A type of Methylobacterium culture equipment
By combining the dual stirring states of the fermenter and the stirring mechanism, the stirring mode can be dynamically adjusted, solving the problems of low efficiency and shear damage in mixing high-viscosity culture media in traditional equipment, and achieving efficient and uniform Methylobacterium culture.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Patents(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- SUN YAT SEN UNIV
- Filing Date
- 2025-06-27
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-30
AI Technical Summary
Traditional Methylobacterium culture equipment suffers from low mixing efficiency and excessive shear force leading to bacterial cell damage when mixing high-viscosity or solid particle-containing culture media. In particular, during the exponential growth phase of the bacteria, insufficient or excessive shear force cannot maintain optimal culture conditions.
It employs a fermenter, a stirring mechanism, and an auxiliary control mechanism to achieve dual stirring states by limiting or driving the rotation and revolution of the stirring blades. The stirring mode is dynamically adjusted according to the growth of Methylobacterium to balance shear force and mixing efficiency and avoid damage to the bacteria.
It enables rapid mixing of culture medium in the early stages of fermentation, protects the cells from shear damage during the exponential growth phase, improves the mixing uniformity and stirring efficiency of the culture medium, and maintains optimal culture conditions.
Smart Images
Figure CN120648548B_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates to the field of culture medium mixing technology, specifically to a methylbacterium culture device. Background Technology
[0002] Methylbacteria are Gram-negative bacteria widely distributed in nature, possessing unique metabolic characteristics and ecological functions. When culturing Methylbacteria, low concentrations of rare earth elements (such as Ce³⁺ and La³⁺) can stimulate the metabolism of the strain. The function of Methylbacteria can be optimized by adding materials containing rare earth elements to the culture medium and mixing them. However, traditional impellers have low mixing efficiency for high-viscosity culture media or those containing solid particles (such as rare earth minerals). Rare earth particles or bacterial cells may flocculate and settle; if the rare earth concentration is too low, it cannot exert its original effect, while if the concentration is too high, it will inhibit the growth of Methylbacteria.
[0003] To this end, Chinese Patent No. CN117282321B discloses a mushroom cultivation substrate mixing and stirring production equipment. It disperses the rice particles that are gathered together by dropping them onto a uniform feeding plate. The reciprocating oscillation of the uniform feeding plate and the inertial force of the rice particles cause them to slide downwards. At the same time, the rice particles are diverted by a distribution fork in the shape of Pascal's triangle, so that the rice particles are dispersed during the dropping process. Meanwhile, gypsum powder sprayed from multiple directions at different heights coats the surface of the rice particles and falls into the mixing tank together. That is, the feeding process before stirring is pre-coated and mixed, which reduces the pressure of subsequent stirring and mixing, and also improves the uniformity of the mixture of gypsum powder and rice particles.
[0004] In the cultivation of Methylobacterium, to ensure uniform mixing, it is usually necessary to maintain a high rotation speed of the stirring blades, using high-speed rotation for mixing. However, if the stirring blade speed is too high, the local shear stress may exceed the tensile strength of the cell wall, leading to membrane perforation or lysis. This is especially true during the exponential growth phase of the bacteria, when a large number of cells are damaged under shear force, affecting the culture results. Summary of the Invention
[0005] To address the aforementioned issues, a methylbacterium culture device is provided. This device, through a fermenter, a stirring mechanism, and an auxiliary control mechanism, solves the problem of traditional equipment failing to balance shear force and mixing efficiency, thus damaging the bacterial cells.
[0006] To address the problems of existing technologies, this invention provides a methylbacterium culture device, comprising a fermenter and a stirring mechanism. The fermenter includes a tank body, a cover, and a rotary drive for driving the stirring mechanism; a main shaft of the stirring mechanism and a stirring rod sleeved on the main shaft, the main shaft being drively connected to the drive end of the rotary drive; a stirring blade is rotatably mounted on the stirring rod; an auxiliary control mechanism for controlling the rotation of the stirring blade is provided inside the tank; when the stirring blade stops rotating on its own axis but rotates synchronously with the stirring rod, the stirring mechanism is in a first stirring state; when the stirring blade rotates synchronously with the stirring rod while also rotating on its own axis, the stirring mechanism is in a second stirring state.
[0007] Preferably, the auxiliary control mechanism includes a transmission component and a limiting component; the transmission component is connected to the stirring blade in a transmission manner; the limiting component is used to limit the rotation of the stirring blade; when the rotary driver drives the stirring rod to rotate and the limiting component does not limit the rotation of the stirring blade, the transmission component drives the stirring blade to rotate.
[0008] Preferably, the transmission assembly includes a gear ring and a rotating shaft; the gear ring is disposed inside the tank, and the axis of the gear ring is collinear with the axis of the main shaft; the rotating shaft is rotatably mounted on the stirring rod, and a rotating gear is sleeved on the rotating shaft, the rotating gear meshing with the gear ring; the stirring blade is sleeved on the rotating shaft.
[0009] Preferably, the lifting mechanism includes a mounting platform; the mounting platform is disposed inside the tank, and the mounting platform has left-hand and right-hand double-ended staggered threads, and the toothed ring is threadedly connected to the mounting platform through the double-ended staggered threads;
[0010] The stirring rod is slidably sleeved on the main shaft along the main shaft axis; the first bracket is rotatably connected to the gear ring, and the rotating shaft is rotatably connected to the first bracket.
[0011] Preferably, the limiting component includes a protrusion disposed at the top of the stirring blade and a first telescopic block movably disposed on the stirring rod; the stirring rod has a built-in first linear actuator for controlling the extension and retraction of the first telescopic tube in the vertical direction; the rotation of the stirring blade is limited when the protrusion abuts against the first telescopic block.
[0012] Preferably, a second telescopic block is movably disposed on the mounting platform, and the mounting platform has a built-in second linear driver for controlling the extension and retraction of the second telescopic block in the vertical direction.
[0013] Preferably, the mounting platform is vertically raised and lowered inside the tank, and a third linear actuator is provided on the cover to drive the mounting platform to rise and fall.
[0014] Preferably, the tank body is provided with an observation window.
[0015] Preferably, the tank is provided with a second bracket, the second bracket has a color recognition device, and the second bracket is located at the observation window.
[0016] Preferably, a heat-conducting strip is provided on the inner side of the tank, extending from the top to the bottom of the tank.
[0017] The advantages of this invention compared to the prior art are:
[0018] 1. This invention achieves a dual-stirring state function for the stirring mechanism through a fermenter, a stirring mechanism, and an auxiliary control mechanism. In the early stages of fermentation, the auxiliary control mechanism restricts the rotation of the stirring blades, placing the stirring mechanism in its first stirring state. At this time, the rotary actuator drives the main shaft and stirring rod to rotate at high speed, rapidly mixing the culture medium. When the cells enter the exponential growth phase, the auxiliary control mechanism no longer restricts the rotation of the stirring blades, placing the stirring mechanism in its second stirring state. The rotary actuator drives the main shaft and stirring rod to rotate, while reducing their rotational speed. The auxiliary control mechanism transmits the torque provided by the rotary actuator, causing the stirring blades to rotate simultaneously with the stirring rod while revolving around it. The stirring mechanism then enters the second stirring state, using the rotation of the stirring blades to provide axial thrust and prevent stratification of the fermentation broth. This achieves the effect of adjusting the stirring state according to the growth of *Methylobacterium*, maintaining optimal culture conditions, balancing shear force and mixing efficiency, and solving the problem of traditional equipment damaging the cells due to its inability to balance shear force and mixing efficiency.
[0019] 2. This invention achieves the function of controlling the rotation of the stirring blade through a transmission component and a limiting component. In the early stages of fermentation, the limiting component restricts the rotation of the stirring blade, while in the exponential growth phase of the cell culture, the transmission component drives the rotation of the stirring blade, thus achieving dynamic adjustment of the stirring mode. In the early stages of fermentation, the operator sends a signal to the rotary actuator via the controller. The rotary actuator drives the main shaft and stirring rod to rotate, and the limiting component further restricts the rotation of the stirring blade, thereby increasing the effective stirring area of the stirring mechanism. In the early stages of fermentation, this enhances the circumferential flow of the fluid, reduces the concentration gradient, improves the uniformity of stirring, and rapidly disperses rare earth particles.
[0020] 3. This invention achieves the function of controlling the stirring rod to move up and down in a small range in the vertical direction during the first stirring state through the mounting platform, connecting ring and connecting rod. The up and down movement of the stirring rod forms a pulsed pressure wave, which enhances the diffusion flux of rare earth elements to the surface of the cells and further improves the mixing uniformity of the culture medium. Attached Figure Description
[0021] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of a methylbacterium culture device according to the present invention.
[0022] Figure 2 This is a three-dimensional exploded view of a methylbacterium culture device according to the present invention.
[0023] Figure 3This is a first-view perspective three-dimensional schematic diagram of the stirring mechanism and auxiliary control mechanism of a methylbacterium culture device according to the present invention.
[0024] Figure 4 This is a second-view perspective perspective schematic diagram of the stirring mechanism and auxiliary control mechanism of a methylbacterium culture device according to the present invention.
[0025] Figure 5 This is the invention Figure 4 A magnified view of a portion of point A in the middle.
[0026] Figure 6 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the mixing blade and transmission assembly of a methylbacterium culture device according to the present invention.
[0027] Figure 7 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the stirring mechanism, connecting ring, and connecting rod of a methylbacterium culture device according to the present invention.
[0028] Figure 8 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the mounting platform and toothed ring of a methylbacterium culture device according to the present invention.
[0029] Figure 9 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the tank body of a methylbacterium culture device according to the present invention.
[0030] Figure 10 This is the invention Figure 9 A magnified view of a portion of point B in the middle.
[0031] The diagram is labeled as follows: 1. Fermentation tank; 11. Tank body; 111. Observation window; 112. Second support; 1121. Color identifier; 113. Heat conduction strip; 12. Cover; 121. Third linear actuator; 13. Rotary actuator; 2. Stirring mechanism; 21. Main shaft; 22. Stirring rod; 221. Stirring blade; 3. Auxiliary control mechanism; 31. Transmission assembly; 311. Gear ring; 312. Rotating shaft; 3121. Rotary gear; 313. First support; 314. Pulley; 315. Transmission belt; 32. Limiting assembly; 321. Protrusion; 322. First telescopic block; 4. Lifting mechanism; 41. Mounting platform; 411. Second telescopic block; 42. Connecting ring; 43. Connecting rod. Detailed Implementation
[0032] To further understand the features, technical means, and specific objectives and functions achieved by the present invention, the present invention will be described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.
[0033] Reference Figures 1-3A methylbacterium culture device includes a fermenter 1 and a stirring mechanism 2. The fermenter 1 includes a tank body 11, a cover 12, and a rotary driver 13 for driving the stirring mechanism 2. The stirring mechanism 2 has a main shaft 21 and a stirring rod 22 sleeved on the main shaft 21. The main shaft 21 is connected to the driving end of the rotary driver 13. A stirring blade 221 is rotatably mounted on the stirring rod 22. An auxiliary control mechanism 3 for controlling the rotation of the stirring blade 221 is provided inside the tank body 11. When the stirring blade 221 stops rotating on its own axis and rotates synchronously with the stirring rod 22, the stirring mechanism 2 is in a first stirring state. When the stirring blade 221 rotates on its own axis while rotating synchronously with the stirring rod 22, the stirring mechanism 2 is in a second stirring state.
[0034] This invention achieves a dual-stirring state function for the stirring mechanism 2 through a fermenter 1, a stirring mechanism 2, and an auxiliary control mechanism 3. In the initial fermentation stage, the rotation of the stirring blade 221 is restricted by the auxiliary control mechanism 3, and the stirring mechanism 2 enters the first stirring state. At this time, the rotary actuator 13 drives the main shaft 21 and the stirring rod 22 to rotate at high speed, rapidly mixing the culture medium. When the bacteria enter the exponential growth phase, the auxiliary control mechanism 3 no longer restricts the rotation of the stirring blade 221, and the stirring mechanism 2 enters the second stirring state. The rotary actuator 13 drives the main shaft 21 and the stirring rod 22 to rotate, while reducing their rotational speed. The torque provided by the rotary actuator 13 is transmitted through the auxiliary control mechanism 3. Under the action of this torque, the stirring blade 221 rotates while revolving around the stirring rod 22, and the stirring mechanism 2 enters the second stirring state. The rotation of the stirring blade 221 provides axial thrust to prevent the culture medium from stratifying. This achieves the effect of adjusting the stirring state according to the growth of *Methylobacterium*, maintaining optimal culture conditions, balancing shear force and mixing efficiency, and solving the problem of traditional equipment damaging the bacteria due to its inability to balance shear force and mixing efficiency. The cover 12 of the fermenter 1 is equipped with a controller for human-machine interaction. The rotary drive 13 is preferably a servo motor, and the rotary drive 13 is electrically connected to the controller. In the early stages of fermentation, the operator sends a signal to the rotary drive 13 via the controller and restricts the rotation of the stirring blades 221 via the auxiliary control mechanism 3. The stirring mechanism 2 enters the first stirring state. After the rotary drive 13 starts, it drives the main shaft 21 and stirring rod 22 to rotate at high speed, rapidly mixing the culture medium. When *Methylobacterium* enters the exponential growth phase, simply reducing the stirring rate to decrease shear force may not be sufficient to maintain optimal culture conditions. During the exponential phase, the cell density rises rapidly, easily leading to an increase in the viscosity of the culture medium. Traditional radial stirring easily forms "circulation zones" and "dead zones," causing rare earth particles or cells to settle at the bottom. This results in insufficient local substrate or rare earth concentration, inhibiting uniform cell growth. Therefore, the auxiliary control mechanism 3 transmits the torque provided by the rotary drive 13 to drive the rotation of the stirring blades 221. The axial thrust provided by the rotation of the stirring blades 221 prevents stratification of the culture medium. At this time, the output speed of the rotary driver 13 is reduced by the controller, thereby reducing the shear force of the stirring rod 22 and protecting the bacterial cells.
[0035] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 3 The auxiliary control mechanism 3 includes a transmission component 31 and a limiting component 32; the transmission component 31 is connected to the stirring blade 221 in a transmission manner; the limiting component 32 is used to limit the rotation of the stirring blade 221; when the rotary driver 13 drives the stirring rod 22 to rotate and the limiting component 32 does not limit the rotation of the stirring blade 221, the transmission component 31 drives the stirring blade 221 to rotate.
[0036] This invention achieves the function of controlling the rotation of the stirring blade 221 through the transmission component 31 and the limiting component 32. In the early stage of fermentation, the limiting component 32 restricts the rotation of the stirring blade 221. During the cell growth phase, the transmission component 31 drives the stirring blade 221 to rotate, achieving the effect of dynamically adjusting the stirring mode. In the early stage of fermentation, the operator sends a signal to the rotary actuator 13 via the controller. The rotary actuator 13 drives the main shaft 21 and the stirring rod 22 to rotate, and the limiting component 32 restricts the rotation of the stirring blade 221, thereby increasing the effective stirring area of the stirring mechanism 2. In the early stage of fermentation, this enhances the circumferential flow of the fluid, reduces the concentration gradient, improves the uniformity of stirring, and rapidly disperses rare earth particles. During the cell growth phase, the limiting component 32 releases the restriction on the rotation of the stirring blade 221. At this time, the rotary actuator 13 drives the main shaft 21 and the stirring rod 22 to rotate, and the stirring rod 22 drives the stirring blade 221 located on it to move synchronously. When the stirring blade 221 revolves, the transmission assembly 31 controls the rotation of the stirring blade 221, thereby breaking the local concentration gradient through the axial thrust provided by the stirring blade 221 and preventing stratification. At the same time, the axial flow of the culture medium promotes the effect of internal flocculants, preventing sedimentation at the bottom of the tank 11.
[0037] Reference Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 6 The transmission assembly 31 includes a gear ring 311 and a rotating shaft 312. The gear ring 311 is disposed inside the tank 11, and the axis of the gear ring 311 is collinear with the axis of the main shaft 21. The rotating shaft 312 is rotatably disposed on the stirring rod 22, and a rotating gear 3121 is sleeved on the rotating shaft 312, which meshes with the gear ring 311. The stirring blade 221 is sleeved on the rotating shaft 312.
[0038] This invention achieves the function of driving the stirring blades 221 to rotate when the stirring rod 22 rotates through a gear ring 311, a rotating shaft 312, and a rotating gear 3121. Two stirring blades 221 and two rotating shafts 312 are provided on both sides of the stirring rod 22. Each rotating shaft 312 is fitted with a pulley 314, and a transmission belt 315 is fitted onto the pulley 314. The pulleys 314 on the two rotating shafts 312 on the same side are connected by the transmission belt 315. The rotating gear 3121 is fitted onto the rotating shaft 312 closest to the gear ring 311. Multiple rotating shafts 312 on the same side are connected by pulleys 314 and transmission belts 315. When the rotating gear 3121 drives the rotating shaft 312 to rotate, the rotating shaft 312 drives the other rotating shafts 312 to rotate synchronously through the pulleys 314 and transmission belts 315. When the rotary actuator 13 drives the main shaft 21 and the stirring rod 22 to rotate, the stirring rod 22 drives the stirring blade 221 to move synchronously, causing the stirring blade 221 to rotate along the axis of the main shaft 21. The gear ring 311, located inside the tank 11, does not move with the rotation of the main shaft 21. The rotary gear 3121, sleeved on the rotating shaft 312, meshes with the gear ring 311. When the rotary gear 3121 rotates around the axis of the main shaft 21, it moves relative to the gear ring 311 and then rotates on its own axis. The rotary gear 3121 drives the rotating shaft 312 and the stirring blade 221 to rotate, and the rotation of the stirring blade 221 provides axial thrust, preventing the culture medium from stratifying.
[0039] Reference Figures 2-5 The lifting mechanism 4 includes a mounting platform 41; the mounting platform 41 is disposed inside the tank body 11, and the mounting platform 41 is provided with left-hand and right-hand double-ended staggered threads, and the toothed ring 311 is threadedly connected to the mounting platform 41 through the double-ended staggered threads;
[0040] The stirring rod 22 is slidably sleeved on the main shaft 21 along the axis of the main shaft 21; the first bracket 313 is rotatably connected to the gear ring 311, and the rotating shaft 312 is rotatably connected to the first bracket 313.
[0041] This invention achieves the function of controlling the stirring rod 22 to move up and down within a small range in the vertical direction during the first stirring state through the mounting platform 41, connecting ring 42, and connecting rod 43. The up-and-down movement of the stirring rod 22 generates pulsed pressure waves, enhancing the diffusion flux of rare earth elements to the bacterial cell surface and further improving the mixing uniformity of the culture medium. The mounting platform 41 is rotatably connected to the connecting ring 42; the connecting rod 43 is movably mounted on the stirring rod 22 and connected to the connecting ring 42. The connecting ring 42 and connecting rod 43 guide the up-and-down movement of the toothed ring 311 and the stirring rod 22, ensuring that the rotating stirring rod 22 can move up and down stably. Both the upper and lower ends of the mounting platform 41 are provided with limiting rings to restrict the up-and-down range of the toothed ring 311. The axis of the connecting ring 42 is collinear with the axis of the main shaft 21. Through the double-ended staggered threads on the mounting platform 41, when the toothed ring 311 rotates continuously in one direction, it can perform reciprocating up-and-down movement on the mounting platform 41. When the limiting component 32 restricts the rotation of the stirring blade 221, the rotating gear 3121 and the rotating shaft 312 also cannot rotate. At this time, when the stirring rod 22 and the main shaft 21 rotate under the drive of the rotary driver 13, the stirring rod 22 drives the stirring blade 221, the rotating shaft 312, and the rotating gear 3121 to rotate around the axis of the main shaft 21. Since the rotating gear 3121 cannot rotate on its own, the rotating gear 3121 will drive the gear ring 311 to rotate. The gear ring 311 is threadedly connected to the mounting platform 41, and the mounting platform 41 is provided with double-headed staggered threads, which are equivalent to the symmetrically arranged threads on the reciprocating screw. This allows the gear ring 311 to make a small range of reciprocating up and down movements on the mounting platform 41 during rotation, further improving the mixing effect on the culture medium.
[0042] Reference Figure 3 and Figure 7 The limiting component 32 includes a protrusion 321 disposed at the top of the stirring blade 221 and a first telescopic block 322 movably disposed on the stirring rod 22; the stirring rod 22 has a built-in first linear actuator for controlling the extension and retraction of the first telescopic tube in the vertical direction; when the protrusion 321 abuts against the first telescopic block 322, the rotation of the stirring blade 221 is restricted.
[0043] This invention achieves the function of restricting the rotation of the stirring blade 221 through the protrusion 321 and the first telescopic block 322. The first linear actuator is preferably a linear motor, and the controller is electrically connected to the first linear actuator through a slip ring and wires. When the rotary actuator 13 drives the main shaft 21 and the stirring rod 22 to rotate, the stirring rod 22 drives the rotating shaft 312 and the rotating gear 3121 sleeved on the rotating shaft 312 to rotate around the axis of the main shaft 21. At this time, the rotating gear 3121 has a tendency to rotate. In the early stage of fermentation, the first linear actuator built into the stirring rod 22 drives the first telescopic block 322 to extend. When the protrusion 321 on the stirring blade 221 contacts the first telescopic block 322, it restricts the rotation of the stirring blade 221, and then the rotating gear 3121 pushes the gear ring 311 to rotate, so that the gear ring 311 performs reciprocating up and down motion.
[0044] Reference Figure 4 and Figure 8 The mounting platform 41 is movably provided with a second telescopic block 411, and the mounting platform 41 is equipped with a second linear driver for controlling the extension and retraction of the second telescopic block 411 in the vertical direction.
[0045] This invention achieves the function of restricting the lifting and lowering of the gear ring 311 through the second telescopic block 411 and the second linear actuator. The second linear actuator is preferably a linear motor, and it is electrically connected to the controller. When the rotation restriction on the stirring blade 221 is released, the first telescopic tube is controlled to retract by the first linear actuator on the stirring rod 22, and the rotation of the stirring blade 221 is no longer restricted by the first telescopic tube. At this time, when the rotary actuator 13 drives the main shaft 21 and the stirring rod 22 to rotate, the stirring rod 22 drives the rotating shaft 312 and the rotating gear 3121 to rotate around the axis of the main shaft 21. The rotating gear 3121 also applies pressure to the gear ring 311, causing the gear ring 311 to have a rotational tendency. When the gear ring 311 rotates, it moves up and down along the mounting platform 41, thus affecting the rotational stability of the stirring rod 22. Therefore, a second telescopic block 411 is provided on the mounting platform 41. The second linear actuator built into the mounting platform 41 drives the second telescopic block 411 to extend. After the second telescopic block 411 contacts the gear ring 311, it restricts the upward movement of the gear ring 311. Then, by restricting the upward movement of the toothed ring 311, the rotation of the toothed ring 311 is hindered, so that the driving force provided by the rotary actuator 13 can stably drive the stirring rod 22 to rotate, and perform efficient mixing of the culture medium. When the cells are in the exponential growth phase, the restriction component 32 is released from the rotation restriction of the stirring blade 221, and the rotation speed of the stirring rod 22 is reduced to enter the second stirring state, so as to avoid damage to the cells by high shear force.
[0046] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2The mounting platform 41 is vertically raised and lowered inside the tank 11. A third linear actuator 121 is provided on the cover 12, which is used to drive the mounting platform 41 to rise and fall.
[0047] This invention utilizes a third linear actuator 121 to drive the mounting platform 41 to rise and fall. The mounting platform 41, gear ring 311, and first support 313 then drive the rotating shaft 312 and stirring rod 22 to rise and fall. The third linear actuator 121 is preferably a linear cylinder and is electrically connected to a controller. During the mixing of the culture medium, uniform mixing is essential. Therefore, a third linear actuator 121 is provided to drive the stirring rod 22 to rise and fall. After the rotary actuator 13 is activated, it drives the main shaft 21 and stirring rod 22 to rotate. During this process, the controller sends a signal to the third linear actuator 121, which then drives the mounting platform 41 to rise and fall vertically. This, in turn, drives the rotating shaft 312 and stirring rod 22 to rise and fall via the mounting platform 41, gear ring 311, and first support 313, adjusting the height of the stirring rod 22 and improving the uniformity of the culture medium mixing. Furthermore, when the protrusion 321 on the stirring blade 221 contacts the first telescopic block 322, it restricts the rotation of the stirring blade 221. The rotating gear 3121 drives the gear ring 311 to rotate. The gear ring 311 drives the stirring rod 22 to perform reciprocating lifting and lowering motion through the first bracket 313. The mounting platform 41 rises and falls vertically under the drive of the third linear driver 121, so that the stirring rod 22 also performs small-range reciprocating lifting and lowering motion on the mounting platform 41 during the process of the mounting platform 41 rising and falling.
[0048] Reference Figure 2 , Figure 9 and Figure 10 An observation window 111 is provided on the tank body 11.
[0049] This invention allows operators to easily view the internal conditions of the tank 11 through the observation window 111, and then adjust the stirring state of the stirring mechanism 2 according to the state of the culture medium inside the tank 11. In the early stages of fermentation, the rotation of the stirring blade 221 is first restricted by the auxiliary control mechanism 3, entering the first stirring state for rapid mixing of the culture medium. Then, the operator observes the state of the culture medium inside the tank 11 through the observation window 111. When the cells enter the exponential growth phase, the restriction component 32 on the rotation of the stirring blade 221 is released, and the rotation speed of the stirring rod 22 is reduced, entering the second stirring state to avoid damage to the cells due to high shear forces.
[0050] Reference Figure 2 , Figure 9 and Figure 10 The tank body 11 is equipped with a second support 112, on which a color identifier 1121 is mounted, and the second support 112 is located at the observation window 111.
[0051] This invention achieves the function of identifying the color of the culture medium through the second support 112 and the color recognizer 1121. The color recognizer 1121 is electrically connected to the controller. During the exponential growth phase, *Methylobacterium* begins to secrete carotenoids, and the color of the culture medium gradually deepens from light pink. Therefore, a color recognizer 1121 is installed at the observation window 111 to observe the color of the culture medium. The color recognizer 1121 monitors the color of the culture medium in real time. When the bacteria are in the exponential growth phase, the color recognizer 1121 detects a change in the color of the culture medium and sends a feedback signal to the controller. The controller releases the rotation restriction on the stirring blade 221 through the limiting component 32, and the stirring mechanism 2 enters a second stirring state, achieving the effect of automatically switching the stirring state.
[0052] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 9 A heat-conducting strip 113 is provided on the inner side of the tank body 11, extending from the top end to the bottom end of the tank body 11.
[0053] This invention improves the heat transfer efficiency of the culture medium within the tank 11 by using heat-conducting strips 113. Multiple heat-conducting strips 113 are arranged in a circular array along the axis of the main shaft 21. High-viscosity culture media can hinder heat exchange. While the stirring rod 22 requires a linear actuator to move it up and down for complete stirring, dead zones still exist for short periods. These dead zones can lead to heat accumulation, affecting the activity of methylbazinase. Therefore, heat-conducting strips 113 are installed inside the tank 11 to transfer heat and prevent excessively high local temperature differences.
[0054] The above embodiments only illustrate one or more implementations of the present invention, and their descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, but they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of the present invention, and these all fall within the protection scope of the present invention. Therefore, the protection scope of the present invention should be determined by the appended claims.
Claims
1. A methylbacterium culture device, comprising a fermenter (1) and a stirring mechanism (2), wherein the fermenter (1) comprises a tank body (11), a cover (12), and a rotary drive (13) for driving the stirring mechanism (2); characterized in that, The stirring mechanism (2) has a main shaft (21) and a stirring rod (22) sleeved on the main shaft (21). The main shaft (21) is connected to the drive end of the rotary driver (13). A stirring blade (221) is rotatably mounted on the stirring rod (22). An auxiliary control mechanism (3) for controlling the rotation of the stirring blade (221) is provided inside the tank (11). When the stirring blade (221) stops rotating and rotates synchronously with the stirring rod (22), the stirring mechanism (2) is in the first stirring state. When the stirring blade (221) rotates synchronously with the stirring rod (22) and rotates on its own axis, the stirring mechanism (2) is in the second stirring state. The auxiliary control mechanism (3) includes a transmission assembly (31) and a limiting assembly (32); the transmission assembly (31) is connected to the stirring blade (221) in a transmission manner; the limiting assembly (32) is used to limit the rotation of the stirring blade (221); when the rotary driver (13) drives the stirring rod (22) to rotate and the limiting assembly (32) does not limit the rotation of the stirring blade (221), the transmission assembly (31) drives the stirring blade (221) to rotate. The transmission assembly (31) includes a gear ring (311) and a rotating shaft (312); the gear ring (311) is disposed inside the tank (11), and the axis of the gear ring (311) is collinear with the axis of the main shaft (21); the rotating shaft (312) is rotatably disposed on the stirring rod (22), and a rotating gear (3121) is sleeved on the rotating shaft (312), and the rotating gear (3121) meshes with the gear ring (311); the stirring blade (221) is sleeved on the rotating shaft (312); The limiting component (32) includes a protrusion (321) disposed at the top of the stirring blade (221) and a first telescopic block (322) movably disposed on the stirring rod (22); the stirring rod (22) has a built-in first linear actuator for controlling the extension and retraction of the first telescopic tube in the vertical direction; when the protrusion (321) abuts against the first telescopic block (322), the rotation of the stirring blade (221) is limited.
2. The Methylobacterium culture device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The tank (11) is equipped with a lifting mechanism (4) that controls the stirring rod (22) to move up and down in a small range in the vertical direction during the first stirring state. The lifting mechanism (4) includes a mounting platform (41). The mounting platform (41) is set inside the tank (11). The mounting platform (41) is provided with left-hand and right-hand double-headed staggered threads. The toothed ring (311) is threadedly connected to the mounting platform (41) through the double-headed staggered threads. The stirring rod (22) is slidably sleeved on the main shaft (21) along the axis of the main shaft (21). The toothed ring (311) is rotatably connected to the first bracket (313). The rotating shaft (312) is rotatably connected to the first bracket (313).
3. The Methylobacterium culture device according to claim 2, characterized in that, A second telescopic block (411) is movably mounted on the mounting platform (41), and the mounting platform (41) has a built-in second linear driver for controlling the extension and retraction of the second telescopic block (411) in the vertical direction.
4. The Methylobacterium culture device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The mounting platform (41) is vertically raised and lowered inside the tank (11), and a third linear actuator (121) is provided on the cover (12). The third linear actuator (121) is used to drive the mounting platform (41) to rise and fall.
5. The Methylobacterium culture device according to claim 1, characterized in that, An observation window (111) is provided on the tank body (11).
6. The Methylobacterium culture device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The tank (11) is equipped with a second bracket (112), on which a color identifier (1121) is mounted, and the second bracket (112) is located at the observation window (111).
7. The Methylobacterium culture device according to claim 1, characterized in that, A heat-conducting strip (113) is provided on the inner side of the tank (11), and the heat-conducting strip (113) extends from the top end of the tank (11) to the bottom end.