A batch test tube rotation type sample injection system

Abstract

This application provides a batch test tube rotary sample introduction system, including a turntable test tube rack, a rotating shaft and idler wheel at its bottom, and a motor and a drive wheel at the other end of the base. The system utilizes a synchronous belt between the drive wheel and the idler wheel to transmit the motor's driving force to the idler wheel, driving the turntable test tube rack to rotate and thus selecting the test tubes. The turntable sample introduction and positioning mechanism provided in this application has a simple and compact structure, is easy to assemble, convenient to operate, low in cost, and highly versatile. It can accurately position the target test tubes using the rotation angle of the turntable test tube rack, thereby achieving automatic sample introduction and positioning for multiple test tubes.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of automated sampler equipment for flow cytometers, and more particularly to a batch tube rotary sampler system. Background Technology

[0002] Flow cytometer injectors are mainly those that move along the XY axis or those that use a rotating disk to collect and select samples. However, existing rotating disk injectors are primarily fixed in position, requiring manual sample selection, which is cumbersome. Utility Model Content

[0003] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, this application aims to provide a batch test tube rotary injection system. This system involves moving the injector inside the device and then rotating a turntable to position the corresponding test tubes in the test tube rack, thus achieving test tube positioning. This injector is reliable, low-cost, and easy to install. The design is versatile and flexible.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, this application provides a batch tube rotary sample introduction system for use as an autosampler in a flow cytometer, comprising: a rotary tube rack containing a number of test tubes, with a rotating shaft at its bottom, the rotating shaft passing through a base and connected to an idler wheel; a motor mounted on the other side of the base relative to the rotary tube rack, the output shaft of the motor passing through the base and connected to a drive wheel; and a synchronous belt connecting the drive wheel and the idler wheel, the drive wheel driven by the motor driving the idler wheel to rotate the rotary tube rack.

[0005] Optionally, in any of the above-described batch test tube rotary injection systems, a bearing is also embedded in the base, and a position sensing plate is sleeved on the rotating shaft between the bearing and the idler wheel; a position sensor is installed on one side of the bottom of the base, and the position sensor senses the position sensing plate to determine the rotation zero position of the turntable test tube rack driven by the synchronous belt.

[0006] Optionally, in any of the above-described batch test tube rotary injection systems, one end of the position sensor is provided with an opening facing the idler wheel. When the rotary test tube rack is in the zero-rotation position, the position sensing plate enters the opening of the position sensor and triggers a detection signal.

[0007] Optionally, in any of the above-described batch tube rotary injection systems, the outer diameter of the position sensing plate exceeds the outer diameter of the idler wheel at least in the direction of tension of the timing belt.

[0008] Optionally, in any of the above-described batch test tube rotary injection systems, a position sensing rod is embedded in the base area of ​​the rotary test tube rack, and a position sensing sensor is provided at the bottom of the base to detect whether the position sensing rod is in contact with the rotary test tube rack.

[0009] Optionally, in any of the above-described batch tube rotary injection systems, the top end of the position sensing rod protrudes upward from the top surface of the base, and a retaining ring with an outwardly expanding diameter is provided in the middle of the position sensing rod. A spring sleeved on the outer periphery of the position sensing rod is provided between the retaining ring and the top surface of the base.

[0010] Optionally, in any of the above-described batch test tube rotary injection systems, the position sensing rod is spring-driven to remain protruding from the base surface when the rotary test tube rack is not installed, and the contact between the position sensing rod and the position sensing sensor is removed; when the rotary test tube rack is installed in place, the position sensing rod is pressed down by the bottom of the rotary test tube rack and extends into the base, and contacts the position sensing sensor, triggering a signal indicating that the rotary test tube rack is installed in place.

[0011] Optionally, in any of the above-described batch test tube rotary injection systems, the position sensing sensor is fixed to the lower surface of the base near the position sensing rod by a sensor fixing plate, and the center of the sensor fixing plate is provided with a through hole for the position sensing rod to pass through; when the turntable test tube rack is installed in place, the bottom of the turntable test tube rack presses down on the position sensing rod to pass through the base and reach the through hole of the sensor fixing plate, triggering the position sensing sensor installed on the lower side of the sensor fixing plate.

[0012] Optionally, in any of the above-described batch test tube rotary injection systems, the rotary test tube rack has a ring of circular holes along its circumference for inserting test tubes, and its bottom is fixedly connected to the rotating shaft, position sensing plate, and idler wheel via a test tube rack fixing seat.

[0013] Compared with existing solutions, this application has the following technical advantages: The batch test tube rotary sample introduction system provided in this application includes a rotary test tube rack, a rotating shaft and idler wheel at its bottom, and a motor and drive wheel at the other end of the base. This system utilizes a synchronous belt between the drive wheel and the idler wheel to transmit the motor's driving force to the idler wheel, driving the rotary test tube rack to rotate and thus selecting the test tubes. The rotary sample introduction and positioning mechanism provided in this application has a simple and compact structure, is easy to assemble, convenient to operate, low in cost, and highly versatile. It can accurately position the target test tubes using the rotation angle of the rotary test tube rack, thereby achieving automatic sample introduction and positioning for multiple test tubes.

[0014] Other features and advantages of this application will be set forth in the following description, and will be apparent in part from the description, or may be learned by practicing this application. Attached Figure Description

[0015] The accompanying drawings are provided to further illustrate the present application and form part of the specification. Together with the embodiments of the present application, they serve to explain the present application but do not constitute a limitation thereof. In the drawings: Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the batch test tube rotary injection system according to this application; Figure 2 for Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the batch tube rotary sample introduction system shown. Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the bottom structure of the steering wheel in the system of this application.

[0016] In the diagram, 1 represents a test tube, 2 represents a turntable test tube rack, 3 represents a test tube rack mounting base, 4 represents a rotating shaft, 5 represents a bearing, 6 represents a base, 7 represents a position sensing plate, 8 represents a position sensor, 9 represents an idler pulley, 10 represents the front side of the timing belt, 11 represents a sensor mounting plate, 12 represents a position sensing sensor, 13 represents a spring, 14 represents a position sensing rod, 15 represents a drive pulley, 16 represents a motor, and 17 represents a timing belt. Detailed Implementation

[0017] The preferred embodiments of this application are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the preferred embodiments described herein are for illustration and explanation only and are not intended to limit this application.

[0018] In this application, "inner" and "outer" refer to the direction from the edge of the test tubes placed on the turntable test tube rack towards the central axis of the turntable test tube rack, with the inner direction being relative to the turntable test tube rack itself, and the outer direction being the opposite direction; rather than a specific limitation on the device mechanism of this application.

[0019] The terms "left" and "right" as used in this application refer to the user's left side as the left and the user's right side as the right when the user is facing the base of the batch test tube rotary injection system, and do not constitute a specific limitation on the device mechanism of this application.

[0020] The term "connection" as used in this application can mean a direct connection between components or an indirect connection between components through other components.

[0021] The terms "up" and "down" as used in this application refer to the direction from the timing belt towards the test tube opening when the user is facing the batch test tube rotary injection system, which is up and vice versa, and are not a specific limitation on the device mechanism of this application.

[0022] The movable rotary injector provided in this application is referenced to Figure 1 As shown, it includes: A turntable-type test tube rack 2 contains several test tubes 1 inside, and a rotating shaft 4 is provided at its bottom. The rotating shaft 4 passes through the base 6 and is connected to the idler wheel 9. Motor 16 is mounted on the other side of base 6 relative to turntable test tube rack 2. The output shaft of the motor passes through base 6 and is connected to drive wheel 15. Synchronous belt 17 connects the drive wheel 15 and the idler wheel 9. Driven by a motor, the drive wheel 15 drives the idler wheel 9 to rotate the turntable test tube rack 2, thereby enabling the selection and injection of test tubes.

[0023] Specific reference Figure 2 As shown, this application may specifically embed a bearing 5 in the base 6 to support the test tube rack. Correspondingly, a position sensing plate 7 synchronized with the test tube rack is sleeved on the rotating shaft 4 between the bearing 5 and the idler wheel 9. The sleeve angle of the position sensing plate 7 is determined by the planar structure formed by the inner tangent of the side of the rotating shaft 4 to mark the zero position of the test tube rack. The rotary test tube rack 2 has a ring of circular holes along its circumference for inserting test tubes, and its bottom is fixedly connected to the rotating shaft 4, the position sensing plate 7, and the idler wheel 9 via a test tube rack fixing base 3. Therefore, this application can use a position sensor 8 fixed to one side of the bottom of the base 6 to detect the trigger signal of the position sensing plate 7, thereby determining the zero position of the rotary test tube rack 2 driven by the synchronous belt 17. Furthermore, by calculating the motor rotation angle, the rotation angle of the tray rack is determined in real time, thus determining which test tube to select for sample injection.

[0024] Specific reference Figure 3 As shown, one end of the position sensor 8 has an opening facing the idler wheel 9. Correspondingly, the outer diameter of the position sensing element 7 extends beyond the outer diameter of the idler wheel 9 at least in the direction of tension along the synchronous belt 17, forming a needle-like structure marking the zero rotation position. When the turntable test tube rack 2 is in the zero rotation position, the position sensing element 7 enters the opening of the position sensor 8, triggering a detection signal. When the needle-like structure rotates out, the position sensor 8 is not triggered. At this time, the rotation angle of the test tube tray can be obtained by calculating the driving time according to the motor speed, thereby determining which test tube is being selected for sample injection.

[0025] To ensure the test tubes are properly installed and to prevent the motor from running idle, this application also refers to... Figure 1As shown, a position sensing rod 14 is embedded in the base area of ​​the turntable test tube rack 2 within the base of the base 6, and a position sensing sensor 12 is provided at the bottom of the base 6 to detect whether the position sensing rod 14 is in contact with the turntable test tube rack 2. Specifically, the top end of the position sensing rod 14 protrudes upward from the top surface of the base 6, and a retaining ring with an outwardly expanding diameter is provided in the middle of the position sensing rod 14. A spring 13, sleeved on the outer periphery of the position sensing rod 14, abuts against the retaining ring and the top surface of the base 6. Thus, when the turntable test tube rack 2 is not installed, the position sensing rod 14 is driven by the spring 13 to remain protruding outward from the surface of the base 6. At this time, the support of the spring can remove the contact between the bottom of the position sensing rod 14 and the position sensing sensor 12. The position sensing sensor 12 has no contact signal, indicating that the test tube is not installed in place. When the turntable test tube rack 2 is installed in place, the position sensing rod 14 is pressed down by the bottom of the turntable test tube rack 2 and then extends into the base 6. At this time, the bottom of the position sensing rod 14 contacts the position sensing sensor 12, triggering a signal indicating that the turntable test tube rack is installed in place.

[0026] Reference Figure 3 As shown in the lower part, the position sensing sensor 12 of this application is fixed to the lower surface of the base 6 near the position sensing rod 14 by a sensor fixing piece 11. The center of the sensor fixing piece 11 is also provided with an opening at one end facing the idler wheel 9. When the turntable test tube rack 2 is in the state of rotation zero, the position sensing piece 7 enters the opening of the position sensor 8 and triggers the detection signal 14 through the through hole. When the turntable test tube rack 2 is installed in place, the bottom pressure position sensing rod 14 of the turntable test tube rack 2 passes through the base 6 and reaches the through hole of the sensor fixing plate 11, triggering the position sensing sensor 12 installed on the lower side of the sensor fixing plate 11.

[0027] The advantages of this application are: The drive wheel 15 is secured to the output shaft of the motor 16 with a set screw, and the idler wheel 9 is connected to the drive wheel via a synchronous belt 17 to transmit rotational motion. The idler wheel 9 and the rotating shaft 4 of the test tube holder are secured with set screws. The rotating test tube rack 2 is screwed to the top of the rotating shaft 4. Before the test tube rack is placed, the position sensing rod 14 is in an extended state under the compression force of the spring 13, and the position sensor 12 on its lower side is not activated. After the test tube rack is placed in place, the position sensing rod 14 moves downward under the downward force of the test tube rack, and the position sensor 12 is activated, transmitting a signal to the equipment, allowing the next operation to proceed. When the test tubes are positioned, the test tube rack and the position sensing baffle rotate synchronously under the drive of the motor. When the position sensor 8 is activated by the baffle, the position is marked as zero, which corresponds to the position of the test tube numbered 1.

[0028] The motor 16 drives the drive wheel 15 to rotate, and the idler wheel 9 is controlled to rotate via the synchronous belt 17. The idler wheel 9 controls the rotation of the test tube rack via the rotating shaft 4 and the test tube rack fixing base 3. Thus, the rotation angle and speed of the test tube rack can be precisely driven directly by the motor and the transmission belt, and its accuracy is determined by this. When the test tube rack is placed on the base, if it is in place, it will move downwards via the position sensing rod 14, sending a signal to the position sensing sensor 12 to confirm that the test tube is in place. The zero position of the test tube rack rotation can be determined by the position sensing plate 7 and the position sensor 8 connected to the bottom of the test tube rack.

[0029] It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the above descriptions are merely preferred embodiments of this application and are not intended to limit this application. Although this application has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art can still modify the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments or make equivalent substitutions for some of the technical features. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A batch test tube rotary sample introduction system, characterized in that, Automated samplers for flow cytometers include: A turntable test tube rack (2) contains several test tubes (1) and has a rotating shaft (4) at its bottom. The rotating shaft (4) passes through the base (6) and is connected to the idler wheel (9). A motor (16) is mounted on the other side of the base (6) relative to the turntable test tube rack (2), and the output shaft of the motor passes through the base (6) and is connected to the drive wheel (15) in a transmission. The synchronous belt (17) is connected between the drive wheel (15) and the idler wheel (9). The drive wheel (15) driven by the motor drives the idler wheel (9) to drive the turntable test tube rack (2) to rotate.

2. The batch test tube rotary injection system as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The base (6) is also embedded with a bearing (5), and a position sensing plate (7) is also sleeved on the rotating shaft (4) between the bearing (5) and the idler wheel (9). A position sensor (8) is installed on one side of the bottom of the base (6). The position sensor (8) senses the position sensing plate (7) to determine the rotation zero position of the turntable test tube rack (2) driven by the synchronous belt (17).

3. The batch test tube rotary injection system as described in claim 2, characterized in that, One end of the position sensor (8) is provided with an opening facing the idler wheel (9). When the turntable test tube rack (2) is in the zero rotation position, the position sensing plate (7) enters the opening of the position sensor (8) and triggers the detection signal.

4. The batch test tube rotary injection system as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The outer diameter of the position sensing plate (7) exceeds the outer diameter of the idler wheel (9) at least in the direction of tension along the timing belt (17).

5. The batch test tube rotary injection system as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The base also has a position sensing rod (14) embedded in the base area of ​​the turntable test tube rack (2), and a position sensing sensor (12) for detecting whether the position sensing rod (14) is in contact with the turntable test tube rack (2) is provided at the bottom of the base (6).

6. The batch test tube rotary injection system as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The top of the position sensing rod (14) protrudes upward from the top surface of the base (6). A retaining ring with an outwardly expanding diameter is provided in the middle of the position sensing rod (14). A spring (13) sleeved on the outer periphery of the position sensing rod (14) is provided between the retaining ring and the base (6).

7. The batch test tube rotary injection system as described in claim 6, characterized in that, When the turntable test tube rack (2) is not installed, the position sensing rod (14) is driven by the spring (13) to keep protruding outward from the surface of the base (6) and the contact between the position sensing rod (14) and the position sensing sensor (12) is removed. When the turntable test tube rack (2) is installed in place, the position sensing rod (14) is pressed down from the bottom of the turntable test tube rack (2) and extends into the base (6), and contacts the position sensing sensor (12), triggering a signal that the turntable test tube rack is installed in place.

8. The batch test tube rotary injection system as described in claim 7, characterized in that, The position sensing sensor (12) is fixed to the lower surface of the base (6) near the position sensing rod (14) by a sensor fixing piece (11). The center of the sensor fixing piece (11) is also provided with a through hole for the position sensing rod (14) to pass through. When the turntable test tube rack (2) is installed in place, the bottom pressure position sensing rod (14) of the turntable test tube rack (2) passes through the base (6) and reaches the through hole of the sensor fixing plate (11), triggering the position sensing sensor (12) installed on the lower side of the sensor fixing plate (11).

9. The batch test tube rotary injection system as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The turntable test tube rack (2) has a ring of circular holes along its circumference for inserting test tubes, and is fixedly connected to the rotating shaft (4), position sensing plate (7) and idler wheel (9) at its bottom through the test tube rack fixing seat (3).

Images