Shaking device for cell culture flasks
By designing a shaking device and a flow guiding structure, the problems of uneven cell distribution and low efficiency in cell culture flasks were solved, achieving improved three-dimensional shaking and gas-liquid exchange. This makes the technology suitable for large-scale cell culture, reduces costs, and increases automation.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- CELLFABS INC
- Filing Date
- 2025-01-21
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-21
AI Technical Summary
Existing cell culture flasks suffer from uneven cell distribution and low culture efficiency when culturing suspension cells. Furthermore, the cost of improved culture flask structures is high, making it difficult to popularize them in large-scale applications.
Design a shaking device including a driver, an skew seat, a shaking disk, and a limiting frame. The shaking disk forms a three-dimensional circular shaking motion by the rising and falling motion of the limiting frame. Combined with spirally arranged guide vanes, the fluid disturbance effect is improved. Guide vanes and a breathable water-blocking membrane are set inside the cell culture flask to promote gas-liquid exchange.
It improves the uniformity of cell culture and the efficiency of gas-liquid exchange, reduces production costs, is suitable for large-scale cell culture, and has automated control capabilities.
Smart Images
Figure CN122427784A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates to the field of cell culture equipment technology, specifically to a shaking device for cell culture flasks that can realize three-dimensional circular shaking motion and effectively improve the shaking uniformity and gas-liquid exchange efficiency of the culture medium. Background Technology
[0002] Cell culture plays a crucial role in the application of biotechnology, covering fields such as regenerative medicine, vaccine production, and drug development. Currently, conventional cell culture flasks have significant technical limitations when culturing suspension cells. The main limitation is that the culture flasks need to be shaken by external force to promote the flow of the culture medium. The main purpose is to prevent cell clumping and increase the contact between cells and the outside air. However, due to the simple structure of the culture flask, shaking can generally only create horizontal liquid flow and cannot effectively achieve vertical disturbance, resulting in uneven cell distribution and low culture efficiency.
[0003] To address the aforementioned shortcomings, existing technologies have attempted to modify the internal structure of culture flasks, such as designing specially curved inner walls to guide the flow of the culture medium, aiming to achieve a more uniform fluid agitation effect. However, such modifications require sophisticated mold design and manufacturing techniques, and the complex structure of the flask may increase the difficulty of the manufacturing process, leading to a significant increase in the production cost of culture flasks. Although these modifications help improve fluid circulation to some extent, their widespread application is limited by cost considerations, especially in large-scale cell culture applications, where high-cost culture flasks cannot completely replace traditional designs. This necessitates technological development seeking a solution that strikes a balance between performance improvement and cost control. Therefore, this invention proposes a cell culture flask with an innovative design in both structure and function, coupled with a shaking device that produces a three-dimensional shaking effect, thereby effectively reducing production costs and optimizing the shaking effect. To this end, this invention proposes a shaking device for cell culture flasks to solve the aforementioned problems. Summary of the Invention
[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a shaking device for cell culture flasks to solve the problems mentioned in the background art.
[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution: a shaking device for a cell culture flask, comprising: a driver fixed to a plate, and the driver connected to an eccentric seat; an extension formed at the center of the bottom of a shaking disc, and the shaking disc being disposed at the eccentric seat via the extension; a limiting frame movably disposed below the shaking disc, and the limiting frame selectively abutting against the shaking disc via a support body; when the limiting frame descends, the shaking disc is tilted and does not contact the support body, and the eccentric seat and the extension are interconnected, causing the shaking disc to rotate in an inclined circular motion; when the limiting frame rises, the shaking disc is horizontally supported by the support body.
[0006] Preferably, one end of the extension is fixed to the rocking plate, and the other end of the extension is recessed with a conical hole. The skew seat is protruded with a cylinder, and the cylinder is not coaxial with the driver. The cylinder passes through the conical hole to limit the extension.
[0007] Preferably, the extension is integrally formed on the bottom surface of the rocking plate, and the extension is recessed with a conical hole, while the tilting seat is protruded with a cylinder, and the cylinder is not coaxial with the driver, and the cylinder passes through the conical hole.
[0008] Preferably, a plurality of springs are connected between the driver and the extension, and the tension of the springs causes the extension to move toward the tilting seat.
[0009] Preferably, the skew seat has two side plates formed in parallel, and a skew surface is formed between the two side plates. An elliptical hole is opened on one side of the side plate. One end of the extension is connected to the rocking plate by a shaft and at least one bearing, and the other end of the extension is movably disposed between the two side plates. A rotating shaft is inserted through the elliptical hole of the extension, so that the rocking plate can swing around the rotating shaft and the elliptical hole.
[0010] The plate is fixed with at least one telescopic element, which is connected to a drive block. The inclined surface of the inclined block pushes against the limit frame to form a change in height between rising and falling. The plate is also fixed with a plurality of touch switches, which form a one-way stop drive when the inclined block touches the touch switch.
[0011] It also includes a frame for fixing multiple plates. The frame has a groove on each side of the plate, allowing the plate to slide on both sides. Both the frame and the plate have at least one through hole, and a pin passes through the two through holes to fix the plate to the frame.
[0012] It also includes a cell culture flask, which is placed on the shaking plate. The cell culture flask has a plurality of positioning recesses at its bottom, and the shaking plate has a plurality of corresponding positioning protrusions. The combination of the positioning recesses and the positioning protrusions prevents the cell culture flask from detaching from the shaking plate on its own.
[0013] The cell culture flask has a plurality of columns protruding inward from the bottom. Each column is fixed with a flow guide plate, which extends upward from the column. The multiple flow guide plates are arranged in a spiral around the inner wall of the cell culture flask. The cell culture flask is covered with a cap, and a breathable and water-resistant membrane is attached to the cap. The breathable and water-resistant membrane allows air to circulate into the cell culture flask.
[0014] A pH sensor is fixed to the outside of the cap. The pH sensor includes a sensing rod, which is inserted into the cell culture flask.
[0015] The cell culture flask has a connecting member protruding from the center of the bottom, and the connecting member is fitted with a flow guide vane. The flow guide vane allows the culture medium to flow from the center to the flow guide vane. The connecting member is composed of a plurality of elastic columns, and a ring is formed in the center of the flow guide vane. The ring is used to limit the position of the elastic column.
[0016] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are:
[0017] The primary objective of this invention is that, when the limiting frame rises, the shaking disk is horizontally supported by the support body, and the tilting seat and the extension do not contact each other. Thus, by the upward movement of the limiting frame, the shaking disk is kept horizontal, making it easier to grasp the cell culture flask placed on the shaking disk. Then, by the downward movement of the limiting frame, the extension descends and contacts the tilting seat. The driver uses the tilting seat to drive the extension, so that the shaking disk forms a three-dimensional circular shaking motion, thereby effectively improving its shaking effect.
[0018] The second main objective of this invention is that all the guide vanes of the cell culture flask are arranged in a spiral manner to form a vortex flow structure. When shaken, the culture medium flows outward under the action of centrifugal force, is guided upward along the guide vanes, and flows back to the center of the cell culture flask above the culture medium, thereby realizing fluid disturbance in the vertical direction. This can prevent cell clumping, improve the gas-liquid exchange efficiency of the culture medium, and further promote cell growth. Attached Figure Description
[0019] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the present invention.
[0020] Figure 2 This is an exploded perspective view of the present invention.
[0021] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of the present invention in the raised position of the limiting frame.
[0022] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the swaying motion of the present invention when the limiting frame is in the descending state.
[0023] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the present invention mounted on a frame.
[0024] Figure 6 This is a three-dimensional view of the cell culture flask in this invention.
[0025] Figure 7 This is a three-dimensional exploded view of the cell culture flask in this invention.
[0026] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram showing the cell culture flask being shaken in this invention.
[0027] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the invention with a spring installed.
[0028] Figure 10 This is a perspective view of another embodiment of the present invention.
[0029] Figure 11 This is an exploded perspective view of another embodiment of the present invention.
[0030] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of a shaking motion in the lowering state of the limit frame, according to another embodiment of the present invention.
[0031] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of the present invention in the rising state of the limiting frame.
[0032] Figure 14 This is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of the present invention.
[0033] Figure 15 This is an exploded perspective view of another embodiment of the present invention.
[0034] Figure 16 This is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of the present invention in the lowered state of the limiting frame.
[0035] Figure 17 This is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of the present invention in the rising state of the limiting frame.
[0036] In the diagram: 10: Driver, 11: Plate, 111: Perforation, 12: Skew seat, 121: Cylinder, 122: Side plate, 123: Skew surface, 124: Elliptical hole, 13: Spring, 20: Rocking disc, 21: Extension, 211: Tapered hole, 212: Shaft, 213: Bearing, 214: Rotating shaft, 22: Positioning protrusion, 30: Limiting frame, 31: Support body, 40: Telescopic element, 4 1: Inclined block, 42: Touch switch, 50: Frame, 51: Slide groove, 52: Perforation, 53: Pin, 60: Cell culture flask, 61: Positioning recess, 62: Infrared sensor, 63: Column, 64: Flow guide plate, 65: Cover, 66: Breathable and water-resistant membrane, 67: Connector, 671: Elastic column, 68: Flow guide blade, 681: Ring, 69: pH sensor, 691: Sensing rod. Detailed Implementation
[0037] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the present invention clear and complete, the embodiments of the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only some, not all, embodiments of the present invention, and are merely illustrative of the embodiments of the present invention. They are not intended to limit 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.
[0038] Please see Figures 1 to 3 The present invention provides a technical solution: a shaking device for cell culture flasks, comprising: a driver 10, a shaking disk 20, and a limiting frame 30. The driver 10 is fixed on a plate 11 and is connected to an eccentric seat 12. The driver 10 can be a stepper motor and can drive the eccentric seat 12 to rotate. An extension 21 is formed at the center of the bottom of the shaking disk 20. The shaking disk 20 is disposed at the eccentric seat 12 with the extension 21. One end of the extension 21 is fixed to the shaking disk 20, and the other end of the extension 21 is recessed with a conical hole 211. The eccentric seat 12 is provided with a protruding cylinder 121, and the cylinder 121 is not coaxial with the driver 10. The cylinder 121 passes through the conical hole 211 to limit the extension 21. The drive 10 rotates the cylinder 121 in a conical circular motion around its axis. The cylinder 121 passes through the conical hole 211, thus limiting the extension 21 and causing the rocking disk 20 to rotate in an inclined circular motion. A limiting bracket 30 is movably disposed below the rocking disk 20. The limiting bracket 30 selectively abuts against the rocking disk 20 via a support 31. When the limiting bracket 30 descends, the rocking disk 20 is tilted and does not contact the support 31. The tilting seat 12 and the extension 21 are interconnected. Figure 4As shown, when the limiting frame 30 rises, the rocking disk 20 is horizontally supported by the support body 31, and the tilting seat 12 and the extension 21 do not contact each other. Thus, by the rising action of the limiting frame 30, the rocking disk 20 is kept horizontal, making it easier to grab objects placed on the rocking disk 20. Then, by the falling action of the limiting frame 30, the extension 21 falls down to contact the tilting seat 12. The driver 10 drives the extension 21 through the tilting seat 12, so that the rocking disk 20 forms a three-dimensional circling rocking motion, thereby effectively improving its rocking effect.
[0039] Depend on Figure 1 Continuous to Figure 4 As shown, the plate 11 is fixed with at least one telescopic element 40. The telescopic element 40 can be a pneumatic cylinder, hydraulic cylinder, or electric cylinder. The telescopic element 40 is connected to and drives a wedge block 41. The wedge block 41 is driven by the telescopic element 40 to form a linear displacement, and the inclined surface of the wedge block 41 pushes against the limiting frame 30 to form a change in height during rising and falling. The plate 11 is also fixed with a plurality of touch switches 42, which form a one-way stop drive when the wedge block 41 touches the touch switch 42. Figure 5 As shown, it further includes a frame 50, which is used to fix multiple plates 11. The frame 50 is provided with a sliding groove 51 on both sides of the plate 11, allowing the plates 11 to slide on both sides of the sliding groove 51. The frame 50 and the plates 11 are provided with at least one through hole 111, 52, and a pin 53 passes through the two through holes 111, 52 to fix the plate 11 to the frame 50. In summary, the frame 50 can be used to set up a cell culture chamber for placing a large number of shaking devices. By automatically controlling the shaking frequency, time and speed of the shaking devices, it is beneficial to build a large-scale automated cell culture factory. The core technology is the combined use of the tilt seat 12, the extension 21 and the limiting frame 30, which can effectively improve the shaking effect with a simplified structure at low cost.
[0040] Depend on Figure 6 , Figure 7 , Figure 8 and cooperate Figure 2As shown, the present invention further includes a cell culture flask 60, which is disposed on the shaking plate 20. The cell culture flask 60 has a plurality of positioning recesses 61 recessed at its bottom, and the shaking plate 20 has a plurality of corresponding positioning protrusions 22. The combination of the positioning recesses 61 and the positioning protrusions 22 prevents the cell culture flask 60 from detaching from the shaking plate 20. It also includes an infrared sensor 62, which illuminates the body of the cell culture flask 60 to determine whether the cell culture flask 60 is placed on the shaking plate 20. Since the infrared sensor 62 is fixed to the shaking plate 20, it can also detect and react immediately if the cell culture flask 60 detaches itself. To further explain, the cell culture flask 60 has a plurality of protruding columns 63 at its bottom, each column 63 having a fixed guide vane 64. The guide vane 64 extends upwards from the column 63, and the multiple guide vanes 64 are spirally arranged around the inner wall of the cell culture flask 60, forming a vortex flow structure. When shaken, the culture medium flows outwards under centrifugal force, is guided upwards along the guide vane 64, and flows back to the center of the cell culture flask 60 above the culture medium, achieving vertical fluid disturbance. This design prevents cell clumping and improves the gas-liquid exchange efficiency of the culture medium, further promoting cell growth. Furthermore, the cell culture flask 60 has a connecting member 67 protruding from the center of the bottom, and a guide vane 68 is fitted onto the connecting member 67. The guide vane 68 allows the culture medium to flow from the center to the direction of the guide vane 64. The connecting member 67 is composed of a plurality of elastic pillars 671, and a ring 681 is formed in the center of the guide vane 68. The ring 681 is used to fit and limit the elastic pillars 671. The limiting effect of the elastic pillars 671 prevents the guide vane 68 from detaching, but still allows the guide vane 68 to be driven to rotate by the flowing culture medium. In this way, the guide vane 68 and the connecting member 67 together form a fluid guiding structure, realizing the rapid assembly of the guide vane 68 and allowing the guide vane 68 to rotate freely. This effectively disturbs the cells deposited at the bottom of the cell culture flask 60, causing them to be resuspended in the culture medium, thereby improving the flow performance of the cell culture medium.
[0041] The cell culture flask 60 is covered by a cap 65, and a breathable and water-resistant membrane 66 is attached to the cap 65. The breathable membrane 66 allows air to circulate into the cell culture flask 60, while preventing water penetration, thus achieving gas exchange in the culture environment and preventing liquid spillage and bacterial contamination, thereby improving the stability of the culture process. A pH sensor 69 is fixed to the outside of the cap 65. The pH sensor 69 includes a sensing rod 691, which is inserted into the cell culture flask 60. The sensing rod 691 is used to monitor the pH value of the culture medium in real time, allowing users to monitor pH changes in the culture medium without opening the cell culture flask 60, and adjust shaking time or perform medium changes based on the data. The detection results can also be collected and used via wired or wireless transmission.
[0042] Depend on Figure 9 As shown, a plurality of springs 13 are connected between the driver 10 and the extension 21. The tension of the springs 13 causes the extension 21 to move closer to the tilting seat 12. When the limiting frame 30 rises and lifts the rocking plate 20, the springs 13 are stretched, causing the rocking plate 20 to press against the support body 31 of the limiting frame 30, which can effectively prevent the lateral displacement of the rocking plate 20. When the limiting frame 30 descends, the rocking plate 20 can press against the tilting seat 12, thereby preventing the rocking plate 20 from unstable shaking or jumping, so as to help improve the stability during rocking operation.
[0043] Another embodiment of the present invention is made by Figure 10 Continuous to Figure 13As shown, a shaking device for a cell culture flask includes: a driver 10, a shaking disc 20, and a limiting frame 30. The driver 10 is fixed to a plate 11, which can slide within the frame of a frame 50. The driver 10 is connected to an inclined seat 12. An extension 21 is formed at the center of the bottom of the shaking disc 20. The extension 21 is integrally formed on the bottom surface of the shaking disc 20 and has a conical hole 211 recessed therein. The inclined seat 12 has a protruding cylinder 121, which is not coaxial with the driver 10. The cylinder 121 passes through the conical hole 211, meaning that the driver 10 drives the cylinder. The rotation of 121 is a conical circle around the axis. A limiting frame 30 is movably set below the shaking plate 20. The limiting frame 30 can selectively abut against the shaking plate 20 with a support 31. When the limiting frame 30 descends, the shaking plate 20 is tilted and does not contact the support 31, thereby effectively reducing its overall height. This allows the frame 50 to install more shaking devices in the same volume, effectively improving its space utilization. An infrared sensor 62 is fixed at the limiting frame 30. The infrared sensor 62 illuminates the body of the cell culture flask 60 to determine whether the cell culture flask 60 is placed on the shaking plate 20. In summary, when the limiting frame 30 rises, the shaking disk 20 is horizontally supported by the support body 31, and the tilting seat 12 and the extension 21 do not contact each other. Thus, the shaking disk 20 is kept horizontal by the rising action of the limiting frame 30, making it easier to grasp the cell culture flask 60 placed on the shaking disk 20. When the limiting frame 30 falls, the extension 21 falls and contacts the tilting seat 12. The driver 10 drives the extension 21 through the tilting seat 12, so that the shaking disk 20 forms a three-dimensional circling shaking action, thereby effectively improving its shaking effect.
[0044] Another embodiment of the present invention is... Figure 14 Continuous to Figure 17As shown, a shaking device for a cell culture flask includes: a driver 10, a shaking disk 20, and a limiting frame 30. The main difference lies in the connection relationship between the driver 10 and the shaking disk 20. The driver 10 has two side plates 122 formed parallel to each other on its tilting seat 12, and a tilting surface 123 is formed between the two side plates 122. An elliptical hole 124 is opened on one side of the side plate 122. One end of the extension 21 of the shaking disk 20 is connected to the shaking disk 20 by a shaft 212 and at least one bearing 213. The other end of the extension 21 is movably disposed between the two side plates 122. A rotating shaft 214 passes through the elliptical hole 124 and the extension 21, allowing the shaking disk 20 to swing around the rotating shaft 214 and the elliptical hole 124. When the limiting frame 30 rises, the rocking disk 20 is horizontally supported by the support body 31. At this time, the extension 21 is raised and swings along the elliptical hole 124 with the rotating shaft 214, so that the extension 21 separates from the inclined surface 123. In this way, the rocking disk 20 is kept horizontal by the rising action of the limiting frame 30. When the limiting frame 30 falls, the extension 21 swings downward and abuts against the inclined surface 123. At this time, the rocking disk 20 is tilted. The driver 10 drives the extension 21 with the inclined seat 12, so that the rocking disk 20 forms a three-dimensional circling rocking action, so as to effectively improve its rocking effect.
[0045] Although embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the invention, the scope of which is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.
Claims
1. A shaking device for cell culture flasks, characterized in that: include A driver is fixed to a plate and is connected to a tilting seat; A swaying disc, having an extension formed at the center of its bottom, and the swaying disc being disposed at the tilting seat via the extension; and A limiting frame is movably disposed below the rocking disk, and the limiting frame is selectively abutting against the rocking disk by a support body. When the limiting frame descends, the rocking disk is tilted and does not contact the support body, and the tilting seat and the extension are linked to each other, causing the rocking disk to rotate in a tilted circular shape. When the limiting frame rises, the rocking disk is horizontally supported by the support body.
2. The shaking device for cell culture flasks according to claim 1, characterized in that: One end of the extension is fixed to the rocking plate, and the other end of the extension is recessed with a conical hole. The skew seat is protruded with a cylinder, and the cylinder is not coaxial with the driver. The cylinder passes through the conical hole to limit the extension.
3. The shaking device for cell culture flasks according to claim 1, characterized in that: The extension is integrally formed on the bottom surface of the rocking plate, and the extension has a conical hole recessed therein. The tilting seat has a cylinder protruding therefrom, and the cylinder is not coaxial with the driver. The cylinder passes through the conical hole.
4. The shaking device for cell culture flasks according to claim 3, characterized in that: A plurality of springs are connected between the actuator and the extension, and the tension of the springs causes the extension to move toward the tilting seat.
5. The shaking device for cell culture flasks according to claim 1, characterized in that: The skew seat has two side plates formed in parallel, and a skew surface is formed between the two side plates. An elliptical hole is opened on one side of the side plate. One end of the extension is connected to the rocking plate by a shaft and at least one bearing, and the other end of the extension is movably disposed between the two side plates. A rotating shaft is inserted through the elliptical hole of the extension, so that the rocking plate can swing around the rotating shaft and the elliptical hole.
6. The shaking device for cell culture flasks according to claim 1, characterized in that: The plate is fixed with at least one telescopic element, which is connected to a drive block. The inclined surface of the inclined block pushes against the limit frame to form a change in height between rising and falling. The plate is also fixed with a plurality of touch switches, which form a one-way stop drive when the inclined block touches the touch switch.
7. The shaking device for cell culture flasks according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a frame for fixing multiple plates. The frame has a groove on each side of the plate, allowing the plate to slide on both sides. Both the frame and the plate have at least one through hole, and a pin passes through the two through holes to fix the plate to the frame.
8. The shaking device for cell culture flasks according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a cell culture flask, which is placed on the shaking plate. The cell culture flask has a plurality of positioning recesses at its bottom, and the shaking plate has a plurality of corresponding positioning protrusions. The combination of the positioning recesses and the positioning protrusions prevents the cell culture flask from detaching from the shaking plate on its own.
9. The shaking device for cell culture flasks according to claim 8, characterized in that: It also includes an infrared sensor that illuminates the body of the cell culture flask to determine whether the cell culture flask is placed on the shaking plate. The infrared sensor can be fixed to the limiting frame or the shaking plate.
10. The shaking device for cell culture flasks according to claim 8, characterized in that: The cell culture flask has a plurality of columns protruding inward from the bottom. Each column is fixed with a flow guide plate, which extends upward from the column. The multiple flow guide plates are spirally arranged around the inner wall of the cell culture flask. The cell culture flask is covered with a cap, and a pH sensor is fixed to the outside of the cap. The pH sensor includes a sensing rod, which is inserted into the inside of the cell culture flask.