Automated tablet compression device for microscopic sample preparation

Abstract

This application provides an automated tableting device for microscopic sample preparation, comprising: a support body providing a tableting position for placing a sample assembly; a flipping assembly including a flipping plate rotatably connected to the support body about a central axis, and a rotary actuator for driving the flipping plate to rotate, the flipping plate having a first position located on one side of the tableting position, the flipping plate positioning the sample assembly at the tableting position when rotated to the first position; and a tableting assembly including a pressing plate and a linear actuator for driving the pressing plate to move linearly, the pressing plate being located on the other side of the tableting position, the linear actuator driving the pressing plate to move linearly toward the tableting position, thereby causing the pressing plate to tablet the sample assembly positioned at the tableting position. This application enables automated tableting and flipping operations for microscopic sample assemblies, which is more efficient and better suited to the automation requirements of laboratories compared to the manual operation of existing technologies.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of microscopy experimental technology, and in particular to an automatic pellet pressing device for microscopic sample preparation. Background Technology

[0002] In biological or medical experiments, microscopic samples need to be prepared for better observation of individual bacteria or cells under a microscope. The preparation process includes: cutting agar into blocks using a scalpel; placing a bacterial / cell suspension onto the agar block; allowing the agar surface to dry slightly; pressing the side of the agar block with the suspension onto a glass coverslip; and then placing it under an inverted microscope for observation of the bacteria or cells. This microscopic sample preparation process is usually done manually, allowing only one sample to be prepared at a time, resulting in low efficiency and complex operation.

[0003] To achieve the preparation of multiple microscopic samples at once, Chinese invention patent CN113848103A provides a microscopic sample preparation device and a cell phenotype control device, including a molding plate with multiple molding wells, a sample well plate with multiple sample wells, a coverslip, and a pressure plate with multiple pressure columns. Multiple agar blocks are formed at once using the molding plate. After the agar blocks dry, bacterial / cell suspension is dropped onto the surface of each agar block, followed by a pressing operation. The pressing operation is performed by stacking the coverslip, sample well plate, molding plate with agar blocks, and pressure plate sequentially from bottom to top, and then pressing the pressure plate down until the multiple pressure columns of the pressure plate press the multiple agar blocks from the molding wells of the molding plate into the sample wells and onto the coverslip, thus obtaining multiple microscopic samples where the bacterial / cell suspension droplets are in contact with the coverslip. Subsequently, the sample well plate can be placed on a microscope platform, and the suspension droplets on the agar blocks can be observed through the coverslip. Although the aforementioned microscopic sample preparation device can be used to prepare multiple microscopic samples at once, the tablet pressing operation still needs to be completed manually, which cannot meet the requirements of automation and intelligence in the laboratory. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides an automatic tablet pressing device for microscopic sample preparation, replacing manual tablet pressing operations.

[0005] This application provides an automatic tablet pressing device for microscopic sample preparation, comprising: a support body providing a tablet pressing position for placing a sample assembly; a flipping assembly including a flipping plate rotatably connected to the support body about a central axis and a rotary driver for driving the flipping plate to rotate, the flipping plate having a first position located on one side of the tablet pressing position, the flipping plate positioning the sample assembly at the tablet pressing position when rotated to the first position; and a tablet pressing assembly including a pressing plate and a linear driver for driving the pressing plate to move linearly, the pressing plate being located on the other side of the tablet pressing position, the linear driver driving the pressing plate to move linearly toward the tablet pressing position, thereby causing the pressing plate to press the sample assembly positioned at the tablet pressing position.

[0006] In some embodiments, it further includes: a locking member disposed on the support body for releasably locking the flip plate in the first position.

[0007] In some embodiments, the locking element is a cylinder having a retractable piston rod that locks the flip plate in the first position by extending and releases the lock on the flip plate by retracting.

[0008] In some embodiments, the flip plate further has a second position, which is located on opposite sides of the central axis. The flip plate rotates around the central axis to rotate the sample assembly that has been pressed from the first position to the second position, thereby flipping the sample assembly.

[0009] In some embodiments, the flipping assembly further includes a connector for releasably connecting the flipping plate to the sample assembly, so that the flipping plate can drive the sample assembly to rotate synchronously.

[0010] In some embodiments, the sample assembly includes a magnetic component; the connector is an electromagnet disposed on the flip plate, which connects the flip plate and the sample assembly magnetically when energized, and releases the connection between the flip plate and the sample assembly when de-energized.

[0011] In some embodiments, the support body includes a first support plate that provides the tablet pressing position, and the flip plate is rotatably disposed on the first support plate. The first support plate provides support for the flip plate in the first position and the second position.

[0012] In some embodiments, the support body includes a second support plate located on the side of the first support plate opposite to the flip plate, the pressing assembly and the rotary driver are both located between the first support plate and the second support plate, and the linear driver and the rotary driver are both fixed on the second support plate.

[0013] In some embodiments, the rotary driver is a motor; the tilting plate and the support body are rotatably connected by a rotating shaft arranged parallel to the central axis; the tilting assembly further includes a first synchronous pulley connected to the motor shaft of the motor, a second synchronous pulley connected to the rotating shaft, and a synchronous belt connecting the first synchronous pulley and the second synchronous pulley, and the rotational motion of the motor is transmitted to the tilting plate in sequence through the first synchronous pulley, the synchronous belt, the second synchronous pulley and the rotating shaft to drive the tilting plate to rotate.

[0014] In some embodiments, the pressure plate is detachably disposed on the linear driver.

[0015] In some embodiments, the height of the pressure plate relative to the linear actuator is adjustable.

[0016] In some embodiments, the sample assembly has a plurality of sample holes; the pressure plate has a plurality of pressure posts corresponding one-to-one with the plurality of sample holes; the tablet assembly further includes a perforated plate located between the pressure plate and the tablet position, the perforated plate being detachably connected to the support body, and the perforated plate having a plurality of through holes corresponding one-to-one with the plurality of pressure posts.

[0017] In some embodiments, it further includes a control system for controlling the starting and stopping of the rotary drive and the linear drive.

[0018] The beneficial effects of the embodiments of this application include:

[0019] 1. The embodiments of this application, by setting a flipping component and a tableting component, can complete the automatic tableting operation. Compared with the manual tableting operation of the prior art, the tableting efficiency is higher and the tableting effect is better.

[0020] 2. The flipping component of this application embodiment can automatically flip the sample component, which is safer and more reliable than the manual flipping operation of the prior art, and reduces the risk of misalignment or detachment of the sample component during the flipping process.

[0021] Specific embodiments of this application are disclosed in detail with reference to the following description and accompanying drawings, indicating how the principles of this application can be adopted. It should be understood that the embodiments of this application are not limited in scope. Within the spirit and scope of the appended claims, embodiments of this application include many changes, modifications, and equivalents. Attached Figure Description

[0022] The accompanying drawings, which form part of the specification, are used to provide a further understanding of the embodiments of this application and illustrate the implementation methods of this application, together with the textual description, to explain the principles of this application. Obviously, the drawings described below are merely some embodiments of this application, and those skilled in the art can obtain other drawings based on these drawings without creative effort. In the drawings:

[0023] Figures 1 to 3 This is a schematic diagram of an example of an automatic tablet pressing device for microscopic sample preparation according to an embodiment of this application;

[0024] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the sample assembly placed at the tableting position of an automatic tableting device for microscopic sample preparation according to an embodiment of this application;

[0025] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of an automatic tablet pressing device for microscopic sample preparation according to an embodiment of this application, when the flip plate is in the first position and the second cylinder is not locking the flip plate.

[0026] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of an automatic tablet pressing device for microscopic sample preparation according to an embodiment of this application, when the flip plate is in the first position and the second cylinder locks the flip plate.

[0027] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view of the automatic tableting device for microscopic sample preparation according to an embodiment of this application before tableting;

[0028] Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view of the automatic tableting device for microscopic sample preparation according to an embodiment of this application when tableting is completed;

[0029] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the flip plate in the second position in an embodiment of this application;

[0030] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of an example of an automatic tablet pressing device for microscopic sample preparation according to an embodiment of this application;

[0031] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the supporting entity in an embodiment of this application;

[0032] Figure 12This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the supporting body in an embodiment of this application;

[0033] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the flip plate in an embodiment of this application;

[0034] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of the first rotating shaft in an embodiment of this application;

[0035] Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram of the tableting assembly in an embodiment of this application;

[0036] Figure 16 This is a schematic diagram of the first support plate in an embodiment of this application;

[0037] Figure 17 This is a schematic diagram of the second support plate in an embodiment of this application;

[0038] Figure 18 and Figure 19 This is a schematic diagram of the sample components in the embodiments of this application;

[0039] Figure 20 This is a schematic diagram of a height-adjustable pressure plate in an embodiment of this application;

[0040] Figure 21 This is a structural block diagram of the control system in the embodiments of this application.

[0041] 10. Supporting structure;

[0042] 101. Tableting position; 102. First support plate; 103. Inner space; 104. Limiting protrusion;

[0043] 105. Clearance opening; 106. Second support plate; 107. Side plate; 108. Limiting groove; 109. Third support plate;

[0044] 110. Power interface; 111. Communication interface; 112. Air inlet; 113. Air outlet;

[0045] 20. Flip component;

[0046] 201. Flip plate; 202. Motor; 203. First position; 204. Protrusion block;

[0047] 205. Second position; 206. Electromagnet; 207. Clearance groove; 208. First synchronous pulley;

[0048] 209. Second synchronous pulley; 210. Synchronous belt; 211. First shaft; 212. Second shaft;

[0049] 213. Protective casing;

[0050] 30. Tableting assembly;

[0051] 301. Pressure plate; 302. First cylinder; 303. Pressure column; 304. Tray; 305. Receiving groove;

[0052] 306. Perforated plate; 307. Through hole; 308. Set screw;

[0053] 40. Second cylinder; 401. Piston rod;

[0054] 50. Control system;

[0055] 500. Host computer; 501. Controller; 502. First solenoid valve; 503. Sensor;

[0056] 504. Second solenoid valve; 505. Relay;

[0057] 60. Sample components;

[0058] 601. Molding plate; 602. Sample cell plate; 603. Cover glass; 605. Pressure ring; 606. Agar block. Detailed Implementation

[0059] Referring to the accompanying drawings, the foregoing and other features of this application will become apparent from the following description. Specific embodiments of this application are specifically disclosed in the description and drawings, illustrating partial implementations in which the principles of this application may be adopted. It should be understood that this application is not limited to the described embodiments; rather, it includes all modifications, variations, and equivalents falling within the scope of the appended claims.

[0060] In the embodiments of this application, the terms "first," "second," etc., are used to distinguish different elements by their designation, but do not indicate the spatial arrangement or temporal order of these elements, and these elements should not be limited by these terms. The term "and / or" includes any one or more of the terms listed in association and all combinations thereof. The terms "comprising," "including," "having," etc., refer to the presence of the stated features, elements, components, or assemblies, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, elements, components, or assemblies.

[0061] In the embodiments of this application, the singular forms "a," "the," etc., may include the plural forms and should be broadly understood as "a kind" or "a class" rather than limited to the meaning of "one." In addition, the term "the" should be understood to include both the singular and plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Furthermore, the term "multiple" means two or more, unless otherwise stated.

[0062] The embodiments of this application will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0063] This application provides an automatic tablet pressing device for microscopic sample preparation.

[0064] Figures 1 to 3 This is a schematic diagram of an example of an automatic tablet pressing device for microscopic sample preparation according to an embodiment of this application.

[0065] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the automatic tablet pressing device for microscopic sample preparation in this application embodiment is used to replace manual tablet pressing operations and realize the automation of tablet pressing. The automatic tablet pressing device includes a support body 10, a flipping component 20, and a tablet pressing component 30.

[0066] The support body 10 provides a tableting position 101 for placing the sample assembly 60. For example, Figure 18 , Figure 19 As shown, the sample assembly 60 includes a molded plate 601 containing solid culture medium (e.g., agar blocks), a sample reservoir plate 602, and a coverslip 603 stacked sequentially from bottom to top. Bacterial / cell suspension is pre-dropped onto the surface of each agar block facing the coverslip 603. This sample assembly 60 can be prepared using the microsurgical sample preparation device provided in Chinese Invention Patent Publication No. CN113848103A, or it can be prepared using other existing technologies. The sample assembly 60 can be placed manually at the pelleting position 101, or it can be gripped and placed at the pelleting position 101 by the gripper of a robotic arm in a laboratory pipetting workstation; the latter method better meets the automation requirements of the laboratory.

[0067] The flipping assembly 20 includes a flipping plate 201 rotatably connected to the support body 10 about a central axis, and a rotary driver for driving the flipping plate 201 to rotate, such as a motor. The flipping plate 201 has a first position 203 located on one side of the tablet pressing position 101 (e.g., Figure 5 As shown), when the flip plate 201 rotates to the first position 203, it positions the sample assembly 60 at the tableting position 101 to fix the sample assembly 60 at the tableting position 101, facilitating subsequent tableting operations. Before the sample assembly 60 is placed at the tableting position 101 (as shown), Figure 2 As shown), the flip plate 201 may not be in the first position 203 to avoid obstructing the tablet pressing position 101 and hindering the placement of the sample assembly 60. After the sample assembly 60 is placed in the tablet pressing position 101 (as shown), Figure 4 As shown), the rotary driver drives the flip plate 201 to rotate to the first position 203 (as shown). Figure 5 As shown), the sample assembly 60 is positioned by covering it with the sample assembly 60.

[0068] like Figure 3 , Figure 15As shown, the tablet compression assembly 30 includes a pressure plate 301 and a linear actuator for driving the pressure plate 301 to move linearly. The linear actuator can be a cylinder (referred to as the first cylinder 302). The pressure plate 301 is located on the other side of the tablet compression position 101, that is, the pressure plate 301 and the first position 203 are located on opposite sides of the tablet compression position 101, in other words, the pressure plate 301 and the flip plate 201 at the first position 203 are located on opposite sides of the sample assembly 60. Figure 5 In the example, the pressure plate 301 is located below the sample assembly 60, and the flip plate 201 in the first position 203 is located above the sample assembly 60. The linear driver drives the pressure plate 301 to move linearly toward the tableting position 101, so that the pressure plate 301 tablets the sample assembly 60 positioned at the tableting position 101.

[0069] Specifically, for example, such as Figure 15 As shown, the pressure plate 301 has multiple pressure posts 303. When the sample assembly 60 is placed in the tablet pressing position 101, the multiple pressure posts 303, the multiple forming holes of the forming plate 601, and the multiple sample holes of the sample pool plate 602 correspond one-to-one. When the linear actuator drives the pressure plate 301 to move linearly towards the tablet pressing position 101, the multiple pressure posts 303 of the pressure plate 301 press the agar blocks 606 in the multiple forming holes of the forming plate 601 into the multiple sample holes of the sample pool plate 602 (e.g., ...). Figure 7 , Figure 8 As shown, the linear actuator stops moving until the surfaces of the multiple agar blocks 606 containing bacteria or cells are in close contact with the coverslip 603, thus completing the automatic tablet compression operation. This is more efficient and produces better results than the manual tablet compression operation of the prior art.

[0070] In some embodiments, the automatic tableting device further includes a locking element, for example, a locking element that is... Figure 1 The second cylinder 40 shown has a locking member mounted on the support body 10. The locking member can be positioned adjacent to the pressing position 101. The locking member is used to releasably lock the flip plate 201 in the first position 203, that is, when the flip plate 201 is flipped to the first position 203, the locking member locks the flip plate 201 (e.g., Figure 6 As shown), the flip plate 201 is positioned at the first position 203, thereby positioning the sample assembly 60; after the tableting operation is completed, the locking member releases the lock on the flip plate 201 (as shown). Figure 7 (as shown), so that subsequent operations can be performed on sample assembly 60.

[0071] In a feasible technical solution, such as Figure 6 , Figure 9As shown, the locking element is a cylinder (referred to as the second cylinder 40). The second cylinder 40 has a telescopic piston rod 401. The piston rod 401 locks the flip plate 201 in the first position 203 by extending, so as to restrict the rotation of the flip plate 201. The piston rod 401 releases the lock on the flip plate 201 by retracting, so that the flip plate 201 can rotate.

[0072] Optionally, the second cylinder 40 is a needle cylinder, for example, a single-acting needle cylinder. The needle cylinder is located outside the tablet pressing position 101 and parallel to the plane where the tablet pressing position 101 is located; the side edge of the flipping plate 201 is provided with an outwardly protruding block 204. When the flipping plate 201 is flipped to the first position 203, the protruding block 204 is opposite to the piston rod 401 of the needle cylinder. At this time, the piston rod 401 extends to press the protruding block 204 (e.g., Figure 6 As shown), this locks the flip plate 201; after the tableting operation is completed, the piston rod 401 retracts to release the protrusion 204 (as shown). Figure 7 As shown), this releases the lock on the flip plate 201. For example, there are two needle cylinders, and correspondingly, there are also two protrusions 204.

[0073] When the pressing operation is completed, the coverslip 603 in the sample assembly 60 is located above the sample cell plate 602. To facilitate observation of bacteria or cells on the surface of the agar block 606 under an inverted microscope, the sample assembly 60 needs to be flipped so that the coverslip 603 is located below the sample cell plate 602. However, the prior art uses a manual method to flip the sample assembly 60, which is inconvenient. In order to automatically flip the sample assembly 60, in some embodiments, the flipping component 20 is also configured to flip the sample assembly 60.

[0074] Specifically, the flip plate 201 also has a second position 205 (such as...) Figure 9 As shown), the second position 205 and the first position 203 are located on opposite sides of the central axis. The flipping plate 201 rotates around the central axis, causing the sample assembly 60 to rotate (i.e., flip) from the first position 203 to the second position 205. That is, when the flipping plate 201 flips from the first position 203 to the second position 205, the sample assembly 60 is also flipped. After flipping, the cover glass 603 of the sample assembly 60 is located below the sample cell plate 602, thus achieving automatic flipping of the sample assembly 60. This is safer and more reliable than the manual flipping operation of existing technologies, reducing the risk of misalignment or detachment of components of the sample assembly 60 during the flipping process. In one feasible technical solution, such as... Figure 6 , Figure 9 As shown, the first position 203 and the second position 205 are located on the same plane, so the flip plate 201 flips 180° from the first position 203 to the second position 205.

[0075] In some embodiments, the flipping assembly 20 further includes a connector for releasably connecting the flipping plate 201 to the sample assembly 60, so that the flipping plate 201 can drive the sample assembly 60 to rotate synchronously (i.e., flip synchronously).

[0076] In one feasible technical solution, the sample assembly 60 includes a magnetic component, and the connecting component is an electromagnet 206 disposed on the flip plate 201, such as... Figure 2 , Figure 5 As shown, when energized, electromagnet 206 magnetically connects the flip plate 201 and the sample assembly 60, allowing the sample assembly 60 to flip synchronously with the flip plate 201. When de-energized, electromagnet 206 releases the connection between the flip plate 201 and the sample assembly 60, facilitating the removal of the flipped sample assembly 60. The flipped sample assembly 60 can be removed manually or by the gripper of a robotic arm in a laboratory pipetting workstation and placed on the microscope platform; the latter method better meets the automation requirements of the laboratory.

[0077] Specifically, for example, magnets are provided on at least two opposite sides of the molding plate 601, magnets are provided on at least two opposite sides of the sample cell plate 602, and a pressure ring 605 is provided on the side of the cover glass 603 facing away from the sample cell plate 602. The pressure ring 605 is made of a metal material that can be attracted by magnets. Therefore, the molding plate 601, sample cell plate 602, cover glass 603 and pressure ring 605 are fixed together under magnetic attraction to form an integral part. When the electromagnet 206 is energized, the integral part is fixed together with the flip plate 201 under magnetic attraction. When the electromagnet 206 is de-energized, the integral part is separated from the flip plate 201.

[0078] Using the solution in this embodiment, the connection and disconnection of the flip plate 201 and the sample assembly 60 can be achieved by turning on and off the power, which facilitates automated control.

[0079] Optionally, the electromagnet 206 is disposed on the side of the flip plate 201 opposite to the pressing plate position 101. For example... Figure 5 , Figure 6 As shown, for example, there are four electromagnets 206. The four electromagnets 206 are respectively located at the four corners of the side of the electromagnet 206. Each electromagnet 206 can be fixed to the side of the flip plate 201 by a fixing bracket. The electromagnets 206 and the fixing bracket, as well as the fixing bracket and the flip plate 201, can be detachably connected by screws.

[0080] Optionally, such as Figure 13 As shown, the flip plate 201 is roughly rectangular, and the four edges of the flip plate 201 are provided with clearance grooves 207 to facilitate the gripper of the robotic arm to pick up the sample assembly 60 from the clearance grooves 207.

[0081] In a feasible technical solution, such as Figure 12 As shown, the support body 10 includes a first support plate 102, which can be the top plate of the support body 10. The first support plate 102 provides a pressing position 101. The flip plate 201 is rotatably disposed on the first support plate 102. The first support plate 102 provides support for the flip plate 201 in the first position 203 and the second position 205.

[0082] like Figure 1 , Figure 16 As shown, the first support plate 102 is rotatably connected to the middle of the flip plate 201. The right side of the first support plate 102 is used to provide a tablet pressing position 101. The right side can be a square frame with an inner space 103. The square frame is provided with a plurality of limiting protrusions 104 spaced apart around the inner space 103. The inner side of the plurality of limiting protrusions 104 is a tablet pressing position 101 for placing the sample assembly 60. The plurality of limiting protrusions 104 are used to limit the sample assembly 60 at the tablet pressing position 101 from the outer periphery of the sample assembly 60. The left side portion of the first support plate 102 is used to support the flip plate 201 when it is flipped to the second position 205. The left side portion is provided with clearance openings 105 corresponding to each electromagnet 206. Therefore, when the flip plate 201 is flipped to the second position 205, each electromagnet 206 falls into the clearance openings 105, so that the flip plate 201 and the left side portion are stacked in a parallel stacked state, providing stable support for the sample assembly 60.

[0083] In some embodiments, such as Figure 12 , Figure 17 As shown, the support body 10 includes a second support plate 106, which is located on the side of the first support plate 102 opposite to the flip plate 201. The tablet pressing assembly 30 and the rotary driver are both located between the first support plate 102 and the second support plate 106. The linear driver and the rotary driver are both fixed on the second support plate 106.

[0084] exist Figure 12 In the example, the second support plate 106 is located below the first support plate 102, and the tablet assembly 30 and the rotary driver can be placed in the space between the first support plate 102 and the second support plate 106. For example, the linear driver can be fixed to the second support plate 106 by screws, and the rotary driver can be fixed to the second support plate 106 by a bracket. The rotary driver and the bracket, as well as the bracket and the second support plate 106, can be detachably connected by screws.

[0085] In some embodiments, such as Figure 10 , Figure 21As shown, the rotary driver is a motor 202, and the tilting plate 201 is rotatably connected to the first support plate 102 of the support body 10 via a rotating shaft arranged parallel to the central axis. The tilting assembly 20 also includes a first synchronous pulley 208 connected to the motor shaft of the motor 202, a second synchronous pulley 209 connected to the rotating shaft, and a synchronous belt 210 connecting the first synchronous pulley 208 and the second synchronous pulley 209. The rotational motion of the motor 202 is transmitted to the tilting plate 201 in sequence through the first synchronous pulley 208, the synchronous belt 210, the second synchronous pulley 209 and the rotating shaft to drive the tilting plate 201 to rotate.

[0086] For example, the flip plate 201 is connected to the first support plate 102 via two rotating shafts, such as Figure 13 , Figure 14 As shown, the two rotating shafts are the first rotating shaft 211 and the second rotating shaft 212, respectively. One end of the first rotating shaft 211 is connected to the second synchronous pulley 209, and the other end of the first rotating shaft 211 can be a square column, which cooperates with the square hole of the flip plate 201 to transmit the rotational torque to the flip plate 201; the second rotating shaft 212 can be a cylindrical shaft.

[0087] exist Figure 10 and Figure 11 In the example, the support body 10 may include four side plates, which are located on the outer periphery of the first support plate 102 and the second support plate 106. The motor shaft of the motor 202 passes through the corresponding side plate 107 to connect with the first synchronous pulley 208 outside the side plate 107. The second synchronous pulley 209 and the synchronous belt 210 are both located on the outside of the side plate 107.

[0088] In some embodiments, such as Figure 9 As shown, a protective shell 213 can be fitted over the outer sides of the first synchronous pulley 208, the second synchronous pulley 209, and the synchronous belt 210. Of course, in other embodiments, the protective shell 213 may not be provided (e.g., Figure 10 (As shown).

[0089] In some embodiments, the pressure plate 301 can be detachably disposed on the linear actuator to facilitate removal of the pressure plate 301 for cleaning and disinfection, thereby avoiding contamination of the solid culture medium in the sample assembly 60.

[0090] In a feasible technical solution, such as Figure 15 As shown, the pressure plate 301 is detachably mounted on the linear drive via the tray 304. Specifically, the tray 304 is fixed to the linear drive, and the tray 304 is provided with a receiving groove 305 for accommodating the pressure plate 301. Therefore, the pressure plate 301 can be placed in or removed from the receiving groove 305. For example, the pressure plate 301 and the receiving groove 305 are clearance-fitted.

[0091] In some embodiments, the height of the pressure plate 301 relative to the linear actuator is adjustable to adjust the amount of compression of the agar block by the pressure plate 301. For example, if the agar block is not compressed or is not tightly attached to the coverslip when the linear actuator reaches its maximum stroke, the height of the pressure plate 301 relative to the linear actuator can be increased to increase the amount of compression of the agar block by the pressure plate 301, so that the agar block is tightly attached to the coverslip 603, ensuring a better pressing effect.

[0092] In a feasible technical solution, such as Figure 20 As shown, the pressure plate 301 has multiple screw holes that penetrate the pressure plate 301. Each screw hole is provided with a set screw 308. The bottom of the set screw 308 contacts the bottom surface of the tray 304. By adjusting the length of the set screw 308 extending out of the bottom surface of the pressure plate 301, the height of the pressure plate 301 relative to the linear actuator can be adjusted.

[0093] In some embodiments, such as Figure 3 As shown, the tableting assembly 30 also includes a perforated plate 306 located between the pressure plate 301 and the tableting position 101. When the sample assembly 60 is placed in the tableting position 101, the perforated plate 306 can support the sample assembly 60 from the bottom. The perforated plate 306 is detachably connected to the support body 10. The perforated plate 306 has multiple through holes 307 corresponding to multiple pressure columns 303. Therefore, under the drive of the linear actuator, the multiple pressure columns 303 of the pressure plate 301 extend into the forming hole of the forming plate 601 through the multiple through holes 307.

[0094] For example, if the diameter of the forming hole in the forming plate 601 is d1, the diameter of the sample hole in the sample pool plate 602 is d2, the diameter of the through hole 307 in the porous plate 306 is d3, and the diameter of the pressure column 303 in the pressure plate 301 is d4, then d2>d1=d3>d4.

[0095] exist Figure 3 and Figure 16 In the example, on the right side of the first support plate 102, a limiting groove 108 is formed by the inner periphery of the right side of the adjacent inner space 103. This limiting groove 108 matches the perforated plate 306. For example, the limiting groove 108 is a square groove, which is used to accommodate and position the perforated plate 306. When it is necessary to remove the pressure plate 301, the perforated plate 306 is first removed from the limiting groove 108, and then the pressure plate 301 is removed from the receiving groove 305.

[0096] In some embodiments, such as Figure 21 As shown, the automatic tableting device also includes a control system 50, which is used to control the start and stop of the rotary drive and the linear drive.

[0097] In a feasible technical solution, such as Figure 21 As shown, the rotary actuator is a motor 202, the linear actuator is a first cylinder 302, the locking element is a second cylinder 40, and the connecting element is an electromagnet 206. The control system 50 includes a host computer 500 and a controller 501. The host computer 500 can directly control the start and stop of the motor 202. The host computer 500 can control the start and stop of the first cylinder 302 and the second cylinder 40, as well as the energization and de-energization of the electromagnet 206, through the controller 501. Thus, the control system 50 achieves automatic control of the motor 202, the first cylinder 302, the second cylinder 40, and the electromagnet 206. The host computer 500 can also control the start and stop of the motor 202 through the controller 501, which is also within the scope of this application. The host computer 500 can be a computer.

[0098] Optionally, such as Figure 21 As shown, the control system 50 also includes a first solenoid valve 502 and a second solenoid valve 504 for controlling the air circuit. The controller 501 is connected to the first cylinder 302 through the first solenoid valve 502 to control the extension and retraction of the first cylinder 302. The controller 501 is connected to the second cylinder 40 through the second solenoid valve 504 to control the extension and retraction of the two second cylinders 40. For example, there is one first solenoid valve 502 and two second solenoid valves 504, which are connected to the two second cylinders 40 respectively.

[0099] Optionally, such as Figure 21 As shown, the control system 50 also includes a relay 505 (e.g., a serial port relay). The controller 501 is electrically connected to the electromagnet 206 through the relay 505. Under the control of the host computer 500, the controller 501 controls the relay 505, thereby controlling the energization and de-energization of the electromagnet 206.

[0100] In a feasible technical solution, such as Figure 21 As shown, the control system 50 also includes two sensors 503 mounted on the first cylinder 302. One sensor 503 measures whether the extension rod of the first cylinder 302 has reached a predetermined extended position, and the other sensor 503 measures whether the extension rod of the first cylinder 302 has reached a predetermined retracted position, thereby detecting the stroke of the first cylinder 302. The two sensors 503 are communicatively connected to the controller 501. The two sensors 503 send the stroke of the first cylinder 302 to the controller 501, and the controller 501 sends the stroke of the first cylinder 302 to the host computer. The host computer determines whether the tableting operation is completed based on the stroke. If the tableting operation is completed, the controller 501 energizes the electromagnet 206 and starts the motor 202 to flip the flipping plate 201.

[0101] For example, sensor 503 is a magnetic proximity switch, and sensor 503 can be installed in a mounting groove on the outer wall of the cylinder body of the first cylinder 302.

[0102] This embodiment achieves automatic control of the rotary drive component, linear drive component, locking component, and electromagnet 206 by setting up a control system 50.

[0103] In some embodiments, such as Figure 12 As shown, the supporting body 10 also includes a third supporting plate 109, which is located below the second supporting plate 106. The relay 505, the first solenoid valve 502, and the second solenoid valve 504 can be disposed in the space between the third supporting plate 109 and the second supporting plate 106 and supported by the third supporting plate 109.

[0104] like Figure 12 As shown, the first support plate 102, the second support plate 106, and the third support plate 109 are arranged at intervals from top to bottom. The three can be connected by hexagonal pillars to form a three-layer frame. The four side plates of the supporting body 10 are arranged around the first support plate 102, the second support plate 106, and the third support plate 109. The four side plates, the first support plate 102, and the third support plate 109 together form the square shell of the supporting body 10. The second support plate 106 divides the interior of the square shell into upper and lower spaces. The upper space houses the pressing assembly 30 and the motor 202, and the lower space houses the relay 505 and three solenoid valves. One of the side plates 107 is provided with a power interface 110, a communication interface 111, an air inlet 112 connected to the three solenoid valves, and an air outlet 113 connected to the three solenoid valves.

[0105] The tableting process of the automated tableting device for microscopic sample preparation in this application embodiment may include the following steps:

[0106] (1) The robotic arm gripper of the pipetting workstation picks up the pre-made sample assembly 60 and places it into the pressing position 101 of the automatic pressing device. At this time, the forming plate 601, sample cell plate 602 and coverslip 603 of the sample assembly 60 are stacked from bottom to top, and the flipping plate 201 can be in the second position.

[0107] (2) The motor 202 drives the flip plate 201 to flip from the second position to the first position to cover the sample assembly 60;

[0108] (3) The piston rod 401 of the second cylinder 40 extends to press the protrusion 204 of the flip plate 201, thereby locking the flip plate 201 and positioning the sample assembly 60 in the tablet pressing position 101.

[0109] (4) The telescopic rod of the first cylinder 302 extends and drives the pressure plate 301 to move linearly toward the pressing position 101, so that the pressure plate 301 presses the agar blocks in the multiple forming holes of the forming plate 601 into the multiple sample holes of the sample pool plate 602 until the surface of the multiple agar blocks with bacteria or cells is in close contact with the coverslip 603.

[0110] (5) The telescopic rod of the first cylinder 302 retracts, and the pressure plate 301 descends accordingly;

[0111] (6) The piston rod 401 of the second cylinder 40 retracts to release the lock on the flip plate 201;

[0112] (7) The electromagnet 206 is energized to connect the flip plate 201 and the sample assembly 60 by magnetic attraction;

[0113] (8) The motor 202 drives the flip plate 201 to flip the sample assembly 60 from the first position to the second position to achieve the flipping of the sample assembly 60. At this time, the sample assembly 60 is in a state where the cover glass 603, the sample pool plate 602 and the forming plate 601 are stacked from bottom to top.

[0114] (9) The robotic arm gripper of the pipetting workstation picks up the sample assembly 60 from the second position and places the sample assembly 60 on the microscope platform so that the sample assembly 60 can be observed under the microscope.

[0115] Preferred embodiments of this application have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings. Many features and advantages of these embodiments are apparent from this detailed description, and therefore the appended claims are intended to cover all such features and advantages of these embodiments that fall within their true spirit and scope. Furthermore, since many modifications and alterations will readily occur to those skilled in the art, the embodiments of this application are not intended to be limited to the precise structures and operations illustrated and described, but rather to encompass all suitable modifications and equivalents falling within their scope.

Claims

1. An automatic tablet pressing device for microscopic sample preparation, characterized in that, include: The supporting body provides a tableting position for placing sample components; The flipping assembly includes a flipping plate rotatably connected to the support body about a central axis and a rotary driver for driving the flipping plate to rotate. The flipping plate has a first position located on one side of the tablet pressing position. When the flipping plate rotates to the first position, it positions the sample assembly at the tablet pressing position. The flipping plate also has a second position, which is located on opposite sides of the central axis. The flipping plate rotates about the central axis to drive the tableted sample assembly to rotate from the first position to the second position, thereby flipping the sample assembly. A tableting assembly includes a pressure plate and a linear actuator for driving the pressure plate to move linearly. The pressure plate is located on the other side of the tableting position. The linear actuator drives the pressure plate to move linearly toward the tableting position, so that the pressure plate can tablet a sample assembly positioned at the tableting position. A locking element, provided on the support body, is used to releasably lock the flip plate in the first position. The locking element is a cylinder with a telescopic piston rod. The piston rod locks the flip plate in the first position by extending and releases the lock on the flip plate by retracting. A connector is used to releasably connect the flip plate to the sample assembly so that the flip plate can drive the sample assembly to rotate synchronously; wherein, the sample assembly includes a magnetic component; the connector is an electromagnet disposed on the flip plate, the electromagnet connects the flip plate and the sample assembly magnetically when energized, and releases the connection between the flip plate and the sample assembly when de-energized; The sample assembly has multiple sample holes; the pressure plate has multiple pressure posts corresponding to the multiple sample holes; the tablet assembly further includes a perforated plate located between the pressure plate and the tablet position, the perforated plate being detachably connected to the support body, and the perforated plate having multiple through holes corresponding to the multiple pressure posts.

2. The automatic tableting device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The supporting structure includes: A first support plate provides the tablet pressing position, and a flip plate is rotatably disposed on the first support plate, the first support plate providing support for the flip plate in the first position and the second position.

3. The automatic tablet compressing device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The supporting structure includes: The second support plate is located on the side of the first support plate opposite to the flip plate. The pressing assembly and the rotary driver are both located between the first support plate and the second support plate. The linear driver and the rotary driver are both fixed on the second support plate.

4. The automatic tableting device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The rotary drive is a motor; The flip plate and the supporting body are rotatably connected by a rotating shaft arranged parallel to the central axis; The flipping assembly further includes a first synchronous pulley connected to the motor shaft of the motor, a second synchronous pulley connected to the rotating shaft, and a synchronous belt connecting the first synchronous pulley and the second synchronous pulley. The rotational motion of the motor is transmitted to the flipping plate in sequence through the first synchronous pulley, the synchronous belt, the second synchronous pulley and the rotating shaft to drive the flipping plate to rotate.

5. The automatic tableting apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The pressure plate is detachably mounted on the linear actuator.

6. The automatic tableting apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The height of the pressure plate relative to the linear actuator is adjustable.

7. The automatic tableting apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, Also includes: A control system for controlling the start and stop of the rotary drive and the linear drive.

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