A cell mixing device

Abstract

The utility model discloses a cell mixing device relates to cell culture technical field, include: frame body and multiple mixing mechanism, the multiple mixing mechanism is arranged in the frame body in layers: every mixing mechanism includes fixed plate, movable plate, up and down vibration subassembly, circumferential shaking subassembly and clamping fixed component, the fixed plate is connected with the frame body, movable plate is located the fixed plate top, movable plate with the fixed plate is connected through elastic part, up and down vibration subassembly, circumferential shaking subassembly are located between the fixed plate and movable plate, clamping fixed component sets up in movable plate, up and down vibration subassembly are used with drive movable plate and vibrate in vertical direction, circumferential shaking subassembly are used for driving movable plate and shake in horizontal direction, clamping fixed component is used for fixing cell culture bottle on movable plate. This device can carry out mixing operation to multiple cell culture bottles simultaneously, help to improve operating efficiency.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of cell culture technology, and in particular to a cell mixing device. Background Technology

[0002] In the field of cell biology research, adherent cells are one type of cell, and mesenchymal stem cells, an important type of cell in regenerative medicine and cell therapy, also grow adherently. In scientific research and pilot-scale biomedical studies using adherent cells such as mesenchymal stem cells, to expand the adherent cell population to a larger number, the cells need to be resuspended and simultaneously seeded into multiple culture flasks.

[0003] Before placing the cell-inoculated culture flasks into the incubator, the cell suspension in each flask must be thoroughly mixed to ensure even distribution. This guarantees that the cells will adhere uniformly to the bottom of the flask after static culture and begin proliferation. Uneven inoculation can lead to inconsistent cell growth, affecting the utilization of the culture medium and impacting subsequent cell harvesting and research activities.

[0004] The current standard practice is that after the cells are seeded into the culture flask, before placing it in the incubator, the flask must be placed flat on a horizontal surface, and the cell suspension must be manually shaken repeatedly in a zigzag motion to ensure even distribution. If there are many flasks, this process needs to be repeated multiple times, which prolongs the time interval between cell seeding and placement in the incubator, potentially affecting cell growth and increasing the risk of contamination. Utility Model Content

[0005] To address the technical problem in existing technologies where manual shaking of culture flasks to mix cell suspensions after inoculation of adherent cells results in low operational efficiency when there are many flasks, which can prolong the time it takes for cells to enter the incubator and increase the risk of contamination, this invention provides a cell mixing device.

[0006] The technical solution adopted in this utility model is: a cell mixing device, comprising: Frame; Multiple mixing mechanisms are arranged in layers within the frame: each mixing mechanism includes a fixed plate, a movable plate, an upper and lower vibration assembly, a circumferential shaking assembly, and a clamping and fixing assembly; The fixed plate is connected to the frame, the movable plate is located above the fixed plate, and the movable plate and the fixed plate are connected by an elastic element; the vertical vibration assembly and the circumferential swaying assembly are located between the fixed plate and the movable plate, and the clamping and fixing assembly is disposed on the movable plate; The vertical vibration component is used to drive the movable plate to vibrate in the vertical direction, and the circumferential shaking component is used to drive the movable plate to shake in the horizontal direction; the clamping and fixing component is used to fix the cell culture flask on the movable plate.

[0007] Preferably, the up-and-down vibration assembly includes: A first driving component is disposed on the fixed plate; A crankshaft, one end of which is connected to the first driving member, the first driving member being used to drive the crankshaft to rotate; A cam, which is connected to the crankshaft; A connecting rod, one end of which is rotatably connected to the cam. When the crank rotates, the cam drives the connecting rod to reciprocate up and down. An impact rod, one end of which is connected to the other end of the connecting rod.

[0008] Preferably, the circumferential swaying component includes: A second drive unit is mounted on the fixed plate. A rotating component, wherein the rotating component is connected to the output end of the second driving component; A connector, one end of which is connected to the rotating member and the other end of which is connected to the movable plate, is used to drive the movable plate to sway in the horizontal circumferential direction.

[0009] Preferably, the clamping and fixing assembly includes: a first clamping arm, a second clamping arm, and an adjustment assembly; the first clamping arm is slidably connected to the top of the movable plate; the first clamping arm and the second clamping arm are connected through the adjustment assembly, which is used to adjust the clamping distance between the first clamping arm and the second clamping arm.

[0010] Preferably, the adjustment assembly includes a knob and a threaded rod, one end of the threaded rod is fixedly connected to the knob, and the other end of the threaded rod passes through the first clamping arm and is connected to the second clamping arm by a threaded engagement. When the knob is turned, the threaded rod can be driven to rotate, thereby causing the second clamping arm to move relative to the first clamping arm along the axial direction of the threaded rod, so as to adjust the clamping distance between the first clamping arm and the second clamping arm.

[0011] Preferably, the connection between the movable plate and the fixed plate via elastic elements includes: the bottom of the four corners of the movable plate is connected to the top of the fixed plate via four springs.

[0012] Preferably, the clamping and fixing components are provided in multiple sets, and the array of multiple sets of clamping and fixing components is arranged on the top of the movable plate.

[0013] Preferably, the frame includes four support columns, and the four corners of the fixing plate are respectively connected to the four support columns.

[0014] The beneficial effects of this utility model are at least one of the following: multiple mixing mechanisms are arranged in layers inside the frame, which can simultaneously perform mixing operations on multiple cell culture flasks. Compared with manually shaking the culture flasks one by one, this helps to improve operational efficiency, reduce the time interval between cell inoculation and placement in the incubator, and thus reduce the adverse effects on cell growth and the risk of contamination to a certain extent.

[0015] The movable plate is connected to the fixed plate through an elastic element. With the upper and lower vibration components driving the movable plate to vibrate vertically and the circumferential shaking components driving the movable plate to shake horizontally, it can simulate the action of manually shaking the culture flask, making the cell suspension easier to distribute evenly. This helps the cells to adhere more evenly to the bottom of the culture flask after static culture, reducing the inconsistency in cell growth caused by uneven inoculation and improving the utilization rate of culture medium.

[0016] The clamping and fixing assembly can fix the cell culture flasks to the movable plate. When the movable plate vibrates up and down and shakes horizontally, it can reduce the displacement or tipping of the culture flasks and ensure the stable progress of the mixing process. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall side view structure of this utility model; Figure 2 This is a side view of the upper and lower vibration assembly of this utility model. Figure 3 This is a side view of the circumferential swaying component of this utility model. Figure 4 This is a side view of the clamping and fixing assembly of this utility model. Figure 5 This is a top view of the clamping and fixing component of this utility model.

[0018] Reference numerals: 1. Frame; 2. Mixing mechanism; 21. Fixed plate; 22. Movable plate; 23. Upper and lower vibration assembly; 231. First driving component; 232. Crankshaft; 233. Cam; 234. Connecting rod; 235. Impact rod; 24. Circumferential shaking assembly; 241. Second driving component; 242. Rotating component; 243. Connecting component; 25. Clamping and fixing assembly; 251. First clamping arm; 252. Second clamping arm; 253. Knob; 254. Threaded rod; 3. Elastic component. Detailed Implementation

[0019] To make the objectives, solutions, and advantages of this utility model clearer, the present utility model will be further described in detail below with reference to the embodiments and accompanying drawings. The illustrative embodiments and descriptions of this utility model are only used to explain this utility model and are not intended to limit this utility model.

[0020] In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that these specific details are not necessary to implement the present invention. In other embodiments, well-known structures, circuits, materials, or methods are not specifically described in order to avoid obscuring the present invention.

[0021] Throughout this specification, references to "an embodiment," "an example," or "an example" mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Therefore, the phrases "an embodiment," "an example," "an example," or "an example" appearing in various places throughout the specification do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, specific features, structures, or characteristics can be combined in one or more embodiments or examples in any suitable combination and / or sub-combination. Moreover, those skilled in the art will understand that the illustrations provided herein are for illustrative purposes and are not necessarily drawn to scale. The term "and / or" as used herein includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0022] In the description of this utility model, the terms "front", "rear", "left", "right", "up", "down", "vertical", "horizontal", "high", "low", "inner", and "outer" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. 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 element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of this utility model.

[0023] Example 1 provides a cell mixing device, such as Figure 1As shown, the device includes a frame 1 and multiple mixing mechanisms 2, which are arranged in layers within the frame 1. Each mixing mechanism 2 includes a fixed plate 21, a movable plate 22, a vertical vibration component 23, a circumferential shaking component 24, and a clamping and fixing component 25. The fixed plate 21 is connected to the frame 1, and the movable plate 22 is located above the fixed plate 21. The movable plate 22 and the fixed plate 21 are connected by an elastic element. The vertical vibration component 23 and the circumferential shaking component 24 are located between the fixed plate 21 and the movable plate 22. The clamping and fixing component 25 is disposed on the movable plate 22. The vertical vibration component 23 is used to drive the movable plate 22 to vibrate in the vertical direction, and the circumferential shaking component 24 is used to drive the movable plate 22 to shake in the horizontal direction. The clamping and fixing component 25 is used to fix the cell culture flask on the movable plate 22.

[0024] In one possible implementation, such as Figure 1 As shown, the frame 1 is the supporting structure of the entire mixing device, including four vertically arranged support columns. Multiple mixing mechanisms 2 are installed in layers inside the frame 1. The fixing plate 21 of each layer of mixing mechanism 2 is fixedly connected to the four support columns of the frame 1 through the four corners, thereby achieving stable support for the multi-layer structure.

[0025] In the specific implementation process, mounting holes are pre-set at the four corners of the fixing plate 21, and threaded holes are provided at the corresponding positions of the support column. The fixing is achieved by screwing the bolt through the mounting holes of the fixing plate 21 and engaging with the threaded holes of the support column.

[0026] In one possible implementation, such as Figure 1 As shown, the movable plate 22 is positioned above the fixed plate 21 in a horizontal state and is used to hold cell culture flasks. The movable plate 22 and the fixed plate 21 are connected by elastic elements. In this embodiment, the elastic elements are specifically four springs, which are respectively connected to the bottom of the four corners of the movable plate 22 and the top of the corresponding positions on the fixed plate 21. The function of the springs is to provide elastic support and reset capability in response to the vibration and shaking of the movable plate 22.

[0027] In the specific implementation process, hooks are welded or bolted to the bottom corners of the movable plate 22, and hooks are also fixed to the corresponding positions on the top of the fixed plate 21; the hooks at both ends of the spring are respectively hooked to the hooks of the movable plate 22 and the fixed plate 21; or the two ends of the spring are fixed to the bottom of the movable plate 22 and the top of the fixed plate 21 by welding (suitable for long-term fixation and scenarios where spring replacement is not required). The elastic deformation of the spring can be coordinated with the vibration and shaking of the movable plate 22 to achieve reset, and the connection strength must meet the weight bearing capacity of the movable plate 22 and the culture bottle.

[0028] like Figure 2As shown, in one possible implementation, the up-and-down vibration assembly includes: a first drive member 231, which is disposed on the fixed plate 21; a crankshaft 232, one end of which is connected to the first drive member 231, and the first drive member 231 is used to drive the crankshaft 232 to rotate; a cam 233, which is connected to the crankshaft 232; a connecting rod 234, one end of which is rotatably connected to the cam 233, and when the crankshaft rotates, the cam 233 is used to drive the connecting rod 234 to perform up-and-down reciprocating motion; and an impact rod 235, one end of which is connected to the other end of the connecting rod 234.

[0029] In the specific implementation process, the bottom of the first driving component 231 (such as a stepper motor) is provided with a mounting base. The mounting base is fixed by bolts to the threaded holes pre-set on the surface of the fixing plate 21 to ensure that the driving component does not shift during operation. One end of the crankshaft 232 is connected to the output shaft of the driving component through a coupling (the inner hole of the coupling is interference-fitted with the output shaft and crankshaft 232), or directly connected by a key (the output shaft and the end of the crankshaft 232 are provided with keyways, and the key is embedded in the keyway to transmit torque), so as to realize the stable transmission of power from the driving component to the crankshaft 232. The cam 233 is provided with a through hole in the center. The through hole is fixed to the crankshaft 232 by interference fit (the diameter of the through hole is slightly smaller than the diameter of the crankshaft 232), or by a set screw (the side of the cam 233 is provided with a screw hole, and the screw is screwed in and presses against the surface of the crankshaft 232) to assist in fixing, so as to ensure that the cam 233 rotates synchronously with the crankshaft 232. One end of the connecting rod 234 has a through hole, and the edge of the cam 233 has a pre-set pin hole. The pin passes through the through hole of the connecting rod 234 and the pin hole of the cam 233. Both ends of the pin are secured with retaining rings (to prevent them from falling off), thus achieving a rotatable connection between the connecting rod 234 and the cam 233 (allowing them to rotate relative to each other around the pin). The other end of the connecting rod 234 has an internal thread, and one end of the impact rod 235 (a metal rod) has an external thread. After being connected by threaded engagement, they are reinforced by spot welding (to prevent loosening); or the two can be directly welded together to ensure that the impact rod 235 moves up and down synchronously with the connecting rod 234. like Figure 3 As shown, in one possible implementation, the circumferential swaying assembly 24 includes: a second drive member 241, which is disposed on the fixed plate 21; a rotating member 242, which is connected to the output end of the second drive member 241; and a connecting member 243, one end of which is connected to the rotating member 242 and the other end of which is connected to the movable plate 22, the connecting member 243 being used to drive the movable plate 22 to sway in the horizontal circumferential direction.

[0030] In the specific implementation process, similar to the first driving component 231, the second driving component 241 (such as a servo motor) is fixed to the mounting base on the surface of the fixed plate 21 by bolts. The mounting base position must avoid the upper and lower vibration components 23 to prevent interference. The rotating component 242 (such as an eccentric wheel or turntable) has a shaft hole at its center, which is connected to the output shaft of the second driving component 241 by a key or bolts (the output shaft end is threaded, and the rotating component 242 is locked with a nut after being fitted in), ensuring that the rotating component 242 rotates synchronously with the output shaft. The connecting component 243 (such as a metal rod) has a through hole at one end, and the rotating component 242 has a pre-set pin hole on its edge. The pin passes through the through holes of both, and the two ends of the pin are limited by retaining rings to realize the rotational connection between the connecting component 243 and the rotating component 242 (which can rotate flexibly around the pin). The other end of the connector 243 is connected by a hinge (one end of the hinge is fixed to the bottom of the movable plate 22 with bolts, and the other end is welded or bolted to the end of the connector 243), or directly screwed into the pre-set connecting lug at the bottom of the movable plate 22 with bolts, so as to ensure that the rotation of the rotating part 242 can drive the movable plate 22 to swing horizontally in the circumferential direction through the connector 243.

[0031] like Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, in one possible implementation, the clamping and fixing assembly 25 includes: a first clamping arm 251, a second clamping arm 252, and an adjustment assembly; the first clamping arm is slidably connected to the top of the movable plate 22; the first clamping arm 251 and the second clamping arm 252 are connected through the adjustment assembly, which is used to adjust the clamping distance between the first clamping arm 251 and the second clamping arm 252.

[0032] In one possible implementation, the adjustment assembly includes a knob 253 and a threaded rod 254. One end of the threaded rod 254 is fixedly connected to the knob 253, and the other end of the threaded rod 254 passes through the first clamping arm 251 and is connected to the second clamping arm 252 by a threaded engagement. When the knob 253 is rotated, the threaded rod 254 can be driven to rotate, thereby causing the second clamping arm 252 to move relative to the first clamping arm 251 along the axial direction of the threaded rod 254, so as to adjust the clamping distance between the first clamping arm 251 and the second clamping arm 252.

[0033] In one possible implementation, such as Figure 5 As shown, multiple sets of clamping and fixing components 25 are provided, and the array of multiple sets of clamping and fixing components 25 is arranged on the top of the movable plate 22.

[0034] In the specific implementation process, the top of the movable plate 22 is provided with a slide rail along its length, and the bottom of the first clamping arm 251 is provided with a slider at a corresponding position. The slider is embedded in the slide rail, and the sliding connection is achieved through the clearance fit between the slider and the slide rail. The knob 253 (made of plastic or metal) has a through hole in its center, and one end of the threaded rod 254 is fixed to the through hole by welding, or the end of the threaded rod 254 is integrally formed with the knob 253 (applicable to plastic knob 253), ensuring that the threaded rod 254 rotates synchronously when the knob 253 is rotated. The first clamping arm 251 has a pre-set through hole, the diameter of which is slightly larger than the diameter of the threaded rod 254 (clearance fit). The threaded rod 254 passes through the through hole without thread engagement, and only serves as a guide. The second clamping arm 252 has a pre-set internal threaded hole on its side. The other end of the threaded rod 254 engages with the internal threaded hole through a thread (such as an M8 thread). When the knob 253 is turned, the threaded rod 254 transmits force through the thread, causing the second clamping arm 252 to move relative to the first clamping arm 251 along the axial direction of the threaded rod 254, thereby adjusting the clamping distance.

[0035] In summary, the operator places the cell culture flasks between the clamping and fixing components 25 on top of the movable plate 22 according to their specifications. By rotating the knob 253 of the adjusting component, the threaded rod 254 is rotated. Since the threaded rod 254 is threadedly engaged with the second clamping arm 252, and the first clamping arm 251 is slidably connected to the slide rail of the movable plate 22 via a slider, the second clamping arm 252 will move relative to the first clamping arm 251 along the axial direction of the threaded rod 254 until the two clamping arms clamp and fix the culture flasks. Multiple sets of arrayed clamping and fixing components 25 can fix multiple culture flasks simultaneously, adapting to different cell seeding needs.

[0036] After fixing, the first driving component 231 (such as a stepper motor) starts, driving the crankshaft 232 to rotate via a coupling or key connection. The cam 233 on the crankshaft 232 rotates synchronously with it, and the cam 233 drives the connecting rod 234 to reciprocate up and down via a pin, thereby driving the impact rod 235 to periodically impact the bottom of the movable plate 22. Under the action of the impact force and the elastic restoring force of the four corner springs, the movable plate 22 achieves stable vertical vibration.

[0037] After the vibration step is completed, the first driving component 231 stops and the second driving component 241 starts. It drives the rotating component 242 (such as an eccentric wheel) to rotate through a key connection or bolt fixation. The rotating component 242 pulls the connecting component 243 through the pin shaft. The connecting component 243 then drives the movable plate 22 through the hinge or connecting ear. Combined with the elastic support of the spring, the movable plate 22 makes circumferential swaying on the horizontal plane (such as cyclic swinging in the front-back, left-right directions).

[0038] Repeat the preset number of cycles (e.g., 3 times) in the above order to ensure thorough mixing of the cell suspension in the culture flask. After mixing is complete, the operator rotates knob 253 in the opposite direction to release the clamping and fixing component 25, and removes the culture flask from the movable plate 22 to complete the mixing operation. The multi-layered mixing mechanism 2 can be controlled independently. If a large number of cells need to be processed, the mixing program of each layer can be started in batches, and the culture flasks can be removed and placed in batches.

[0039] The device adopts a multi-layer mixing mechanism 2 design. Each layer can simultaneously fix multiple culture flasks through multiple sets of clamping and fixing components 25. Compared with manually shaking them one by one, it can significantly reduce the total time of a single operation, shorten the time interval between cell inoculation and placement in the incubator, and reduce the adverse effects on cell growth to a certain extent.

[0040] The vertical vibration component 23 and the circumferential shaking component 24 can promote the uniform distribution of cell suspension in the culture flask. The clamping and fixing component 25 stabilizes the culture flask with adjustable clamping arms to prevent the culture flask from shifting or tipping over during the mixing process.

[0041] The clamping and fixing component 25 adjusts the clamping distance through the structure of knob 253-threaded rod 254, which can be adapted to cell culture flasks of different specifications; the multi-layer mixing mechanism 2 can independently control the operating parameters and can flexibly select single-layer or multi-layer use according to the number of cells to meet the needs of different scenarios such as pilot-scale and pilot-scale.

[0042] The device achieves standardized mixing operations through preset parameters, avoiding the problem of inconsistent force and frequency when manually shaking, which helps to improve the consistency of mixing of cells in the same batch and provides a more stable experimental basis for subsequent cell harvesting and research and development activities.

[0043] The embodiments described above merely illustrate specific implementations of this utility model, and while the descriptions are detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of this utility model patent. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of this utility model, and these modifications and improvements all fall within the protection scope of this utility model.

Claims

1. A cell mixing device, characterized in that, include: Frame (1); Multiple mixing mechanisms (2) are arranged in layers within the frame (1): each mixing mechanism (2) includes a fixed plate (21), a movable plate (22), an upper and lower vibration assembly (23), a circumferential shaking assembly (24), and a clamping and fixing assembly (25). The fixed plate (21) is connected to the frame (1), the movable plate (22) is located above the fixed plate (21), and the movable plate (22) is connected to the fixed plate (21) by an elastic element; the vertical vibration assembly (23) and the circumferential swaying assembly (24) are located between the fixed plate (21) and the movable plate (22), and the clamping and fixing assembly (25) is disposed on the movable plate (22); The vertical vibration component (23) is used to drive the movable plate (22) to vibrate in the vertical direction, the circumferential shaking component (24) is used to drive the movable plate (22) to shake in the horizontal direction, and the clamping and fixing component (25) is used to fix the cell culture flask on the movable plate (22).

2. The cell mixing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The upper and lower vibration assembly (23) includes: The first driving member (231) is disposed on the fixed plate (21); A crankshaft (232) is connected to one end of the first drive member (231), and the first drive member (231) is used to drive the crankshaft (232) to rotate. Cam (233), the cam (233) being connected to the crankshaft (232); Connecting rod (234), one end of which is rotatably connected to cam (233). When the crank rotates, cam (233) drives connecting rod (234) to reciprocate up and down. Impact rod (235), one end of which is connected to the other end of the connecting rod (234).

3. The cell mixing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The circumferential swaying component (24) includes: A second drive unit (241) is mounted on the fixed plate (21); A rotating component (242) is connected to the output end of the second driving component (241); A connector (243) is provided, one end of which is connected to the rotating member (242), and the other end of which is connected to the movable plate (22). The connector (243) is used to drive the movable plate (22) to sway in the horizontal circumferential direction.

4. The cell mixing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The clamping and fixing assembly (25) includes: a first clamping arm (251), a second clamping arm (252), and an adjustment assembly; the first clamping arm (251) is slidably connected to the top of the movable plate (22); the first clamping arm (251) and the second clamping arm (252) are connected by the adjustment assembly, which is used to adjust the clamping distance between the first clamping arm (251) and the second clamping arm (252).

5. The cell mixing device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The adjustment assembly includes a knob (253) and a threaded rod (254). One end of the threaded rod (254) is fixedly connected to the knob (253), and the other end of the threaded rod (254) passes through the first clamping arm (251) and is connected to the second clamping arm (252) by a threaded engagement. When the knob (253) is turned, the threaded rod (254) can be driven to rotate, thereby causing the second clamping arm (252) to move relative to the first clamping arm (251) along the axial direction of the threaded rod (254) to adjust the clamping distance between the first clamping arm (251) and the second clamping arm (252).

6. The cell mixing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The connection between the movable plate (22) and the fixed plate (21) via elastic elements includes: the bottom of the four corners of the movable plate (22) are respectively connected to the top of the fixed plate (21) via four springs.

7. The cell mixing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The clamping and fixing components (25) are provided in multiple sets, and the multiple sets of clamping and fixing components (25) are arranged in an array on the top of the movable plate (22).

8. The cell mixing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The frame (1) includes four support columns, and the four corners of the fixing plate (21) are respectively connected to the four support columns.

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