A cell sorting device for tumor cell detection and methods of use thereof

Abstract

This invention discloses a cell sorting device and its usage method for tumor cell detection, belonging to the field of cell sorting technology. An optical liquid level sensor monitors the liquid level in the test tubes in real time. The rotating seat rotates the test tubes 90 degrees via a column and a fixed plate, transferring empty test tubes to one end of the optical liquid level sensor. Continuous liquid collection is achieved by adjusting the positions of multiple test tubes in the isolation rack, eliminating the need for frequent disassembly and reassembly of full-filled test tubes. By holding the handle and pulling down the deflector, all test tubes in the isolation rack are removed from the flow cytometer. By individually removing one or more isolation racks from the flow cytometer, the rotating seat and all test tubes are removed from the isolation racks, facilitating batch testing of the test tubes. This also prevents all test tubes inside the base from being exposed and contaminating the liquid inside other test tubes, minimizing the impact on cell sorting and subsequent testing.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of cell sorting technology, specifically to a cell sorting device for detecting tumor cells and its method of use. Background Technology

[0002] In tumor research and clinical diagnosis and treatment, efficient and accurate tumor cell detection and sorting technologies are crucial for early diagnosis, efficacy evaluation, and personalized treatment. Currently, common cell sorting technologies include flow cytometry and magnetic bead cell sorting. Flow cytometry is a precision instrument that uses optical principles to rapidly detect and sort tiny particles using multiple parameters. It is widely used in fields such as immunology, cell biology, and genetic engineering. In the process of sorting tumor cells using flow cytometry, cell samples are made into single-cell suspensions, and specific cell components are labeled with fluorescent dyes. The cell suspensions are then added to the flow cytometry system for automatic sorting.

[0003] Cell sorting instruments separate different cells into different test tubes during the sorting process. This requires personnel to constantly change the test tubes to collect the cell suspension. When changing test tubes, the entire test tube rack usually needs to be removed from the flow cytometer to replace the tube with the one that has the highest liquid level. Furthermore, the openings of all test tubes are exposed, which can easily contaminate the suspension in other test tubes, affecting the accuracy of cell sorting and subsequent testing. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a cell sorting device for tumor cell detection and its usage method, in order to solve the problem mentioned in the background art that when changing test tubes, it is usually necessary to remove the entire test tube rack from the flow cytometer to replace the test tubes with higher liquid levels, and all the openings of the test tubes are exposed, which can easily contaminate the suspension in other test tubes and affect the accuracy of cell sorting and subsequent detection.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution:

[0006] A cell sorting device for tumor cell detection includes a sorting box. A flow cytometer is mounted on the top of the sorting box. A control panel is located on one side of the flow cytometer. A base is fixedly installed inside the sorting box. The base has three mounting slots and three slides. The mounting slots extend through the front and top of the base. The slides are located at the bottom of the mounting slots and are interconnected. Slide grooves are formed on both sides of the inner wall of the mounting slots. A retaining groove is formed at the top of the inner wall of the front of the base, corresponding to the position above the slide. An isolation frame is inserted into the mounting slot. The protruding parts on both sides of the isolation frame slide within the slide grooves on both sides. A sliding box is fixedly connected to the bottom of the isolation frame. The sliding box is slidably connected within the slide. A [missing information - likely a device or component] is fixedly installed at the bottom of the sliding box. The motor has its output shaft passing through the bottom of the isolation frame and fixedly connected to a turntable. A rotating seat is engaged on the turntable. The rotating seat has four equally spaced arc-shaped slots. A column is fixedly connected to the center of the rotating seat. Two fixed plates are engaged on the outside of the column. Four insertion holes are equally spaced on the fixed plates. Test tubes are inserted into two corresponding insertion holes. Support components are attached to the bottom of the test tubes. The bottom of the support components is fixed in the arc-shaped slots. The ends of the four support components that are close to each other are connected to limit components. The limit components pass through the rotating seat and the column and extend into the insertion holes. The limit components contact the outer wall of the test tubes. A groove is provided on one side of the top front end of the isolation frame. A locking component is slidably installed in the groove. The top of the locking component is engaged in the groove.

[0007] As a further embodiment of the present invention, a rectangular groove is provided at the bottom of the rotating seat, and a rectangular block on the turntable is engaged in the rectangular groove, with the turntable embedded in the bottom of the rotating seat.

[0008] As a further embodiment of the present invention, three uprights are fixedly connected at equal intervals in the middle of the base, and optical liquid level sensors are respectively installed on both sides of the top of the uprights. The detection ports of several optical liquid level sensors point to the top of the test tube, and alarms are installed on both sides of the flow cytometer corresponding to the positions above several isolation racks.

[0009] As a further embodiment of the present invention, the support assembly includes a support block, the inner wall of which is arc-shaped and overlaps with the bottom end of the test tube. A telescopic piston cylinder is fixed to the bottom of the support block, the bottom end of which is fixed in an arc-shaped groove. A first spring is sleeved on the outer wall of the telescopic piston cylinder. A first one-way valve is connected to the lower part of the telescopic piston cylinder. The side of the telescopic piston cylinder away from the first one-way valve is connected to the bottom end of the limiting assembly.

[0010] As a further embodiment of the present invention, the limiting component includes a gas guide tube, the bottom end of which is connected to a telescopic piston cylinder. Two telescopic rods are connected to the outside of the gas guide tube. A second one-way valve is installed at the connection between the telescopic rod and the gas guide tube. A clamp is fixedly connected to the telescopic end of the telescopic rod. The clamp is arc-shaped and contacts the outer wall of the test tube. A connecting pipe is connected between the fixed ends of the two telescopic rods. An exhaust valve pipe is connected to the fixed end of the upper telescopic rod. The top end of the exhaust valve pipe extends to the top of the column.

[0011] As a further embodiment of the present invention, the locking component includes a slider that is slidably connected in a groove, and a locking block is fixed on the slider. The locking block passes through the groove and is engaged in a slot. The top of the locking block has an arc-shaped design on one side near the test tube and a flat design on the other side.

[0012] As a further embodiment of the present invention, two sliding rods are fixed to the bottom of the slider, the bottom ends of the sliding rods slide through the bottom of the groove, a second spring is sleeved on the sliding rod, the top end of the second spring is fixed to the bottom of the slider and the bottom end is fixed to the lower part of the inner wall of the groove, an ear plate is fixed to one side of the slider, the ear plate passes through the groove and slides on one side of the isolation frame, one end of the ear plate extending out of the isolation frame is rotatably connected to a deflection frame by a pin, and a handle is fixed to the bottom of the deflection frame.

[0013] A method of using a cell sorting device for tumor cell detection, the method comprising the following steps:

[0014] In the sorting of tumor cells, cell samples are prepared into single-cell suspensions, and specific cell components are labeled with fluorescent dyes. The cell suspensions are then added to the fluid chamber at the top of a flow cytometer. The flow cytometer operates by dripping the cell suspension from below, with each drop containing one single cell. The liquid passes through a laser irradiation mechanism and a charge-coupled device inside the flow cytometer, guiding specific cells into different test tubes via charge or sound waves. An optical level sensor monitors the liquid level in the test tubes in real time. When the liquid level in a test tube in the isolation rack reaches a preset height... After the value is measured, the signal is transmitted to the control panel, which then sends a signal to control the motor to work. The motor drives the turntable to rotate 90 degrees, and the rectangular block on the turntable drives the rotating seat to rotate. The rotating seat drives the test tube to rotate 90 degrees through the column and the fixed plate, so that the test tube filled with liquid in the fixed plate is deviated from the optical liquid level sensor, and the empty test tube is transferred to one end of the optical liquid level sensor. The same adjustment is made for the test tubes in other isolation racks. Therefore, by adjusting the position of multiple test tubes in the isolation rack, the liquid receiving work can be carried out continuously without the need to frequently disassemble and reassemble the test tubes filled with liquid.

[0015] When all test tubes in the isolation rack are full of liquid, the alarm on the side of the flow cytometer corresponding to the isolation rack position will activate, reminding the personnel to remove the test tubes. By holding the handle and pulling down the deflector, the deflector moves the slider in the groove through the ear plate, causing the slider to disengage the locking block from the slot, thus releasing the locking state between the isolation rack and the base. Next, pull the handle outward, causing the deflector to rotate on one side of the ear plate through the pin. At this time, the deflector is in a relatively horizontal state, so that the isolation rack can be moved horizontally. The isolation rack drives the bottom slide box to slide in the slide, while the protruding parts on both sides of the isolation rack slide in the slide grooves on both sides, so that the isolation rack always maintains a horizontal movement state, improving the stability of the adjustment of the test tubes in the isolation rack, until all test tubes in the isolation rack are removed from the base and the flow cytometer. By removing one or several isolation racks out of the flow cytometer individually, it is possible to prevent all test tubes inside the base from being exposed to the outside and causing contamination to the liquid inside other test tubes.

[0016] When removing one or more test tubes from the isolation rack, open the vent valve in the limiting assembly. Because a connecting pipe connects the fixed ends of the two opposing telescopic rods, the gas inside the telescopic rods is released through the vent valve. When the internal gas pressure of the telescopic rods decreases, the telescopic ends of the rods retract, causing the clamps to move away from the test tubes, thus releasing the locking of the test tubes. This, combined with the spring force of the first spring, supports the support block. During this process, external gas enters the telescopic piston cylinder through the first one-way valve. The telescopic piston cylinder extends, causing the support block to lift the test tubes upwards, facilitating the removal of the test tubes from the two fixed plates. When installing the test tube, close the exhaust valve pipe and insert the test tube into the socket in the fixing plate. This causes the bottom of the test tube to press against the support block, which in turn presses down on the telescopic piston cylinder, increasing the internal air pressure. The first one-way valve prevents the gas inside the telescopic piston cylinder from escaping. The gas inside the telescopic piston cylinder then enters the telescopic rod through the air guide pipe, causing the telescopic rod to extend and drive the clamping plate to hold the test tube. Because a second one-way valve is installed between the telescopic rod and the air guide pipe, the gas inside the telescopic rod cannot flow back into the telescopic piston cylinder through the air guide pipe, ensuring the clamping force applied by the clamping plate to the test tube and improving the stability of the test tube installation.

[0017] When all test tubes are removed from the isolation rack and subsequent testing is performed, the fixed plate is raised, causing the rotating seat to move upward via the column. This disengages the rectangular block on the turntable from the rectangular slot at the bottom of the rotating seat, allowing the rotating seat and test tubes to be removed from the isolation rack for batch testing and improved efficiency. To install the rotating seat, simply insert it onto the turntable, ensuring the rectangular block on the turntable is inserted into the rectangular slot at the bottom of the rotating seat. This improves ease of operation. When pushing the isolation rack and test tubes into the base for sorting, the isolation rack is pushed, allowing it to slide within the slide rails in the base. When the locking block in the locking assembly contacts one side of the top of the base, its curved design causes it to be pressed and move downward. When the test tubes in the isolation rack are completely inside the flow cytometer, the second spring supports the slider, causing it to move the slider, slide rod, and locking block upward, locking the isolation rack into the slot. This allows for the next cell sorting operation.

[0018] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are:

[0019] 1. This invention guides specific cells into different test tubes using a flow cytometer. An optical liquid level sensor monitors the liquid level in the test tubes in real time. When the liquid level in a test tube in the isolation rack reaches a preset height, a signal is transmitted to the control panel. The control panel then sends a signal to control the motor, which rotates a turntable 90 degrees. The rectangular block on the turntable rotates a rotating seat, which, through a column and a fixed plate, rotates the test tubes 90 degrees. This causes test tubes filled with liquid in the fixed plate to deviate from the optical liquid level sensor, while empty test tubes are moved to one end of the optical liquid level sensor. The same adjustment is made for test tubes in other isolation racks. Therefore, by adjusting the positions of multiple test tubes in the isolation rack, continuous liquid collection is achieved without frequent disassembly and reassembly of test tubes filled with liquid, improving sorting efficiency. When all test tubes in the isolation rack are full of liquid, an alarm on one side of the flow cytometer corresponding to the isolation rack position is activated. The process involves reminding personnel to remove the test tubes, holding the handle and pulling down the deflector, causing the deflector to move the slider down through the ear plate into the groove, thus releasing the locking state between the isolation frame and the base. Next, pull the handle outwards to keep the isolation frame in a horizontal position, improving the stability of adjusting the test tubes inside the isolation frame. Continue until all test tubes in the isolation frame are removed from the base and the flow cytometer. Alternatively, remove one or more isolation frames individually from the flow cytometer, then lift the fixed plate, causing the fixed plate to move upwards through the column, disengaging the rectangular block on the turntable from the rectangular groove at the bottom of the turntable. Remove the turntable and all test tubes from the isolation frame to facilitate batch testing, improve testing efficiency, and prevent all test tubes inside the base from being exposed and contaminating the liquid inside other test tubes, thus minimizing the impact on cell sorting and subsequent testing.

[0020] 2. In this invention, when one or more test tubes are removed from the isolation rack, the exhaust valve in the limiting assembly is opened. Because a connecting pipe connects the fixed ends of the two opposing telescopic rods, the gas inside the telescopic rods is discharged through the exhaust valve. When the internal gas pressure of the telescopic rods decreases, the telescopic ends of the rods retract, causing the clamping plate to move away from the test tube, thus releasing the locking state of the test tube. This, combined with the elastic force of the first spring, supports the support block. During this process, external gas enters the telescopic piston cylinder through the first one-way valve. The telescopic piston cylinder extends, causing the support block to lift the test tube upwards, facilitating its removal from the two fixed plates. This is useful when installing test tubes. Close the exhaust valve pipe and insert the test tube into the socket in the fixed plate. This causes the bottom of the test tube to press against the support block, which in turn presses down on the telescopic piston cylinder, increasing the internal air pressure. The first one-way valve prevents the gas inside the telescopic piston cylinder from escaping. The gas inside the telescopic piston cylinder then enters the telescopic rod through the air guide pipe, causing the telescopic rod to extend and clamp the test tube with the clamping plate. Because a second one-way valve is installed between the telescopic rod and the air guide pipe, the gas inside the telescopic rod cannot flow back into the telescopic piston cylinder through the air guide pipe. This ensures the clamping force applied by the clamping plate to the test tube, improves the stability of the test tube installation, and facilitates independent assembly and disassembly of the test tube, thus improving the ease of operation. Attached Figure Description

[0021] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0022] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 2 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the base of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the connection between the base and the isolation frame of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a partial cross-section of the base of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure of the isolation frame of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the locking component of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the connection between the column and the fixing plate of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 8This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the present invention, showing the separation of the turntable and the rotating base;

[0030] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the support component of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the limiting component of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 11 For the present invention Figure 10 Enlarged structural diagram at point A in the middle.

[0033] The attached diagram lists the components represented by each number as follows:

[0034] 1. Sorting box; 2. Flow cytometer; 3. Control panel; 4. Base; 5. Slide rail; 6. Mounting slot; 7. Slide groove; 8. Card slot; 9. Upright pole; 10. Optical level sensor; 11. Isolation frame; 12. Slide box; 13. Motor; 14. Turntable; 15. Rotating seat; 16. Arc-shaped groove; 17. Rectangular groove; 18. Column; 19. Fixing plate; 20. Insertion hole; 21. Test tube; 22. Support assembly; 221. Support block; 222. 223. Telescopic piston cylinder; 224. First spring; 225. First one-way valve; 23. Limiting assembly; 231. Air guide pipe; 232. Second one-way valve; 233. Telescopic rod; 234. Clamping plate; 235. Connecting pipe; 236. Exhaust valve pipe; 24. Groove; 25. Locking assembly; 251. Slider; 252. Locking block; 253. Slide rod; 254. Second spring; 255. Ear plate; 256. Deflection frame; 257. Handle; 26. Alarm. Detailed Implementation

[0035] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0036] Please see Figures 1-11 The present invention provides a technical solution:

[0037] A cell sorting device for tumor cell detection includes a sorting box 1, a flow cytometer 2 mounted on the top of the sorting box 1, a control panel 3 on one side of the flow cytometer 2, a base 4 fixedly mounted inside the sorting box 1, three mounting slots 6 and three slide rails 5 respectively formed in the base 4, the mounting slots 6 extending through the front and top of the base 4, the slide rails 5 set at the bottom of the mounting slots 6 and corresponding mounting slots 6 and slide rails 5 interconnected, the inner walls of the mounting slots 6 are respectively formed on both sides of the inner wall, the top of the front inner wall of the base 4 is formed at the position above the slide rails 5 and a locking slot 8 is formed, the mounting slots 11 are inserted into the mounting slots 6, the top of the front top of the locking slot 11 is formed on one side of the top of the locking slot 11 and a locking component 25 is slidably installed in the locking slot 24, the top of the locking component 25 is engaged in the locking slot 8; the protruding parts on both sides of the locking slot 11 slide in Inside the sliding grooves 7 on both sides, the bottom of the isolation frame 11 is fixedly connected to a sliding box 12, which is slidably connected to the slide rail 5. A motor 13 is fixedly installed at the bottom inside the sliding box 12. The output shaft of the motor 13 passes through the bottom of the isolation frame 11 and is fixedly connected to a turntable 14. A rotating seat 15 is snapped onto the turntable 14. Four arc-shaped grooves 16 are equally spaced on the rotating seat 15. A column 18 is fixedly connected to the middle of the rotating seat 15. Two fixed plates 19 are snapped onto the outside of the column 18. Four insertion holes 20 are equally spaced on the fixed plates 19. Test tubes 21 are inserted into the corresponding two insertion holes 20. The isolation frame 11 drives the sliding box 12 at the bottom to slide in the slide rail 5. At the same time, the protruding parts on both sides of the isolation frame 11 slide in the sliding grooves 7 on both sides, so that the isolation frame 11 always maintains a horizontal movement state and improves the stability of adjusting the test tubes 21 inside the isolation frame 11.

[0038] As a further embodiment of the present invention, a rectangular groove 17 is provided at the bottom of the rotating seat 15, and a rectangular block on the turntable 14 is engaged in the rectangular groove 17, with the turntable 14 embedded in the bottom of the rotating seat 15.

[0039] During operation, the fixed plate 19 is raised, causing the fixed plate 19 to move the rotating seat 15 upward via the column 18. This causes the rectangular block on the turntable 14 to disengage from the rectangular groove 17 at the bottom of the rotating seat 15, allowing the rotating seat 15 and test tubes 21 to be removed from the isolation rack 11 for batch testing of the test tubes 21. When installing the rotating seat 15, it is simply inserted into the turntable 14, with the rectangular block on the turntable 14 inserted into the rectangular groove 17 at the bottom of the rotating seat 15, thus improving ease of operation.

[0040] As a further embodiment of the present invention, a support component 22 is attached to the bottom end of the test tube 21. The bottom end of the support component 22 is fixed in the arc groove 16. The support component 22 includes a support block 221. The inner wall of the support block 221 is arc-shaped and overlaps with the bottom end of the test tube 21. The bottom of the support block 221 is fixed with the telescopic end of the telescopic piston cylinder 222. The bottom end of the telescopic piston cylinder 222 is fixed in the arc groove 16. A first spring 223 is sleeved on the outer wall of the telescopic end of the telescopic piston cylinder 222. A first one-way valve 224 is connected to the lower part of the telescopic piston cylinder 222. The side of the telescopic piston cylinder 222 away from the first one-way valve 224 is connected to the bottom end of the limiting component 23.

[0041] During operation, the support block 221 is supported by the elastic force of the first spring 223. During this process, external gas enters the interior of the telescopic piston cylinder 222 through the first one-way valve 224. The first one-way valve 224 prevents the gas inside the telescopic piston cylinder 222 from escaping. The telescopic piston cylinder 222 extends, causing the support block 221 to push the test tube 21 upward, so that the test tube 21 can be removed from the two fixed plates 19.

[0042] As a further embodiment of the present invention, the four support components 22 are connected to a limiting component 23 at their close ends. The limiting component 23 passes through the rotating seat 15 and the column 18 and extends into the insertion hole 20. The limiting component 23 contacts the outer wall of the test tube 21. The limiting component 23 includes a gas guide tube 231. The bottom end of the gas guide tube 231 is connected to the telescopic piston cylinder 222. Two telescopic rods 233 are connected to the outside of the gas guide tube 231. A second one-way valve 232 is installed at the connection between the telescopic rods 233 and the gas guide tube 231. The telescopic end of the telescopic rod 233 passes through the fixed plate 19 and extends to the insertion hole 20, where a clamping plate 234 is fixedly connected. The clamping plate 234 is arc-shaped and located in the insertion hole 20, contacting the outer wall of the test tube 21. A connecting pipe 235 connects the fixed ends of the two telescopic rods 233. An exhaust valve pipe 236 connects the fixed end of the upper telescopic rod 233. The top end of the exhaust valve pipe 236 extends to the top of the column 18.

[0043] The telescopic rod 233 consists of a sleeve and a sliding rod, with the sliding rod sleeved in the sleeve. The sliding rod in the telescopic rod 233 is fixed to the clamping plate 234, and the sleeve in the telescopic rod 233 is connected to the exhaust valve pipe 236, the connecting pipe 235, and the air guide pipe 231.

[0044] During operation, the gas inside the telescopic piston cylinder 222 enters the telescopic rod 233 through the gas guide pipe 231, causing the telescopic rod 233 to extend and drive the clamping plate 234 to clamp the test tube 21. Since a second one-way valve 232 is installed between the telescopic rod 233 and the gas guide pipe 231, the gas inside the telescopic rod 233 cannot flow back into the telescopic piston cylinder 222 through the gas guide pipe 231, thus ensuring the clamping force applied by the clamping plate 234 to the test tube 21.

[0045] By opening the exhaust valve pipe 236, since the connecting pipe 235 connects the fixed ends of the two opposing telescopic rods 233, the gas inside the telescopic rods 233 is discharged through the exhaust valve pipe 236. When the gas pressure inside the telescopic rods 233 decreases, the telescopic ends of the telescopic rods 233 will retract and drive the clamp 234 away from the test tube 21, so as to release the locking state of the test tube 21.

[0046] As a further embodiment of the present invention, the locking component 25 includes a slider 251, which is slidably connected in the groove 24. A locking block 252 is fixed on the slider 251. The locking block 252 passes through the groove 24 and is engaged in the slot 8. The top of the locking block 252 is curved on one side near the test tube 21 and flat on the other side. Because one side of the locking block 252 is curved, the locking block 252 is pressed and moves down, so as to push the isolation frame 11 into the base 4.

[0047] As a further embodiment of the present invention, two sliding rods 253 are fixed to the bottom of the slider 251. The bottom end of the sliding rod 253 slides through the bottom of the groove 24. A second spring 254 is sleeved on the sliding rod 253. The top end of the second spring 254 is fixed to the bottom of the slider 251 and the bottom end is fixed to the lower part of the inner wall of the groove 24. An ear plate 255 is fixed to one side of the slider 251. The ear plate 255 passes through the groove 24 and slides on one side of the isolation frame 11. One end of the ear plate 255 extending out of the isolation frame 11 is rotatably connected to the deflection frame 256 through a pin. A handle 257 is fixed to the bottom of the deflection frame 256.

[0048] During operation, the second spring 254 supports the slider 251, causing the slider 251 to drive the slide rod 253 and the locking block 252 to move upward, so that the locking block 252 can be locked into the slot 8, which facilitates locking the isolation frame 11 to the base 4.

[0049] By gripping the handle 257 and pulling down the deflector 256, the deflector 256 drives the slider 251 to move down inside the groove 24 via the ear plate 255, causing the slider 251 to drive the locking block 252 to disengage from the slot 8, thereby releasing the locking state between the isolation frame 11 and the base 4. Next, by pulling the handle 257 outward, the deflector 256 rotates on one side of the ear plate 255 via the pin. At this time, the deflector 256 is in a relatively horizontal state, so that the isolation frame 11 can be moved horizontally.

[0050] As a further embodiment of the present invention, three uprights 9 are fixedly connected at equal intervals in the middle of the base 4. Optical liquid level sensors 10 are installed on both sides of the top of the uprights 9 respectively. The detection ports of several optical liquid level sensors 10 point to the top of the test tube 21 respectively. Alarms 26 are installed on both sides of the flow cytometer 2 at positions above several isolation racks 11 respectively.

[0051] During operation, the optical liquid level sensor 10 monitors the liquid level in the test tube 21 in real time. When the liquid level in a test tube 21 in the isolation rack 11 reaches the preset height value, the signal is transmitted to the control panel 3. The control panel 3 then sends a signal to control the motor 13 to work. The motor 13 drives the turntable 14 to rotate 90 degrees. The rectangular block on the turntable 14 drives the rotating seat 15 to rotate. The rotating seat 15 drives the test tube 21 to rotate 90 degrees through the column 18 and the fixed plate 19, so that the test tube 21 filled with liquid in the fixed plate 19 is deviated from the optical liquid level sensor 10, and the empty test tube 21 is transferred to one end of the optical liquid level sensor 10.

[0052] When all test tubes 21 in the isolation rack 11 are filled with liquid, the alarm 26 on the side of the flow cytometer 2 corresponding to the position of the isolation rack 11 will activate, reminding personnel to remove the test tubes 21.

[0053] A method of using a cell sorting device for tumor cell detection, comprising the following steps:

[0054] In the process of sorting tumor cells, cell samples are prepared into single-cell suspensions, and specific cell components are labeled with fluorescent dyes. The cell suspensions are then added to the fluid chamber at the top of the flow cytometer 2. The flow cytometer 2 operates by causing the cell suspension to drip from below, with each drop containing one single cell. The liquid passes through a laser irradiation mechanism and a charge-coupled device inside the flow cytometer 2, guiding specific cells into different test tubes 21 via charge or sound waves. An optical level sensor 10 monitors the liquid level in the test tubes 21 in real time. When the liquid level in a test tube 21 in the isolation rack 11 reaches a preset height, a signal is transmitted to the control panel. 3. The control panel 3 sends a signal to control the motor 13 to work. The motor 13 drives the turntable 14 to rotate 90 degrees. The rectangular block on the turntable 14 drives the rotating seat 15 to rotate. The rotating seat 15 drives the test tube 21 to rotate 90 degrees through the column 18 and the fixed plate 19. This causes the test tube 21 filled with liquid in the fixed plate 19 to deviate from the optical liquid level sensor 10, and the empty test tube 21 is transferred to one end of the optical liquid level sensor 10. The same adjustment is made for the test tubes 21 in other isolation racks 11. Therefore, by adjusting the position of multiple test tubes 21 in the isolation rack 11, the liquid receiving work can be carried out continuously without the need to frequently disassemble and reassemble the test tubes 21 filled with liquid.

[0055] When all test tubes 21 in the isolation rack 11 are full of liquid, the alarm 26 on the side of the flow cytometer 2 corresponding to the position of the isolation rack 11 is activated, reminding the personnel to remove the test tubes 21. By holding the handle 257 and pulling down the deflector 256, the deflector 256 drives the slider 251 to move down inside the groove 24 via the ear plate 255, causing the slider 251 to drive the locking block 252 out of the slot 8, thereby releasing the locking state between the isolation rack 11 and the base 4. Next, pull the handle 257 outward, causing the deflector 256 to rotate on one side of the ear plate 255 via the pin. At this time, the deflector 256 is in the phase... In a horizontal position, the isolation frame 11 is moved horizontally by pulling it. The isolation frame 11 then moves the bottom slide box 12 in the slide rail 5. At the same time, the protruding parts on both sides of the isolation frame 11 slide in the slide grooves 7 on both sides, so that the isolation frame 11 always maintains a horizontal movement state, improving the stability of the adjustment of the test tubes 21 inside the isolation frame 11, until all the test tubes 21 in the isolation frame 11 are removed from the base 4 and the flow cytometer 2. By removing one or more isolation frames 11 individually from the flow cytometer 2, all the test tubes 21 inside the base 4 are prevented from being exposed to the outside and causing contamination to the liquid inside other test tubes 21.

[0056] When removing one or more test tubes 21 from the isolation rack 11, open the exhaust valve pipe 236 in the limiting assembly 23. Since the fixed ends of the two opposing telescopic rods 233 are connected by a connecting pipe 235, the gas inside the telescopic rods 233 is discharged through the exhaust valve pipe 236. When the gas pressure inside the telescopic rods 233 decreases, the telescopic ends of the telescopic rods 233 will retract and drive the clamping plate 234 away from the test tube 21, thus releasing the locking state of the test tube 21. In conjunction with the elastic force of the first spring 223, the support block 221 is supported. During this process, external gas enters the telescopic piston cylinder 222 through the first one-way valve 224. The telescopic piston cylinder 222 extends, causing the support block 221 to push the test tube 21 upward, so that the test tube 21 can be removed from the two fixed plates 19. When tube 21 is in place, the exhaust valve tube 236 is closed, and the tube 21 is inserted into the insertion hole 20 in the fixing plate 19. This causes the bottom end of the tube 21 to press against the support block 221, which in turn presses down on the telescopic piston cylinder 222, increasing the internal air pressure. The first one-way valve 224 prevents the gas inside the telescopic piston cylinder 222 from escaping. The gas inside the telescopic piston cylinder 222 then enters the telescopic rod 233 through the air guide tube 231, causing the telescopic rod 233 to extend and drive the clamping plate 234 to clamp the tube 21. Since the second one-way valve 232 is installed between the telescopic rod 233 and the air guide tube 231, the gas inside the telescopic rod 233 cannot flow back to the telescopic piston cylinder 222 through the air guide tube 231, ensuring the clamping force applied by the clamping plate 234 to the tube 21 and improving the stability of the tube 21 installation.

[0057] When all test tubes 21 are removed from the isolation rack 11 and subsequent testing is performed, the fixing plate 19 is lifted, causing the fixing plate 19 to move the rotating seat 15 upward via the column 18. This disengages the rectangular block on the turntable 14 from the rectangular groove 17 at the bottom of the rotating seat 15, allowing the rotating seat 15 and all test tubes 21 to be removed from the isolation rack 11. This facilitates batch testing of the test tubes 21 and improves testing efficiency. When installing the rotating seat 15, it is simply inserted into the turntable 14, with the rectangular block on the turntable 14 inserted into the rectangular groove 17 at the bottom of the rotating seat 15, improving operational convenience. Finally, the isolation rack 11 and test tubes 21 are pushed into the base 4. During the internal sorting process, the isolation frame 11 is pushed to slide within the slide rail 5 in the base 4. When the locking block 252 in the locking assembly 25 contacts one side of the top of the base 4, the block 252 is pressed down due to its curved design. When the test tube 21 in the isolation frame 11 is completely inside the flow cytometer 2, the second spring 254 supports the slider 251, causing the slider 251 to move upward along the slide rod 253 and the locking block 252, so that the locking block 252 is engaged in the slot 8, thus locking the isolation frame 11 with the base 4, and proceeding to the next cell sorting operation.

Claims

1. A cell sorting device for detecting tumor cells, comprising a sorting box (1), characterized in that: A flow cytometer (2) is installed on the top of the sorting box (1). A control panel (3) is provided on one side of the flow cytometer (2). A base (4) is fixedly installed inside the sorting box (1). Three mounting slots (6) and three slides (5) are respectively opened in the base (4). The mounting slots (6) penetrate through the front end and the top end of the base (4). The slides (5) are set at the bottom of the mounting slots (6) and the corresponding mounting slots (6) and slides (5) are interconnected. The inner walls of the mounting slots (6) are respectively opened on both sides. A groove (7) is provided on the top of the inner wall of the front end of the base (4) corresponding to the position above the slide rail (5). An isolation frame (11) is inserted into the mounting groove (6). The protruding parts on both sides of the isolation frame (11) slide in the groove (7) on both sides. A sliding box (12) is fixedly connected to the bottom of the isolation frame (11). The sliding box (12) is slidably connected in the slide rail (5). A motor (13) is fixedly installed at the bottom of the sliding box (12). The output shaft of the motor (13) passes through the bottom of the isolation frame (11). A turntable (14) is fixedly connected to the turntable (14), and a rotating seat (15) is snapped onto the turntable (14). Four arc-shaped grooves (16) are equally spaced on the rotating seat (15). A column (18) is fixedly connected to the middle of the rotating seat (15). Two fixed plates (19) are snapped onto the outside of the column (18). Four insertion holes (20) are equally spaced on the fixed plates (19). Test tubes (21) are inserted into two corresponding insertion holes (20). A support component (22) is attached to the bottom end of the test tube (21). The support component (22) is... 2) The bottom end is fixed in the arc groove (16). The four support components (22) are connected to the limit component (23) at one end close to each other. The limit component (23) passes through the rotating seat (15) and the column (18) and extends into the insertion hole (20). The limit component (23) contacts the outer wall of the test tube (21). A groove (24) is provided on one side of the top front end of the isolation frame (11). A locking component (25) is slidably installed in the groove (24). The top end of the locking component (25) is engaged in the slot (8). The support assembly (22) includes a support block (221), the inner wall of the support block (221) is arc-shaped and overlaps with the bottom end of the test tube (21), a telescopic piston cylinder (222) is fixed at the bottom of the support block (221), the bottom end of the telescopic piston cylinder (222) is fixed in the arc groove (16), a first spring (223) is sleeved on the outer wall of the telescopic piston cylinder (222), a first one-way valve (224) is connected to the lower part of the outside of the telescopic piston cylinder (222), and the side of the outside of the telescopic piston cylinder (222) away from the first one-way valve (224) is connected to the bottom end of the limiting assembly (23); The limiting component (23) includes a gas guide pipe (231), the bottom end of which is connected to a telescopic piston cylinder (222). Two telescopic rods (233) are connected to the outside of the gas guide pipe (231). A second one-way valve (232) is installed at the connection between the telescopic rod (233) and the gas guide pipe (231). A clamp (234) is fixedly connected to the telescopic end of the telescopic rod (233). The clamp (234) is arc-shaped and contacts the outer wall of the test tube (21). A connecting pipe (235) is connected between the fixed ends of the two telescopic rods (233). An exhaust valve pipe (236) is connected to the fixed end of the upper telescopic rod (233). The top end of the exhaust valve pipe (236) extends to the top of the column (18). The locking component (25) includes a slider (251) which is slidably connected in the groove (24). A locking block (252) is fixed on the slider (251). The locking block (252) passes through the groove (24) and is engaged in the slot (8). The top of the locking block (252) is curved on one side near the test tube (21) and flat on the other side. The bottom of the slider (251) is fixed with two sliding rods (253). The bottom end of the sliding rod (253) slides through the bottom of the groove (24). The sliding rod (253) is sleeved with a second spring (254). The top end of the second spring (254) is fixed to the bottom of the slider (251) and the bottom end is fixed to the lower part of the inner wall of the groove (24). An ear plate (255) is fixed on one side of the slider (251). The ear plate (255) passes through the groove (24) and slides on one side of the isolation frame (11). The end of the ear plate (255) extending out of the isolation frame (11) is rotatably connected to a deflection frame (256) through a pin. A handle (257) is fixed to the bottom of the deflection frame (256).

2. The cell sorting device for tumor cell detection according to claim 1, characterized in that: The bottom of the rotating seat (15) is provided with a rectangular groove (17), and the turntable (14) is provided with a rectangular block and is engaged in the rectangular groove (17). The turntable (14) is embedded in the bottom of the rotating seat (15).

3. The cell sorting device for tumor cell detection according to claim 2, characterized in that: Three uprights (9) are fixedly connected at equal intervals in the middle of the base (4). Optical liquid level sensors (10) are installed on both sides of the top of the uprights (9). The detection ports of several optical liquid level sensors (10) point to the top of the test tube (21). Alarms (26) are installed on both sides of the flow cytometer (2) at positions above several isolation racks (11).

4. A method of using a cell sorting device for tumor cell detection, wherein the cell sorting device for tumor cell detection according to claim 3 is characterized in that, The method of use includes the following steps: In the sorting of tumor cells, cell samples are prepared into single-cell suspensions and specific cell components are labeled with fluorescent dyes. The cell suspensions are then added to the fluid chamber at the top of the flow cytometer (2). The flow cytometer (2) operates, causing the cell suspensions to drip from below. Each drop contains one single cell. The liquid passes through the laser irradiation mechanism and charge coupling mechanism inside the flow cytometer (2), guiding specific cells into different test tubes (21) via charge or sound waves. The optical liquid level sensor (10) monitors the liquid level in the test tubes (21) in real time. When the liquid level in a test tube (21) in the isolation rack (11) reaches a preset height, a signal is transmitted to the control panel (3), which then issues a signal. The signal controls the motor (13) to work. The motor (13) drives the turntable (14) to rotate 90 degrees. The rectangular block on the turntable (14) drives the rotating seat (15) to rotate. The rotating seat (15) drives the test tube (21) to rotate 90 degrees through the column (18) and the fixed plate (19). This causes the test tube (21) filled with liquid in the fixed plate (19) to deviate from the optical liquid level sensor (10), and the empty test tube (21) is transferred to one end of the optical liquid level sensor (10). The same adjustment is made for the test tubes (21) in other isolation racks (11). Therefore, by adjusting the position of multiple test tubes (21) in the isolation rack (11), the liquid receiving work can be carried out continuously without the need to frequently disassemble and reassemble the test tubes (21) filled with liquid. When all test tubes (21) in the isolation rack (11) are filled with liquid, the alarm (26) on one side of the flow cytometer (2) corresponding to the position of the isolation rack (11) is activated, reminding the personnel to remove the test tubes (21). By holding the handle (257) and pulling down the deflector (256), the deflector (256) moves the slider (251) down in the groove (24) through the ear plate (255), causing the slider (251) to move the locking block (252) out of the slot (8), thereby releasing the locking state between the isolation rack (11) and the base (4). Next, pull the handle (257) outward, causing the deflector (256) to rotate on one side of the ear plate (255) through the pin. At this time, the deflector (256) The spacer is in a relatively horizontal state so that the spacer (11) can be moved horizontally. The spacer (11) will then drive the bottom slide box (12) to slide in the slide (5). At the same time, the protruding parts on both sides of the spacer (11) slide in the slide grooves (7) on both sides, so that the spacer (11) always maintains a horizontal movement state, which improves the stability of the adjustment of the test tubes (21) in the spacer (11) until all the test tubes (21) in the spacer (11) are removed from the base (4) and the flow cytometer (2). By removing one or more spacers (11) from the flow cytometer (2) separately, all the test tubes (21) inside the base (4) are prevented from being exposed to the outside and causing contamination to the liquid inside other test tubes (21). When removing one or more test tubes (21) from the isolation rack (11), open the exhaust valve pipe (236) in the limiting assembly (23). Since there is a connecting pipe (235) between the fixed ends of the two opposing telescopic rods (233), the gas inside the telescopic rod (233) is discharged through the exhaust valve pipe (236). When the gas pressure inside the telescopic rod (233) decreases, the telescopic end of the telescopic rod (233) will retract and drive the clamp (234) away from the test tube (21), that is, release the locking state of the test tube (21). With the elastic force of the first spring (223), the support block (221) is supported. During this process, the external gas enters the telescopic piston cylinder (222) through the first one-way valve (224). The telescopic piston cylinder (222) extends and drives the support block (221) to push the test tube (21) upward, so as to remove the test tube (21) from the two fixed plates (19). When installing the test tube (21) When the test tube (21) is inserted into the insertion hole (20) in the fixed plate (19), the bottom end of the test tube (21) presses against the support block (221). The support block (221) then presses down on the telescopic piston cylinder (222), increasing the internal air pressure. The first one-way valve (224) then prevents the gas inside the telescopic piston cylinder (222) from escaping. The gas inside the telescopic piston cylinder (222) then enters the telescopic rod (222) through the air guide pipe (231). Inside 233), the telescopic rod (233) extends and drives the clamping plate (234) to clamp the test tube (21). Since a second one-way valve (232) is installed between the telescopic rod (233) and the gas guide pipe (231), the gas inside the telescopic rod (233) cannot flow back to the telescopic piston cylinder (222) through the gas guide pipe (231), thus ensuring the clamping force applied by the clamping plate (234) to the test tube (21) and improving the stability of the test tube (21) installation. When all test tubes (21) are removed from the isolation rack (11) and subsequent testing is carried out, the fixed plate (19) is lifted, so that the fixed plate (19) drives the rotating seat (15) to move upward through the column (18), so that the rectangular block on the turntable (14) is disengaged from the rectangular groove (17) at the bottom of the rotating seat (15), and the rotating seat (15) and test tubes (21) are removed from the isolation rack (11) to facilitate batch testing of test tubes (21) and improve testing efficiency. When installing the rotating seat (15), the rotating seat (15) is inserted into the turntable (14), so that the rectangular block on the turntable (14) is inserted into the rectangular groove (17) at the bottom of the rotating seat (15) to improve the ease of operation. Then the isolation rack (11) and test tubes (21) are pushed into the base (4). When performing sorting work inside the cell sorter, push the isolation frame (11) so that the isolation frame (11) slides in the slide (5) in the base (4). When the locking block (252) in the locking assembly (25) contacts one side of the top of the base (4), the block (252) is pressed and moves down because one side of the block (252) is designed with an arc surface. When the test tube (21) in the isolation frame (11) is completely inside the flow cytometer (2), the second spring (254) supports the slider (251), so that the slider (251) drives the slide rod (253) and the block (252) to move upward, so that the block (252) is locked into the slot (8), thus achieving the purpose of locking the isolation frame (11) and the base (4) for the next cell sorting work.

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