An automated transfer device and method for blood culture bottle positive samples

Abstract

The present application relates to the technical field of biological devices, and particularly relates to an automatic transfer device and method for a positive sample of a blood culture bottle, the automatic transfer device comprising a connecting assembly, the connecting assembly comprising a first guide cover, a second guide cover and a connecting seat, the first guide cover and the second guide cover being located at opposite ends of the connecting seat, and further comprising a first mechanical arm, a second mechanical arm and a base, the base being within the operating range of the first mechanical arm and the second mechanical arm; the first guide cover comprising a first positioning portion, a grabbing portion and a second positioning portion, the outer diameter of the first positioning portion and the second positioning portion being greater than the outer diameter of the grabbing portion, and the second positioning portion being provided with an outer edge at one end close to the second guide cover, the outer diameter of the outer edge being greater than the outer diameter of the second positioning portion. The connecting assembly is automatically connected with the culture bottle and the vacuum blood collection tube by the first mechanical arm and the second mechanical arm, automatic transfer of the positive sample is realized, and the sample transfer efficiency is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the technical field of biological devices, and in particular to an automated transfer device and method for positive samples from blood culture bottles. Background Technology

[0002] After the blood culture instrument completes the bacterial culture of the blood sample, it automatically performs positive and negative tests and filters the positive and negative culture bottles. The filtered positive samples need to be transferred from the culture bottle to a vacuum blood collection bottle.

[0003] The usual transfer method is manual transfer using a syringe. This involves first drawing a blood sample by inserting a syringe into a positive culture bottle, and then inserting the syringe into a vacuum blood collection bottle to inject the blood sample into the vacuum blood collection bottle.

[0004] Currently, some devices exist for transferring positive samples. For example, Chinese Patent CN119351198A discloses a device for transferring positive samples from blood culture bottles, including a connecting tube and puncture needles. At least two puncture needles are provided, communicating with the opening of the connecting tube. A protective cover is provided on the outer wall of the connecting tube, and the puncture needles are positioned inside the protective cover. One end of the connecting tube has a connecting seat, and the protective cover is located on the outer wall of the connecting seat. The puncture needles communicate with the connecting tube through the connecting seat. The protective cover is threadedly connected to the connecting seat. This invention facilitates the transfer of blood samples from culture bottles while minimizing contamination and biohazard to the blood samples. However, in this design, positive samples are transferred manually in a biosafety cabinet, which is inefficient and poses safety risks. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In order to automate the transfer of positive samples and improve safety, this invention provides an automatic transfer device and method for positive samples from blood culture bottles.

[0006] This invention provides an automated transfer device for positive samples from blood culture bottles, employing the following technical solution: An automated transfer device for positive samples from blood culture bottles includes a communication component, which includes a first guide cover, a second guide cover, and a connecting seat. The first guide cover and the second guide cover are located at opposite ends of the connecting seat. The device also includes a first robotic arm, a second robotic arm, and a base, which is within the operating range of the first robotic arm and the second robotic arm. The first guide cover includes a first positioning part, a gripping part, and a second positioning part. The outer diameters of the first positioning part and the second positioning part are larger than the outer diameter of the gripping part. The second positioning part has an outer edge at one end near the second guide cover, and the outer diameter of the outer edge is larger than the outer diameter of the second positioning part.

[0007] In one specific feasible implementation, the first guide cover adopts a contour-following design.

[0008] In one specific implementation scheme, the connector has a first connecting pin and a second connecting pin, the second connecting pin is fitted with a sealing sleeve, the connector is connected to a connecting tube, and the connecting tube is connected to a one-way valve.

[0009] In one specific implementation, the connector is connected to a filter element.

[0010] In one specific implementation, the base includes multiple clamping blocks and an electric rotary claw, wherein the clamping blocks are disposed within the electric rotary claw, such that the electric rotary claw controls the multiple clamping blocks to move closer or further apart from each other. The clamping block is provided with a first slot and a second slot, the diameter of the first slot is larger than the diameter of the second slot, and the first slot is above the second slot.

[0011] In one specific implementation, both the first card slot and the second card slot are V-shaped slots.

[0012] This invention provides an automated method for transferring positive samples from blood culture bottles, employing the following technical solution: An automated method for transferring positive samples from blood culture bottles, used in conjunction with the aforementioned automated transfer device for positive samples from blood culture bottles, includes the following steps: Place the culture flask inside the base, and the base will hold the culture flask in place; The second robotic arm grips the grasping part of the first guide cover, presses down the first positioning part, and presses the first connecting needle into the culture bottle; The base releases the culture bottle, the second robotic arm removes the culture bottle from the base, the first robotic arm sends the vacuum blood collection tube into the base, and the base clamps the vacuum blood collection tube. The first robotic arm grips the second positioning part, takes the connecting component and culture bottle from the second robotic arm, and flips the first guide cover 180°. The first robotic arm presses down on the outer edge of the second positioning part and inserts the second connecting needle into the vacuum blood collection tube. At this time, the second guide cover is placed on the vacuum blood collection tube. After 30-60 seconds, the transfer of the positive sample is completed.

[0013] In one specific feasible implementation, after the first connecting needle is inserted into the culture flask, it is left to stand for 10-20 seconds to allow the gas in the culture flask to be discharged through the connecting tube on the connector, so that the gas pressure in the culture flask is balanced with the external gas pressure.

[0014] In one specific implementation, before the second connecting needle is inserted into the vacuum blood collection tube, the second robotic arm moves above the vacuum blood collection tube to guide the second guide cover.

[0015] In one specific feasible implementation, after the positive sample transfer is completed, the first robotic arm rises and pulls out the second connecting needle from the vacuum blood collection tube, the second robotic arm holds the culture bottle, the first robotic arm descends and pulls out the first connecting needle from the culture bottle, and the connecting component and the culture bottle are processed separately. The second robotic arm grips the cap of the vacuum blood collection tube, and the electric rotary gripper rotates to remove the cap from the vacuum blood collection tube.

[0016] In summary, the present invention has the following beneficial effects: 1. A connecting component is used to connect the culture bottle and the vacuum blood collection tube. The first and second robotic arms are used to automatically connect the culture bottle, the vacuum blood collection tube and the connecting component, so as to realize the automatic transfer of positive samples and improve the transfer efficiency of positive samples.

[0017] 2. The gas discharged from the culture flask is purified by a filter cartridge to prevent bacteria from escaping with the gas.

[0018] 3. The one-way valve prevents outside air from flowing into the vacuum blood collection tube, ensuring that only the sample from the culture bottle enters the vacuum blood collection tube, thus ensuring smooth sample transfer and that the amount of sample transferred is sufficient. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure.

[0020] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the connected components.

[0021] Figure 3 It is a cross-sectional view showing the internal structure of the first and second guide covers.

[0022] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the base structure.

[0023] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the second robotic arm fitting the connecting component onto the culture flask.

[0024] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the first robotic arm placing a vacuum blood collection tube inside the base.

[0025] Figure 7This is a schematic diagram of the first robotic arm taking over the first guide cover from the second robotic arm.

[0026] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the second robotic arm guiding the second guide cover.

[0027] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached drawings: 1. First robotic arm; 2. Second robotic arm; 3. Connecting component; 31. Connecting seat; 32. First guide cover; 321. Gripping part; 322. First positioning part; 323. Second positioning part; 33. Second guide cover; 4. One-way valve; 5. Filter element; 6. Water filter element; 7. Base; 71. Electro-rotating claw; 72. Clamping block. Detailed Implementation

[0028] The following combination Figures 1-8 The present invention will be described in further detail below.

[0029] Reference Figure 1 An automated transfer device for positive blood culture samples includes a connecting component 3, a first robotic arm 1, and a second robotic arm 2. The connecting component 3 is used to connect the culture bottle and the vacuum blood collection tube, and the first robotic arm 1 and the second robotic arm 2 are used for transporting and connecting the culture bottle and the vacuum blood collection tube.

[0030] Reference Figure 1 First robotic arm 1 places the culture flask on base 7 of the machine platform, and base 7 clamps the culture flask. Second robotic arm 2 connects the connecting component 3 to the culture flask. Then, base 7 is released, and second robotic arm 2, holding the connecting component 3, removes the culture flask from base 7. First robotic arm 1 moves the vacuum blood collection tube into base 7, and base 7 clamps the vacuum blood collection tube. Then, it takes the connecting component 3 from second robotic arm 2 and rotates it 180°. First robotic arm 1 connects the connecting component 3 to the vacuum blood collection tube, realizing automated sample transfer.

[0031] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 3 Specifically, the connecting component 3 includes a first guide cover 32, a second guide cover 33, and a connecting seat 31. The first guide cover 32 and the second guide cover 33 are fixed at opposite ends of the connecting seat 31, and are coaxial with opposite orientations. The first guide cover 32 is used to fit onto a culture flask, and the second guide cover 33 is used to fit onto a vacuum blood collection tube. A first connecting needle and a second connecting needle are connected to the connecting seat 31. The first connecting needle is inside the first guide cover 32, and the second connecting needle is inside the second guide cover 33. The first connecting needle and the second connecting needle are connected through the connecting seat 31.

[0032] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 3The first guide cover 32 adopts a contour-following design, meaning it is designed with reference to the shape of a culture flask. There are two types of culture flasks with different shapes: one has a long, narrow neck and a relatively thick body, while the other has a shorter neck and a longer, narrower body. The projections of the outer contours of the two culture flasks onto a vertical plane are overlapped, ensuring that the bottom edge of the outer contour coincides with the axis. The outer contour of this overlapping image is selected as the inner cavity of the first guide cover 32. This design allows the first guide cover 32 to adapt to the different outer contours of the two culture flasks.

[0033] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 3 The first guide cover 32 includes an integrally formed first positioning part 322, a gripping part 321, and a second positioning part 323. The first positioning part 322 and the second positioning part 323 are connected by the gripping part 321. The first positioning part 322 is close to the bottom of the culture bottle, and the second positioning part 323 is close to the top of the culture bottle. The outer diameters of the first positioning part 322 and the second positioning part 323 are both larger than the outer diameter of the gripping part 321, forming a stepped surface.

[0034] When the first guide cover 32 is placed on the culture bottle, the second robot arm 2 uses a small clamping force to hold the gripping part 321. During the placement process, the second robot arm 2 presses on the top surface of the first positioning part 322 and presses down further to completely press the first connecting pin inside the first guide cover 32 into the culture bottle, thus completing the connection between the first guide cover 32 and the culture bottle.

[0035] It is understandable that the culture flask, the first guide cover 32, and the second guide cover 33 are all made of plastic. When the first connecting pin is inserted into the culture flask, the clamping force needs to be increased to enhance the static friction between the second robotic arm 2 and the first guide cover 32, ensuring that the first guide cover 32 and the second robotic arm 2 do not slip during insertion. However, a large clamping force can easily cause the culture flask, the first guide cover 32, and the second guide cover 33 to deform and break. A vision system or other auxiliary control methods can be used. However, installing a vision system on the first robotic arm 1 and the second robotic arm 2 would significantly increase production costs. If a vision system is not used, the equipment debugging process is very cumbersome, and the connecting component 3 suffers significant wear during debugging. In this invention, the smaller clamping force when gripping the grasping part 321 ensures that the first guide cover 32 can be gripped without damaging it. Then, the entire assembly is completed by pressing down to ensure that the first connecting pin inside the first guide cover 32 is fully inserted into the culture bottle. During the debugging process, it is only necessary to design a clamping force that can stably hold the first guide cover 32, eliminating the need for a vision system and reducing the wear and tear on the culture bottle and the first guide cover 32 during the clamping force debugging process, thus effectively reducing costs.

[0036] Subsequently, when the first robotic arm 1 receives the connecting component 3 from the second robotic arm 2, the first robotic arm 1 clamps onto the second positioning part 323. The second positioning part 323 has a protruding outer edge, that is, the outer edge protrudes from the outer side wall of the second positioning part 323, and the outer edge is located at the end of the second positioning part 323 near the second guide cover. Similarly, the first robotic arm 1 is configured to stably clamp the second positioning part 323, that is, the clamping force of the first robotic arm 1 causes the first robotic arm 1 to flip the first guide cover while still maintaining clamping on the second positioning part 323.

[0037] After the first robotic arm 1 flips the first guide cover 32, it presses the outer edge of the second positioning part 323 to place the second guide cover 33 onto the vacuum blood collection tube. Similarly to the connection between the first guide cover 32 and the culture bottle, when the second guide cover 33 is placed onto the vacuum blood collection tube, it also uses compression instead of the original clamping and pressing method to avoid damage to the culture bottle as much as possible, and it can eliminate the need for a vision system.

[0038] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 3 The second connecting needle is equipped with a sealing sleeve (not shown in the figure), which is fixed to the connecting seat 31. This sealing sleeve seals the second connecting needle, ensuring that the medium discharged from the second connecting needle is sealed and enclosed by the sealing sleeve unless the second connecting needle punctures it. A connecting pipe is connected to the connecting seat 31, and this connecting pipe is connected to the first connecting needle. A one-way valve 4 is connected to the connecting pipe, allowing the medium inside the connecting pipe to be discharged to the outside, preventing the outside from entering the connecting seat 31. A filter element 5 is also connected to the connecting pipe, filtering the medium discharged from the connecting pipe.

[0039] After a certain period of incubation, the sample in the culture flask may experience positive pressure due to bacterial proliferation. When the first connecting needle pierces the culture flask, the positive pressure causes the gas and sample inside to form an aerosol that splashes outwards. The sealing sleeve prevents the gas from escaping directly through the second connecting needle, forcing it into the connecting tube. The connecting tube then discharges the gas from the culture flask to the outside, reducing the internal pressure and preventing aerosol splashing. Since the discharged gas may contain bacteria, it is filtered through filter element 5 to ensure its cleanliness.

[0040] During sample transfer, the vacuum blood collection tube is typically under negative pressure. After the culture flask is inverted, the sample is aspirated from it. Because the connecting tube is open to the outside, both the sample and outside air may be aspirated simultaneously, potentially resulting in insufficient sample volume in the vacuum blood collection tube. The one-way valve 4 prevents outside air from entering, ensuring that the vacuum blood collection tube only aspirates the sample from the culture flask, thus guaranteeing a sufficient sample volume.

[0041] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 3 A water filter cartridge 6 is connected to the connector 31 to filter the sample flowing from the culture bottle into the vacuum blood collection tube. Depending on the model of the culture bottle, the diameter of the first connecting pin may sometimes be larger than the diameter of the second connecting pin. During the growth of positive samples in the culture bottle, particulate matter may appear in the sample. When the diameter of the particulate matter is larger than the diameter of the second connecting pin, it will clog the connector 31. The water filter cartridge 6 filters the sample flowing to the second connecting pin, removing excessively large particles and preventing clogging of the second connecting pin.

[0042] Reference Figure 4 The base 7 includes clamping blocks 72 and an electric rotary claw 71. Two clamping blocks 72 are provided and disposed within the electric rotary claw 71. The electric rotary claw 71 controls the clamping blocks 72 to move closer or further apart, allowing the electric rotary claw 71 to clamp culture flasks and vacuum blood collection tubes. The clamping blocks 72 have a first slot and a second slot, coaxially arranged. The diameter of the first slot is larger than that of the second slot, and the first slot is positioned above the second slot. The first slot is used to position and clamp the culture flask, and the second slot is used to position and clamp the vacuum blood collection tube. The electric rotary claw 71 can rotate while clamping. When the second robotic arm 2 clamps the cap of the vacuum blood collection tube, the electric rotary claw 71 rotates, and simultaneously the second robotic arm 2 slowly rises, automatically opening the vacuum blood collection tube.

[0043] In this embodiment, both the first and second slots are V-shaped grooves. The opening of the first slot is larger than the opening of the second slot. The V-shaped grooves can adapt to different types of culture flasks, eliminating the need to adjust the clamp 72 according to the culture flask, thus improving transfer efficiency and reducing production costs.

[0044] The implementation principle of this invention is as follows: A first robotic arm 1 places the culture flask on a base 7, which clamps and fixes the culture flask. A second robotic arm 2 clamps the first guide cover 32 at its positioning part and inserts the first connecting needle into the culture flask. Simultaneously, the first robotic arm 1 moves to clamp the vacuum blood collection tube. After the first connecting needle is inserted into the culture flask, the base 7 releases its grip on the culture flask, and the second robotic arm 2 clamps the first guide cover 32, removing the culture flask from the base 7. The first robotic arm 1 clamps the vacuum blood collection tube and places it into the base 7, which clamps the vacuum blood collection tube. The first robotic arm 1 takes the first guide cover 32 from the second robotic arm 2 and rotates it 180°, inverting the culture flask. The first robotic arm 1 places the second guide cover 33 onto the vacuum blood collection tube to transfer the sample. Then, the first robotic arm 1 removes the second guide cover 33 from the vacuum blood collection tube, the second robotic arm 2 clamps the culture flask, and the first robotic arm 1 descends, causing the first guide cover 32 to detach from the culture flask, allowing for separate processing of the culture flask and the connecting component 3. Then, the second robotic arm 2 clamps the cap of the vacuum blood collection tube, and the base 7 rotates to remove the cap from the vacuum blood collection tube, facilitating further processing of the sample.

[0045] This invention also discloses an automated transfer method for positive samples from blood culture bottles, using the aforementioned automated transfer device, comprising the following steps: Reference Figure 5 The first robotic arm 1 places the culture flask between the clamping blocks 72 of the base 7, and the electric rotary gripper 71 operates to clamp the clamping blocks 72, thus holding the culture flask.

[0046] The second robotic arm 2 grips the first positioning part 322 of the first guide cover 32, transports the connecting component 3, and places the first guide cover 32 onto the culture bottle. After standing for 10-20 seconds, the gas in the culture bottle is allowed to escape to the outside through the connecting tube. During the gas expulsion process, the filter element 5 purifies the gas to prevent bacteria from escaping into the outside air.

[0047] Reference Figure 6 The electro-rotating gripper 71 controls the clamping blocks 72 to move away from each other, and the second robotic arm 2 clamps the first guide cover 32 to remove the culture bottle from the base 7. The first robotic arm 1 clamps the vacuum blood collection tube and places it between the clamping blocks 72, and the electro-rotating gripper 71 controls the clamping blocks 72 to clamp the vacuum blood collection tube tightly.

[0048] Reference Figure 7 The first robotic arm 1 grips the second positioning part 323 of the first guide cover 32. The second robotic arm 2 releases the first positioning part 322 and moves vertically downward along the axis of the first guide cover. At the same time, the first robotic arm 1 rises and the second robotic arm 2 moves above the vacuum blood collection tube, and the center of the gripper of the second robotic arm 2 is on the axis of the vacuum blood collection tube.

[0049] Reference Figure 8 The first robotic arm 1 grips the first guide cover 32 and rotates it 180°, then moves the second guide cover 33 above the vacuum blood collection tube, so that the opening of the second guide cover 33 faces the vacuum blood collection tube. Due to inherent errors in the first robotic arm 1 when rotating the first guide cover 32, the axis of the second guide cover 33 cannot be accurately aligned with the axis of the vacuum blood collection tube, resulting in an orientation deviation of the second guide cover 33. The first robotic arm 1 moves the second guide cover 33 within the gripping range of the second robotic arm 2, but does not contact the vacuum blood collection tube.

[0050] The second robotic arm 2 slowly retracts its grippers to align the second guide cover 33. It is important to note that while aligning the second guide cover 33, the grippers of the second robotic arm 2 approach the second guide cover 33 with minimal force, but there is no clamping force applied. The grippers merely push the inclined sidewall of the second guide cover 33 to the other side, thus reducing the orientation error of the second guide cover 33 to within acceptable limits.

[0051] After the second robotic arm 2 completes its alignment, the first robotic arm 1 descends and pushes the second guide cover 33 onto the vacuum blood collection tube. At this time, the one-way valve 4 on the connecting tube prevents outside air from entering, allowing the vacuum blood collection tube to only draw in the sample from the culture bottle, thus transferring the positive sample. Wait 30-60 seconds.

[0052] After sample transfer, the first robotic arm 1 rises and pulls the second connecting needle out of the vacuum blood collection tube, separating the second guide cover 33 from the vacuum blood collection tube. Since the vacuum blood collection tube remains under negative pressure, no gas escape or aerosol splashing occurs. The second robotic arm 2 holds the culture flask, and the first robotic arm 1 descends, pulling the first connecting needle out of the culture flask. Because the vacuum blood collection tube was under negative pressure before sample transfer, and the culture flask is at pressure equilibrium with the outside air (ignoring air resistance), after sample transfer, since no outside air enters, the culture flask remains under negative pressure. Therefore, there is no gas escape or aerosol splashing when the first connecting needle is pulled out of the culture flask. The separated connecting component 3 and the culture are processed separately.

[0053] The second robotic arm 2 grips the cap of the vacuum blood collection tube, and the electric rotary claw 71 rotates. As the second robotic arm 2 slowly rises, it unscrews the cap off the vacuum blood collection tube, making it easier for subsequent processing.

[0054] This invention also discloses an automated method for transferring positive samples from blood culture bottles, used in conjunction with the aforementioned automated transfer device for positive samples from blood culture bottles, comprising the following steps: S1, the culture flask is placed between the clamps 72 inside the base 7, and the culture flask is fixed by the clamps 72. The second robotic arm 2 grips the gripping part 321 of the first guide cover 32, and the first guide cover 32 is placed on the culture flask. The second robotic arm 2 presses down on the first positioning part 322, and inserts the first connecting pin into the culture flask, completing the connection between the first guide cover 32 and the culture flask. After the first connecting pin is inserted into the culture flask, it is left to stand for 10-20 seconds to allow the gas in the culture flask to be discharged and achieve pressure balance with the outside.

[0055] S2, the electro-rotating gripper 71 controls the clamping block 72 to release the culture bottle, so that the second robotic arm 2 can grasp the culture bottle and remove it from the clamping block 72. The first robotic arm 1 moves the vacuum blood collection tube between the clamping blocks 72, and the electro-rotating gripper 71 controls the clamping block 72 to hold the vacuum blood collection tube.

[0056] S3, the first robotic arm 1 grips the second positioning part 323, the second robotic arm 2 releases the first positioning part 322 and descends, moving towards the vacuum blood collection tube. The first robotic arm 1 grips the first guide cover 32 and rotates it 180°, causing the culture bottle to rotate 180°.

[0057] S4, the second robotic arm 2 moves above the vacuum blood collection tube, so that the center line of the gripper aperture of the second robotic arm 2 is collinear with the axis of the vacuum blood collection tube. This causes the first robotic arm 1, holding the second guide cover 33, to move between the grippers of the second robotic arm 2. The grippers of the second robotic arm 2 then retract, causing them to grip the second guide cover 33 without applying any clamping force. The second robotic arm 2 then guides the second guide cover 33.

[0058] S5, the first robotic arm 1 descends, allowing the second connecting needle to be inserted into the vacuum blood collection tube through the sealing sleeve. Because the vacuum blood collection tube is under negative pressure, the one-way valve 4 prevents outside air from flowing into the connecting seat 31. Therefore, the positive sample from the culture bottle enters the vacuum blood collection tube under pressure and gravity. Wait 10-30 seconds to ensure sufficient sample volume has entered the vacuum blood collection tube.

[0059] S6, the first robotic arm 1 rises and pulls the second connecting needle out of the vacuum blood collection tube. Since both the vacuum blood collection tube and the culture bottle are under negative pressure at this time, no aerosol splashing will occur when the second connecting needle is pulled out due to air pressure.

[0060] S7, the second robotic arm 2 grips the culture flask, and the first robotic arm 1 descends again, causing the first connecting pin to be pulled out of the culture flask. Again, due to the negative pressure, no aerosol splashing occurs in the culture flask. The culture flask and the connecting assembly 3 are then placed in a designated area for separate processing.

[0061] S8, the second robotic arm 2 grips the cap of the vacuum blood collection tube, the electric rotary claw 71 rotates, the second robotic arm 2 gradually rises, and removes the cap from the vacuum blood collection tube to facilitate subsequent processing of positive samples.

[0062] The above are all preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention. Therefore, all equivalent changes made in accordance with the structure, shape and principle of the present invention should be covered within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. An automated transfer device for positive samples from blood culture bottles, comprising a connecting component (3), said connecting component (3) comprising a first guide cover (32), a second guide cover (33), and a connecting seat (31), wherein the first guide cover (32) and the second guide cover (33) are located at opposite ends of the connecting seat (31), characterized in that: It also includes a first robotic arm (1), a second robotic arm (2), and a base (7), wherein the base (7) is within the operating range of the first robotic arm (1) and the second robotic arm (2); The first guide cover (32) includes a first positioning part (322), a gripping part (321), and a second positioning part (323). The outer diameters of the first positioning part (322) and the second positioning part (323) are larger than the outer diameter of the gripping part (321). The second positioning part (323) has an outer edge at one end near the second guide cover (33), and the outer diameter of the outer edge is larger than the outer diameter of the second positioning part (323). The connecting seat (31) is connected to a water filter element (6) for filtering the sample flowing from the culture bottle into the vacuum blood collection tube; The connecting seat (31) has a first connecting pin and a second connecting pin. A sealing sleeve is fitted on the second connecting pin. The sealing sleeve is fixed on the connecting seat (31). A connecting pipe is connected to the connecting seat (31). The connecting pipe is connected to the first connecting pin. A one-way valve (4) is connected to the connecting pipe. The second robotic arm (2) is used to grip the grasping part (321) of the first guide cover (32), press down the first positioning part (322), and press the first connecting needle into the culture bottle; The first robotic arm (1) is used to hold the second positioning part (323), take the connecting component (3) and the culture bottle from the second robotic arm (2), and rotate the first guide cover (32) 180°; The first robotic arm (1) is also used to press down the outer edge of the second positioning part (323) to insert the second connecting needle into the vacuum blood collection tube.

2. The automatic transfer device for positive samples from blood culture bottles according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first guide cover (32) adopts a contour-following design.

3. The automatic transfer device for positive samples from blood culture bottles according to claim 1, characterized in that: The filter element (5) is connected to the connecting pipe of the connecting seat (31).

4. The automatic transfer device for positive samples from blood culture bottles according to claim 1, characterized in that: The base (7) includes multiple clamping blocks (72) and an electric rotary claw (71). The multiple clamping blocks (72) are disposed within the electric rotary claw (71), such that the electric rotary claw (71) controls the multiple clamping blocks (72) to move closer to or further away from each other. The clamping block (72) is provided with a first slot and a second slot, the diameter of the first slot is larger than the diameter of the second slot, and the first slot is above the second slot.

5. The automatic transfer device for positive samples from blood culture bottles according to claim 4, characterized in that: Both the first card slot and the second card slot are V-shaped grooves.

6. An automated method for transferring positive samples from blood culture bottles, characterized in that: When used in conjunction with the automated transfer device for positive blood culture bottles according to any one of claims 1-5, the device includes the following steps: Place the culture flask inside the base (7), and the base (7) will hold the culture flask. The second robotic arm (2) grips the grasping part (321) of the first guide cover (32), presses down the first positioning part (322), and presses the first connecting needle into the culture bottle; The base (7) releases the culture bottle, the second robotic arm (2) removes the culture bottle from the base (7), the first robotic arm (1) sends the vacuum blood collection tube into the base (7), and the base (7) clamps the vacuum blood collection tube. The first robotic arm (1) grips the second positioning part (323), takes the connecting component (3) and the culture bottle from the second robotic arm (2), and flips the first guide cover (32) 180°; The first robotic arm (1) presses down on the outer edge of the second positioning part (323) and inserts the second connecting needle into the vacuum blood collection tube. At this time, the second guide cover (33) is fitted onto the vacuum blood collection tube. After waiting for 30-60 seconds, the transfer of the positive sample is completed.

7. The automated transfer method for positive samples from blood culture bottles according to claim 6, characterized in that: After the first connecting needle is inserted into the culture flask, let it stand for 10-20 seconds to allow the gas in the culture flask to be discharged through the connecting tube on the connecting seat (31), so that the gas pressure in the culture flask is balanced with the external gas pressure.

8. The automatic transfer method for positive samples from blood culture bottles according to claim 6, characterized in that: Before the second connecting needle is inserted into the vacuum blood collection tube, the second robotic arm (2) moves above the vacuum blood collection tube and guides the second guide cover (33).

9. The automatic transfer method for positive samples from blood culture bottles according to claim 6, characterized in that: The base (7) includes multiple clamping blocks (72) and an electric rotary claw (71). After the positive sample transfer is completed, the first robotic arm (1) rises and pulls out the second connecting needle from the vacuum blood collection tube. The second robotic arm (2) clamps the culture bottle. The first robotic arm (1) descends and pulls out the first connecting needle from the culture bottle. The connecting component (3) and the culture bottle are processed separately. The second robotic arm (2) grips the cap of the vacuum blood collection tube, and the electric rotary gripper (71) rotates to remove the cap from the vacuum blood collection tube.

Images