A cell fluorescence counter

Abstract

The utility model relates to cell counting equipment, concretely is a kind of cell fluorescence counter including box and import and export, lens assembly, objective table subassembly and light source subassembly are installed in the box, objective table subassembly and light source subassembly are movable in the box to align or leave lens assembly;The objective table subassembly includes objective table, adapter seat, sliding plate, floating block and fixed focus block, the fixed focus block is fixedly arranged on the box, the objective table is horizontally installed on sliding plate, the floating block is fixed on sliding plate, the sliding plate is vertically slidably installed on adapter seat, the floating block and adapter seat are equipped with elastic damping member to be floated and compressed on adapter seat by sliding plate, the adapter seat is movable in the box to make objective table move to fixed focus block to count or leave, the light source subassembly can be moved to fixed focus block to count or leave.Objective table is flexibly connected using elastic damping member, greatly reduces the tremor, improves the precision of focusing, to count quickly and accurately.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to cell counting equipment, specifically a cell fluorescence counter. Background Technology

[0002] Cell fluorescence counting is widely used in cell biology, biomedicine, drug development, and other fields, providing researchers with a powerful experimental tool. Cell fluorescence counters are primarily based on the principles of flow cytometry. In flow cytometry, cells are excited to produce fluorescence signals, which are collected by photomultiplier tubes and converted into electrical signals. By processing and analyzing these signals using high-speed photomultiplier tubes and a computer system, various cellular parameters can be precisely measured. Cell fluorescence counters can simultaneously detect multiple cellular parameters, including cell size, cell shape, and cell surface markers, thus enabling comprehensive analysis of cell properties.

[0003] Currently, cell fluorescence counters typically use a counting plate inserted into the stage. During counting, slight vibrations from other components are transmitted to the stage, causing the counting plate to vibrate. Although almost invisible to the naked eye, these vibrations are magnified by the objective lens, thus affecting the counting. Furthermore, the instrument has only one objective lens, limiting the observation range, and refocusing is required after changing the objective, making it inconvenient to use. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To address the aforementioned problems, this invention provides a cell fluorescence counter that maintains the stability and tightness of the stage while offering a wide observation range. The technical solution adopted by this invention is as follows: A cell fluorescence counter includes a housing and an inlet / outlet. A lens assembly, a stage assembly, and a light source assembly are installed inside the housing. The stage assembly and the light source assembly are movable within the housing to align with or move away from the lens assembly. The stage assembly includes a stage, an adapter, a sliding plate, a floating block, and a fixed-focus block. The fixed-focus block is fixedly mounted on the housing and vertically positioned above the light source assembly and below the stage. The stage is horizontally mounted on the sliding plate, and the floating block is fixedly mounted on the sliding plate. The sliding plate is vertically slidable on the adapter. An elastic damping element is provided between the floating block and the adapter to keep the sliding plate floating and pressed firmly against the adapter. The adapter is movable within the housing to allow the stage to move to or away from the fixed-focus block for counting. The light source assembly is also movable to or away from the fixed-focus block for counting. The elastic damping element absorbs slight vibrations of the instrument (similar to the shock absorption principle of vehicle wheels), greatly reducing the vibration of the counting plate and ensuring fast and clear imaging and counting.

[0005] In the aforementioned cell fluorescence counter, the elastic damping component is a commercially available shock-absorbing spring (or damping spring), with the upper end of the shock-absorbing spring connected to a floating block and the lower end connected to an adapter.

[0006] The aforementioned cell fluorescence counter has a lens assembly that can be vertically slidably mounted inside the housing. The lens assembly includes a rotary motor, a 4x objective lens, and a 10x objective lens. The rotary motor allows switching between the required 4x or 10x objective lens, enabling the instrument to perform imaging with two objective lenses, thus increasing the instrument's versatility.

[0007] In the aforementioned cell fluorescence counter, the focusing block is triangular. When the stage slides into the focusing block, the stage is lifted by the focusing block to a height of Z. The counter requires system initialization each time it is powered on. During initialization, the lens assembly needs to be refocused. The focusing block lifting the stage eliminates any gaps between the adapter, slide rail, and slide plate, ensuring accurate and rapid focus adjustment, resulting in fast and clear imaging during subsequent counting.

[0008] In the aforementioned cell fluorescence counter, the value of Z is 5mm ≥ Z>0.

[0009] In the aforementioned cell fluorescence counter, the light source assembly is driven by the horizontal slide assembly B. The light source assembly can be equipped with various or multiple light sources, and the user can select the corresponding light source according to their needs. The instrument's control system moves the horizontal slide assembly B to align the desired light source with the objective lens or the fixed-focus block. The stage assembly is driven by the horizontal slide assembly A, and the horizontal slide assembly A and the horizontal slide assembly B are respectively installed inside the housing.

[0010] The beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows: the stage uses flexible connection with elastic shock absorbers, which greatly reduces vibration and can eliminate gaps, improve focusing accuracy, and thus count quickly and accurately. Attached Figure Description

[0011] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the external structure of an embodiment of the present utility model; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of an embodiment of the present utility model; Figure 3 and Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of each component on the base plate in an embodiment of the present utility model; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the stage assembly according to an embodiment of the present utility model; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the lens assembly according to an embodiment of the present utility model.

[0012] In the diagram: 1 is the housing, 2 is the light source assembly, 3 is the stage, 4 is the adapter, 5 is the horizontal slide assembly A, 6 is the lens assembly, 7 is the 4x objective lens, 8 is the 10x objective lens, 9 is the vertical slide assembly, 10 is the counting plate, 11 is the inlet and outlet, 12 is the focus block, 13 is the shock absorption spring, 14 is the slide rail, 15 is the slide plate, 16 is the floating block, 17 is the horizontal slide assembly B, 18 is the rotary motor, 19 is the photoelectric switch A, and 20 is the photoelectric switch B. Detailed Implementation

[0013] The technical content of this utility model will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The following embodiments are exemplary. Unless otherwise specified, the components involved, such as the slide table, slide rail, and light source, are all conventional commercially available products. The installation of each component is also a conventional installation structure or method, and can be implemented with reference to the structure shown in the accompanying drawings.

[0014] This embodiment is a cell fluorescence counter, including a housing 1 and a lens assembly 6, a stage assembly, and a light source assembly 2 disposed within the housing 1. The stage assembly has a stage 3 for placing a counting plate 10. The housing 1 has an inlet / outlet 11 for the stage 3 to enter and exit. The housing 1 refers to... Figures 1 to 4 It contains a base plate, a top plate, and four side plates.

[0015] Both the stage assembly and the light source assembly 2 are movable within the housing 1 to align with the lens assembly 6, thus enabling counting. Specifically, a horizontal slide assembly A5, which moves along the X-axis, is installed on the bottom plate of the housing 1 to move the stage assembly, and a horizontal slide assembly B17, which moves along the X-axis, is installed on the bottom plate of the housing 1 to move the light source assembly 2.

[0016] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the stage assembly includes a stage 3, an adapter 4, a slide rail 14, a slide plate 15, a floating block 16, and a focusing block 12. The slide plate 15 has an inverted L-shaped structure. The stage 3 and the floating block 16 are fixedly mounted on the upper plate of the slide plate 15. The side plate of the slide plate 15 is vertically slidable onto the side plate of the adapter 4 via the slide rail 14. The adapter 4 has an L-shaped structure, and its lower plate is horizontally slidable onto the horizontal slide assembly A5. An elastic shock absorber is provided between the floating block 16 and the adapter 4. The elastic shock absorber can be a commercially available product; in this embodiment, a shock-absorbing spring 13 is preferred.

[0017] The focusing block 12 is fixedly installed inside the housing 1 to support the stage 3. The focusing block 12 is located between the light source assembly 2 and the stage 3. The focusing block 12 can be directly installed on the side plate of the housing 1, or as shown in this embodiment. Figures 2 to 4The system is mounted on a support, which is fixed to the bottom plate of the housing 1. The horizontal slide assembly A5 drives the stage 3 to slide into or out of the focus block 12, and the sliding distance of the horizontal slide assembly A5 is limited and controlled by photoelectric switch A19. The light source assembly 2 is a commercially available product, driven by the horizontal slide assembly B17 to reach or leave the focus block 12, and the sliding distance of the horizontal slide assembly B17 is limited and controlled by photoelectric switch B20.

[0018] The light source assembly 2 illuminates the counting plate 10 on the stage 3, and the lens assembly 6 counts. Therefore, during counting, the light source assembly 2 and the stage 3 arrive at or leave the fixed-focus block 12 synchronously. This is achieved through photoelectric switches A19 and B20. Both photoelectric switches A19 and B20 are commercially available products, and their installation and control are conventional technologies, which will not be described in detail here. In this embodiment, combined with Figure 3 and Figure 4 The light source assembly 2 uses commercially available products. For example, it can be equipped with multiple or various light sources. According to cell characteristics, fluorescent dyes, etc., the appropriate light source is selected for fluorescence imaging and counting. The position of each light source on the light source assembly 2 is known, so the distance between each light source and the fixed focus block 12 or objective lens can also be determined. That is, in the control system of the counter, by setting the moving distance of the horizontal slide assembly B17 to correspond to the position of the light source, the user can select the required light source. This is the conventional use of the light source assembly 2.

[0019] like Figure 2 and Figure 5 As shown, in the aforementioned cell fluorescence counter, the lens assembly 6 is mounted on a vertical slide assembly 9 to achieve vertical movement for easy focusing. The vertical slide assembly 9 is mounted on the side plate of the housing 1. In addition to conventional components such as the reversing lens barrel, the lens assembly 6 also includes a rotary motor 18, a 4x objective lens 7, and a 10x objective lens 8. By switching between the required 4x objective lens 7 and 10x objective lens 8 via the rotary motor 18, two ranges of cell counting can be achieved to meet various user needs. The counting plate 10 is elongated and larger than the diameter of the objective lens. Therefore, during counting, after reaching the focusing block 12, it continues to move until it completely passes through the objective lens, meaning the counting plate 10 is fully displayed in the objective lens, completing the counting process.

[0020] In the aforementioned cell fluorescence counter, the focusing block 12 is triangular. When the stage 3 slides into the focusing block 12, the stage 3 is slightly lifted by the focusing block 12. The lifting height is set as Z, preferably 5mm ≥ Z > 0. This setting is because the system needs to be initialized every time the instrument is powered on. During initialization, the lens assembly 6 needs to be refocused. The focusing block 12 lifting the stage 3 can eliminate the gap between the adapter 4, the slide rail 14, and the slide plate 15, ensuring accurate and rapid focus adjustment, and thus fast and clear imaging during subsequent counting.

[0021] exist Figure 2 and Figure 3 In the non-counting state shown, the damping spring 13 applies tension to the floating block 16 to keep it stably pressed against the adapter 4. When the counter starts counting, the stage 3 is moved to the focusing block 12 by the horizontal slide assembly A5, and at the same time, the light source assembly 2 is also moved to the focusing block 12 by the horizontal slide assembly B17. During this process, the stage 3 is slightly lifted by the focusing block 12, and the damping spring 13 pulls the floating block 16, thus pressing the stage 3 firmly against the focusing block 12, thereby eliminating the gap between the adapter 4, the slide rail 14, and the slide plate 15. When the instrument vibrates slightly, the damping spring 13 can convert this slight vibration energy into elastic potential energy and dissipate it through friction at its connection end (similar to the principle of wheel shock absorption in vehicles). If a damped damping spring is used, the energy is dissipated through damping, thereby achieving vibration reduction. Even if the damping spring 13 is a common non-damped tension spring (to reduce costs), the vibration is actually very slight and virtually invisible to the naked eye. Therefore, the energy of the vibration is also very small. In the inventor's actual tests, the tension spring itself was able to dissipate this energy and achieve damping. Whether it is the damping spring 13 or a common tension spring, there are many conventional products on the market with the same specifications, dimensions, and elastic force. After the inventor made his request, the supplier provided suitable products.

Claims

1. A cell fluorescence counter, comprising a housing (1) and an inlet / outlet (11), characterized in that: The housing (1) contains a lens assembly (6), a stage assembly, and a light source assembly (2). The stage assembly and the light source assembly (2) are movable within the housing (1) to align with or move away from the lens assembly. The stage assembly includes a stage (3), a adapter (4), a slide plate (15), a floating block (16), and a fixed-focus block (12). The fixed-focus block (12) is fixedly mounted on the housing (1). Vertically, the fixed-focus block (12) is located above the light source assembly (2) and below the stage (3). The stage (3) is horizontally mounted on the slide plate (15). The floating block (16) is fixedly mounted on the slide plate (15). The slide plate (15) is vertically slidably mounted on the adapter (4). An elastic shock absorber is provided between the floating block (16) and the adapter (4) to float and press the slide plate (15) onto the adapter (4). The adapter (4) is movable within the housing (1) so that the stage (3) can move to the fixed-focus block (12) for counting or leaving. The light source assembly (2) can move to the fixed-focus block (12) for counting or leaving.

2. The cell fluorescence counter according to claim 1, characterized in that: The elastic damping component is a damping spring (13), with the upper end of the damping spring (13) connected to a floating block (16) and the lower end connected to an adapter (4).

3. The cell fluorescence counter according to claim 1, characterized in that: The lens assembly (6) can be vertically slidably installed inside the housing (1). The lens assembly (6) includes a rotary motor (18), a 4x objective lens (7) and a 10x objective lens (8). The desired 4x objective lens (7) or 10x objective lens (8) can be switched by the rotary motor (18).

4. The cell fluorescence counter according to claim 1, characterized in that: The fixed focus block (12) is triangular. When the stage (3) slides into the fixed focus block (12), the stage (3) is lifted by the fixed focus block (12) to a height of Z.

5. The cell fluorescence counter according to claim 4, characterized in that: The value of Z is 5mm ≥ Z>0.

6. The cell fluorescence counter according to claim 1, characterized in that: The light source assembly (2) is driven by the horizontal slide assembly B (17), and the stage assembly is driven by the horizontal slide assembly A (5). The horizontal slide assembly A (5) and the horizontal slide assembly B (17) are respectively installed inside the housing (1).

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