A cell sorter sample priming structure
By designing rotating and cleaning components, the problem of low throughput and cross-contamination in high-throughput scenarios of existing sample loading structures is solved, realizing automated, seamless connection and cleaning of samples, and ensuring the purity and consistency of samples.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- ZHENGDA GENE TECH (HENAN) CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-06-25
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-02
AI Technical Summary
Existing cell sorting instruments can only load one sample at a time, which significantly reduces throughput in high-throughput scenarios and easily leads to residues or cross-contamination.
A sample filling structure including a rotating component, a cleaning component, and a placement component was designed. The rotation of the sample hopper and the automatic switching of samples are achieved by the meshing of the rotating rod and gears. The inner wall is cleaned by a cleaning scraper ring. The combination of a solenoid valve and a spring ensures accurate collection and sorting of samples.
This enables seamless sample transfer and flexible adjustment, prevents cross-contamination, ensures sample purity and consistency, and improves the continuity and accuracy of experiments.
Smart Images
Figure CN224313503U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the technical field of biomedical engineering, and in particular to a sample dispensing structure for a cell sorting instrument. Background Technology
[0002] A sample loading structure for a cell sorter refers to a device or system specifically designed to automatically and accurately add cells or sample liquids into the equipment or to a designated location within a cell sorter. Its main function is to ensure that samples can enter the sorting process in a stable and precise manner, thereby achieving efficient and accurate cell separation. It adds pre-treated or unsorted cell suspensions or samples to the sorter's collection area, microfluidic chip, or analysis tank in a controlled manner.
[0003] Referring to patent CN210261789U, a sorting device for a flow cytometer is disclosed. This sorting device includes a base and a tube rack. A rotating shaft is rotatably mounted in the center of the base, and a turntable is coaxially fixed to the top of the shaft. Several sample tube holder slots are arranged circumferentially along the edge of the turntable. A sample liquid pressurization device is fixedly connected to one end of the base. A sorting device is located directly below the sample liquid pressurization device on the base. A tube rack transmission structure is located on the base below the sorting device. The tube rack is rectangular, with three tube placement slots per row, each containing a test tube. This device enables semi-automated sorting and detection, allowing for the coordinated sorting of multiple sample groups and effectively reducing labor intensity.
[0004] When adding samples, only one sample can be loaded at a time. In high-throughput scenarios, frequent shutdowns are required to change samples, which significantly reduces throughput. It also makes it impossible to process control and experimental samples, and the same hopper is used to reuse different samples. If cleaning is not thorough, residues or cross-contamination can easily occur. Utility Model Content
[0005] Given that the existing sample loading structure of a cell sorter can only load one sample, which significantly reduces throughput in high-throughput scenarios and is also prone to problems such as residue or cross-contamination, this utility model is proposed.
[0006] To solve the above technical problems, this utility model provides the following technical solution: a sample filling structure for a cell sorter, including a placement stage, a support frame fixedly installed at the rear end of the top of the placement stage, and an installation frame fixedly installed on the frame of the installation frame. A rotating disk is rotatably connected to the top of the installation frame, and sample hoppers are fixedly installed on the disk body in an array with the center point as the center point. A rotating component is provided on the stage body of the placement stage, and a placement component is provided at the middle position of the stage body. A cleaning component is provided inside the sample hopper, and a solenoid valve is fixedly installed at the bottom of the sample hopper.
[0007] In this example, the rotating assembly includes a rotating rod, which is rotatably connected to the top of the placement platform. The upper end of the rotating rod is fixedly connected to the bottom of the rotating disk, and a first gear is fixedly installed at the lower end of the rotating rod. A first motor is fixedly installed at the rear end of the top of the placement platform, and a second gear is fixedly installed at the output end of the first motor. The second gear meshes with the first gear.
[0008] In this example, the cleaning assembly includes a cover plate. The top of the sample hopper is fitted with the cover plate by a fixing bolt. A sliding rod is fixedly installed at the left end of the bottom of the cover plate, and the lower end of the sliding rod is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the sample hopper. A threaded rod is rotatably connected to the right end of the bottom of the cover plate, and the lower end of the threaded rod is rotatably connected to the inner wall of the sample hopper. A cleaning scraper ring is provided inside the sample hopper. A second motor is fixedly installed at the right end of the top of the cover plate, and the output end of the second motor is fixedly connected to the upper end of the threaded rod.
[0009] In this example, the left end of the cleaning scraper ring is slidably connected to the body of the sliding rod, and the right end of the cleaning scraper ring is connected to the threaded rod by a thread.
[0010] In this example, the diameter of the cleaning scraper ring is the same as the diameter of the sample container's inner cavity, the sidewall of the cleaning scraper ring is inclined, and the sidewall of the cleaning scraper ring is in contact with the inner sidewall of the sample container.
[0011] In this example, the placement assembly includes a sleeve rod, which is fixedly installed at the middle position of the top of the placement platform. A placement cylinder rod is inserted into the cavity of the sleeve rod, and a spring is fixedly installed at the bottom of the cavity of the sleeve rod.
[0012] In this example, sliding grooves are provided at both ends of the sleeve rod, and the sliding grooves on the sleeve rod are slidably connected to the placement rod. The bottom of the placement rod is fixedly connected to the top of the spring, and the placement rod and the solenoid valve are set in a corresponding state.
[0013] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has at least the following beneficial effects:
[0014] 1. This utility model allows the first motor on the output end of the second gear to mesh with the first gear on the rotating rod body. The rotation of the rotating rod is driven by the cooperation between the first gear and the first motor. The upper end of the rotating rod is fixedly connected to the bottom of the rotating disk body. At the same time, sample hoppers are fixedly installed on the rotating disk body in an array with the center point as the center point, so that the rotating disk drives the sample hoppers to rotate synchronously. This allows the corresponding sample hoppers to be adjusted according to actual needs. Different samples can be pre-loaded through multiple sets of sample hoppers, achieving seamless connection. It also allows for quick switching of the sequence through the program, flexible adjustment of the process, and ensures the continuity of the experiment.
[0015] 2. In this invention, the left end of the cleaning scraper ring is slidably connected to the sliding rod, and the right end of the cleaning scraper ring is connected to the rod body of the threaded rod through a thread, thereby driving the cleaning scraper ring to rise and fall. Then, the side wall of the cleaning scraper ring is set in a close fit with the inner cavity of the sample hopper, so the inner wall of the sample hopper can be cleaned by the rise and fall of the cleaning scraper ring. The rise and fall of the cleaning scraper ring helps to remove residues, prevent cross-contamination between different samples, and ensure that the samples sorted each time are pure and consistent.
[0016] 3. This utility model allows the placement cylinder rod to slide within the inner cavity of the sleeve rod by pressing it, which in turn compresses the spring. This allows the collection tube to be placed inside the hole of the placement cylinder rod. Then, by setting the placement cylinder rod and the solenoid valve to a corresponding state, the spring force can drive the placement cylinder rod to reset, causing the placement cylinder rod to move the collection tube to correspond with the solenoid valve. Through the cooperation between the sleeve rod and the placement cylinder rod, the collection tube can be ensured to be stable and reliable during placement, preventing movement or displacement, thereby ensuring accurate sample collection and sorting. Attached Figure Description
[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of this utility model;
[0018] Figure 2 For the present utility model Figure 1 Enlarged structural diagram at point A in the diagram;
[0019] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the overall side view structure of this utility model;
[0020] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of the mounting frame of this utility model.
[0021] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of the sample container of this utility model.
[0022] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional structural diagram of the sleeve rod of this utility model.
[0023] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:
[0024] 1. Placement platform; 2. Support frame; 3. Mounting frame; 4. Rotating disk; 5. Sample hopper; 6. Solenoid valve; 7. Rotating rod; 8. First gear; 9. First motor; 10. Second gear; 11. Cover plate; 12. Sliding rod; 13. Threaded rod; 14. Cleaning scraper ring; 15. Second motor; 16. Sleeve rod; 17. Placement cylinder rod; 18. Spring. Detailed Implementation
[0025] To make the above-mentioned objectives, features and advantages of this utility model more apparent and understandable, the specific embodiments of this utility model will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0026] Reference Figures 1-6 A sample loading structure for a cell sorting instrument is provided, including a placement stage 1. The structure is characterized by: a support frame 2 fixedly mounted at the rear end of the top of the placement stage 1; an mounting frame 3 fixedly mounted on the frame of the mounting frame 3; a rotating disk 4 rotatably connected to the top of the mounting frame 3; and sample containers 5 fixedly mounted on the disk of the rotating disk 4 in an array with the center point as the center point, allowing for the orderly processing of multiple samples. A rotating component is provided on the stage of the placement stage 1, and a placement component is located at the middle position of the stage. A cleaning component is provided inside the sample containers 5, and a solenoid valve 6 is fixedly mounted at the bottom of the sample containers 5, enabling automated control and reducing manual intervention.
[0027] In this example, the rotating assembly includes a rotating rod 7. The rotating rod 7 is rotatably connected to the top of the placement platform 1, and the upper end of the rotating rod 7 is fixedly connected to the bottom of the rotating disk 4, which enhances the stability and reliability of the structure. A first gear 8 is fixedly installed at the lower end of the rotating rod 7, and a first motor 9 is fixedly installed at the rear end of the top of the placement platform 1. A second gear 10 is fixedly installed at the output end of the first motor 9, and the second gear 10 meshes with the first gear 8 to achieve efficient and precise rotation control.
[0028] In this example, the cleaning assembly includes a cover plate 11. The top of the sample container 5 is fitted with a cover plate 11 via a fixing bolt, facilitating maintenance, cleaning, or replacement. A sliding rod 12 is fixedly installed at the left end of the bottom of the cover plate 11, and the lower end of the sliding rod 12 is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the sample container 5. A threaded rod 13 is rotatably connected to the right end of the bottom of the cover plate 11, and the lower end of the threaded rod 13 is rotatably connected to the inner wall of the sample container 5. A cleaning scraper ring 14 is provided inside the sample container 5. A second motor 15 is fixedly installed at the right end of the top of the cover plate 11, and the output end of the second motor 15 is fixedly connected to the upper end of the threaded rod 13, thereby achieving automated cleaning and improving overall stability.
[0029] In this example, the left end of the cleaning scraper ring 14 is slidably connected to the body of the sliding rod 12, and the right end of the cleaning scraper ring 14 is connected to the threaded rod 13 by threads, providing linear movement and ensuring that it will not loosen or shift during the cleaning process.
[0030] In this example, the diameter of the cleaning scraper ring 14 is the same as the diameter of the inner cavity of the sample container 5, and the side wall of the cleaning scraper ring 14 is set in an inclined state. Furthermore, the side wall of the cleaning scraper ring 14 is set in a close fit with the inner side wall of the sample container 5 to prevent excessive local scraping or insufficient cleaning.
[0031] In this example, the placement component includes a sleeve rod 16. The sleeve rod 16 is fixedly installed at the middle position of the top of the placement platform 1. A placement cylinder rod 17 is inserted into the cavity of the sleeve rod 16, and a spring 18 is fixedly installed at the bottom of the cavity of the sleeve rod 16, allowing for linear sliding, smooth and controlled movement.
[0032] In this example, sliding grooves are provided at both the left and right ends of the sleeve rod 16, and the sliding grooves on the sleeve rod 16 are slidably connected to the placement rod 17. The bottom of the placement rod 17 is fixedly connected to the top of the spring 18, and the placement rod 17 and the solenoid valve 6 are set in a corresponding state, automatically returning to the original position for easy continuous operation.
[0033] In summary, the working principle of this utility model is as follows: When in use, samples can be injected into the sample hopper 5 through the injection port on the cover plate 11. Since a sleeve rod 16 is fixedly installed in the middle of the top of the placement platform 1, and a placement rod 17 is inserted inside the sleeve rod 16, pressing down on the placement rod 17 causes the spring 18 to be compressed, and the placement rod 17 slides inside the sleeve rod 16, thereby placing the collection tube into the hole of the placement rod 17. Since the placement rod 17 and the solenoid valve 6 are set in a corresponding state, releasing the pressure on the placement rod 17 causes the spring 18 to drive the collection tube inside the placement rod 17 to reset, and the collection tube inside the placement rod 17 is placed directly below the solenoid valve 6. Then, the solenoid valve 6 can be closed by the controller, thereby transporting the sample inside the sample hopper 5 to the collection tube through the closure of the solenoid valve 6. Thus, the cooperation between the placement rod 17 and the sleeve rod 16 can prevent displacement during the collection process, thereby ensuring accurate collection and sorting of the sample.
[0034] When collecting different samples, the first motor 9 can be controlled by the controller. Since the second gear 10 on the output end of the first motor 9 meshes with the first gear 8 on the rod body of the rotating rod 7, and the upper end of the rotating rod 7 is fixedly connected to the bottom of the rotating disk 4, and the rotating disk 4 rotates on the top of the mounting frame 3, the operation of the second gear 10 can drive the rotating rod 7 to rotate the rotating disk 4 on the top of the mounting frame 3, so that the rotating disk 4 synchronously drives the sample hopper 5 to rotate. Thus, the rotation makes the solenoid valve 6 correspond to the placement cylinder rod 17, which facilitates the collection of different samples. Different samples can be pre-loaded through multiple sets of sample hoppers 5, and seamless connection can be achieved through the rotation of the sample hoppers 5, which can be flexibly adjusted according to needs.
[0035] After the sample inside the sample container 5 is collected, the controller can control the second motor 15 to run in both directions. Since the output end of the second motor 15 is fixedly connected to the upper end of the threaded rod 13, the operation of the second motor 15 can drive the cleaning scraper ring 14 to rise and fall inside the sample container 5 through the threaded rod 13, and make the cleaning scraper ring 14 slide on the rod of the sliding rod 12. Thus, the inner wall of the sample container 5 can be cleaned by the rise and fall of the cleaning scraper ring 14, which helps to remove residues and prevent cross-contamination between different samples.
[0036] It should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solution 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 solution of this utility model without departing from the spirit and scope of the technical solution of this utility model, and all such modifications or substitutions should be covered within the scope of the claims of this utility model.
Claims
1. A sample dispensing structure for a cell sorting instrument, comprising a placement stage (1), characterized in that: A support frame (2) is fixedly installed at the rear end of the top of the placement platform (1), and an installation frame (3) is fixedly installed on the frame of the installation frame (3). A rotating disk (4) is rotatably connected to the top of the installation frame (3), and a sample hopper (5) is fixedly installed on the disk of the rotating disk (4) in an array with the center point as the center point. A rotating component is provided on the platform of the placement platform (1), and a placement component is provided at the middle position of the platform of the placement platform (1). A cleaning component is provided inside the sample hopper (5), and a solenoid valve (6) is fixedly installed at the bottom of the sample hopper (5).
2. The sample dispensing structure for a cell sorter according to claim 1, characterized in that: The rotating assembly includes a rotating rod (7), the top of the placement platform (1) is rotatably connected to the rotating rod (7), the upper end of the rotating rod (7) is fixedly connected to the bottom of the rotating disk (4), and the lower end of the rotating rod (7) is fixedly installed with a first gear (8). The rear end of the top of the placement platform (1) is fixedly installed with a first motor (9), and the output end of the first motor (9) is fixedly installed with a second gear (10), and the second gear (10) meshes with the first gear (8).
3. The sample dispensing structure for a cell sorter according to claim 2, characterized in that: The cleaning assembly includes a cover plate (11). The top of the sample hopper (5) is fitted with a cover plate (11) by a fixing bolt. A sliding rod (12) is fixedly installed at the left end of the bottom of the cover plate (11), and the lower end of the sliding rod (12) is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the sample hopper (5). A threaded rod (13) is rotatably connected at the right end of the bottom of the cover plate (11), and the lower end of the threaded rod (13) is rotatably connected to the inner wall of the sample hopper (5). A cleaning scraper ring (14) is provided inside the sample hopper (5). A second motor (15) is fixedly installed at the right end of the top of the cover plate (11), and the output end of the second motor (15) is fixedly connected to the upper end of the threaded rod (13).
4. The sample dispensing structure for a cell sorter according to claim 3, characterized in that: The left end of the cleaning scraper ring (14) is slidably connected to the body of the sliding rod (12), and the right end of the cleaning scraper ring (14) is connected to the threaded rod (13) by a thread.
5. The sample dispensing structure for a cell sorter according to claim 3, characterized in that: The diameter of the cleaning scraper ring (14) is the same as the diameter of the inner cavity of the sample container (5), and the side wall of the cleaning scraper ring (14) is set in an inclined state, and the side wall of the cleaning scraper ring (14) is set in a close fit with the inner side wall of the sample container (5).
6. The sample dispensing structure for a cell sorter according to claim 1, characterized in that: The placement assembly includes a sleeve rod (16), which is fixedly installed at the middle position of the top of the placement platform (1). A placement rod (17) is inserted into the cavity of the sleeve rod (16), and a spring (18) is fixedly installed at the bottom of the cavity of the sleeve rod (16).
7. The sample dispensing structure for a cell sorter according to claim 6, characterized in that: The sleeve rod (16) has sliding grooves at both ends, and the sliding grooves on the sleeve rod (16) are slidably connected to the placement rod (17). The bottom of the placement rod (17) is fixedly connected to the top of the spring (18), and the placement rod (17) and the solenoid valve (6) are set in a corresponding state.