A low-speed centrifuge gravity center balancing device capable of quick adjustment

Abstract

This invention discloses a rapidly adjustable center-of-gravity balancing device for low-speed centrifuges, comprising a balancing support frame, a balancing box, a frame, and hand-tightening bolts. The balancing support frame is locked to the frame by the hand-tightening bolts, and the balancing box is installed and locked at both ends of the balancing support frame. The movable balancing support frame can flexibly move left and right on the frame, eliminating the need to consider the weight of the sample at both ends. Instead, the torque of the balancing support frame is adjusted to achieve rapid balancing, eliminating strict requirements on sample quantity and weight, and reducing over-reliance on the weight distribution on both sides. This changes the operation method of centrifuge balancing, achieving a balanced centrifugation effect through convenient torque adjustment, enabling the centrifuge to maintain stable and balanced operation, improving centrifugation efficiency, and achieving rapid sample separation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of low-speed centrifuge technology, and in particular to a low-speed centrifuge center-of-gravity balancing device that can be quickly adjusted. Background Technology

[0002] In biological laboratories, centrifuges are used to separate various samples, allowing the substances within the samples to be separated by centrifugation. Centrifuges are divided into low-speed and high-speed types. Low-speed centrifuges operate at speeds below 3500 rpm, while high-speed centrifuges typically operate at speeds above 3500 rpm. The impact of these two types of centrifuges on biochemical experiments mainly lies in the sample processing methods and experimental objectives, which are significantly different.

[0003] Low-speed centrifuges are suitable for separating samples with large density differences, such as blood samples and body fluids. The speed is controlled at 3000-3500 rpm, which can effectively separate serum and blood cells. Low-speed centrifugation can effectively avoid component damage. The centrifugation time also varies. Generally, low-speed centrifugation separates more samples at a time, and the centrifugation time is usually several minutes.

[0004] High-speed centrifuges are more suitable for scenarios requiring fine separation, such as cell cultures and microbial cells, but they can easily damage internal components.

[0005] In biomolecular experiments, membrane filtration is also used. Traditional membrane filtration requires frequent replacement of consumables, can process a small number of samples at a time, and requires a separate replacement of the membrane for each different sample. Low-speed centrifuges reduce human intervention by processing multiple samples at once, thus reducing the chance of contact and contamination.

[0006] In biological experiments, especially molecular biology experiments, low-speed centrifuges are commonly used to centrifuge samples from PCR tubes and octet tubes. Traditional centrifuge balancing methods typically require symmetrical quantity and mass of centrifuge tubes; otherwise, significant vibrations will occur during centrifugation, affecting centrifugation efficiency and potentially damaging the centrifuge. However, in practice, it is difficult to ensure perfect symmetry in the quantity and mass of PCR tubes and octet tubes for each centrifugation. Especially since the contents of different samples vary after sampling through the containers, their actual weight and the specific gravity of the sample-solvent mixture differ. This makes it difficult to unify the weight of the centrifuge clamps on the containers, resulting in uneven torque distribution during centrifugation, which can cause abnormal equipment vibration and significant inconvenience to experimental operations.

[0007] Based on this, the present invention designs a low-speed centrifuge center of gravity balancing device that can be quickly adjusted to solve the above problems. Summary of the Invention

[0008] The purpose of this invention is to provide a rapidly adjustable center-of-gravity balancing device for a low-speed centrifuge. It incorporates a movable balancing support that can flexibly move left and right on the frame. Instead of considering the weight of the sample at both ends, the torque of the balancing support is adjusted to achieve rapid balancing. This eliminates strict requirements on sample quantity and weight, and reduces over-reliance on the weight distribution on both sides. This changes the centrifuge balancing operation method, achieving balanced centrifugation through convenient torque adjustment. This allows the centrifuge to maintain stable, balanced operation, improves centrifugation efficiency, and achieves rapid sample separation.

[0009] This invention is achieved as follows: a rapidly adjustable center of gravity balancing device for a low-speed centrifuge, comprising: Balance bracing, balance box, sleeve frame and hand-tightened bolts; The balancing support frame is a straight rod, and the side vertical surface of the balancing support frame is also provided with stepping bars; The balancing box has a block structure. Multiple pipe holes are opened on the top of the balancing box. The multiple pipe holes are arranged in a rectangular array. The bottom of the balancing box is closed, that is, the pipe holes are vertical holes with an open top and a closed bottom. Each end of the balancing support frame is provided with a mounting rod and a screw rod. The screw rod is located on the outside of the mounting rod. The balancing support frame, the mounting rod and the screw rod at both ends form an integral structure. The balancing box has a mounting hole along the left and right direction. The mounting hole penetrates the left and right sides of the balancing box. The mounting hole and the mounting rod are stably fitted and locked together. The balancing box is locked onto the screw rod by bolts. The sleeve frame is a ring structure with openings at both ends. The openings at both ends of the sleeve frame are open in the left and right directions. The sleeve frame is fitted onto the outer wall of the balancing support frame. A rotary wheel is horizontally rotatable on the side wall of the frame, and the rotary wheel works in conjunction with the stepper bar for transmission. A hand-tightening bolt is provided at the top of the sleeve frame. The lower end of the hand-tightening bolt is inserted into the sleeve frame through a thread that allows it to move up and down. The hand-tightening bolt and the top of the balancing support frame can be separated and abut against each other.

[0010] Furthermore, the stepper bar is a fine-grooved rack, and the knob wheel is a fine-grooved gear; The stepper bar engages with the knob wheel for transmission, and the rotation axis of the knob wheel is fixed in position and vertically arranged.

[0011] Furthermore, the mounting rod is a square rod, and the screw is a threaded round rod; The mounting hole is also a square hole, and the mounting rod and the mounting hole are clearance fit, with the clearance not exceeding 1mm; A countersunk locking hole is also provided on the outer side wall of the balancing box. The countersunk locking hole is connected to the outer end of the mounting hole. The horizontal axis of the countersunk locking hole coincides with that of the mounting hole, and the axes of the countersunk locking hole and the mounting hole both coincide with the center point of the balancing box. A nut is installed inside the countersunk locking hole, and the screw is locked to the balancing box by the nut.

[0012] Furthermore, the inner wall of the tube hole is also provided with retaining ridges, which are elastic rubber anti-slip protrusions. Multiple retaining ridges are evenly distributed on the inner wall of the tube hole, and the retaining ridges are elastically locked with the centrifuge tube. The bore and the centrifuge tube are clearance-fitted.

[0013] Furthermore, the sleeve frame and the front and rear sides of the balancing support are transition fits, and the sleeve frame and the upper and lower sides of the balancing support are clearance fits, with the clearance not exceeding 1mm.

[0014] Furthermore, an anti-slip pad is fixedly provided at the lower end of the hand-tightening bolt. The anti-slip pad is an elastic rubber anti-slip pad, and the anti-slip pad is provided on the inner wall of the sleeve frame. The hand-tightened bolts are locked to the sleeve frame by threads, and the balancing support frame and the anti-slip pad are stably abutted against each other.

[0015] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: By cooperating with the balancing support frame and the sleeve frame, the balancing support frame can be adjusted left and right, thereby adjusting the length of the balancing support frame on both sides of the sleeve frame. This achieves the purpose of adjusting the torque of the centrifuge equipment. Therefore, it is not necessary to strictly balance the weight of the centrifuge tubes and samples; the entire balancing support frame used for centrifugation can be balanced by adjusting the torque of the balancing support frame. Thus, the balancing of this device no longer depends on the weight of the sample, nor does it require repeated adjustments to the weight of the test tubes at both ends. Instead, it only requires precise adjustment of the length of the balancing support frame. By changing the torque, the entire balancing support frame can maintain balance relative to the sleeve frame. This changes the balancing method of the centrifuge, making adjustment more convenient, reducing the operation time and steps for sample balancing in the centrifuge, effectively increasing the balancing time of the centrifuge, and enabling rapid sample testing. It effectively avoids abnormal changes in some samples that cannot be stored for long periods due to prolonged exposure and static placement. Furthermore, the adjustment and locking of this device are very convenient, making it particularly suitable for the operation of low-speed centrifuges. Attached Figure Description

[0016] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the outer end face structure of the balancing box of the present invention; Figure 3This is a schematic diagram of the inner structure of the balancing box of the present invention; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure of the balancing box of the present invention; Figure 5 This is a top view of the balancing box structure of the present invention; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram showing the positional relationship between the mounting rod and the screw in this invention; Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the hand-tightening bolt structure of the present invention; Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the distribution structure of the mounting rod and screw at both ends of the balancing support frame according to the present invention.

[0018] The attached diagram lists the components represented by each number as follows: 1-Balancing support frame, 11-Matching rod, 12-Screw rod, 13-Stepping bar, 2-Balancing box, 21-Matching hole, 22-Countersunk lock hole, 23-Pipe hole, 24-Clamping rib, 3-Frame sleeve, 31-Knob wheel, 32-Drive rod, 4-Hand-tightening bolt, 41-Anti-slip pad. Detailed Implementation

[0019] Please see Figures 1 to 8 As shown, the present invention provides a low-speed centrifuge center-of-gravity balancing device that can be quickly adjusted. In order to better understand the above technical solution, the above technical solution will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0020] In a specific embodiment of the technical solution of the present invention: Includes a leveling support frame 1, a leveling box 2, a sleeve frame 3, and hand-tightened bolts 4; The balancing support frame 1 is a straight rod, and the side vertical surface of the balancing support frame 1 is also provided with a stepping bar 13; the stepping bar 13 is a fine-grooved rack, and the knob wheel 31 is a fine-grooved gear; The stepper bar 13 engages with the knob wheel 31 for transmission. The rotation axis of the knob wheel 31 is fixed and vertically set, so the stepper bar 13 can be moved horizontally by manually rotating the knob wheel 31. In fact, because the balancing support frame 1 is a long rod, it can be pulled directly to achieve a large-scale horizontal movement effect, while the stepper bar 13 and the knob wheel 31 can be finely adjusted. In fact, both the stepper bar 13 and the knob wheel 31 are fine vertical concave and convex stripes. The stepper bar 13 and the knob wheel 31 are in mutual concave and convex cooperation to achieve the cooperation effect of gears and racks, so that rotating the knob wheel 31 can achieve the purpose of fine adjustment of the left and right position of the balancing support frame 1.

[0021] The balancing box 2 has a block structure. Multiple pipe holes 23 are opened on the top of the balancing box 2. The multiple pipe holes 23 are arranged in a rectangular array, and the bottom of the balancing box 2 is closed. That is, the pipe holes 23 are vertical holes with open tops and closed bottoms, making the balancing box 2 a centrifuge tube carrier. The inner wall of the tube hole 23 is also provided with a retaining ridge 24. The retaining ridge 24 is an elastic rubber anti-slip ridge. This kind of rubber anti-slip ridge is a common structure for clamping test tubes or centrifuge tubes. Multiple retaining ridges 24 are evenly distributed on the inner wall of the tube hole 23, and the retaining ridges 24 are elastically clamped to the centrifuge tube. The tube hole 23 and the centrifuge tube are clearance fit, which makes it easy to stably insert centrifuge tubes that meet the standard size into the tube hole 23. The centrifuge tubes can also be locked in place by the retaining rib 24 to prevent the centrifuge tubes from moving.

[0022] Each end of the balancing support frame 1 is provided with a mounting rod 11 and a screw 12. The screw 12 is located on the outside of the mounting rod 11. The balancing support frame 1 and the mounting rods 11 and screws 12 at both ends form an integral structure. A mounting hole 21 is opened on the left and right sides of the balancing box 2. The mounting hole 21 penetrates the left and right sides of the balancing box 2. The mounting hole 21 is stably fitted and locked with the mounting rod 11. The balancing box 2 is locked onto the screw rod 12 by bolts. The mounting rod 11 is a square rod, and the screw rod 12 is a threaded round rod; The mounting hole 21 is also a square hole. The mounting rod 11 and the mounting hole 21 are in clearance fit, and the clearance does not exceed 1mm. A countersunk lock hole 22 is also provided on the outer side wall of the balancing box 2. The countersunk lock hole 22 is connected to the outer end of the mounting hole 21. The horizontal axis of the countersunk lock hole 22 coincides with that of the mounting hole 21, and the axes of the countersunk lock hole 22 and the mounting hole 21 both coincide with the center point of the balancing box 2. A nut is installed in the countersunk locking hole 22. The size of the nut is larger than the diameter of the mounting hole 21, which needs to form a pull-locking structure. Therefore, the length of the mounting hole 21 is greater than the horizontal length of the mounting rod 11. At this time, the outer end face of the balancing support 1 abuts against the inner end of the balancing box 2, while the mounting rod 11 cannot slide inward by being locked by the nut, forming a clamping structure on both sides. The screw 12 is locked to the balancing box 2 by the nut.

[0023] This structure allows the balancing boxes 2 at both ends to be replaced, and balancing boxes 2 with different tube hole diameters 23 can be used, so that more different centrifuge tubes can be adapted for centrifugation operations, making the device more versatile and wider in application. Although commonly used centrifuge tubes are basically standard sizes, this device can also perform adaptation experiments on non-standard centrifuge tubes through different balancing boxes 2.

[0024] The sleeve frame 3 is an annular structure with openings at both ends. The openings at both ends of the sleeve frame 3 are in the left and right directions. The sleeve frame 3 is fitted onto the outer wall of the balancing support frame 1. The front and rear sides of the sleeve frame 3 and the balancing support frame 1 are in transition fit, while the upper and lower sides of the sleeve frame 3 and the balancing support frame 1 are in clearance fit, with a clearance of no more than 1 mm. This allows for convenient and significant adjustment of the fit position between the balancing support frame 1 and the sleeve frame 3. Furthermore, the torque during centrifugal rotation can be adjusted through the balancing support frame 1, thereby keeping the samples inside the balancing boxes 2 at both ends of the balancing support frame 1 balanced. Even if there is a difference in mass between the two balancing boxes 2, the overall center can be kept consistent with the drive rod 32 by lateral translation of the balancing support frame 1, achieving stable rotation for centrifugal operation.

[0025] A drive rod 32 is also vertically installed at the lower end of the sleeve frame 3. The drive rod 32 can be the drive shaft of the centrifuge or it can be locked and installed with the drive shaft of the centrifuge. The sleeve frame 3 can be fixed and the centrifuge can be driven to rotate by the drive rod 32.

[0026] A knob wheel 31 is horizontally rotatable on the side wall of the frame 3. The knob wheel 31 and the stepper bar 13 cooperate with each other for transmission. A hand-tightening bolt 4 is provided at the top of the sleeve frame 3. The lower end of the hand-tightening bolt 4 can be inserted into the sleeve frame 3 through a thread that allows it to be raised and lowered. The hand-tightening bolt 4 and the top of the balancing support frame 1 can be separated and pressed against each other.

[0027] An anti-slip pad 41 is fixedly installed at the lower end of the hand-tightening bolt 4. The anti-slip pad 41 is an elastic rubber anti-slip pad and is installed on the inner wall of the sleeve frame 3. The hand-tightened bolt 4 is locked to the sleeve frame 3 by threads, and the balancing support frame 1 and the anti-slip pad 41 are stably abutted. The hand-tightened bolt 4 makes up the vertical gap between the sleeve frame 3 and the balancing support frame 1. Therefore, the hand-tightened bolt 4 locks and positions the sleeve frame 3 and the balancing support frame 1 through the anti-slip pad 41.

[0028] It should be noted that: 1. Current centrifuge operation involves adjusting the weight of the balancing chamber, especially precise fine-tuning to calculate the weight of each test tube and the internal sample error, ensuring sample balance during centrifuge rotation, smooth operation, and reduced vibration. However, this balancing method cannot achieve equipotential weight balance at both ends of the centrifuge's balancing support 1; it can only try to maintain it as evenly as possible. Weight compensation is sometimes added to both ends of the balancing chamber 2 to compensate for insufficient weight and ensure smooth centrifuge operation, but some imbalance will always remain. When the weight compensation items are not securely installed, or the center of gravity is not aligned with the balancing chamber 2, especially at low centrifuge speeds with low centrifugal force, the sensitivity to balance is higher, and the requirements are more stringent. The centrifuge balancing support frame 1 is prone to shaking or tilting. This device can more stably and accurately adjust the overall center of gravity of the centrifuge balancing support frame 1. Unlike existing adjustment methods, this device no longer compensates for the weight of the balancing boxes 2 at both ends. Instead, it directly treats the balancing boxes 2 and the balancing support frame 1 as a whole and balances the entire structure on the drive rod 32. This ensures that the torque of the balancing support frame 1 and the balancing boxes 2 at both ends remains balanced when the drive rod 32 rotates. The operation is simple, the adjustment method is completely changed, and there is no need to add extra counterweight to the centrifuge. Moreover, without adding extra counterweight, the balancing support frame 1 on the drive rod 32 can still remain as a whole. The centrifugal force during rotation will not cause a one-sided imbalance of the center of gravity due to the counterweight.

[0029] When using this invention, the centrifuge tube containing the sample is placed into the tube hole 23, and the number of centrifuge tubes in the balancing box 2 at both ends is kept the same or similar as much as possible, so as to ensure that the centrifuge tube is firmly installed in the tube hole 23 by the clamping edge 24.

[0030] Then rotate the hand-tightening bolt 4 and also turn the knob wheel 31 to make the knob wheel 31 and the stepper bar 13 move relative to each other. The sleeve frame 3 can follow the balancing support 1 and move. Fine-tune the sleeve frame 3 until the center of gravity of the balancing support 1 is consistent with the center of gravity of the drive rod 32, that is, the center of gravity of the balancing support 1 and the center of gravity of the sleeve frame 3 coincide.

[0031] Then tighten the hand-tightening bolt 4 to lock the anti-slip pad 41 to the top plane of the leveling bracket 1.

[0032] Restart the centrifuge and rotate the balancing frame 1 at a low speed. At this point, even if the balancing boxes 2 at both ends of the balancing frame 1 and the centrifuge tube samples inside have different weights, the overall center of gravity of the balancing frame 1 is balanced, and the centrifuge rotates smoothly.

[0033] While specific embodiments of the present invention have been described above, those skilled in the art should understand that the specific embodiments described are merely illustrative and not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Equivalent modifications and variations made by those skilled in the art in accordance with the spirit of the invention should be covered within the scope of protection of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A rapidly adjustable center of gravity balancing device for a low-speed centrifuge, characterized in that, include: The leveling support frame (1), the leveling box (2), the sleeve frame (3), and the hand-tightening bolts (4); The balancing support frame (1) is a straight rod, and the side vertical surface of the balancing support frame (1) is also provided with stepping bars (13). The balancing box (2) is a block structure. Multiple pipe holes (23) are opened on the top of the balancing box (2). The multiple pipe holes (23) are arranged in a rectangular array. The bottom of the balancing box (2) is closed, that is, the pipe holes (23) are vertical holes with open tops and closed bottoms. The balancing support frame (1) is provided with a mounting rod (11) and a screw (12) at each end. The screw (12) is located on the outside of the mounting rod (11). The balancing support frame (1) forms an integral structure with the mounting rod (11) and the screw (12) at both ends. The balancing box (2) has a mounting hole (21) on its left and right sides. The mounting hole (21) penetrates the left and right sides of the balancing box (2). The mounting hole (21) and the mounting rod (11) are stably fitted and locked together. The balancing box (2) is locked onto the screw rod (12) by bolts. The sleeve (3) is an annular structure with openings at both ends. The openings at both ends of the sleeve (3) are open in the left and right directions. The sleeve (3) is fitted onto the outer wall of the balancing support (1). A knob wheel (31) is provided on the side wall of the sleeve (3) and can rotate horizontally. The knob wheel (31) and the step bar (13) cooperate with each other for transmission. A hand-tightening bolt (4) is provided on the top of the sleeve frame (3). The lower end of the hand-tightening bolt (4) can be inserted into the sleeve frame (3) through the thread. The hand-tightening bolt (4) and the top of the balancing support frame (1) can be separated and abut against each other.

2. The rapidly adjustable center of gravity balancing device for a low-speed centrifuge according to claim 1, characterized in that: The stepper bar (13) is a fine-grooved rack, and the knob wheel (31) is a fine-grooved gear; The stepper bar (13) engages with the knob wheel (31) for transmission, and the rotation axis of the knob wheel (31) is fixed and vertically arranged.

3. The rapidly adjustable center of gravity balancing device for a low-speed centrifuge according to claim 1, characterized in that: The stepper bar (13) is a fine-grooved rack, and the knob wheel (31) is a fine-grooved gear; The stepper bar (13) engages with the knob wheel (31) for transmission, and the rotation axis of the knob wheel (31) is fixed and vertically arranged.

4. The rapidly adjustable center of gravity balancing device for a low-speed centrifuge according to claim 1, characterized in that: The inner wall of the tube hole (23) is also provided with a retaining edge (24). The retaining edge (24) is an elastic rubber anti-slip protrusion. Multiple retaining edges (24) are evenly distributed on the inner wall of the tube hole (23). The retaining edges (24) are elastically clamped to the centrifuge tube. The tube hole (23) and the centrifuge tube are in clearance fit.

5. The rapidly adjustable center of gravity balancing device for a low-speed centrifuge according to claim 1, characterized in that: The sleeve frame (3) and the front and rear sides of the balancing support frame (1) are transition fit, and the sleeve frame (3) and the upper and lower sides of the balancing support frame (1) are clearance fit, with the clearance not exceeding 1mm.

6. The rapidly adjustable center of gravity balancing device for a low-speed centrifuge according to claim 1, characterized in that: The lower end of the hand-tightening bolt (4) is fixed with an anti-slip pad (41), which is an elastic rubber anti-slip pad and is set on the inner wall of the sleeve frame (3). The hand-tightened bolt (4) and the sleeve (3) are locked together by threads, and the balancing support (1) and the anti-slip pad (41) are stably abutted against each other.

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