centrifuge tubes

Abstract

This disclosure provides a centrifuge tube. The centrifuge tube includes a tube body, a first bottom tube, and an opening and closing mechanism. The tube body includes a liquid storage chamber and a liquid outlet communicating with the liquid storage chamber. The first bottom tube is detachably connected to the tube body and forms a sedimentation chamber communicating with the liquid outlet. The opening and closing mechanism is located on the tube body and is configured to be in a blocking position blocking the liquid outlet and the sedimentation chamber when not subjected to centrifugal force, and to allow the blocking position to be opened under centrifugal force to connect the liquid storage chamber and the sedimentation chamber. The advantage of the above configuration is that, through the detachable connection of the tube body and the first bottom tube, and the opening and closing mechanism that can only be opened during centrifugation, the separation of the supernatant and the first precipitate after the first centrifugation, and the separation of the supernatant and the second precipitate after the second centrifugation, only requires replacing the first bottom tube, which is simple, time-saving, and labor-saving, and improves the detection efficiency.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of test tube technology, and more particularly to a centrifuge test tube. Background Technology

[0002] The primary purpose of urine bacterial collection is for the direct detection of urinary tract infection pathogens using matrix-assisted laser desorption / ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (Matrix-Assisted Laser Ionization Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry). Most methods for urine bacterial collection utilize the fact that cells are denser than bacteria, employing a double centrifugation process in a centrifuge tube. The specific steps involve aspirating a portion of midstream urine into a centrifuge tube, centrifuging at low speed, then using a dropper to transfer the supernatant to another centrifuge tube, discarding the precipitate from the original tube. After high-speed centrifugation, the supernatant is then aspirated and discarded, retaining the bottom precipitate. However, this method is relatively cumbersome, resulting in low detection efficiency. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In view of the shortcomings of the prior art described above, the purpose of this disclosure is to provide a centrifuge tube to solve the problems in the related art.

[0004] The first aspect of this disclosure provides a centrifuge tube, comprising:

[0005] The tube body includes a liquid storage chamber and a liquid outlet section communicating with the liquid storage chamber;

[0006] The first bottom tube is detachably connected to the tube body and forms a sedimentation chamber that communicates with the liquid outlet.

[0007] An opening and closing mechanism, located in the tube body, is configured to be in a blocking position that blocks the liquid outlet and the sedimentation chamber when not subjected to centrifugal force, and to allow the liquid storage chamber and the sedimentation chamber to be connected when the blocking position is removed under the action of centrifugal force.

[0008] In an embodiment of the first aspect, the opening and closing mechanism includes at least one closing member, which is movably disposed radially along the tube body and is continuously subjected to a restoring force that returns it to the blocking position.

[0009] In an embodiment of the first aspect, at least one of the closure members is provided with a first elastic member that forms the restoring force between it and the tube body.

[0010] In an embodiment of the first aspect, the opening and closing mechanism includes two closing members that are movably disposed relative to each other or far apart along the radial direction of the tube body and are continuously subjected to a restoring force that returns them to the blocking position.

[0011] In an embodiment of the first aspect, the two closures are implemented to be magnetic and magnetically engaged to form the restoring force.

[0012] In the first aspect of the embodiment, each of the closures is provided with a limiting member between itself and the tube body to limit the closure from continuing to move toward the other closure when it is in the blocking position, so that the two closures can separate under the action of centrifugal force.

[0013] In an embodiment of the first aspect, a second bottom tube is further included; the first bottom tube is used to be removed from the tube body after the first centrifugation to remove the precipitate from the first centrifugation, and the second bottom tube is used to be removed after the second centrifugation for analysis of the precipitate from the second centrifugation.

[0014] In an embodiment of the first aspect, the first bottom tube includes an inlet portion communicating with the sedimentation chamber; the outlet portion is inserted into the inlet portion.

[0015] In an embodiment of the first aspect, a cover is further included; the tube body also includes an opening communicating with the liquid storage chamber, and the cover is detachably disposed on the tube body to cover the opening.

[0016] In an embodiment of the first aspect, the tube body and the first bottom tube are made of plastic.

[0017] As described above, this disclosure provides a centrifuge tube. The centrifuge tube includes a tube body, a first bottom tube, and an opening and closing mechanism. The tube body includes a liquid storage chamber and a liquid outlet communicating with the liquid storage chamber. The first bottom tube is detachably connected to the tube body and forms a sedimentation chamber communicating with the liquid outlet. The opening and closing mechanism is located on the tube body and is configured to be in a blocking position blocking the liquid outlet and the sedimentation chamber when not subjected to centrifugal force, and to allow the blocking position to be opened under centrifugal force to connect the liquid storage chamber and the sedimentation chamber. The advantage of the above configuration is that, through the detachable connection of the tube body and the first bottom tube, and the opening and closing mechanism that can only be opened during centrifugation, the separation of the supernatant and the first precipitate after the first centrifugation, and the separation of the supernatant and the second precipitate after the second centrifugation, only requires replacing the first bottom tube, which is simple, time-saving, and labor-saving, and improves detection efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 The diagram shown is a cross-sectional view of a centrifuge tube in an embodiment of this disclosure.

[0019] Figure 2 The diagram shown is a cross-sectional view of a centrifuge tube from another perspective in an embodiment of this disclosure.

[0020] Figure 3 The diagram shown is a cross-sectional view of a centrifuge tube according to another embodiment of this disclosure.

[0021] Figure 4 The following is a description of this disclosure. Figure 3An enlarged diagram of A in the diagram.

[0022] Figure 5 The diagram shown is a cross-sectional view of a centrifuge tube from another perspective in another embodiment of this disclosure.

[0023] Reference numerals: tube body 10; liquid storage chamber 101; guide part 1011; liquid outlet part 11; first bottom tube 20; sedimentation chamber 201; opening and closing mechanism 30; closing element 31; first elastic element 32; second elastic element 33; limiting element 34; cover body 40. Detailed Implementation

[0024] The following specific examples illustrate the implementation of this disclosure. Those skilled in the art can easily understand other advantages and effects of this disclosure from the information disclosed herein. This disclosure can also be implemented or applied through other different specific embodiments, and various details in this disclosure can be modified or changed according to different viewpoints and application modules without departing from the spirit of this disclosure. It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features in the embodiments of this disclosure can be combined with each other.

[0025] The embodiments of this disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, so that those skilled in the art to which this disclosure pertains can readily implement it. This disclosure may be embodied in many different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein.

[0026] In this disclosure, references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic represented in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of this disclosure. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics represented may be combined in any suitable manner in any one or a group of embodiments or examples. Moreover, without contradiction, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments or examples represented in this disclosure, as well as the features of those different embodiments or examples.

[0027] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the representation of this disclosure, "a set" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0028] For the purpose of clarity, devices unrelated to the description are omitted, and the same or similar components throughout the specification are given the same reference numerals.

[0029] Throughout this specification, when it is said that a device is "connected" to another device, this includes not only "direct connection" but also "indirect connection" by placing other components in between. Furthermore, when it is said that a device "comprises" a certain constituent element, unless otherwise stated otherwise, this does not exclude other constituent elements, but rather implies that other constituent elements may be included.

[0030] While the terms first, second, etc., are used in some examples herein to refer to various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used only to distinguish one element from another. For example, first interface and second interface, etc., are used. Furthermore, as used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to also include the plural forms unless the context indicates otherwise. It should be further understood that the terms “comprising,” “including,” indicate the presence of the stated feature, step, operation, element, module, item, kind, and / or group, but do not exclude the presence, occurrence, or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, modules, items, kinds, and / or groups. The terms “or” and “and / or” as used herein are interpreted as inclusive, or mean any one or any combination thereof. Thus, “A, B, or C” or “A, B, and / or C” means “any one of: A; B; C; A and B; A and C; B and C; A, B, and C.” Exceptions to this definition will only occur if the combination of elements, functions, steps, or operations is inherently mutually exclusive in some way.

[0031] The technical terms used herein are for reference only to specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. The singular form used herein includes the plural form unless the statement explicitly indicates otherwise. The word "comprising" as used in this specification means to specify a particular characteristic, region, integer, step, operation, element, and / or component, and does not exclude the presence or addition of other characteristics, regions, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components.

[0032] Although not explicitly defined, all terms, including technical and scientific terms used herein, shall have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains. Terms defined in commonly used dictionaries shall be further interpreted as having a meaning consistent with the relevant technical literature and the message of the present disclosure, and shall not be over-interpreted as having an ideal or overly formulaic meaning unless otherwise defined.

[0033] The primary purpose of urine bacterial collection is for the direct detection of urinary tract infection pathogens using matrix-assisted laser desorption / ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (Matrix-Assisted Laser Ionization Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry). Most methods for urine bacterial collection utilize the fact that cells are denser than bacteria, employing a double centrifugation process in a centrifuge tube. The specific procedure involves aspirating 5 mL of midstream urine sample into a centrifuge tube, centrifuging at low speed, and then transferring 1 mL of the supernatant to another centrifuge tube using a dropper, discarding the precipitate from the original tube. After high-speed centrifugation, the supernatant is aspirated and discarded, retaining the bottom precipitate. However, this method is relatively cumbersome, resulting in low detection efficiency.

[0034] Based on the above problems, the embodiments of this disclosure, through the detachable connection between the tube body and the first bottom tube, and the opening and closing mechanism that can only be opened during centrifugation, make the separation of the supernatant and the first precipitate after the first centrifugation, and the separation of the supernatant and the second precipitate after the second centrifugation, only require replacing the first bottom tube. The operation is simple, time-saving, and labor-saving, and the detection efficiency is improved.

[0035] Figure 1 The diagram shown is a cross-sectional view of a centrifuge tube in an embodiment of this disclosure. Figure 2 The diagram shown is a cross-sectional view of a centrifuge tube from another perspective, according to an embodiment of this disclosure. Figure 1 and Figure 2 In the example, the centrifuge tube includes a tube body 10, a first bottom tube 20, and an opening / closing mechanism 30. The tube body 10 includes a liquid storage chamber 101 and a liquid outlet 11 communicating with the liquid storage chamber 101. The first bottom tube 20 is detachably connected to the tube body 10 and forms a sedimentation chamber 201 communicating with the liquid outlet 11. The opening / closing mechanism 30 is disposed on the tube body 10 and is configured to be in a blocking position that blocks the liquid outlet 11 and the sedimentation chamber 201 when not subjected to centrifugal force, and to allow leaving the blocking position under centrifugal force to connect the liquid storage chamber 101 and the sedimentation chamber 201.

[0036] It should be noted that the first bottom tube 20 is implemented in multiple forms, including, for example, a second bottom tube, and the first bottom tube 20 and the second bottom tube have the same structure. In actual use, the first bottom tube 20 is used to be disassembled from the tube body 10 after the first centrifugation to remove the sediment from the first centrifugation, and the second bottom tube is used to be disassembled after the second centrifugation for analysis of the sediment from the second centrifugation.

[0037] Therefore, the advantage of the above configuration is that, through the detachable connection between the tube body 10 and the first bottom tube 20, and the opening and closing mechanism 30 which can only be opened in the centrifugation state, the separation of the supernatant and the first precipitate after the first centrifugation, and the separation of the supernatant and the second precipitate after the second centrifugation, only requires replacing the first bottom tube 20, which is simple, time-saving and labor-saving.

[0038] exist Figure 1 and Figure 2 In the example, the opening and closing mechanism 30 includes a closing member 301. The closing member 301 is slidably coupled to the tube body 10 along the radial direction and is continuously subjected to a restoring force that returns it to the blocking position.

[0039] For example, the liquid outlet 11 is implemented as a liquid outlet channel formed in the tube body 10. The closure 301 is implemented such that its area is larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the liquid outlet channel, so as to cover the liquid outlet 11 at the blocking position.

[0040] As a further example, a first elastic element 32, such as a spring, is provided between the closure member 301 and the tube body 10 to generate the restoring force. Those skilled in the art will understand that, without centrifugation, the closure member 301 moves to the blocking position due to the continuous elastic force of the first elastic element 32; during centrifugation, the closure member 301 moves radially outward along the tube body 10 due to centrifugal force, and gradually compresses the first elastic element 32 until it leaves the blocking position to connect the liquid storage chamber 101 and the sedimentation chamber 201.

[0041] Exemplarily, the cross-section of the liquid outlet 11 is circular, and the closure member 301 is also circular. Preferably, when not centrifuged, the center of the closure member 301 is located radially between the center of the first elastic member 32 and the center of the liquid outlet 11 in the tube body 10. The advantage of this arrangement is that, during centrifugation, the closure member 301 can move radially away from the liquid outlet 11 in the tube body 10 to at least partially open the liquid outlet 11, thereby connecting the liquid storage chamber 101 and the sedimentation chamber 201.

[0042] In other embodiments, the outlet channel and the closure 301 are implemented as square. Exemplarily, during centrifugation, the closure 301 is implemented such that a portion of the outlet section 11 is still covered. In other embodiments, the closure 301 is implemented such that it does not cover the outlet section 11. The specific configuration is adjusted according to the diameter of the tube body 10, but is not limited thereto.

[0043] exist Figure 1 In the example, the wall surface of the liquid outlet 11 within the liquid storage chamber 101 is provided with a guide portion 1011. The inner diameter of the guide portion 1011 is configured to gradually decrease along the depth direction of the liquid storage chamber 101. The advantage of this configuration is that the guide portion 1011 can prevent the sediment generated after centrifugation from accumulating at the bottom of the liquid storage chamber 101, thereby preventing the sediment to be detected after secondary centrifugation from not completely entering the first bottom tube 20.

[0044] Preferably, the inner diameter of the liquid outlet 11 is the same as the inner diameter of the bottom end of the guide portion 1011 and they are interconnected. It is understood that this arrangement further prevents sediment generated after centrifugation from accumulating at the bottom of the liquid storage chamber 101.

[0045] Figure 3 The diagram shown is a cross-sectional view of a centrifuge tube in an embodiment of this disclosure. Figure 4 The following is a description of this disclosure. Figure 3 An enlarged diagram of A in the diagram. Figure 3 and Figure 4 In the example, the opening and closing mechanism 30 includes two closing members 301, which are movably arranged relatively close to or far away from each other along the radial direction of the tube body 10, and are continuously subjected to a restoring force to return to the blocking position.

[0046] Exemplarily, both closure members 301 are slidably coupled to the tube body 10 along the radial direction. A second elastic element 33, such as a spring, is provided between the closure member 301 and the tube body 10 to form the restoring force, and the two springs are configured to tighten when the two closure members 301 are in the blocking position. Those skilled in the art will understand that, without centrifugation, the two closure members 301 move to the blocking position and form a joint to block the liquid outlet 11 due to the continuous elastic force of the second elastic element 33; when centrifugation is performed, the two closure members 301 separate due to centrifugal force and move outward along the radial direction of the tube body 10, and gradually compress the second elastic element 33 on the corresponding side until they leave the blocking position to connect the liquid storage chamber 101 and the sedimentation chamber 201.

[0047] Preferably, when not centrifuged, the two closure members 301 are joined at the center of the tube body 10. The advantage of this arrangement is that it prevents the two closure members 301 from moving in the same direction under centrifugal force.

[0048] For example, during centrifugation, the two closures 301 are configured such that a portion of the liquid outlet 11 is still covered. In other embodiments, the two closures 301 are configured not to cover the liquid outlet 11. The specific configuration is adjusted according to the diameter of the tube 10, and is not limited thereto.

[0049] exist Figure 1 and Figure 3 The closure 301 in the example is implemented as being made of rubber or plastic. Exemplarily, the tube body 10 and the first bottom tube 20 are also implemented as being made of plastic.

[0050] Figure 5 The diagram shown is a cross-sectional view of a centrifuge tube from another perspective, according to an embodiment of this disclosure. Figure 5 In the example, the two closures 301 are implemented as being magnetic and magnetically attracted together. Those skilled in the art will understand that the restoring force is formed by the magnetic attraction between the two closures 301, which are magnetically opposite. That is, without centrifugation, the two closures 301 are pressed against the blocking position due to magnetic attraction to seal the liquid outlet 11. When centrifugation is performed, the two closures 301 are moved radially outward along the tube 10 to separate due to centrifugal force, thereby opening the liquid storage chamber 101 and the sedimentation chamber 201.

[0051] Further exemplarily, a limiting member 34 is provided between each of the closure members 301 and the tube body 10 to restrict the closure member 301 from continuing to move closer to the other closure member 301 when in the blocked position, so that the two closure members 301 can separate under the action of centrifugal force. For example, the limiting member 34 is implemented as a pull rope, and the two pull ropes are configured to be taut when the two closure members 301 are magnetically attracted at the blocked position. Those skilled in the art will understand that, during centrifugation, the limiting member 34 can prevent the closure member 301 connected to it from continuing to move radially closer to the other closure member 301 due to centrifugal force, thereby effectively separating the two closure members 301.

[0052] Preferably, when not centrifuged, the magnetically attached positions of the two closure members 301 correspond precisely to the center of the tube body 10. The advantage of this arrangement is that during centrifugation, each closure member 301 can move radially outward along the tube body 10, thereby preventing the two closure members 301 from moving in the same direction under centrifugal force.

[0053] In another embodiment, three closure members 301 are implemented. The three closure members 301 are slidably coupled to the tube body 10 radially and are continuously subjected to a restoring force returning to the blocking position. Exemplarily, the three closure members 301 are joined together at the blocking position due to the restoring force to seal the liquid outlet 11.

[0054] Back to Figure 1 and Figure 4 In the example, the first bottom tube 20 is threaded to the tube body 10. For example, the tube body 10 and the first bottom tube 20 have an external thread and an internal thread, respectively.

[0055] Exemplarily, the first bottom tube 20 includes a liquid inlet portion communicating with the sedimentation chamber 201. Preferably, when the first bottom tube 20 is threadedly connected to the tube body 10, the liquid outlet portion 11 is inserted into the liquid inlet portion. For example, the liquid outlet portion 11 protrudes from the tube body 10, and the outer wall of the area of ​​the liquid outlet portion 11 protruding from the tube body 10 forms an external thread, while the inner wall of the liquid inlet portion of the first bottom tube 20 forms an internal thread. Therefore, when the first bottom tube 20 is threadedly connected to the tube body 10, the liquid outlet portion 11 is inserted into the liquid inlet portion. The advantage of the above arrangement is that it can prevent liquid or impurities flowing out of the liquid outlet portion 11 from leaking into the sedimentation chamber 201.

[0056] In other embodiments, the tube body 10 is threaded to the tube body of the first bottom tube 20. In this case, the liquid outlet 11 and the liquid inlet of the first bottom tube 20 do not need to be threaded, and the liquid outlet 11 is directly inserted into the liquid inlet.

[0057] In other embodiments, the connection between the pipe body 10 and the first bottom pipe 20 can be achieved by connecting the pipe body 10 to the pipe body of the first bottom pipe 20 by means of threading the pipe body 10 to the pipe body of the first bottom pipe 20 and threading the liquid outlet 11 to the liquid inlet of the first bottom pipe 20, so as to further improve the tightness between the pipe body 10 and the first bottom pipe 20 and prevent loosening and leakage.

[0058] exist Figure 1 and Figure 3 In the example, the centrifuge tube further includes a cap 40. Exemplarily, the tube body 10 also includes a port communicating with the liquid storage chamber 101, and the cap 40 is detachably disposed on the tube body 10 to cover the port. The detachment connection is implemented as a screw connection or a plug connection.

[0059] For example, the wall surface where the closure member 301 connects with the tube body 10 is provided with a sealing element (not shown in the figure), such as a sealing ring or a sealing gasket.

[0060] In summary, this disclosure provides a centrifuge tube. The centrifuge tube includes a tube body, a first bottom tube, and an opening / closing mechanism. The tube body includes a liquid storage chamber and a liquid outlet communicating with the liquid storage chamber. The first bottom tube is detachably connected to the tube body and forms a sedimentation chamber communicating with the liquid outlet. The opening / closing mechanism is located on the tube body and is configured to be in a blocking position blocking the liquid outlet and the sedimentation chamber when not subjected to centrifugal force, and to allow the mechanism to leave the blocking position under centrifugal force to connect the liquid storage chamber and the sedimentation chamber. The advantage of this configuration is that, through the detachable connection of the tube body and the first bottom tube, and the opening / closing mechanism that can only be opened during centrifugation, the separation of the supernatant and the first precipitate after the first centrifugation, and the separation of the supernatant and the second precipitate after the second centrifugation, only requires replacing the first bottom tube. This simplifies the operation, saves time and effort, and improves detection efficiency.

[0061] The above embodiments are merely illustrative of the principles and effects of this disclosure and are not intended to limit this disclosure. Any person skilled in the art can modify or alter the above embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure. Therefore, all equivalent modifications or alterations made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and technical concept disclosed in this disclosure should still be covered by the protection scope of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A centrifuge tube, characterized in that, include: The tube body includes a liquid storage chamber and a liquid outlet section communicating with the liquid storage chamber; The first bottom tube is detachably connected to the tube body and forms a sedimentation chamber that communicates with the liquid outlet. An opening and closing mechanism, located in the tube body, is configured to be in a blocking position that blocks the liquid outlet and the sedimentation chamber when not subjected to centrifugal force, and to allow the liquid storage chamber and the sedimentation chamber to be connected when the blocking position is removed under the action of centrifugal force.

2. The centrifuge tube according to claim 1, characterized in that, The opening and closing mechanism includes at least one closing element, which is movably disposed radially along the tube body and is continuously subjected to a restoring force that returns it to the blocking position.

3. The centrifuge tube according to claim 2, characterized in that, At least one of the closure members is provided with a first elastic element that forms the restoring force between itself and the tube body.

4. The centrifuge tube according to claim 1, characterized in that, The opening and closing mechanism includes two closing members that are movable relative to or away from each other along the radial direction of the tube body and are continuously subjected to a restoring force that returns them to the blocking position.

5. The centrifuge tube according to claim 4, characterized in that, The two closures are implemented to be magnetic and magnetically engaged to form the restoring force.

6. The centrifuge tube according to claim 4, characterized in that, Each of the closures is provided with a limiting member between itself and the tube body to prevent the closure from continuing to move closer to the other closure when it is in the blocking position, so that the two closures can separate under the action of centrifugal force.

7. The centrifuge tube according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a second bottom tube; the first bottom tube is used to be removed from the tube body after the first centrifugation to remove the precipitate from the first centrifugation, and the second bottom tube is used to be removed after the second centrifugation for analysis of the precipitate from the second centrifugation.

8. The centrifuge tube according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first bottom tube includes an inlet section that communicates with the sedimentation chamber; the outlet section is inserted into the inlet section.

9. The centrifuge tube according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a cover; the tube also includes a port communicating with the liquid storage chamber, and the cover is detachably disposed on the tube so as to cover the port.

10. The centrifuge tube according to claim 1, characterized in that, The tube body and the first bottom tube are made of plastic.

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