Flow cytometer

Abstract

The utility model relates to the technical field of cell detection, and discloses a flow cytometer which comprises a main body part and a sample tube, the main body part is provided with a sample introduction area, a sample introduction needle is arranged at the top in the sample introduction area, an auxiliary sample introduction mechanism is arranged at the bottom in the sample introduction area, and the auxiliary sample introduction mechanism comprises a supporting disc, a lifting rod and a driving piece. The supporting disc is rotatably installed in the sample introduction area, the sample tube is slidably installed on the supporting disc, the lifting rod is installed in the sample introduction area in an up-down sliding mode and used for lifting the sample tube, the supporting disc and the lifting rod are both in one-way transmission connection with the driving part, and when an output shaft of the driving part rotates in the first direction, the driving part drives the supporting disc to rotate; when the output shaft of the driving part rotates in the second direction, the driving part drives the lifting rod to slide up and down, and the first direction is opposite to the second direction. The utility model can solve the problem that in the prior art, when the sample tube moves upwards, the sample in the sample tube is splashed out of the sample tube, so that the equipment and the environment are easily polluted.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of cell detection technology, and in particular to a flow cytometer. Background Technology

[0002] In studies of the toxicity of graphodyne oxide to blood cells (red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, etc.), flow cytometry plays a crucial role in cytotoxicity detection. It can rapidly measure, store, and display a series of important biophysical and biochemical characteristic parameters of dispersed cells suspended in a liquid, such as cell viability and apoptosis rate. These indicators directly reflect the degree of toxicity of graphodyne oxide to blood cells.

[0003] Chinese Patent [Publication No.: CN215493040U] discloses a flow cytometer, including a main body and sample tubes. The main body includes a frame and an injection needle mounted on the frame. It also includes an auxiliary injection mechanism for delivering the sample tubes to the injection needle. The auxiliary injection mechanism includes a sample holder opposite to the injection end of the injection needle. The sample holder has a sample hole for placing the sample tubes, which passes through the sample holder and is positioned opposite the injection needle. The auxiliary injection mechanism also includes a lifting component for driving the sample tubes in the sample hole to move towards the injection needle. This patent solves the problem of low injection efficiency and wasted manpower in existing technologies where operators need to hold the sample and deliver it to the injection needle for aspiration. It has the potential to improve injection efficiency and reduce manpower waste.

[0004] Because the patent uses a release compression spring to force the sample tube to move upward, in actual use, the sample tube moves upward too fast, which may cause the sample inside the sample tube to splash outside the sample tube, which may easily cause pollution to the equipment and the environment. Utility Model Content

[0005] In view of this, the purpose of this utility model is to provide a flow cytometer that solves the problem in the prior art where the sample inside the sample tube splashes outside the sample tube when the sample tube is moved upward, which can easily cause pollution to the equipment and the environment.

[0006] This utility model solves the above-mentioned technical problems through the following technical means:

[0007] A flow cytometer includes a main body and a sample tube. The main body has an injection zone with an injection needle at the top and an auxiliary injection mechanism at the bottom. The auxiliary injection mechanism includes a support plate, a lifting rod, and a drive component. The support plate is rotatably mounted in the injection zone, the sample tube is slidably mounted on the support plate, and the lifting rod is slidably mounted in the injection zone for raising and lowering the sample tube. Both the support plate and the lifting rod are unidirectionally connected to the drive component. When the output shaft of the drive component rotates in a first direction, the drive component drives the support plate to rotate; when the output shaft of the drive component rotates in a second direction, the drive component drives the lifting rod to slide up and down. The first direction and the second direction are opposite.

[0008] By setting the above structure, when the output shaft of the drive unit rotates in the second direction, the drive unit drives the lifting rod to slide up and down, thereby making the sample tube rise gradually. This avoids the sample tube rising too fast and causing the sample inside the sample tube to splash outside the sample tube. Furthermore, by controlling the rotation direction of the drive unit, the support plate and the lifting rod can be driven to move separately without the need to set separate drive sources.

[0009] Furthermore, an installation plate is provided in the sample injection area. The installation plate is fixedly connected to the main body. A first column and a second column are rotatably installed on the installation plate. The support plate is rotatably installed on the first column. The lifting rod is slidably installed on the second column. The driving component is fixedly installed at the bottom of the installation plate.

[0010] By setting up the above structure, it is easy to install the support plate and lifting rod without changing the original structure of the main body.

[0011] Furthermore, the output shaft of the drive component is fixedly connected to the first column, and a first one-way transmission component is provided on the top of the first column. The support disk is connected to the first column in a one-way transmission manner through the first one-way transmission component. When the first column rotates in the first direction, the first column drives the support disk to rotate through the first one-way transmission component.

[0012] By setting the above structure, a one-way transmission connection between the driving component and the support plate is realized. When the first column rotates in the first direction, the first column drives the support plate to rotate through the first one-way transmission component, changing the position of the sample tube on the support plate so that the sample tube is located below the injection needle.

[0013] Furthermore, the main body is provided with a first one-way limiting member, which prevents the support plate from rotating in the second direction when the first column rotates in the second direction.

[0014] By setting the above structure, when the first column rotates in the second direction, the first one-way limiting member blocks the support plate from rotating in the second direction, preventing the support plate from deflecting in the second direction and affecting the sample aspiration of the injection needle.

[0015] Furthermore, the lifting rod includes a rod body, a lower connector, and a top plate. The top plate and the lower connector are fixedly connected to the upper and lower ends of the rod body, respectively. A reciprocating screw is provided on the second column, and the lower connector is mounted on the reciprocating screw. The main body has a sliding groove, and one side of the rod body is slidably locked in the sliding groove. The driving component is unidirectionally connected to the second column. When the second column rotates, the reciprocating screw forces the lower connector to move up and down.

[0016] By setting up the above structure, when the driving component drives the second column to rotate, the reciprocating screw forces the lower connector to move up and down, thereby lifting the sample tube by the lifting rod.

[0017] Furthermore, a second one-way transmission component is provided at the bottom of the first column, and a transmission gear is fixedly provided at the bottom of the second column. When the first column rotates in the second direction, the first column drives the second column to rotate through the second one-way transmission component and the transmission gear.

[0018] By setting the above structure, when the first column rotates in the second direction, the first column drives the second column to rotate through the second one-way transmission component and the transmission gear, thereby realizing the one-way transmission connection between the driving component and the second column.

[0019] Furthermore, the mounting plate is provided with a second one-way limiting member. When the first column rotates in the first direction, the second one-way limiting member blocks the transmission gear from rotating in the first direction.

[0020] By setting the above structure, when the first column rotates in the first direction, the second one-way limiting member blocks the transmission gear from rotating in the first direction, preventing the transmission gear from driving the second column to deflect in the first direction, thus preventing the lifting rod from rising and affecting the rotation of the support plate.

[0021] Furthermore, the support plate has multiple through holes, the sample tube is slidably disposed in the through holes, and a support plate is disposed below the through holes on the support plate. The support plate is used to support the sample tube in the through holes, and a connecting rod is fixedly disposed on the support plate. The support plate is slidably mounted on the mounting plate through the connecting rod.

[0022] By setting up the above structure, the sample tube can be slidably mounted on the support plate, and the sample tube can be lifted by lifting the support plate with the lifting rod.

[0023] Furthermore, a pad is provided between the support plate and the sample tube.

[0024] By setting up the above structure, the maximum height of the sample tube is raised to exceed that of the support plate, so as to ensure that the injection needle can draw the sample from the bottom of the sample tube.

[0025] The beneficial effects of this utility model are:

[0026] 1. This utility model sets up a support plate, a lifting rod and a driving component. When the output shaft of the driving component rotates in the second direction, the driving component drives the lifting rod to slide up and down, thereby making the sample tube rise gradually. This avoids the sample tube rising too fast and causing the sample inside the sample tube to splash outside the sample tube. Moreover, by controlling the rotation direction of the driving component, the support plate and the lifting rod can be driven to move separately, without the need to set up separate driving sources.

[0027] 2. This utility model controls the rotational freedom of the support plate and the transmission gear by setting a first one-way limiting component and a second one-way limiting component. When the lifting rod raises or lowers the sample tube, it prevents the support plate from deflecting in the second direction, which would affect the sample aspiration of the injection needle. When the support plate rotates to change the position of the sample tube, it prevents the transmission gear from driving the second column to deflect in the first direction, which would cause the lifting rod to rise and affect the rotation of the support plate. Attached Figure Description

[0028] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a flow cytometer according to the present invention;

[0029] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram showing the disassembled structure of an auxiliary sample introduction mechanism in a flow cytometer according to the present invention;

[0030] in,

[0031] 11. Main body; 111. Sample injection area; 112. Slide groove; 12. Sample tube; 13. Injection needle; 14. First one-way limiting component; 141. First mounting base; 142. First limiting plate;

[0032] 2. Support plate; 21. Through hole; 22. Support plate; 23. Connecting rod; 24. Pad;

[0033] 3. Lifting rod; 31. Rod body; 32. Lower connector; 33. Top plate;

[0034] 4. Drive components;

[0035] 5. Mounting plate; 51. First column; 511. First one-way transmission component; 512. Second one-way transmission component; 52. Second column; 521. Reciprocating screw; 522. Transmission gear; 53. Second one-way limiting component. Detailed Implementation

[0036] The following specific embodiments illustrate the implementation of this utility model. Those skilled in the art can understand the advantages and effects of this utility model from the content disclosed in this specification. It should be noted that the illustrations provided in the following embodiments are for illustrative purposes only and represent schematic diagrams, not actual pictures. They should not be construed as limiting the utility model. To better illustrate the embodiments of this utility model, some components in the figures may be omitted, enlarged, or reduced, and do not represent the actual product dimensions. It is understandable that some well-known structures and their descriptions may be omitted in the figures for those skilled in the art.

[0037] In the figures of this utility model embodiment, the same or similar reference numerals correspond to the same or similar components. In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that if terms such as "upper", "lower", "left", "right", "front", "rear", etc. indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the figure, they are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or component referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, the terms used to describe the positional relationship in the figure are only for illustrative purposes and should not be construed as limiting this utility model. For those skilled in the art, the specific meaning of the above terms can be understood according to the specific circumstances.

[0038] like Figures 1-2 As shown, this utility model discloses a flow cytometer comprising a main body 11 and a sample tube 12. The main body 11 is provided with a sample injection area 111, and a sample injection needle 13 is provided at the top of the sample injection area 111. An auxiliary sample injection mechanism is provided at the bottom of the sample injection area 111. The auxiliary sample injection mechanism includes a support plate 2, a lifting rod 3, and a driving component 4. The support plate 2 is rotatably mounted in the sample injection area 111, and the sample tube 12 is slidably mounted on the support plate 2. The lifting rod 3 is slidably mounted in the sample injection area 111 and is used to raise and lower the sample tube 12. Both the support plate 2 and the lifting rod 3 are unidirectionally connected to the driving component 4. When the output shaft of the driving component 4 rotates in a first direction, the driving component 4 drives the support plate 2 to rotate. When the output shaft of the driving component 4 rotates in a second direction, the driving component 4 drives the lifting rod 3 to slide up and down. The first direction and the second direction are opposite. In this embodiment, the first direction is clockwise, and the second direction is counterclockwise. In some other embodiments, the first direction can be set to counterclockwise and the second direction to clockwise. During operation, when the output shaft of the drive unit 4 rotates along the second direction, the drive unit 4 drives the lifting rod 3 to slide up and down, thereby gradually raising the sample tube 12 so that the injection needle 13 can draw the sample from the sample tube 12. After the sample is drawn, the sample tube 12 is reset. This avoids the sample tube 12 rising too fast, which could cause the sample inside the sample tube 12 to splash outside the sample tube 12. Furthermore, by controlling the rotation direction of the drive unit 4, the support plate 2 and the lifting rod 3 can be driven to move separately, without the need for separate drive sources.

[0039] In this embodiment, an installation plate 5 is provided in the sample injection area 111. The installation plate 5 is fixedly connected to the main body 11. A first column 51 and a second column 52 are rotatably mounted on the installation plate 5. A support plate 2 is rotatably mounted on the first column 51. A lifting rod 3 is slidably mounted on the second column 52. A driving component 4 is fixedly mounted on the bottom of the installation plate 5. The driving component 4 is a drive motor. In some other embodiments, the installation plate 5 may not be required, and the first column 51 and the second column 52 may be directly rotatably mounted on the main body 11. In this embodiment, by providing the installation plate 5, it is convenient to install the support plate 2 and the lifting rod 3 without making too many changes to the original structure of the main body 11.

[0040] In this embodiment, the output shaft of the drive member 4 is fixedly connected to the first column 51. A first one-way transmission member 511 is provided at the top of the first column 51. The support disk 2 is connected to the first column 51 via the first one-way transmission member 511 in a one-way transmission direction. When the first column 51 rotates in the first direction, it drives the support disk 2 to rotate via the first one-way transmission member 511, changing the position of the sample tube 12 on the support disk 2 so that the sample tube 12 is located below the injection needle 13, thus achieving a one-way transmission connection between the drive member 4 and the support disk 2. In some other embodiments, the first one-way transmission member 511 can also be located between the first column 51 and the output shaft of the drive member 4. It should be noted that the first one-way transmission member 511 is configured as a ratchet one-way transmission mechanism.

[0041] In this embodiment, a first one-way limiting member 14 is provided on the main body 11. When the first column 51 rotates in the second direction, the first one-way limiting member 14 blocks the support plate 2 from rotating in the second direction, preventing the support plate 2 from deflecting in the second direction and affecting the sample aspiration of the injection needle 13. In this embodiment, the first one-way limiting member 14 includes a first mounting base 141 and a first limiting plate 142. The first mounting base 141 is fixedly mounted on the main body 11, and the first limiting plate 142 is hinged to the first mounting base 141 by a torsion spring. The torsion spring keeps the first limiting plate 142 in a tight state against the support plate 2. The circumference of the support plate 2 is provided with a blocking structure (such as teeth, rubber layer, etc.) corresponding to the first limiting plate 142. When the support plate 2 rotates in the first direction, the support plate 2 can pass smoothly through the first limiting plate 142. When the support plate 2 has a tendency to rotate in the second direction, the first limiting plate 142 abuts against the blocking structure on the support plate 2, preventing the support plate 2 from rotating in the second direction.

[0042] In this embodiment, the lifting rod 3 includes a rod body 31, a lower connector 32, and a top plate 33. The top plate 33 and the lower connector 32 are fixedly connected to the upper and lower ends of the rod body 31, respectively. A reciprocating screw 521 is provided on the second column 52, and the lower connector 32 is mounted on the reciprocating screw 521. It can be understood that both ends of the reciprocating screw 521 are provided with limiting heads for limiting the movement range of the lower connector 32. The main body 11 has a sliding groove 112, and one side of the rod body 31 is slidably locked in the sliding groove 112. The driving member 4 is unidirectionally connected to the second column 52. When the second column 52 rotates, the reciprocating screw 521 forces the lower connector 32 to move up and down, thereby lifting the sample tube 12 by the lifting rod 3. In some other embodiments, a cam can also be provided. The driving member 4 is unidirectionally connected to the cam. The driving member 4 drives the cam to rotate, and the cam forces the top plate 33 to move up and down, thereby lifting the sample tube 12 by the lifting rod 3.

[0043] In this embodiment, a second one-way transmission member 512 is provided at the bottom of the first column 51, and a transmission gear 522 is fixedly provided at the bottom of the second column 52. When the first column 51 rotates in the second direction, the first column 51 drives the second column 52 to rotate through the second one-way transmission member 512 and the transmission gear 522, thereby realizing a one-way transmission connection between the driving member 4 and the second column 52. In some other embodiments, the transmission gear 522 may also be provided at the bottom of the first column 51, and the second one-way transmission member 512 may be provided at the bottom of the second column 52. It should be noted that the second one-way transmission member 512 is also configured as a ratchet one-way transmission mechanism.

[0044] In this embodiment, a second one-way limiting member 53 is provided on the mounting plate 5. When the first column 51 rotates in the first direction, the second one-way limiting member 53 blocks the transmission gear 522 from rotating in the second direction, preventing the transmission gear 522 from driving the second column 52 to deflect in the second direction, thus preventing the lifting rod 3 from rising and affecting the rotation of the support plate 2. It should be noted that the second one-way limiting member 53 works on the same principle as the first one-way limiting member 14. The second one-way limiting member 53 includes a second limiting plate and a second mounting base. When the transmission gear 522 rotates in the first direction, the transmission gear 522 can pass smoothly through the second limiting plate. When the transmission gear 522 has a tendency to rotate in the second direction, the second limiting plate abuts against the teeth on the transmission gear 522, preventing the transmission gear 522 from rotating in the second direction.

[0045] In this embodiment, the support plate 2 has multiple through holes 21. The sample tube 12 is slidably disposed within the through holes 21. A support plate 22 is disposed below the through holes 21 on the support plate 2. The support plate 22 supports the sample tube 12 within the through holes 21. A connecting rod 23 is fixedly disposed on the support plate 22. The support plate 22 is slidably mounted on the mounting plate 5 via the connecting rod 23, thereby enabling the sample tube 12 to be slidably mounted on the support plate 2. The lifting rod 3 can lift the support plate 22 to raise the sample tube 12. In some other embodiments, a movable placement rack can also be disposed within the through holes 21, and the sample tube 12 can then be placed within the placement rack.

[0046] A pad 24 is provided between the support plate 22 and the sample tube 12 so that the maximum height of the sample tube 12 is raised to exceed the support plate 2, so as to ensure that the injection needle 13 can draw the sample from the bottom of the sample tube 12.

[0047] The working principle of the auxiliary sample introduction mechanism in this flow cytometer is as follows:

[0048] First, the sample tube 12 containing the sample is placed into the through hole 21 of the support plate 2, and the bottom of the sample tube 12 is in contact with the pad 24.

[0049] Subsequently, the drive motor is controlled to rotate clockwise. During this process, the output shaft of the drive motor drives the first column 51 to rotate clockwise. The first column 51 drives the support plate 2 to rotate clockwise through the first one-way transmission component 511, changing the position of the sample tube 12 on the support plate 2 so that the sample tube 12 is located below the injection needle 13.

[0050] Then, the drive motor is controlled to rotate counterclockwise. During this process, the output shaft of the drive motor drives the first column 51 to rotate counterclockwise. The first column 51 drives the transmission gear 522 to rotate clockwise through the second one-way transmission component 512. The transmission gear 522 drives the second column 52 to rotate clockwise. During the rotation of the second column 52, the reciprocating screw 521 forces the lower connector 32 to move upward. The lower connector 32 drives the top plate 33 to move upward through the rod 31. The upward movement of the top plate 33 pushes the support plate 22 and the pad 24 to move upward, thereby realizing the lifting rod 3 to lift the sample tube 12. After being lifted to the maximum position, the sample is drawn by the injection needle 13.

[0051] Then, after the sample is drawn, the drive motor continues to rotate counterclockwise, and the lower connector 32 is forced to move down through the reciprocating screw 521. The lower connector 32 drives the top plate 33 to move down through the rod 31, thereby realizing the reset of the lifting rod 3 and the sample tube 12.

[0052] Finally, the drive motor is controlled to rotate clockwise, and the output shaft of the drive motor drives the first column 51 to rotate clockwise. The first column 51 drives the support plate 2 to rotate clockwise through the first one-way transmission component 511, changing the position of the sample tube 12 on the support plate 2 so that the next sample tube 12 is located below the injection needle 13.

[0053] The above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this utility model and are not intended to limit it. Although this utility model has been described in detail with reference to preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications or equivalent substitutions can be made to the technical solutions of this utility model without departing from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of this utility model, and all such modifications and substitutions should be covered within the scope of the claims of this utility model. Technologies, shapes, and structural parts not described in detail in this utility model are all known technologies.

Claims

1. A flow cytometer, comprising a main body (11) and a sample tube (12), wherein the main body (11) is provided with a sample injection zone (111), a sample injection needle (13) is provided at the top of the sample injection zone (111), and an auxiliary sample injection mechanism is provided at the bottom of the sample injection zone (111), characterized in that: The auxiliary sample injection mechanism includes a support plate (2), a lifting rod (3), and a driving component (4). The support plate (2) is rotatably mounted in the sample injection area (111). The sample tube (12) is slidably mounted on the support plate (2). The lifting rod (3) is slidably mounted in the sample injection area (111). The lifting rod (3) is used to lift the sample tube (12). The support plate (2) and the lifting rod (3) are both unidirectionally connected to the driving component (4). When the output shaft of the driving component (4) rotates in the first direction, the driving component (4) drives the support plate (2) to rotate. When the output shaft of the driving component (4) rotates in the second direction, the driving component (4) drives the lifting rod (3) to slide up and down. The first direction is opposite to the second direction.

2. A flow cytometer according to claim 1, characterized in that: An installation plate (5) is provided in the sample injection area (111). The installation plate (5) is fixedly connected to the main body (11). A first column (51) and a second column (52) are rotatably installed on the installation plate (5). The support plate (2) is rotatably installed on the first column (51). The lifting rod (3) is slidably installed on the second column (52). The driving component (4) is fixedly installed on the bottom of the installation plate (5).

3. A flow cytometer according to claim 2, characterized in that: The output shaft of the drive unit (4) is fixedly connected to the first column (51). The top of the first column (51) is provided with a first one-way transmission member (511). The support disk (2) is connected to the first column (51) through the first one-way transmission member (511). When the first column (51) rotates in the first direction, the first column (51) drives the support disk (2) to rotate through the first one-way transmission member (511).

4. A flow cytometer according to claim 3, characterized in that: The main body (11) is provided with a first one-way limiting member (14). When the first column (51) rotates in the second direction, the first one-way limiting member (14) blocks the support plate (2) from rotating in the second direction.

5. A flow cytometer according to claim 3, characterized in that: The lifting rod (3) includes a rod body (31), a lower connector (32), and a top plate (33). The top plate (33) and the lower connector (32) are fixedly connected to the upper and lower ends of the rod body (31), respectively. A reciprocating screw (521) is provided on the second column (52). The lower connector (32) is mounted on the reciprocating screw (521). The main body (11) has a sliding groove (112). One side of the rod body (31) is slidably locked in the sliding groove (112). The driving component (4) is unidirectionally connected to the second column (52). When the second column (52) rotates, the lower connector (32) is forced to move up and down through the reciprocating screw (521).

6. A flow cytometer according to claim 5, characterized in that: The bottom of the first column (51) is provided with a second one-way transmission member (512), and the bottom of the second column (52) is fixedly provided with a transmission gear (522). When the first column (51) rotates in the second direction, the first column (51) drives the second column (52) to rotate through the second one-way transmission member (512) and the transmission gear (522).

7. A flow cytometer according to claim 6, characterized in that: The mounting plate (5) is provided with a second one-way limiting member (53). When the first column (51) rotates in the first direction, the second one-way limiting member (53) blocks the transmission gear (522) from rotating in the first direction.

8. A flow cytometer according to claim 1, characterized in that: The support plate (2) has multiple through holes (21), the sample tube (12) is slidably disposed in the through holes (21), the support plate (2) is provided with a support plate (22) below the through holes (21), the support plate (22) is used to support the sample tube (12) in the through holes (21), the support plate (22) is fixedly disposed with a connecting rod (23), and the support plate (22) is slidably mounted on the mounting plate (5) through the connecting rod (23).

9. A flow cytometer according to claim 8, characterized in that: A pad (24) is provided between the support plate (22) and the sample tube (12).

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