Single-tube sampling device for flow cytometer

Abstract

The utility model relates to the technical field of flow cytometers, and discloses a single-tube sampling device for a flow cytometer, which comprises a support plate, a mounting plate is arranged on the front side of the support plate, a sampling needle is arranged on the mounting plate in a penetrating manner, and a lifting needle component capable of driving the sampling needle to lift is further arranged on the support plate; a needle washing module used for washing a sampling needle is arranged below the mounting plate, a sample loading assembly used for clamping a test tube is mounted on the needle washing module, the lower end of the sampling needle can penetrate through the needle washing module to be loaded into the test tube of the sample loading assembly, and the sample loading assembly can be folded to the rear side of the supporting plate; the lifting needle assembly drives the sampling needle to move downwards to penetrate through the needle washing module and enter the test tube to suck a sample for testing; the manual sample loading assembly can be folded, so that when the device is installed, the device can be compatible with an automatic sample loading device, and shutdown caused by faults of the automatic sample loading device is avoided; moreover, the sampling device is simple in structure and convenient to disassemble, and more space is saved by adopting a folding structure.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of flow cytometer technology, specifically to a single-tube sample introduction device for flow cytometers. Background Technology

[0002] A flow cytometer is an instrument for quantitative analysis and sorting of cells. The existing sample introduction methods are mainly divided into two types: manual sample introduction and automatic sample introduction. The former involves manually placing the flow cytometer tube into the carrier directly below the sampling needle of the flow cytometer, and the sampling needle descends to collect the sample; the latter involves placing the flow cytometer tube into an automatic sampler, and the sample is automatically transferred to the sampling needle for collection.

[0003] Manual sample introduction was the main sample introduction method used in early flow cytometer products. However, most instruments only have one set of sampling needle and liquid circuit system, and the sample introduction device must be placed below the sampling needle. As a result, the manual sample introduction device occupies the position of the automatic sample loading device, making it impossible to install the automatic sample loading device. Therefore, only one of the two sample introduction methods can be selected.

[0004] Automated sample introduction is currently the main sample introduction method used in the market. Automated sample introduction devices are suitable for large batches of samples, but they are complex in structure and expensive. Moreover, automated sample introduction devices must be used in conjunction with flow cytometers. If the automated sample introduction device malfunctions, the flow cytometer will also become unusable.

[0005] In order to achieve both manual and automatic sample introduction on flow cytometers, some manufacturers will install both manual and automatic sample introduction devices. However, these devices use two liquid path systems and have a complex structure, which can easily lead to wasted space. Utility Model Content

[0006] The purpose of this invention is to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art and provide a single-tube sample loading device for flow cytometers, which can be compatible with automatic sample loading devices during installation, thus avoiding downtime caused by malfunctions of the automatic sample loading devices.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution adopted by this utility model is as follows:

[0008] A single-tube sample introduction device for flow cytometer includes a support plate, a mounting plate on the front side of the support plate, a sampling needle passing through the mounting plate, and a lifting needle assembly capable of driving the sampling needle to rise and fall on the support plate. Below the mounting plate is a needle washing module for cleaning the sampling needle, and a sample loading assembly for holding the test tube is mounted on the needle washing module. The lower end of the sampling needle can pass through the needle washing module into the test tube of the sample loading assembly, and the sample loading assembly can be folded to the rear side of the support plate.

[0009] Optionally, the needle washing module includes a support block, one end of which is fixedly connected to the support plate, and the other end is equipped with a cleaning block. The cleaning block has a needle hole for the sampling needle to pass through. The sample loading component is installed on the support block, and the cleaning block is also provided with an inlet and a return port communicating with the needle hole.

[0010] Optionally, the sample loading assembly includes a support plate with a mounting groove at the top. The support plate is sleeved on the outside of the support block through the mounting groove, and the support plate is rotatably connected to the support block through a first pivot pin. The lower end of the support plate is rotatably connected to a sample loading arm through a second pivot pin. A fixing seat for clamping test tubes is installed on the sample loading arm, and the second pivot pin is perpendicular to the first pivot pin.

[0011] Optionally, the sample feeding arm includes a rotating part connected to the support plate, a mounting part for mounting the fixed seat is connected to one side of the rotating part, a support part is connected to the side of the mounting part opposite to the rotating part, and the support part has a groove for supporting the test tube.

[0012] Optionally, a second stop is connected to one side of the rotating part, and a first stop corresponding to the second stop is connected to the lower end of the support plate, and the first stop and the second stop abut against each other after the sample loading assembly is folded.

[0013] Optionally, the second pivot pin is parallel to the sampling needle, and a ball-head plunger is provided between the support plate and the rotating part.

[0014] Optionally, the bottom of the support plate is provided with a slot, and the support block is fixedly embedded in the slot at one end opposite to the cleaning block.

[0015] Optionally, the lifting needle assembly includes a slide rail fixedly mounted on the support plate, the slide rail being parallel to the sampling needle, a slide block being slidably mounted on the slide rail, the mounting plate being fixedly connected to the slide block, and a drive assembly for driving the slide block to move up and down along the slide rail is also mounted on the support plate.

[0016] Optionally, the drive assembly includes a drive motor mounted on the support plate, the output end of the drive motor is connected to a drive wheel, a driven wheel is rotatably mounted below the drive wheel, the driven wheel and the drive wheel are connected by a synchronous belt parallel to the slide rail, and the slide block is fixedly connected to one side of the synchronous belt by a clamping plate.

[0017] Optionally, an adapter plate is installed on the rear side of the support plate, and a position sensor for detecting the position of the sampling needle is also installed on the top of the support plate.

[0018] Beneficial effects

[0019] (1) In this utility model, after the test tube is manually placed in the sample loading assembly, the lifting needle assembly drives the sampling needle to move down through the needle washing module and enter the test tube to draw up the sample for testing; and since the manual sample loading assembly can be folded, the automatic sample loading device can be used simultaneously when the device is installed, avoiding downtime caused by failure of the automatic sample loading device; and the sample loading device has a simple structure, is easy to disassemble, and adopts a folding structure, which saves more space.

[0020] (2) In this utility model, the support arm can rotate laterally relative to the support plate around the second pivot pin, and the support plate can rotate longitudinally relative to the support block of the needle washing module around the first pivot pin. By rotating twice, the sample loading component can be folded from the front side to the rear side of the support plate, which not only saves space but also facilitates the installation of the automatic sample loading device.

[0021] (3) In this utility model, the support plate and the support arm are respectively provided with a first stop and a second stop. Through the positional relationship between the two stops, the folding of the sample arm can be provided with a limiting basis, making it more convenient and quick to fold. Attached Figure Description

[0022] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the single-tube sample introduction device for flow cytometer according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the lifting needle assembly in an embodiment of this utility model;

[0024] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the sample loading component in an embodiment of this utility model;

[0025] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the needle washing module in an embodiment of this utility model;

[0026] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram showing the positional structure of the needle washing module and the sample loading component in an embodiment of this utility model;

[0027] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the folded structure of the sample loading component in an embodiment of this utility model;

[0028] Among them, 1. Lifting pin assembly; 11. Support plate; 111. Slot; 112. Position sensor; 12. Slide rail; 13. Slide block; 14. Mounting plate; 15. Drive wheel; 16. Driven wheel; 17. Synchronous belt; 18. Clamping plate; 19. Drive motor;

[0029] 2. Needle washing module; 21. Support block; 22. Cleaning block; 23. Needle hole; 24. Liquid inlet; 25. Liquid return port;

[0030] 3. Sample loading assembly; 31. Support plate; 311. Mounting slot; 312. First pivot pin; 313. Second pivot pin; 314. Ball plunger; 315. First stop block;

[0031] 32. Sample feeding arm; 321. Rotating part; 322. Mounting part; 323. Support part; 324. Second stop;

[0032] 33. Fixture; 4. Sampling needle; 5. Adapter plate. Detailed Implementation

[0033] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. These drawings are simplified schematic diagrams, which are only used to illustrate the basic structure of the present invention in a schematic manner, and therefore only show the components related to the present invention.

[0034] Example 1

[0035] like Figure 1 , Figure 6 As shown, a single-tube sample introduction device for flow cytometer includes a lifting needle assembly 1, a needle washing module 2, a sample loading assembly 3, and a sampling needle 4. The sample loading assembly 3 is used to hold and place the test tube. The lifting needle assembly 1 is used to drive the sampling needle 4 to move up and down so that the lower end of the sampling needle 4 can pass through the needle washing module 2 to the test tube of the sample loading assembly 3 to draw samples. The needle washing module 2 is used to clean the sampling needle 4, including cleaning its outer wall and inner wall, to avoid contaminating other samples during sampling.

[0036] The lifting needle assembly 1, the needle washing module 2, and the sampling needle 4 are all mounted on the support plate 11. The sample loading assembly 3 is mounted on the needle washing module 2. The sample loading assembly 3 adopts a foldable mechanical structure, which allows it to be folded from the front side to the rear side of the support plate 11 to meet the requirements of simultaneous compatibility with the automatic sample loading device and avoid downtime caused by failure of the automatic sample loading device. That is, when the automatic sample loading device is working, the sample loading assembly 3 is folded to the rear side of the support plate 11. After the automatic sample loading device fails, it is removed and the sample loading assembly 3 is unfolded to the front side of the support plate 11. Samples are injected manually by single tube loading, thus avoiding downtime of the flow cytometer due to failure of the sample loading device.

[0037] like Figures 1-4 As shown, the needle washing module 2 includes a support block 21. One end of the support block 21 is fixedly connected to the support plate 11, and the other end is equipped with a cleaning block 22. The cleaning block 22 has a needle hole 23 for the sampling needle 4 to pass through. The sample loading component 3 is installed on the support block 21, and the cleaning block 22 is also provided with a liquid inlet 24 and a liquid return port 25 that communicate with the needle hole 23.

[0038] The needle washing module 2 adopts existing technology and has the functions of cleaning the outer wall of the sampling needle 4, removing waste liquid, and cleaning the inner wall of the sampling needle 4. The inlet 24 is connected to a purified water tank, and the return port 25 is connected to a waste liquid pump. Purified water flows through the inlet 24 and through the needle hole 23. The sampling needle 4 moves up and down to complete the cleaning of the outer wall of the needle. The waste liquid is discharged into the waste liquid tank by the waste liquid pump through the return port 25. When cleaning the inner wall of the sampling needle 4, the flow cytometer fluid system injects pure water into the sampling needle 4 to rinse the inner wall. The waste liquid is discharged into the waste liquid tank by the waste liquid pump through the lower end of the sampling needle 4 and the return port 25.

[0039] Furthermore, a slot 111 is provided at the bottom of the support plate 11. The support block 21 is fixedly embedded in the slot 111 at one end opposite to the cleaning block 22 and is fixedly connected by screws. The fitting structure of the slot 111 and the support block 21 can ensure that the support block 21 is flush with the bottom of the support plate 11 and facilitate the quick installation of the cleaning needle module 2 on the support plate 11.

[0040] like Figures 3-6 As shown, the sample loading assembly 3 includes a support plate 31, a sample loading arm 32, and a fixing seat 33. The top of the support plate 31 is provided with a mounting groove 311. The support plate 31 is sleeved on the outside of the support block 21 through the mounting groove 311, and the support plate 31 is rotatably connected to the support block 21 through a first rotating pin 312. The sample loading arm 32 is rotatably connected to the lower end of the support plate 31 through a second rotating pin 313. The fixing seat 33 for clamping the test tube is fixedly installed on the sample loading arm 32, and the first rotating pin 312 and the second rotating pin 313 are perpendicular to each other.

[0041] The first pivot pin 312 passes through the support plate 31 and the support block 21 laterally, so that the support plate 31 can rotate longitudinally relative to the support block 21 around the first pivot pin 312; the sample feeding arm 32 has a Z-shaped structure, and the second pivot pin 313 passes through the sample feeding arm 32 longitudinally to the interior of the support plate 31, so that the sample feeding arm 32 can rotate laterally relative to the support plate 31 around the second pivot pin 313.

[0042] When folding the sample loading assembly 3, first rotate the sample loading arm 32 90 degrees around the second pivot pin 313, then rotate the support plate 31 90 degrees around the first pivot pin 312, and the sample loading assembly 3 can be folded to the rear side of the support plate 11 (e.g., Figure 6 (As shown).

[0043] To ensure that the sample loading component 3 can be folded smoothly, a clearance groove is provided on the lower part of the support plate 31 near the support plate 11. When the sample loading component 3 is in the folded state, the bottom surface of the support plate 11 abuts against the side of the clearance groove, that is, the clearance groove can also play a limiting role, ensuring that the support plate 31 is in a horizontal state when folded.

[0044] The sample feeding arm 32 includes a rotating part 321, a mounting part 322, and a support part 323. The fixed seat 33 is fixedly mounted on the mounting part 322. The rotating part 321 and the support part 323 are located at the upper and lower ends of the mounting part 322, respectively, and the rotating part 321 and the support part 323 are distributed on opposite sides of the mounting part 322.

[0045] The second pivot pin 313 passes through the rotating part 321 and is connected to the support plate 31. The support part 323 is located below the fixed seat 33, and the support part 323 has a groove for supporting the test tube. When the test tube is placed into the slot of the fixed seat 33, the bottom of the test tube will automatically be embedded in the groove, ensuring that the test tube can be stably placed on the sample loading assembly 3.

[0046] The rotating part 321, the mounting part 322 and the supporting part 323 adopt an integral molding structure and are Z-shaped as a whole.

[0047] Furthermore, a second stop 324 is connected to one side of the rotating part 321, and a first stop 315 corresponding to the second stop 324 is connected to the lower end of the support plate 31. After the sample loading assembly 3 is folded, the first stop 315 and the second stop 324 abut against each other.

[0048] The second stop 324 protrudes laterally from the rotating part 321, and the first stop 315 protrudes longitudinally from the support plate 31. Due to the restriction of the first stop 315, the second stop 324 can only rotate 90 degrees. Therefore, the sample feeding arm 32 can only rotate 90 degrees relative to the support plate 31.

[0049] The second pivot pin 313 is parallel to the sampling needle 4, and a ball plunger 314 is provided between the support plate 31 and the rotating part 321. The ball plunger 314 plays a positioning role, while the fixing seat 33 is made of nylon material and has an elastic opening, which can fix the flow cytometry tube or use a 1.5ml EP tube.

[0050] Example 2

[0051] Based on Embodiment 1, this utility model also proposes a lifting needle assembly 1 for driving the sampling needle 4 to move up and down.

[0052] like Figures 1-2 As shown, the lifting needle assembly 1 includes a slide rail 12 fixedly installed on the support plate 11. The slide rail 12 is parallel to the sampling needle 4. A slide block 13 is slidably installed on the slide rail 12. The mounting plate 14 is fixedly connected to the slide block 13. The support plate 11 is also equipped with a drive assembly for driving the slide block 13 to move up and down along the slide rail 12.

[0053] The slide rail 12 is located on the front side of the support plate 11, and the sampling needle 4 is fixedly mounted on the mounting plate 14. The mounting plate 14 is connected to the slide block 13. Therefore, as the drive component drives the slide block 13 to rise and fall along the slide rail 12, the sampling needle 4 can be indirectly driven to rise and fall.

[0054] The drive assembly includes a drive motor 19 mounted on the support plate 11. The output end of the drive motor 19 is connected to a drive wheel 15. A driven wheel 16 is rotatably mounted below the drive wheel 15. The driven wheel 16 and the drive wheel 15 are connected by a synchronous belt 17 parallel to the slide rail 12. The slide block 13 is fixedly connected to one side of the synchronous belt 17 by a clamping plate 18.

[0055] The drive motor 19 is a stepper motor, which drives the synchronous belt 17 to rotate through the driving wheel 15 and the driven wheel 16. The synchronous belt 17 has two sides, and the two sides run in opposite directions. The clamping plate 18 fixes one side of the synchronous belt 17 to the slide block 13, that is, the slide block 13 moves synchronously with the side, realizing the lifting and lowering along the slide rail 12.

[0056] In addition, an adapter plate 5 is installed on the rear side of the support plate 11, and a position sensor 112 for detecting the position of the sampling needle 4 is also installed on the top of the support plate 11. This manual sample introduction device is installed on the flow cytometer via the adapter plate 5, or it can be used independently as an external attachment to the instrument and connected to the flow cytometer's fluid circuit system via tubing. The position sensor 112 adopts existing technology and can control the zero point position of the slide 13's up and down movement, thereby ensuring that the sampling needle 4 can stably rise and fall along a predetermined trajectory.

[0057] Working principle:

[0058] First, install the manual sample introduction device on the flow cytometer via the instrument adapter plate 5, and connect the liquid path and electrical circuit. Then, open the manual sample introduction device and place the flow cytometer tube on the flow cytometer tube fixing position (i.e., the fixing seat 33). The drive motor 19 drives the sampling needle 4 to move up and down along the slide rail 12 via the synchronous belt 17. After the sampling needle 4 is inserted into the flow cytometer tube, the flow cytometer liquid path system draws up the sample through the sampling needle 4 for testing. After the sample is drawn up, the sampling needle 4 moves upward, and purified water flows from the inlet 24 through the needle hole 23 to clean the outer wall of the needle. The waste liquid is discharged into the waste liquid tank by the waste liquid pump through the return port 25. After the sampling needle 4 is reset, the flow cytometer liquid path system injects pure water into the sampling needle 4 to rinse the inner wall. The waste liquid is discharged into the waste liquid tank by the waste liquid pump through the lower end of the sampling needle 4 and the return port 25. After use, fold the manual sample introduction device.

[0059] In summary, the single-tube sample introduction device for flow cytometers proposed in this invention enables rapid manual sample introduction. It features a simple structure, easy disassembly, and foldability, saving space. When installing this manual sample introduction device, it is compatible with automatic sample loading devices, avoiding downtime due to automatic sample loading device malfunctions. Furthermore, it can use commonly available flow cytometer tubes and EP tubes, facilitating easy handling and ensuring readily available consumables. In addition, while using an automatic sample loading mechanism for large batches, this structure can be used for smaller batches, allowing for easy switching between the two methods. The operation is simple and user-friendly, providing a good customer experience.

[0060] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicating orientation or positional relationships, are based on the orientation or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings and are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this utility model. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," etc., are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Thus, features defined with "first," "second," etc., may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this utility model, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more.

[0061] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "joining" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model based on the specific circumstances.

[0062] Based on the preferred embodiments of this utility model described above, those skilled in the art can make various changes and modifications without departing from the technical concept of this utility model. The technical scope of this utility model is not limited to the contents of the specification, but must be determined according to the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A single-tube sample introduction device for flow cytometer, comprising a support plate (11), characterized in that: A mounting plate (14) is provided on the front side of the support plate (11), and a sampling needle (4) is provided on the mounting plate (14). A lifting needle assembly (1) that can drive the sampling needle (4) to rise and fall is also provided on the support plate (11). Below the mounting plate (14) is a needle washing module (2) for cleaning the sampling needle (4). The needle washing module (2) is equipped with a sample loading component (3) for holding the test tube. The lower end of the sampling needle (4) can pass through the needle washing module (2) to the test tube of the sample loading component (3), and the sample loading component (3) can be folded to the rear side of the support plate (11).

2. The single-tube sample introduction device for flow cytometer according to claim 1, characterized in that: The needle washing module (2) includes a support block (21), one end of which is fixedly connected to the support plate (11), and the other end is equipped with a cleaning block (22). The cleaning block (22) has a needle hole (23) for the sampling needle (4) to pass through. The sample loading component (3) is installed on the support block (21), and the cleaning block (22) is also provided with an inlet (24) and a return port (25) communicating with the needle hole (23).

3. The single-tube sample introduction device for flow cytometer according to claim 2, characterized in that: The sample loading component (3) includes a support plate (31) with a mounting groove (311) on the top. The support plate (31) is sleeved on the outside of the support block (21) through the mounting groove (311), and the support plate (31) is rotatably connected to the support block (21) through a first pivot pin (312). The lower end of the support plate (31) is rotatably connected to the sample feeding arm (32) via the second pivot pin (313). The sample feeding arm (32) is equipped with a fixing seat (33) for clamping the test tube, and the second pivot pin (313) is perpendicular to the first pivot pin (312).

4. The single-tube sample introduction device for flow cytometer according to claim 3, characterized in that: The sample loading arm (32) includes a rotating part (321) connected to the support plate (31). One side of the rotating part (321) is connected to a mounting part (322) for mounting the fixed seat (33). The mounting part (322) is connected to a support part (323) on the side opposite to the rotating part (321), and the support part (323) has a groove for supporting the test tube.

5. The single-tube sample introduction device for flow cytometer according to claim 4, characterized in that: A second stop (324) is connected to one side of the rotating part (321), and a first stop (315) corresponding to the second stop (324) is connected to the lower end of the support plate (31). After the sample loading assembly (3) is folded, the first stop (315) and the second stop (324) abut against each other.

6. The single-tube sample introduction device for flow cytometer according to claim 5, characterized in that: The second pivot pin (313) is parallel to the sampling needle (4), and a ball-head plunger (314) is provided between the support plate (31) and the rotating part (321).

7. The single-tube sample introduction device for flow cytometer according to claim 2, characterized in that: The bottom of the support plate (11) is provided with a slot (111), and the support block (21) is fixedly embedded in the slot (111) at one end opposite to the cleaning block (22).

8. The single-tube sample introduction device for flow cytometer according to claim 1, characterized in that: The lifting needle assembly (1) includes a slide rail (12) fixedly installed on the support plate (11), the slide rail (12) being parallel to the sampling needle (4), a slide block (13) being slidably installed on the slide rail (12), the mounting plate (14) being fixedly connected to the slide block (13), and a drive assembly for driving the slide block (13) to rise and fall along the slide rail (12) is also installed on the support plate (11).

9. The single-tube sample introduction device for flow cytometer according to claim 8, characterized in that: The drive assembly includes a drive motor (19) mounted on the support plate (11). The output end of the drive motor (19) is connected to a drive wheel (15). A driven wheel (16) is rotatably mounted below the drive wheel (15). The driven wheel (16) is connected to the drive wheel (15) by a synchronous belt (17) parallel to the slide rail (12). The slide block (13) is fixedly connected to one side of the synchronous belt (17) by a clamp (18).

10. The single-tube sample introduction device for flow cytometer according to any one of claims 1-9, characterized in that: An adapter plate (5) is installed on the rear side of the support plate (11), and a position sensor (112) for detecting the position of the sampling needle (4) is also installed on the top of the support plate (11).

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