 1032, a first one-way valve 1033, and a drain port 1034. The connector 1031 may be mounted on the inner side of the opening of the outer tube 101. The first one-way valve 1033 may illustratively include a steel ball 1033a and a spring 1033b. In one embodiment, as shown in FIG5 , the cover 102 may include a protrusion 1021 at a position corresponding to the connector 1031. This protrusion can further compress the connector 1031 when the cover 102 is mounted (e.g., screwed) on the outer tube 101, thereby further stabilizing the position of the inner tube 103.

[0044] In the following embodiments, the direction of the nozzle of the centrifuge tube 1, outer tube 101 or inner tube 103 toward the bottom is the Z axis, and the line connecting the center positions of the inner tube and the outer tube on a plane perpendicular to the Z axis is its axis (for example, the ZZ' line). When the inner tube 103 is sleeved on the inner side of the opening of the outer tube 101 through the joint 1031, the inner tube 103 will be fixed in the accommodating space in the outer tube 101 in a manner coaxial with the outer tube 102, so that it can remain stable when the centrifuge tube 1 is rotated and centrifuged. According to another embodiment of the present invention, the joint 1031 of the inner tube 103 can be sleeved on the outside of the outer tube 101, the present invention is not limited to this, and the inner tube 103 can be fixed in the outer tube 101 in any suitable manner.

[0045] As shown in FIG4 , a centrifuge tube 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a pair of drain ports 1034 symmetrically arranged about the axis, each of which is provided with a first one-way valve 1033. The first one-way valve 1033 comprises a steel ball 1033a and a spring 1033b. When the centrifuge tube 1 is rotating, the pair of drain ports 1034 symmetrically arranged about the axis ensures that the centrifuge tube 1 is balanced and prevents shaking. When the centrifuge tube 1 is stopped, the steel ball 1033a in the first one-way valve 1033 in the drain port 1034 is pushed against the opening connected to the reaction tank 1032 by the spring 1033b, closing it. When the rotation speed increases and the centrifugal force reaches a threshold, the centrifugal force exerted on the steel ball 1033a becomes greater than the spring 1033b, compressing the spring 1033b and thereby connecting the reaction tank 1032 to the drain port 1034, allowing waste liquid in the reaction tank 1032 to be discharged through the drain port 1034. When the centrifugal force is less than a threshold, the steel ball 1033a is pushed back by the spring 1033b, thereby closing the connection between the reaction tank 1032 and the drain port 1034. The steel ball 1033a and the spring 1033b can be configured in various ways, such as with different weights and different spring forces, to suit different needs. In another embodiment, the connection between the reaction tank 1032 and the drain port 1034 can include a filter, filter paper, or a semipermeable membrane.

[0046] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the centrifuge tube 1 is used in conjunction with magnetic beads. To prevent the magnetic beads from being lost from the drain port 1034 during centrifugation, they can be blocked by means of the above-mentioned filter screen, filter paper, etc. The top view shape of the reaction tank 1032 can be circular or polygonal. When the top view shape of the reaction tank is polygonal, the drain port 1034 can be set at the vertex of the polygonal symmetry to improve the drainage effect during centrifugation. According to another embodiment of the present invention, a magnetic force generating device can be used to generate magnetic force at the axis or circumference of the centrifuge tube 1, so that the magnetic beads are retained in the center of the centrifuge tube 1 and are not discharged during centrifugation.

[0047] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the drain port 1034 may have different settings, for example, there may be 4 or 6 drain ports symmetrically arranged relative to the axis. In addition, the first one-way valve 1033 in the drain port 1034 is not limited to the combination of a steel ball and a spring, and can be controlled to open and close by electrical control or magnetic control, and the waste liquid can also be discharged by centrifugal force. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the first one-way valve 1033 can be set in the drain port 1034 at a position close to the axis of the inner tube 103, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The first one-way valve 1033 can be set at a position of the drain port 1034 away from the axis of the inner tube 103, or at any position where the one-way valve can be opened by centrifugation, electrical control or magnetic control to discharge the waste liquid.

[0048] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a first narrow opening 1035 may be provided between the reaction tank 1032 and the tube opening in the inner tube 103. The first narrow opening 1035 is formed by slanting from the inner wall of the reaction tank 1032 toward the axis. When the centrifuge tube 1 is centrifuged about the axis, the reaction mixture in the reaction tank 1032 moves toward the inner wall of the reaction tank 1032, away from the axis, due to centrifugal force. As the rotation speed increases, the centrifugal force increases, causing the reaction mixture to move along the inner wall of the reaction tank 1032 toward the tube opening. To prevent the reaction mixture from overflowing from the tube opening during centrifugation, the first narrow opening 1035 can be provided between the reaction tank 1032 and the tube opening in the inner tube 103. The first narrow opening 1035 forms an angle of 30 to 60 degrees with the axis, preferably 45 degrees. When the reaction mixture moves along the inner wall of the reaction tank 1032 toward the tube opening during centrifugation, the first narrow opening 1035, at a predetermined angle to the axis, maintains the reaction mixture within the reaction tank 1032 and prevents it from overflowing.

[0049] Next, please refer to FIG. 7 , which is a perspective schematic diagram of an inner tube 103 a according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0050] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the centrifuge tube 1 includes an inner tube 103a. Except for the configuration of the inner tube 103a, the centrifuge tube 1 in this embodiment is the same as the above embodiment and will not be described in detail here.

[0051] The reaction tank 1032 of the inner tube 103a includes a first reaction space 1032a and a second reaction space 1032b, wherein the inner diameter of the second reaction space 1032b is larger than that of the first reaction space 1032a. A second narrow opening 1035a is located between the first and second reaction spaces 1032a, 1032b. The angle between the second narrow opening 1035a and the Z-axis can be 30 to 60 degrees, preferably 30 to 45 degrees, and more preferably 45 degrees. When the reaction mixture is added to the reaction tank 1032, it falls into the second reaction space 1032b to react (if the reaction mixture is large, it may fill the first reaction space 1032a). After the reaction is completed, the centrifuge tube 1 can be centrifuged to remove waste liquid. During centrifugation, the waste liquid will move toward the sidewalls of the second reaction space 1032b due to centrifugal force. As the centrifugal speed increases, the waste liquid will form a donut shape at the sidewalls of the second reaction space 1032b. At the same time, the waste liquid is also affected by centrifugal force and moves upward to the side wall of the first reaction space 1032a. It is discharged from the first drain port 1034a of the first reaction space 1032a into the first accommodating space between the outer tube 101 and the inner tube 103a, while the second reaction space 1032b can retain a predetermined volume of the reaction mixture. By retaining some liquid, it can be easily aspirated when the reaction mixture includes magnetic beads. In this embodiment, since the drain port 1034a is not provided with a valve, the waste liquid is discharged directly into the first accommodating space. In another embodiment, the drain port 1034a can also be provided with a one-way valve as described above to control the discharge of the waste liquid, but the present invention is not limited to this.

[0052] Please also refer to FIG. 8 , which is a schematic three-dimensional view of an inner tube 103 a according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0053] The configuration of the inner tube 103a in the centrifuge tube 1 of this embodiment is substantially the same as that of the above-described embodiment, with only the differences described herein. In this embodiment, the sidewall of the second reaction space 1032b further includes a second drain port 1034b, and a one-way valve (not shown) is provided at the second drain port 1034b. After the reaction mixture has completed reaction in the second reaction space 1032b, a portion of the waste liquid can be discharged from the first drain port 1034a into the first accommodation space by centrifugation, as described in the above-described embodiment. Preferably, when all liquid needs to be discharged, the one-way valve provided in the second drain port 1034b can be opened by controlling the centrifugal force, allowing the waste liquid to be discharged from the second drain port 1034b into the first accommodation space. The above-described embodiment is merely illustrative, and the present invention is not limited thereto. Multiple drain ports may be provided, or valves of different types may be provided. A filter screen, filter paper, or a semipermeable membrane may also be provided at the drain port. According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, the remaining amount of liquid in the second reaction space 1032b can be controlled by controlling the height of the second liquid drain port 1034b in the second reaction space 1032b.

[0054] 9, which is a schematic diagram illustrating the closed (a) and open (b) states of the replenishing agent tank 110 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG9 only illustrates one side as a schematic diagram, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0055] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the centrifuge tube 1 of the present invention may further include a supplementary agent tank 110, and the number of supplementary agent tanks 110 may depend on the amount of supplementary agent used. In one embodiment, the inner tube 103 may be provided with a single supplementary agent tank 110, and the supplementary agent tank 110 may include a tank 111, a temporary tank 112, and a second one-way valve 113. The second one-way valve 113 controls the opening and closing between the tank 111 and the temporary tank 112, and the temporary tank 112 is connected to the inner tube 103. The opening threshold of the second one-way valve 113 may be different from that of the first one-way valve 1033. For example, the centrifugal force threshold for opening the second one-way valve 113 may be greater than that of the first one-way valve 1033. The initial state of the supplementary agent tank 110 is shown in part (a) of Figure 9. In this state, the second one-way valve 113 abuts against the opening, allowing the supplementary agent to be stored in the tank 111. After the reaction mixture passes through inner tube 103 and mixes in reaction tank 1032, it can be centrifuged at a first speed. At this point, first one-way valve 1033 opens, allowing the waste liquid from the reaction mixture to be discharged through drain port 1034. Next, the centrifugation can be accelerated to a second speed greater than the first speed. Once the centrifugal force threshold of second one-way valve 113 is reached, second one-way valve 113 opens, allowing the supplementary reagent in reagent tank 111 to fall into temporary holding tank 112, as shown in Figure 9 (b). After centrifugation ceases, the supplementary reagent falls by gravity into inner tube 103 and reaches reaction tank 1032, where it undergoes the next reaction with the reaction mixture remaining in reaction tank 1032. Alternatively, the second one-way valve can be electrically or magnetically controlled. Furthermore, when a single supplementary reagent tank 110 is provided, counterweights can be placed symmetrically relative to the axis in a plane perpendicular to the Z-axis on the centrifuge tube 1 to ensure balance during centrifugation. Preferably, supplementary reagent tank 110 is located between first narrow opening 1035 and the tube orifice. According to another embodiment of the present invention, the supplementary agent tank 110 may be disposed between the first narrow opening 1035 and the reaction tank 1032 .

[0056] According to another embodiment of the present invention, multiple supplementary reagent tanks can be arranged symmetrically with respect to the axis of the centrifuge tube 1 in a plane perpendicular to the Z axis. For example, a first supplementary reagent tank and a second supplementary reagent tank can be provided. The structures of the first supplementary reagent tank and the second supplementary reagent tank are similar to those of the supplementary reagent tank described above, respectively comprising first and second reagent tanks, first and second temporary retention tanks, and third and fourth one-way valves, respectively. The centrifugal force thresholds for opening the third and fourth one-way valves of the first and second supplementary reagent tanks are different. In actual operation, after the reaction mixture is mixed in the reaction tank, it can be centrifuged at a first speed. At this time, the first one-way valve 1033 opens, and the waste liquid of the reaction mixture is discharged through the drain port 1034. At this time, the centrifugation can be accelerated to a third speed greater than the first speed. When the centrifugal force threshold of the third one-way valve is reached, the third one-way valve opens, and the first supplementary reagent in the first reagent tank falls into the first temporary retention tank. After centrifugation ceases, the first supplemental agent falls by gravity into the inner tube 103 and arrives at the reaction tank 1032, where it undergoes the next reaction with the reaction mixture remaining in the reaction tank 1032. Subsequently, after the reaction mixture and the first supplemental agent have completed their mixing and reaction, the centrifugation is continued at the first rotational speed. At this point, the first one-way valve 1033 opens, and the waste liquid of the reaction mixture is discharged through the drain port 1034. The centrifugation can then be accelerated to a fourth rotational speed greater than the third rotational speed. Upon reaching the centrifugal force threshold of the fourth one-way valve, the fourth one-way valve opens, allowing the second supplemental agent in the second reagent tank to fall into the second holding tank. After centrifugation ceases, the second supplemental agent falls by gravity into the inner tube 103 and into the reaction tank 1032, where it undergoes the next reaction with the reaction mixture remaining in the reaction tank 1032. The above embodiment is merely illustrative and the present invention is not limited thereto. Optionally, the third and fourth one-way valves in the first and second supplemental reagent tanks may have the same or different centrifugal force thresholds for opening.

[0057] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the supplementary agent tank can be combined in the centrifuge tube 1 in a layered stacking manner. For example, as shown in Figure 10, the supplementary agent tank can be arranged in the centrifuge tube 1 in a stacking manner. Specifically, the supplementary agent tank of this embodiment can have a pipe diameter that is the same as or similar to the inner tube 103 of the centrifuge tube 1, wherein a structure of a medicine tank, a one-way valve, and a temporary retention tank as in the above-mentioned supplementary agent tank 110 is provided, wherein the required medicine can be added, and there is a stackable interlocking portion (not shown). At the same time, the threshold value of the one-way valve in the supplementary agent tank is different from the threshold value of the first one-way valve 1033 in the centrifuge tube 1. Therefore, the required medicine can be combined in a stacking manner to the centrifuge tube 1 to achieve the effect of adding medicine. In addition, when multiple supplementary agent tanks are stacked, the threshold values ​​of the one-way valves in the middle are different from each other.

[0058] In this embodiment, the supplementary agent tanks are symmetrically arranged about the axis of centrifuge tube 1, and provide different supplementary agents in an upwardly stacked manner, thus avoiding the difficulty of arranging multiple supplementary agents due to insufficient space on the same plane. Furthermore, for a single supplementary agent, a concentrate and a diluent of equal mass and specific ratio can be placed in the symmetrical supplementary agent tanks. This ensures that the centrifuge tube 1 remains balanced when the one-way valve is opened and the supplementary agent flows into the temporary holding tank.

[0059] Please refer to Figures 11-13. Figure 11 is a perspective view of a single-tube centrifuge 2 according to another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view of a single-tube centrifuge 2 according to another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 13 is a schematic diagram of the bottom shape of a centrifuge tube 1 according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0060] According to another aspect of the present invention, a single-tube centrifuge device 2 is provided. The single-tube centrifuge device 2 includes a centrifuge 201 and a fixture 202 for securing a centrifuge tube 1. The centrifuge 201 may include a motor 203 for providing centrifugal force. During use, the centrifuge tube 1 is secured to the centrifuge 201 via the fixture 202, and different centrifugal forces are provided by providing different rotational speeds.

[0061] In one embodiment, the fixing member 202 can be provided only at the bottom of the outer tube 101 of the centrifuge tube 1, or the fixing member 202 can also be provided on the cover 102 of the centrifuge tube 1 and the cover 201a of the centrifuge 201. The fixing member 202 can fix the centrifuge tube 1 in any manner, such as clamping from the outside of the centrifuge tube 1, or as shown in Figure 13, a groove is provided at the bottom of the centrifuge tube 1 to assist in fixing the centrifuge tube 1 to the fixing member 202. The groove provided at the bottom of the centrifuge tube 1 can be a straight line, a cross, a square, a polygon, or any suitable shape that can be stably fixed to the centrifuge 201. In this embodiment, since the rotation of the centrifuge tube 1 is powered by the motor 203, the fixing member 202 connected to the bottom of the centrifuge tube 1 will firmly fix it on the centrifuge 201. In contrast, the fixing member 202 on the cover 201a of the centrifuge 201 can have a corresponding fixing structure on the cover 102 of the centrifuge tube 1, and can firmly fix the centrifuge tube 1 in the single tube centrifuge device 2 without affecting the centrifugation of the centrifuge tube 1. In another embodiment, the centrifuge can accommodate multiple (ie, more than one) centrifuge tubes 1 at the same time, and each centrifuge tube 1 can be independently fixed in the centrifuge and centrifuged independently without the need for a counterweight.

[0062] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a continuous sample single-tube centrifugation system can be provided, comprising a carrier; a single-tube centrifuge mounted on the carrier; a track for carrying the carrier; an identification unit mounted on the track; and a control module for controlling the movement of the carrier and the centrifugation of the single-tube centrifuge. The single-tube centrifuge is the single-tube centrifuge described in the above embodiment, and is suitable for the centrifuge tubes described in the above embodiment.

[0063] According to one embodiment of the present invention, when a user receives a sample and uses a continuous sample single-tube centrifugation system, the sample and reagents are injected into the centrifuge tube and an identification mark is given for recognition by the recognition unit. The user places the centrifuge tube on the single-tube centrifuge on a platform on the track and moves the platform through the control module to perform centrifugation, reagent addition, and other steps at different positions. The identification unit recognizes the identification mark on the centrifuge tube to confirm the progress of the analysis. The identification mark can be a barcode, a QR code, or any other recognizable mark. According to another embodiment of the present invention, the required supplementary reagent tanks can be stacked, thereby eliminating the need for additional reagent addition equipment. Preferably, the system may also include heating, cooling, and vibration equipment to meet different experimental requirements. Therefore, through multiple platforms on the track and the single-tube centrifuges on them, the sample can be controlled to move on the track and different reaction steps can be performed at different positions, without having to wait for the sample to reach a certain number before starting analysis. Through the control of the automated control system, steps such as reagent addition are also achieved through the supplementary reagent tanks, and different reagents can be added by simply controlling different speeds, saving a lot of manpower and material resources.

[0064] According to another object of the present invention, a single-tube centrifugal reaction method is provided, as shown in Figure 14, comprising: step S1, adding a reaction mixture to a centrifuge tube for reaction. After the reaction mixture is added to the inner tube 103, it passes through the first narrow opening 1035 and falls into the reaction tank 1032 for reaction; step S2, placing the centrifuge tube 1 in the single-tube centrifuge device 2 and securing the centrifuge tube 1 with a fixing member 202; and step S3, centrifuging in a centrifuge 201 to carry out the reaction or remove waste liquid. Depending on the experimental method, the method may also include a step of releasing the reagent in the replenishing reagent tank 110, and the release of the reagent can be achieved by changing the speed of the centrifuge 201.

[0065] The above description is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to be limiting. Any equivalent modifications or changes made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention shall be included within the scope defined by the claims.

[0066] Description of Reference Numerals

[0067] 1: Centrifuge tube

[0068] 101: External Control

[0069] 102: Cover

[0070] 1021: protrusion

[0071] 103, 103a: Inner tube

[0072] 1031: Joints

[0073] 1032: Reaction tank

[0074] 1032a: First Response Space

[0075] 1032b: Second reaction space

[0076] 1033: First one-way valve

[0077] 1033a: Steel Ball

[0078] 1033b: Spring

[0079] 1034: Drain port

[0080] 1034a: First drainage port

[0081] 1034b: Second drainage port

[0082] 1035: The First Narrow Passage

[0083] 1035a: Second narrow opening

[0084] 110: Refill potion tank

[0085] 111: Potion Slot

[0086] 112: Temporary slot

[0087] 113: Second one-way valve

[0088] 2: Single tube centrifuge

[0089] 201: Centrifuge

[0090] 201a: Cover

[0091] 202: Fixing parts

[0092] 203: Motor

[0093] S1-S3: Steps

Claims

1. A centrifuge tube, characterized in that: include: The outer tube includes a first accommodating space; a cover body, sleeved outside the outer tube to seal the outer tube; as well as An inner tube is located in the first accommodating space and includes: an opening for adding reactants into the inner tube; a connector, wherein the inner tube is sleeved within the outer tube via the connector, and the inner tube and the outer tube of the centrifuge tube are coaxial, wherein the direction from the tube opening of the outer tube toward the bottom is the Z axis, and the axis is a line connecting the center positions of the inner tube and the outer tube on a plane perpendicular to the Z axis; a reaction tank, connected to the opening, for accommodating the reaction mixture added from the opening for reaction, and comprising a first narrow opening between the reaction tank and the opening; and The first liquid discharge port connects the reaction tank with the first accommodating space and is symmetrically arranged in a direction perpendicular to the Z axis.

2. The centrifuge tube according to claim 1, wherein It also includes a first one-way valve arranged at the first drain port, which is controlled to open and close by a first centrifugal force. When the first one-way valve is opened, the waste liquid in the reaction tank is discharged from the reaction tank to the first accommodating space through the first drain port.

3. The centrifuge tube according to claim 1, wherein The reaction tank includes a first reaction space and a second reaction space, the first reaction space is communicated with the opening, and the first narrow opening is included between the first reaction space and the opening, and the second narrow opening is included between the first reaction space and the second reaction space, wherein the first drainage port is located in the first reaction space, and the second reaction space includes a second drainage port.

4. The centrifuge tube according to claim 3, wherein It also includes a first one-way valve arranged at the second liquid discharge port, which is controlled to open and close by a first centrifugal force. When the first one-way valve is opened, the waste liquid in the reaction tank is discharged from the reaction tank to the first accommodating space through the second liquid discharge port.

5. The centrifuge tube according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein The device further comprises a supplementary reagent tank, which comprises a reagent tank, a temporary retention tank and a second one-way valve, wherein the temporary retention tank is connected to the reaction tank.

6. The centrifuge tube according to claim 5, wherein The second one-way valve is a mechanical valve, an electric control valve or a magnetic control valve.

7. The centrifuge tube according to claim 6, wherein It also includes a combination of multiple one-way valves and drain ports that are symmetrically arranged based on the axis.

8. The centrifuge tube according to claim 1, wherein The first narrow opening forms an angle of 30 to 60 degrees with the Z axis.

9. The centrifuge tube according to claim 3 or 4, wherein: The second narrow opening forms an angle of 30 to 45 degrees with the Z axis.

10. A single tube centrifuge device, characterized in that: The invention comprises a centrifuge and a fixing member, wherein the fixing member fixes the centrifuge tube according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the centrifuge is coaxial with the centrifuge tube.

11. A single tube centrifugation reaction method, characterized in that: include: Adding the reaction mixture into the centrifuge tube according to any one of claims 1 to 9 to carry out the reaction; placing the centrifuge tube in the single-tube centrifuge device according to claim 10, and fixing the centrifuge tube by the fixing member; and The centrifuge tube is centrifuged to carry out the reaction or to remove the waste liquid.

12. A continuous sample single tube centrifugation system, characterized in that: include: carrier; The single tube centrifuge device according to claim 10, arranged on the carrier; A track, used for carrying the platform to move; an identification unit, disposed on the track; as well as A control module controls the movement of the carrier and the centrifugation of the single-tube centrifuge device.

13. The continuous sample single tube centrifugation system according to claim 12, wherein: The single-tube centrifuge device includes an identification mark, and the identification unit identifies the identification mark.

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