Bacteria picking device and bacteria picking method

Abstract

The application relates to a bacteria picking device and a bacteria picking method. The bacteria picking device comprises a rack, a feeding mechanism, a bacteria picking mechanism, a driving mechanism and a cutting mechanism. The rack is provided with a workbench for bearing a first container and a second container. The feeding mechanism is arranged on the rack and is used for continuously outputting materials. The bacteria picking mechanism is arranged above the workbench and is used for receiving the materials output by the feeding mechanism and driving the head end of the materials to stretch out a preset length towards the workbench to form a bacteria picking piece. The driving mechanism is connected with the feeding mechanism and / or the workbench and is used for driving the bacteria picking mechanism to move relative to the workbench so that the bacteria picking mechanism drives the bacteria picking piece to pick bacteria colonies from the first container or drives the bacteria picking piece to plant the bacteria colonies in the second container. The cutting mechanism is used for separating the bacteria picking piece from the materials. The bacteria picking device can improve the efficiency of bacteria picking operation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of microbial experimental technology, and in particular to bacterial picking devices and methods. Background Technology

[0002] In microbial experiments, it is often necessary to screen and isolate microorganisms with the desired function. In this process, the sample is usually enriched and plated on a petri dish containing solid culture medium. After the bacterial solution grows single colonies of different morphologies in the petri dish, the single colonies are picked out in a clean bench and transferred one by one to a multi-well plate containing culture medium for purification culture.

[0003] With the rise of automated laboratory equipment, automated colony picking devices are gradually replacing manual colony picking operations. However, in related technologies, automated colony picking devices use reusable metal picking needles to pick colonies, and the metal picking needles need to be cleaned and disinfected before each colony picking, which is inefficient. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Therefore, it is necessary to provide a bacterial picking device and method to address the issue of how to improve the efficiency of bacterial colony picking.

[0005] In a first aspect, this application provides a microbial picking device, comprising:

[0006] A frame, wherein the frame is provided with a worktable for supporting a first container and a second container;

[0007] A feeding mechanism is mounted on the frame and is used to continuously output materials;

[0008] The bacteria-picking mechanism is located above the workbench. The bacteria-picking mechanism is used to receive the material output by the feeding mechanism and drive the head end of the material to output a preset length towards the workbench to form a bacteria-picking component for bacteria picking.

[0009] A driving mechanism is connected to the feeding mechanism and / or the worktable. The driving mechanism is used to drive the picking mechanism to move relative to the worktable, so that the picking mechanism drives the picking piece to pick up colonies from the first container, or so that the picking mechanism drives the picking piece to plant colonies in the second container.

[0010] A cutting mechanism for separating the picker from the material.

[0011] The technical solution will be further explained below:

[0012] In one embodiment, the feeding mechanism includes:

[0013] The conduit is connected to the bacteria-picking mechanism;

[0014] A first extrusion mechanism is disposed on the frame and connected to the other end of the conduit. The first extrusion mechanism is used to transport the material along the conduit to the picking mechanism.

[0015] In one embodiment, the first extrusion mechanism includes:

[0016] A first mounting frame is connected to the machine frame. The first mounting frame is provided with a first inlet and a first outlet that are aligned. The first inlet is used for the material to pass through, and the first outlet is connected to the guide tube.

[0017] A first motor is mounted on the first mounting bracket;

[0018] The first drive wheel is located between the first feed inlet and the first discharge outlet, and is connected to the shaft of the first motor.

[0019] The first driven wheel is located between the first feed inlet and the first discharge outlet and is spaced apart from the first driving wheel. The first driven wheel and the first driving wheel form a first conveying channel for conveying the material.

[0020] In one embodiment, the first extrusion mechanism further includes a first elastic component connected to the first driven wheel, the first elastic component being used to drive the first driven wheel to cooperate with the first driving wheel to clamp the material.

[0021] In one embodiment, the first elastic component includes a first rocker arm and a first elastic member. The first rocker arm is rotatably mounted on the first mounting bracket, and the first driven wheel is rotatably mounted on the first rocker arm. One end of the first elastic member is connected to the first rocker arm, and the other end of the first elastic member is connected to the first mounting bracket.

[0022] In one embodiment, the bacteria-picking mechanism includes:

[0023] A fixing frame, which is connected to the drive mechanism;

[0024] The second extrusion mechanism is disposed on the fixed frame. The second extrusion mechanism is used to receive the material conveyed by the feeding mechanism and drive the head end of the material to extend the preset length toward the workbench to form the picker.

[0025] In one embodiment, the second extrusion mechanism includes:

[0026] The second mounting frame is connected to the fixed frame. The second mounting frame is provided with a second inlet and a second outlet that are aligned. The second inlet is used for the material to pass through, and the second outlet faces the worktable.

[0027] The second motor is mounted on the second mounting bracket.

[0028] The second drive wheel is disposed between the second feed inlet and the second discharge outlet, and the first drive wheel is connected to the output shaft of the first motor;

[0029] The second driven wheel is positioned between the second feed inlet and the second discharge outlet and is spaced apart from the second driving wheel. The second driven wheel and the second driving wheel form a second conveying channel for conveying the material.

[0030] In one embodiment, the second extrusion mechanism further includes a second elastic component connected to the second driven wheel, the second elastic component being used to drive the second driven wheel to cooperate with the second driving wheel to clamp the filament.

[0031] In one embodiment, the second elastic component includes a second rocker arm and a second elastic member. The second rocker arm is rotatably mounted on the second mounting bracket, and the second driven wheel is rotatably mounted on the second rocker arm. One end of the second elastic member is connected to the second rocker arm, and the other end of the second elastic member is connected to the second mounting bracket.

[0032] In one embodiment, the fixing frame has a first through hole for the material to pass through;

[0033] The cutting mechanism includes a first cutting blade, which is movably mounted on the fixed frame. The first cutting blade has an initial position and a cutting position. In the initial position, the first cutting blade avoids the first through hole, and in the cutting position, the first cutting blade covers the first through hole.

[0034] The driving mechanism is also used to drive the bacteria-picking mechanism to move to the waste disposal station. When the bacteria-picking mechanism moves to the waste disposal station, the first cutting blade abuts against the frame so that the first cutting blade moves to the cutting position.

[0035] In one embodiment, the cutting mechanism includes a reset member connected to the first cutting blade, the reset member being used to maintain the first cutting blade in the initial position.

[0036] In one embodiment, the reset member includes a spring, one end of which is connected to the fixing frame, and the other end of which is connected to the first cutting blade.

[0037] In one embodiment, the first cutting blade is provided with a second through hole for the material to pass through. In the initial position, the second through hole is aligned with the first through hole, and in the cutting position, the first through hole and the second through hole are misaligned.

[0038] In one embodiment, the driving mechanism is further configured to drive the bacteria-picking mechanism to move to the waste disposal station, and the cutting mechanism includes:

[0039] A second cutting blade is located at the waste disposal station;

[0040] A power assembly connected to the second cutting blade, the power assembly being used to drive the second cutting blade to cut the bacteria-picking piece that has entered the waste disposal station from the material.

[0041] In one embodiment, the bacteria-picking device further includes a waste collection mechanism disposed below the waste disposal station, the waste collection mechanism being used to receive the bacteria-picking component that falls off from the bacteria-picking mechanism.

[0042] In one embodiment, the number of feeding mechanisms is at least two, and different feeding mechanisms are used to output materials of different diameters.

[0043] In one embodiment, the bacteria-picking device further includes a manifold, the manifold having a main channel and multiple branch channels connected to the main channel. Each branch channel is connected to a corresponding material handling mechanism, and each branch channel is used to allow materials of different diameters to pass through. The main channel is connected to the bacteria-picking mechanism, and the main channel is used to selectively transport materials of different diameters to the bacteria-picking mechanism.

[0044] In one embodiment, the bacteria-picking device further includes a heating element disposed between the bacteria-picking mechanism and the feeding mechanism, the heating element being used to heat and soften the material output by the feeding mechanism.

[0045] In one embodiment, the heating element includes a heating tube that connects the picking mechanism and the feeding mechanism. The heating tube has a heating chamber through which the material passes, and the heating tube is used to heat the material located in the heating chamber.

[0046] In one embodiment, the drive mechanism includes:

[0047] An X-axis drive assembly is mounted on the frame and is used to drive the bacteria picking mechanism and the worktable to move relative to each other along the X-axis direction of the frame.

[0048] Y-axis drive assembly, which is disposed on the frame, is used to drive the bacteria picking mechanism and the worktable to move relative to each other along the Y-axis direction of the frame;

[0049] A Z-axis drive assembly is mounted on the frame and is used to drive the bacteria picking mechanism and the worktable to move relative to each other along the Z-axis direction of the frame.

[0050] In one embodiment, the picking device further includes a positioning detection mechanism, which is communicatively connected to the driving mechanism. The positioning detection mechanism is used to obtain the relative position of the picking component and the colonies in the first container, and when the picking component contacts the colonies, it causes the driving mechanism to stop driving the picking component to move relative to the worktable.

[0051] In one embodiment, the arrival detection mechanism includes:

[0052] A displacement detection element is disposed on the bacteria-picking mechanism. The displacement detection element is used to detect the displacement of the bacteria-picking element relative to the bacteria-picking mechanism. When the displacement detection element detects that the bacteria-picking element has displaced relative to the bacteria-picking mechanism in a direction away from the worktable, it causes the drive mechanism to stop driving the bacteria-picking mechanism to move relative to the worktable; or...

[0053] A pressure detection element is disposed on the bacteria-picking mechanism and / or the worktable. The pressure detection element is used to acquire the pressure value between the bacteria-picking element and the first container. When the pressure value acquired by the pressure detection element is greater than a preset value, the driving mechanism stops driving the bacteria-picking mechanism to move relative to the worktable; or...

[0054] A distance detection device is disposed on the bacteria-picking mechanism and / or the worktable. The distance detection device is used to obtain the relative distance value between the bacteria-picking mechanism and the worktable. When the distance value obtained by the distance detection device is less than or equal to a preset value, the driving mechanism stops driving the bacteria-picking mechanism to move relative to the worktable.

[0055] In one embodiment, the bacterial picking device further includes an image acquisition mechanism, which is connected to the driving mechanism or the bacterial picking mechanism. The image acquisition mechanism is used to acquire image information of colonies in the first container, and the driving mechanism can drive the bacterial picking mechanism according to the image information, so that the bacterial picking mechanism drives the bacterial picking element to pick up the target colonies.

[0056] In one embodiment, the feeding mechanism includes:

[0057] A glue cylinder, used for storing materials, is provided with a glue outlet; and

[0058] An extrusion mechanism is connected to the rubber cylinder and is used to drive the material in the rubber cylinder to be extruded from the outlet.

[0059] The bacteria-picking mechanism includes a dispensing head connected to the dispensing port, which is used to receive the material extruded from the glue cylinder and output it to form the bacteria-picking component.

[0060] In one embodiment, the extrusion mechanism includes:

[0061] A piston assembly that is sealed to the rubber sleeve;

[0062] A pushing assembly is connected to the piston member, and a driving mechanism is used to push the piston member to move relative to the rubber cylinder so as to squeeze the material in the rubber cylinder out of the outlet.

[0063] In one embodiment, the bacteria-picking device further includes a heating mechanism connected to the rubber cylinder, the heating mechanism being used to heat the material inside the rubber cylinder; and / or,

[0064] The bacteria-picking device also includes a cooling mechanism connected to the dispensing head, which is used to cool the material entering the dispensing head.

[0065] Secondly, this application also provides a method for picking bacteria, which is implemented using the above-mentioned bacteria picking device and includes the following steps:

[0066] Place the first container containing the bacterial colonies and the second container containing the culture medium on the workbench;

[0067] The feeding mechanism delivers materials to the bacteria-picking mechanism;

[0068] The bacteria-picking mechanism receives the material and drives the head end of the material to extend a predetermined length toward the workbench to form a bacteria-picking component;

[0069] The driving mechanism drives the picking mechanism to move relative to the worktable, so that the picking mechanism drives the picking piece to pick up colonies from the first container;

[0070] The driving mechanism drives the picking mechanism to move relative to the worktable, so that the picking mechanism drives the picking piece to plant the colony in the culture medium of the second container;

[0071] The drive mechanism drives the bacteria-picking mechanism to move to the waste disposal station;

[0072] The bacteria-picking mechanism discards the used bacteria-picking components.

[0073] The aforementioned sterilization device and method continuously supply materials through a feeding mechanism. The sterilization mechanism outputs the head end of the material to form a disposable sterilization piece, which is then used for sterilization. A cutting mechanism cuts the sterilization piece off the material, and the sterilization mechanism discards the used sterilization piece. Then, the feeding mechanism continues to supply materials to the sterilization mechanism, which outputs materials to form a new sterilization piece. This enables continuous sterilization operation, eliminating the waiting time required for sterilizing the sterilization piece and thus improving the efficiency of the sterilization operation. Attached Figure Description

[0074] The accompanying drawings, which form part of this application, are used to provide a further understanding of this application. The illustrative embodiments of this application and their descriptions are used to explain this application and do not constitute an undue limitation of this application.

[0075] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0076] Furthermore, the accompanying drawings are not drawn to a 1:1 scale, and the relative dimensions of the various components are shown as examples only and not necessarily to scale. In the accompanying drawings:

[0077] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the bacterial picking device in the first embodiment.

[0078] Figure 2 for Figure 1 The front view of the bacteria-picking device shown.

[0079] Figure 3 for Figure 2 The enlarged view of the bacteria-picking device shown in section A.

[0080] Figure 4 for Figure 1The side view of the bacteria-picking device shown.

[0081] Figure 5 for Figure 4 The enlarged view of the bacteria-picking device shown in section B.

[0082] Figure 6 for Figure 1 A top view of the bacteria-picking device shown.

[0083] Figure 7 for Figure 6 The enlarged view of the bacteria-picking device shown in section C.

[0084] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the bacterial picking device in the second embodiment.

[0085] Figure 9 for Figure 8 The front view of the bacteria-picking device shown.

[0086] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the bacterial picking device in the third embodiment.

[0087] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the bacterial picking device in the fourth embodiment.

[0088] Figure 12 for Figure 11 The enlarged view of the bacteria-picking device shown in section D.

[0089] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0090] (10, 10b) Feeding mechanism; 11. First extrusion mechanism; 111. First mounting frame; 1111. First discharge port; 1112. First feed port; 112. First motor; 113. First drive wheel; 114. First driven wheel; 115. First elastic component; 1151. First elastic element; 1152. First rocker arm; 12. Guide tube; 13. Glue tube; 14. Piston component; 15. Pushing component; 151. Drive component; 152. Push rod; 20. Frame; 21. Workbench; (30, 30b) Bacterial picking mechanism; 31. Fixing frame; 32. Second extrusion mechanism; 321. Second mounting frame; 3211. Second feed port; 3212. Second... 322. Discharge port; 323. Second driving wheel; 324. Second driven wheel; 325. Second elastic component; 3251. Second rocker arm; 3252. Second elastic component; 33. Dispensing head; (40, 40a) Cutting mechanism; 41. First cutting blade; 42. Reset component; 43. Second cutting blade; 44. Power component; 45. Waste collection mechanism; 50. Drive mechanism; 51. X-axis drive component; 52. Y-axis drive component; 53. Z-axis drive component; 61. Material; 62. Inoculum picking component; 63. Material tray; 64. Aseptic box; 71. Petri dish; 72. Well plate; 80. Image acquisition mechanism; 91. Manifold; 92. Heating component. Detailed Implementation

[0091] To make the above-mentioned objectives, features, and advantages of this application more apparent and understandable, the specific embodiments of this application are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Many specific details are set forth in the following description to provide a thorough understanding of this application. However, this application can be implemented in many other ways different from those described herein, and those skilled in the art can make similar modifications without departing from the spirit of this application. Therefore, this application is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0092] In the description of this application, it should be understood that if terms such as "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential" appear, these terms indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this application.

[0093] Furthermore, where the terms "first" and "second" appear, these terms are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this application, where the term "multiple" appears, "multiple" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0094] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "joining," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise expressly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0095] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the use of descriptions such as "above" or "below" the second feature indicates that the first and second features are in direct contact or indirect contact via an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "on top of," and "over" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. Similarly, "below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0096] It should be noted that if an element is referred to as being "fixed to" or "set on" another element, it can be directly on the other element or there may be an intervening element. If an element is considered to be "connected to" another element, it can be directly connected to the other element or there may be an intervening element. If so, the terms "vertical," "horizontal," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," and similar expressions used in this application are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent the only possible implementation.

[0097] See Figures 1 to 7 , Figures 1 to 7 A schematic diagram of the microbial picking device according to the first embodiment of this application is shown. Specifically, see... Figure 1One embodiment of the microbial picking device includes a frame 20, a feeding mechanism 10, a picking mechanism 30, a driving mechanism 50, and a cutting mechanism 40. The frame 20 is provided with a worktable 21 for supporting a first container and a second container. Exemplarily, the first container can be a petri dish 71 containing bacterial colonies; the second container can be a multi-well plate 72 containing culture medium. The feeding mechanism 10 is disposed on the frame 20 and is used to continuously output material 61. The picking mechanism 30 is disposed above the worktable 21 and is used to receive the material 61 output by the feeding mechanism 10 and drive the head end of the material 61 to extend a predetermined length toward the worktable 21 to form a picking piece 62 for picking bacteria. The drive mechanism 50 is connected to the feeding mechanism 10 and / or the worktable 21. The drive mechanism 50 is used to drive the picking mechanism 30 to move relative to the worktable 21, so that the picking mechanism 30 drives the picking element 62 to pick up colonies from the petri dish 71, or to drive the picking mechanism 30 to drive the picking element 62 to plant colonies in the multi-well plate 72. The cutting mechanism 40 is used to separate the used picking element 62 from the material 61.

[0098] In the above-described microbial picking device, material 61 is fed to the microbial picking mechanism 30 via the feeding mechanism 10. After receiving the material 61, the microbial picking mechanism 30 drives the head end of the material 61 to extend a preset length towards the worktable 21 to form a picking piece 62. Then, the cutting mechanism 40 cuts the picking piece 62 off the material 61. Next, the driving mechanism 50 drives the microbial picking mechanism 30 to move relative to the worktable 21, so that the picking piece 62 on the microbial picking mechanism 30 picks up colonies from the petri dish 71. Subsequently, the driving mechanism 50 drives the picking piece 62 with colonies to insert into the culture medium of the multi-well plate 72, thereby realizing the inoculation of colonies into the culture medium of the multi-well plate 72. Finally, the driving mechanism 50 drives the microbial picking mechanism 30 to move to the disposal station, where the microbial picking mechanism 30 discards the used picking piece 62, thus completing one microbial picking operation. Repeating the above process can achieve continuous microbial picking operation.

[0099] Compared to traditional sterilization equipment that requires repeated sterilization of the sterilization needle, the sterilization device of this application continuously supplies material 61 through the feeding mechanism 10. The sterilization mechanism 30 extends the head end of the material 61 to form a disposable sterilization piece 62 and uses the sterilization piece 62 to perform sterilization operation. The cutting mechanism 40 cuts the sterilization piece 62, and the sterilization mechanism 30 discards the used sterilization piece 62. Then the feeding mechanism 10 continues to supply material to the sterilization mechanism, and the sterilization mechanism 30 outputs material 61 to form a new sterilization piece 62. This enables continuous sterilization operation, eliminates the waiting time required to sterilize the sterilization piece 62, and thus improves the efficiency of sterilization operation.

[0100] See also Figure 1Optionally, in one embodiment, the material 61 can be a filamentous thermoplastic material, which can be wound onto a reel 63, which is hung on the frame 20 for use by the feeding mechanism 10. Further, combined with... Figure 10 A sterile box 64 can be fitted over the material tray 63 to ensure that the material 61 is in a sterile environment before use.

[0101] See Figure 1 Optionally, in one embodiment, the feeding mechanism 10 includes a conduit 12 and a first extrusion mechanism 11, with the conduit 12 connected to the bacteria-picking mechanism 30. The first extrusion mechanism 11 is disposed on the frame 20 and connected to the other end of the conduit 12. The first extrusion mechanism 11 is used to feed the material 61 on the material tray 63 into the conduit 12 and transport the material 61 along the conduit 12 to the bacteria-picking mechanism 30, thereby realizing the continuous supply of material 61 to the bacteria-picking mechanism 30. The material 61 is transported through the conduit 12, which on the one hand guides the material 61 to ensure that the material 61 accurately reaches the bacteria-picking mechanism 30, and on the other hand ensures that the material 61 is in a sterile environment during the transportation process.

[0102] See Figure 4 as well as Figure 5 For example, in one embodiment, the first extrusion mechanism 11 includes a first mounting frame 111, a first motor 112, a first drive wheel 113, and a first driven wheel 114. The first mounting frame 111 is connected to the frame 20 and has a first feed port 1112 and a first discharge port 1111 aligned with each other. The first feed port 1112 is used for material 61 to pass through, and the first discharge port 1111 is connected to the guide tube 12. The first motor 112 is mounted on the first mounting frame 111. The first drive wheel 113 is located between the first feed port 1112 and the first discharge port 1111 and is connected to the shaft of the first motor 112. The first driven wheel 114 is located between the first feed port 1112 and the first discharge port 1111 and is spaced apart from the first drive wheel 113. A first conveying channel for conveying material 61 is formed between the first driven wheel 114 and the first drive wheel 113.

[0103] Specifically, when the first extrusion mechanism 11 is in use, the head end of the material 61 is first passed through the first feed port 1112, the first conveying channel and the first discharge port 1111 in sequence. Then the first motor 112 is started, and the first motor 112 drives the first drive wheel 113 to rotate. Under the action of friction, the first drive wheel 113 and the first driven wheel 114 cooperate to transport the material 61 along the guide tube 12 to the bacteria picking mechanism 30.

[0104] See Figure 5Optionally, in some embodiments, the first extrusion mechanism 11 further includes a first elastic component 115, which is connected to the first driven wheel 114. The first elastic component 115 is used to drive the first driven wheel 114 to cooperate with the first driving wheel 113 to clamp the material 61.

[0105] Furthermore, the first elastic component 115 includes a first rocker arm 1152 and a first elastic element 1151. The first rocker arm 1152 is rotatably mounted on the first mounting bracket 111, and the first driven wheel 114 is rotatably mounted on the first rocker arm 1152. One end of the first elastic element 1151 is connected to the first rocker arm 1152, and the other end of the first elastic element 1151 is connected to the first mounting bracket 111. Thus, the elastic force of the first elastic element 1151 can apply a pulling force towards the first driving wheel 113 to the first driven wheel 114, thereby causing the first driven wheel 114 and the first driving wheel 113 to jointly clamp the material 61 located in the first conveying channel, increasing the frictional force between the first driven wheel 114 and the first driving wheel 113 and the material 61. For example, the first elastic element 1151 is a spring.

[0106] See Figure 2 as well as Figure 3 Optionally, in one embodiment, the bacteria-picking mechanism 30 includes a fixed frame 31 and a second extrusion mechanism 32, with the fixed frame 31 connected to the drive mechanism 50. The second extrusion mechanism 32 is disposed on the fixed frame 31 and is used to receive the material 61 conveyed by the feeding mechanism 10 and drive the head end of the material 61 to output a preset length in the direction close to the worktable 21 to form a bacteria-picking component 62.

[0107] See Figure 3 In one embodiment, for example, the second extrusion mechanism 32 includes a second mounting frame 321, a second motor 322, a second drive wheel 323, and a second driven wheel 324. The second mounting frame 321 is connected to the fixed frame 31 and has a second feed inlet 3211 and a second discharge outlet 3212 aligned with each other. The second feed inlet 3211 is used for material 61 to pass through, and the second discharge outlet 3212 faces the worktable 21. The second motor 322 is mounted on the second mounting frame 321. The second drive wheel 323 is located between the second feed inlet 3211 and the second discharge outlet 3212 and is connected to the shaft of the second motor 322. The second driven wheel 324 is located between the second feed inlet 3211 and the second discharge outlet 3212 and is spaced apart from the second drive wheel 323. A second conveying channel for conveying material 61 is formed between the second driven wheel 324 and the second drive wheel 323.

[0108] Specifically, during operation, the second feed inlet 3211 receives the material 61 conveyed by the feeding mechanism 10, and then the material 61 enters the second conveying channel. Subsequently, the second drive wheel 323, driven by the second motor 322, cooperates with the second driven wheel 324 to extend the material 61 from the second discharge port 3212, so that the part of the material 61 extending out of the second discharge port 3212 forms the bacteria picking element 62.

[0109] See also Figure 3 Optionally, in some embodiments, the second extrusion mechanism 32 further includes a second elastic component 325, which is connected to the second driven wheel 324. The second elastic component 325 is used to drive the second driven wheel 324 to cooperate with the second driving wheel 323 to clamp the material 61.

[0110] Furthermore, the second elastic component 325 includes a second rocker arm 3251 and a second elastic element 3252. The second rocker arm 3251 is rotatably mounted on the second mounting bracket 321, and the second driven wheel 324 is rotatably mounted on the second rocker arm 3251. One end of the second elastic element 3252 is connected to the second rocker arm 3251, and the other end of the second elastic element 3252 is connected to the second mounting bracket 321. Thus, the elastic force of the second elastic element 3252 can apply a pulling force towards the second driving wheel 323 to the second driven wheel 324, thereby causing the second driven wheel 324 and the second driving wheel 323 to jointly clamp the material 61 located in the second conveying channel, increasing the frictional force between the second driven wheel 324 and the second driving wheel 323 and the material 61. For example, the second elastic element 3252...

[0111] See Figure 6 as well as Figure 7 Optionally, in one embodiment, the fixing frame 31 has a first through hole (not shown) for the material 61 to pass through, and the first through hole is aligned with the second feed port 3211. The cutting mechanism includes a first cutting blade 41, which is movably mounted on the fixing frame 31. The first cutting blade 41 has an initial position and a cutting position. In the initial position, the first cutting blade 41 avoids the first through hole so that the material 61 can be continuously output through the first through hole to the second extrusion mechanism 32. In the cutting position, the first cutting blade 41 covers the first through hole to cut off the material from the first through hole.

[0112] In one embodiment, for example, the first cutting blade 41 has a second through hole (not shown) for material 61 to pass through. In the initial position, the second through hole is aligned with the first through hole so that material 61 passes through the second through hole and into the second extrusion mechanism 32 in sequence. In the cutting position, the first through hole and the second through hole are misaligned, so that the first cutting blade 41 cuts off the material 61 that has passed through the first through hole and the second through hole, thereby separating the used picker 62 from the material 61. Preferably, the edges of the first or second through hole can be sharpened to cut off the material 61.

[0113] Furthermore, the cutting mechanism also includes a reset member 42. The first cutting blade 41 is connected to the reset member 42. The reset member 42 is used to drive the first cutting blade 41 from the cutting position back to the initial position. Specifically, the reset member 42 can be a spring. One end of the spring is connected to the fixing frame 31, and the other end is connected to the first cutting blade 41. Thus, the spring force can be used to reset the first cutting blade 41 from the cutting position back to the initial position, and the first cutting blade 41 can be maintained in the initial position when it is not subjected to other external forces.

[0114] For example, in one embodiment, the first cutting blade 41 may be a blade. In other embodiments, the first cutting blade 41 may also be in other forms, as long as it can cut the material, and there is no limitation here.

[0115] Furthermore, the drive mechanism 50 is also used to drive the picking mechanism 30 to move to the waste disposal station. When the picking mechanism 30 moves to the waste disposal station, the first cutting blade 41 abuts against the frame 20 so that the first cutting blade 41 moves to the cutting position.

[0116] Specifically, in one embodiment, after the second extrusion mechanism 32 extrudes the material 61 to form the bacteria-picking component 62, the drive mechanism 50 first moves the bacteria-picking mechanism 30 to the waste disposal station. At this time, the first cutting blade 41 collides with the frame 20, and under the push of the collision force, the first cutting blade 41 resists the elastic force of the reset component 42 and enters the cutting position, so that the first cutting blade 41 separates the bacteria-picking component 62 from the material 61. At this time, the bacteria-picking component 62 is still held on the bacteria-picking mechanism 30 by the second driving wheel 323 and the second driven wheel 324 of the second extrusion mechanism 32. Then, the drive mechanism 50 drives the bacteria-picking mechanism 30 away from the waste disposal station. At this time, the first cutting blade 41 separates from the frame 20, and the first cutting blade 41 can be reset to the initial position under the drive of the reset component 42. Subsequently, the drive mechanism 50 drives the bacteria-picking mechanism 30 to drive the bacteria-picking component 62 to pick bacteria. After the bacterial pickling is completed, the drive mechanism 50 drives the bacterial pickling mechanism 30 to move to the waste disposal station. Then, the second motor 322 of the second extrusion mechanism 32 rotates to drive the second drive wheel 323 and the second driven wheel 324 to transport the used bacterial pickling piece 62 to the second discharge port 3212. At the same time, the feeding mechanism 10 continues to feed new material 61 to the second extrusion mechanism 32. The new material 61 pushes the used bacterial pickling piece 62 out of the second discharge port 3212, so that the used bacterial pickling piece 62 falls off the bacterial pickling mechanism 30. Then, the second extrusion mechanism 32 drives the head of the new material 61 to output a preset length towards the workbench to form a new bacterial pickling piece 62. Then, the first cutting blade 41 cuts the new bacterial pickling piece 62 off the material 61, and the next bacterial pickling can be performed. By repeating the above operation, continuous bacterial pickling can be achieved.

[0117] See Figure 1 Furthermore, the microbial picking device also includes a waste collection mechanism 45, which is located below the waste disposal station. The waste collection mechanism 45 is used to collect the microbial picking components 62 that have detached from the microbial picking mechanism 30, thereby collecting the used microbial picking components 62 and preventing environmental pollution. For example, the waste collection mechanism 45 can be shaped as follows: Figure 1 In other embodiments, the waste collection mechanism 45 can also be a guide channel structure, as long as it can collect the used picker heads or carry the used picker heads away from the picker device. There are no restrictions here.

[0118] See Figure 2 In one embodiment, the number of feeding mechanisms 10 is at least two, and different feeding mechanisms 10 are used to output materials 61 with different diameters.

[0119] The colony picking device also includes a manifold 91, which connects the colony picking mechanism 30 to all the feeding mechanisms 10. The manifold 91 is used to selectively transport materials 61 of different diameters output from different feeding mechanisms 10 to the colony picking mechanism 30. In this way, materials 61 of suitable diameter can be selected as the colony picking component 62 according to the picking requirements of different colonies, thereby improving the quality of colony picking.

[0120] Specifically, in one embodiment, the manifold 91 has a multi-lumen tube structure. The manifold 91 contains a main channel and multiple branch channels connected to the main channel. The main channel is aligned with the second feed inlet 3211 of the second extrusion mechanism 32 of the picking mechanism 30. Each branch channel is connected to a corresponding conduit 12 of each feeding mechanism 10. Thus, when it is necessary to replace materials 61 of different diameters, the first motor 112 of the first extrusion mechanism 11 corresponding to the currently used material 61 is first reversed to extract the currently used material 61 from the main channel of the manifold 91. Then, the first motor 112 of the first extrusion mechanism 11 corresponding to the material 61 to be replaced is rotated forward to feed the material 61 to be replaced into the main channel of the manifold 91, and then into the second extrusion mechanism 32 through the main channel, thereby completing the replacement of materials 61 of different diameters.

[0121] See Figure 1 In one embodiment, the drive mechanism 50 includes an X-axis drive assembly 51, a Y-axis drive assembly 52, and a Z-axis drive assembly 53. The X-axis drive assembly 51 is mounted on the frame 20 and drives the picking mechanism 30 and the worktable 21 to move relative to each other along the X-axis direction of the frame 20. The Y-axis drive assembly 52 is mounted on the frame 20 and drives the picking mechanism 30 and the worktable 21 to move relative to each other along the Y-axis direction of the frame 20. The Z-axis drive assembly 53 is mounted on the frame 20 and drives the picking mechanism 30 and the worktable 21 to move relative to each other along the Z-axis direction of the frame 20. In one embodiment, the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis directions are perpendicular to each other, for example... Figure 2 as well as Figure 4 As shown, arrow X points to the X-axis direction, arrow Y points to the Y-axis direction, and arrow Z points to the Z-axis direction. In other embodiments, the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis directions can also be set at other angles, as long as it enables the bacteria-picking mechanism 30 and the worktable to move in three dimensions within space; no restrictions are imposed here.

[0122] See Figure 6 In one embodiment, both the X-axis drive assembly 51 and the Y-axis drive assembly 52 are connected to the bacteria-picking mechanism 30, thereby driving the bacteria-picking mechanism 30 to move along the X-axis and Y-axis directions. Figure 2The Z-axis drive assembly 53 is connected to the worktable 21, thereby driving the worktable 21 to move along the Z-axis. During the colony-picking operation, the X-axis drive assembly 51 and Y-axis drive assembly 52 work together to move the colony-picking mechanism 30 above the culture dish 71. Then, the Z-axis drive assembly 53 drives the worktable 21 to rise until the colony-picking element 62 contacts the colonies in the culture dish 71. Subsequently, the Z-axis drive assembly 53 drives the worktable 21 to descend, causing the colony-picking element 62 to pick up the colonies. Next, the X-axis drive assembly 51 and Y-axis drive assembly 52 work together to move the colony-picking mechanism 30 above the multi-well plate 72. The Z-axis drive assembly 53 drives the worktable 21 to rise until the colony-picking element 62 inserts into the culture medium in the multi-well plate 72. Finally, the Z-axis drive assembly 53 drives the worktable 21 to descend, thus completing the colony inoculation. Finally, the X-axis drive assembly 51 and the Y-axis drive assembly 52 work together to move the picking mechanism 30 to the waste disposal station. After the cutting mechanism 40 cuts off the used picking head, the X-axis drive assembly 51 and the Y-axis drive assembly 52 move the picking mechanism 30 above the petri dish 71, and the next picking operation can be performed.

[0123] For example, the X-axis drive assembly 51, the Y-axis drive assembly 52, and the Z-axis drive assembly 53 can be linear modules, electric push rods, or lead screw mechanisms, as long as they can drive the bacteria picking mechanism 30 to move relative to the worktable 21. No restrictions are imposed here.

[0124] Optionally, in one embodiment, the picking device further includes a positioning detection mechanism (not shown). The positioning detection mechanism is communicatively connected to the drive mechanism 50. The positioning detection mechanism is used to obtain the relative position of the picking piece 62 and the colonies in the petri dish 71. When the picking piece 62 contacts the colonies, the drive mechanism 50 stops driving the picking mechanism 30 to move relative to the worktable 21. This prevents the picking piece 62 from failing to pick up the colonies due to insufficient relative movement between the picking mechanism 30 and the worktable 21, and also avoids the problem of collision damage between the picking piece 62 and the petri dish 71 due to excessive relative movement between the picking mechanism 30 and the worktable 21.

[0125] Optionally, in one embodiment, the positioning detection mechanism includes a displacement detection element disposed on the picking mechanism 30. The displacement detection element is used to detect the displacement of the picking element 62 relative to the picking mechanism 30. When the displacement detection element detects that the picking element 62 has moved away from the worktable 21 relative to the picking mechanism 30, the driving mechanism 50 stops driving the picking mechanism 30 to move relative to the worktable 21.

[0126] For example, in one embodiment, the displacement detection element can be an encoder, which is installed in the second motor 322. When the picking member 62 comes into contact with the colony, the picking member 62 will be slightly displaced in the direction away from the worktable 21 (upward) due to the impact force, thereby driving the second drive wheel 323 to rotate in the opposite direction to the shaft of the second motor 322. When the encoder in the second motor 322 detects the reverse rotation of the shaft of the second motor 322, it can be determined that the picking member 62 has come into contact with the colony, and at this time the Z-axis drive assembly 53 can be controlled to stop driving the worktable 21 to rise. Alternatively, in another embodiment, the displacement detection element can also be a limit switch with a linkage mechanism. The linkage mechanism is connected to the material 61. When the picking member 62 comes into contact with the colony and causes the picking member 62 to move upward, it can drive the linkage mechanism to trigger the limit switch, thereby controlling the Z-axis drive assembly 53 to stop driving the worktable 21 to rise.

[0127] In another embodiment, the position detection mechanism may also include a pressure detection element, which is disposed on the picker 30 and / or the worktable 21. The pressure detection element is used to obtain the pressure value between the picker 62 and the petri dish 71. When the pressure value obtained by the pressure detection element is greater than a preset value, the drive mechanism 50 stops driving the picker 30 to move relative to the worktable 21.

[0128] For example, the pressure detection component can be a pressure sensor. The pressure sensor is set on the worktable 21 and located below the petri dish 71. Before picking bacteria, the pressure sensor is reset to zero. During the picking process, when the picking component 62 comes into contact with the colony, the pressure of the petri dish 71 on the pressure sensor will change. After the pressure sensor detects the change in pressure value, it can determine that the picking component 62 has come into contact with the colony. At this time, the Z-axis drive component 53 can be controlled to stop driving the worktable 21 to rise.

[0129] In other embodiments, the positioning detection mechanism can also be a distance detection element. The distance detection element is disposed on the picking mechanism 30 and / or the worktable 21. The distance detection element is used to obtain the relative distance value between the picking mechanism 30 and the worktable 21. When the distance value obtained by the distance detection element is less than a preset value, the driving mechanism 50 stops driving the picking mechanism 30 to move relative to the worktable 21.

[0130] For example, the distance detection device can be a laser rangefinder, which is installed on the picking mechanism 30. The laser rangefinder is used to detect the distance between the picking mechanism 30 and the worktable 21. Since the length of the picking component 62 extending out of the picking mechanism 30 is controllable, the distance between the picking mechanism 30 and the worktable 21 is also fixed when the picking component 62 contacts the colony. Therefore, when the laser rangefinder detects that the distance between the picking mechanism 30 and the worktable 21 is a predetermined value, it can be determined that the picking component 62 has contacted the colony. At this time, the Z-axis drive assembly 53 can be controlled to stop driving the worktable 21 to rise.

[0131] See Figure 2 In one embodiment, the bacterial picking device further includes an image acquisition mechanism 80, which is connected to the driving mechanism 50 or the bacterial picking mechanism 30. The image acquisition mechanism 80 is used to acquire image information of colonies in the culture dish 71. The driving mechanism 50 can drive the bacterial picking mechanism 30 according to the image information, so that the bacterial picking mechanism 30 drives the bacterial picking element 62 to pick up the target colony, thus ensuring that the bacterial picking element 62 can accurately pick up the target colony.

[0132] Specifically, the image acquisition mechanism 80 can be a camera. Before the bacterial picking operation, the image acquisition mechanism 80 is driven by the drive mechanism 50 to move directly above the culture dish 71. The image acquisition mechanism 80 acquires a photo of the colonies in the culture dish 71 and transmits it back to the controller (e.g., a computer). The controller performs image processing on the photo. Exemplary image processing methods include, but are not limited to, contrast enhancement, Gaussian blur, binarization, edge extraction, area threshold detection, roundness threshold detection, colony spacing threshold detection, and colony contour convexity threshold detection. Suitable colonies are selected through image processing, and the XY coordinates of the center point of the colony in the entire photo are obtained. Subsequently, the X-axis drive component 51 and the Y-axis drive component 52 can move the picking component 62 to above the center of the colony according to the XY coordinates of the colony. Then, under the drive of the Z-axis drive component 53, the picking component 62 picks up the colony.

[0133] See Figure 8 as well as Figure 9 , Figure 8 as well as Figure 9 The illustration shows a microbial picking device according to a second embodiment of this application. Specifically, unlike the microbial picking device of the first embodiment, the microbial picking device of the second embodiment further includes a heating element 92. The heating element 92 is disposed between the microbial picking mechanism 30 and the feeding mechanism 10. The heating element 92 is used to heat and soften the material 61 output by the feeding mechanism 10. Understandably, in the second embodiment, the material is a thermoplastic material, such as thermoplastic plastic.

[0134] Specifically, the heating element 92 can be a heating tube, which connects the picking mechanism and the feeding mechanism. The heating tube has a heating chamber through which the material passes, and the heating tube is used to heat the material located in the heating chamber.

[0135] Specifically, the heating tube is connected to the conduit 12 of the feeding mechanism 10. When it is necessary to shape the material 61, the heating tube heats and softens the material 61. Then, the second extrusion mechanism 32 drives the second drive wheel 323 to rotate. Since part of the material is located in the conduit 12 and the other part is pulled outward by the second drive wheel 323 and the second driven wheel, the heated and softened part of the material is stretched, thereby changing the diameter of the heated and softened part of the material and realizing the stretching and shaping of the material. Then, the first cutting blade 41 cuts the stretched and shaped material 61 from the predetermined position, and then the cut lower half is discarded into the waste collection mechanism 45, and the upper half is used as the picking piece 62. In this way, the material 61 can be shaped into a picking piece 62 of a predetermined shape or diameter without the need to prepare materials 61 of different diameters, thereby eliminating the need to configure multiple feeding mechanisms 10 and reducing costs.

[0136] It is worth noting that the other components of the bacterial picking device in the second embodiment are the same as those in the bacterial picking device in the first embodiment, and will not be described in detail here.

[0137] See Figure 10 , Figure 10 The illustration shows the microbial picking device of the third embodiment of this application. Unlike the microbial picking devices of the first and second embodiments, the feeding mechanism 10 of the microbial picking device of the third embodiment may not have a first extrusion mechanism 11. Specifically, after the material 61 is drawn out from the sterile box 64, it directly enters the conduit 12 and then enters the microbial picking mechanism 30 along the conduit 12. The second driving wheel 323 of the second extrusion mechanism 32 in the microbial picking mechanism 30 rotates, which drives the second driven wheel 324 to rotate, thereby pulling the material 61 in the conduit 12, so as to continuously extrude the material 61 from the conduit and achieve a continuous supply of material 61.

[0138] Further, see also Figure 10Unlike the first and second embodiments, where the picking piece 62 is cut off from the material 61 before the picking operation, in the third embodiment, the picking operation can be performed first, and then the used picking piece 62 can be cut off from the material 61 and discarded. Specifically, unlike the cutting mechanism 40 in the first and second embodiments, the cutting mechanism 40a in the third embodiment includes a second cutting blade 43 and a power assembly 44. The second cutting blade 43 is located at the waste disposal station. Specifically, the second cutting blade 43 can be mounted on the frame 20. The power assembly 44 is connected to the second cutting blade 43 and is used to drive the second cutting blade 43 to cut the picking piece 62 that has entered the waste disposal station off the material 61. In this embodiment, the waste collection mechanism 45 is located below the second cutting blade 43. Specifically, when the picking mechanism 30 transports the used picking piece 62 to the waste disposal station under the drive of the drive mechanism 50, the power component 44 drives the second cutting blade 43 to cut off the used picking piece 62 from the material 61. At this time, the used picking piece 62 will fall directly into the waste collection mechanism 45 under the action of gravity, which simplifies the control logic.

[0139] For example, the second cutting blade 43 can be a shearing blade or other type of cutting tool, without limitation.

[0140] Understandably, there are many other ways to separate the used picker 62 from the material 61. For example, in other embodiments, the cutting mechanism 40a can also use heating to burn the used picker 62 off the material 61. Therefore, the cutting mechanism 40a only needs to be able to cut off the material 61, and its specific implementation method is not limited here.

[0141] See also Figure 10 In the third embodiment, the X-axis drive assembly 51 and the Z-axis drive assembly 53 are connected to the bacteria picking mechanism 30, and the Y-axis drive assembly 52 is connected to the worktable 21. Thus, by cooperating with the X-axis drive assembly 51, the Y-axis drive assembly 52 and the Z-axis drive assembly 53, the bacteria picking component 62 can be moved relative to the worktable 21, thereby completing the picking and planting of colonies.

[0142] It is worth noting that the other components of the bacterial picking device in the third embodiment may be the same as those in the bacterial picking device in the first embodiment or the bacterial picking device in the second embodiment, and will not be described in detail here.

[0143] See Figure 11 , Figure 11 The structure of the bacterial pickering device according to the fourth embodiment of this application is illustrated. Unlike the previous embodiments, the material 61 of the bacterial pickering device in the fourth embodiment is a gel material, such as agar, which is liquid at high temperature and semi-solid at low temperature.

[0144] See also Figure 11 The feeding mechanism 10b of the picking device in the fourth embodiment includes a gel cylinder 13 for storing gel and an extrusion mechanism. The gel cylinder 13 is mounted on the drive mechanism 50, and the extrusion mechanism is connected to the gel cylinder 13. The extrusion mechanism is used to drive the material in the gel cylinder 13 to be extruded from the gel outlet. Correspondingly, the picking mechanism 30b may include a dispensing head 33. The dispensing head 33 is connected to the gel outlet of the gel cylinder 13 and is used to receive the gel output from the gel cylinder 13 and output it to form the picking component 62.

[0145] Specifically, see Figure 12 The extrusion mechanism includes a piston 14 that is sealed to the rubber cylinder 13 and a push assembly 15 for pushing the piston. The push assembly 15 is used to drive the piston 14 to move relative to the rubber cylinder 13, thereby extruding the gel inside the rubber cylinder 13 from the outlet of the rubber cylinder 13.

[0146] See also Figure 12 In one embodiment, the pushing component 15 includes a driving member 151 and a push rod 152. The push rod is connected to the piston member 14. The driving member 151 drives the push rod 152 to move, thereby causing the piston member 14 to move axially along the glue cylinder 13, and thus extruding the gel inside the glue cylinder 13 from the glue outlet of the glue cylinder 13. Exemplarily, the driving member can be a cylinder or a linear module, etc., as long as it can drive the push rod 152 to move linearly, and there is no limitation here.

[0147] It is worth noting that in other embodiments, the extrusion mechanism may also be a pressure mechanism for pressurizing the glue cartridge 13, as long as it can extrude the gel inside the glue cartridge 13 from the glue outlet of the glue cartridge 13, and there is no limitation here.

[0148] Specifically, during operation, the gel is kept warm in the gel cartridge 13, maintaining a liquid state throughout. The pushing component 15 first drives the piston 14 to slowly move towards the dispensing head 33, gradually extruding a small section of gel from the cartridge 13 through the dispensing head 33. Due to the slow speed, the gel gradually solidifies into a jelly-like semi-solid state within the dispensing head 33. At this point, the gel has a certain rigidity, and the semi-solid gel extruded from the dispensing head 33 serves as the picker 62. Since the extruded volume is controllable, the length of the extruded picker 62 is fixed. After measuring the distance from the picker 62 to the colony surface using a camera or other ranging mechanism (such as an optical rangefinder), the driving mechanism 50 drives the cartridge 13, which in turn drives the dispensing head 33 and the picker 62 to begin picking bacteria. After the pickling process is completed, the piston 14 is driven by the push component 15 to move quickly a distance toward the dispensing head 33. Due to the high speed, the gel is still in a liquid state in the dispensing head 33, causing the used pickling piece 62 to be squeezed out and fall into the second container. This separates the used pickling piece 62 from the newly squeezed gel, thus saving the waiting time for sterilizing the pickling piece 62 and improving the efficiency of the pickling operation.

[0149] It is worth noting that in this embodiment, since the gel material and the culture medium material are the same, the used picker 62 falling into the second container does not affect the culture of colonies in the second container. Understandably, in other embodiments, the used picker 62 can also be cut off by the cutting mechanism 40 and discarded into the second container or waste box.

[0150] For example, a heating mechanism may be provided in the glue tube 13, and the heating mechanism is connected to the glue tube 13 to heat the gel inside the glue tube. For example, the heating mechanism may be a heating wire arranged around the glue tube 13, thereby keeping the gel inside the glue tube 13 warm and maintaining the gel in the glue tube 13 in a liquid state.

[0151] For example, the gel picking device also includes a cooling mechanism connected to the dispensing head 33. The cooling mechanism is used to cool the gel entering the dispensing head. For example, the cooling mechanism can be an air-cooled heat sink or a semiconductor refrigeration chip, which can accelerate the cooling and solidification of the gel.

[0152] Furthermore, the output end of the dispensing head 33 can also be equipped with a shaping mold, which can be used to output the gel to form a picker 62 with a preset diameter or shape to meet different picker requirements.

[0153] Understandably, other components of the picker device in the fourth embodiment, such as the drive mechanism 50, the positioning detection mechanism, and the image acquisition mechanism 80, may be the same as those in the first, second, or third embodiments described above, and will not be repeated here.

[0154] This application also provides a method for picking bacteria using the picking device of any of the above embodiments. Specifically, one embodiment of the picking bacteria method includes the following steps:

[0155] S110: Place the petri dish 71 containing bacterial colonies and the multi-well plate 72 containing culture medium on the workbench 21;

[0156] Specifically, the culture dish 71 and the multi-well plate 72 can be placed on the worktable 21 manually or by a robotic arm.

[0157] S120: The feeding mechanism 10 conveys material 61 to the bacteria-picking mechanism 30;

[0158] Specifically, the material 61 on the material tray 63 can be fed into the conduit 12 through the first extrusion mechanism 11, and the material 61 can be transported along the conduit 12 to the bacteria picking mechanism 30;

[0159] S130: The bacteria-picking mechanism 30 receives the material 61 and outputs the head end of the material 61 towards the workbench 21 to a preset length to form the bacteria-picking component 62;

[0160] Specifically, the material 61 conveyed by the feeding mechanism 10 can be received by the second extrusion mechanism 32, and the head end of the material 61 can be driven to extend a predetermined length towards the worktable 21 to form a pick-up piece 62. Further, before the material 61 enters the second extrusion mechanism 32, a material 61 of suitable diameter can be selected and fed into the second extrusion mechanism 32 through the manifold 91 in cooperation with at least two feeding mechanisms 10. Alternatively, before the material 61 enters the second extrusion mechanism 32, the material 61 can be thermoformed into the required diameter or shape by the heating element 92.

[0161] S140: The drive mechanism 50 drives the picking mechanism 30 to move relative to the worktable 21, so that the picking mechanism 30 drives the picking piece 62 to pick up colonies from the petri dish 71;

[0162] Specifically, before the colony picking operation, the image acquisition mechanism 80 can first acquire a photo of the colonies in the petri dish 71 and transmit it back to the controller (e.g., a computer). The controller performs image processing on the photo to select suitable colonies and obtain the coordinates of the center point of the colony. Subsequently, the drive mechanism 50 drives the picking mechanism 30 to pick up the colony based on the coordinates of the colony.

[0163] Furthermore, during the bacterial picking process, the relative position of the picking piece 62 and the colonies in the culture dish 71 can be obtained through the position detection mechanism. When the picking piece 62 comes into contact with the colonies, the driving mechanism 50 stops driving the picking mechanism 30, thereby preventing the picking piece 62 from failing to pick up the colonies due to insufficient movement, and also avoiding the problem of collision and damage between the picking piece 62 and the culture dish 71 due to excessive movement.

[0164] S150: The drive mechanism 50 drives the picker mechanism 30 to move relative to the worktable 21, so that the picker mechanism 30 drives the picker piece 62 to plant the colonies in the culture medium of the multi-well plate 72.

[0165] Specifically, the bacterial picking mechanism 30 is driven by the driving mechanism 50 to insert the bacterial picking piece 62 into the culture medium of the multi-well plate 72, thereby planting the colonies in the culture medium.

[0166] S160: The bacteria-picking mechanism discards used bacteria-picking parts 62.

[0167] Specifically, see Figure 1 as well as Figure 8 In the first and second embodiments of the bacteria-picking device, after the second extrusion mechanism 32 extrudes the material 61 to form the bacteria-picking component 62, the drive mechanism 50 first moves the bacteria-picking mechanism 30 to the waste disposal station, so that the first cutting blade 41 collides with the frame 20 and enters the cutting position to cut the bacteria-picking component 62 off the material 61. Then, the drive mechanism 50 drives the bacteria-picking mechanism 30 to carry the bacteria-picking component 62 for bacteria picking. After bacteria picking is completed, the drive mechanism 50 again drives the bacteria-picking mechanism 30 to the waste disposal station, so that the second extrusion mechanism 32 discards the used bacteria-picking component 62 into the waste collection mechanism 45.

[0168] In the third embodiment of the bacteria-picking device, after the bacteria-picking mechanism 30 transports the used bacteria-picking piece 62 to the waste disposal station under the drive of the drive mechanism 50, the power component 44 of the cutting mechanism 40 drives the second cutting blade 43 to cut the used bacteria-picking piece 62 from the material 61. At this time, the used bacteria-picking piece 62 will fall directly into the waste collection mechanism 45 under the action of gravity, thereby enabling the bacteria-picking mechanism 30 to discard the used bacteria-picking piece 62.

[0169] Repeating steps S120 to S170 above will enable continuous bacterial picking.

[0170] The above-described sterilization method involves continuously supplying material 61 through the feeding mechanism 10, and the sterilization mechanism 30 extending the head end of the material 61 to form a disposable sterilization component 62 for sterilization. The sterilization component 62 is then used for sterilization. The cutting mechanism 40 cuts off the sterilization component 62, and the sterilization mechanism discards the used sterilization component 62. Then, the feeding mechanism 10 continues to supply material to the sterilization mechanism 30, and the sterilization mechanism 30 outputs material to form a new sterilization component 62. In this way, continuous sterilization operation can be achieved, eliminating the waiting time required for sterilization of the sterilization component 62, thereby improving the efficiency of the sterilization operation.

[0171] The technical features of the above embodiments can be combined in any way. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0172] The embodiments described above are merely illustrative of several implementation methods of this application, and while the descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the patent application. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of this application, and these all fall within the protection scope of this application. Therefore, the protection scope of this patent application should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A bacteria picking device, characterized by, include: A frame, wherein the frame is provided with a worktable for supporting a first container and a second container; A feeding mechanism is mounted on the frame and is used to continuously output materials; The bacteria-picking mechanism is located above the workbench. The bacteria-picking mechanism is used to receive the material output by the feeding mechanism and drive the head end of the material to output a preset length towards the workbench to form a bacteria-picking component for bacteria picking. A driving mechanism is connected to the picking mechanism and / or the worktable. The driving mechanism is used to drive the picking mechanism to move relative to the worktable, so that the picking mechanism drives the picking piece to pick up colonies from the first container, and so that the picking mechanism drives the picking piece to plant colonies in the second container. A cutting-off mechanism for separating the picker from the material; The feeding mechanism includes: A glue cylinder, used for storing materials, is provided with a glue outlet; and An extrusion mechanism is connected to the rubber cylinder and is used to drive the material in the rubber cylinder to be extruded from the outlet. The bacteria-picking mechanism includes a dispensing head connected to the dispensing port. The dispensing head is used to receive the material extruded from the glue cylinder and output it to form the bacteria-picking component. The bacteria-picking device also includes a heating mechanism, which is connected to the rubber cylinder and is used to heat the material inside the rubber cylinder. The bacteria-picking device also includes a cooling mechanism connected to the dispensing head, which is used to cool the material entering the dispensing head.

2. The bacterial picking device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The drive mechanism includes: An X-axis drive assembly is mounted on the frame and is used to drive the bacteria picking mechanism and the worktable to move relative to each other along the X-axis direction of the frame. Y-axis drive assembly, which is disposed on the frame, is used to drive the bacteria picking mechanism and the worktable to move relative to each other along the Y-axis direction of the frame; A Z-axis drive assembly is mounted on the frame and is used to drive the bacteria picking mechanism and the worktable to move relative to each other along the Z-axis direction of the frame.

3. The bacterial picking device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The picking device further includes a positioning detection mechanism, which is communicatively connected to the drive mechanism. The positioning detection mechanism is used to obtain the relative position of the picking component and the colonies in the first container, and when the picking component contacts the colonies, it causes the drive mechanism to stop driving the picking component to move relative to the worktable.

4. The bacterial picking device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The aforementioned testing institutions include: A displacement detection element is disposed on the bacteria-picking mechanism. The displacement detection element is used to detect the displacement of the bacteria-picking element relative to the bacteria-picking mechanism. When the displacement detection element detects that the bacteria-picking element has displaced relative to the bacteria-picking mechanism in a direction away from the worktable, the drive mechanism stops driving the bacteria-picking mechanism to move relative to the worktable; and / or, A pressure detection element is disposed on the bacteria-picking mechanism and / or the worktable. The pressure detection element is used to acquire the pressure value between the bacteria-picking element and the first container. When the pressure value acquired by the pressure detection element is greater than a preset value, the driving mechanism stops driving the bacteria-picking mechanism to move relative to the worktable; and / or, A distance detection device is disposed on the bacteria-picking mechanism and / or the worktable. The distance detection device is used to obtain the relative distance value between the bacteria-picking mechanism and the worktable. When the distance value obtained by the distance detection device is less than or equal to a preset value, the driving mechanism stops driving the bacteria-picking mechanism to move relative to the worktable.

5. The bacterial picking device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The bacterial picking device further includes an image acquisition mechanism, which is connected to the driving mechanism or the bacterial picking mechanism. The image acquisition mechanism is used to acquire image information of bacterial colonies in the first container. The driving mechanism can drive the bacterial picking mechanism according to the image information, so that the bacterial picking mechanism drives the bacterial picking component to pick up the target bacterial colony.

6. The bacterial picking device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The extrusion mechanism includes: A piston assembly that is sealed to the rubber sleeve; A pushing assembly is connected to the piston member, and a driving mechanism is used to push the piston member to move relative to the rubber cylinder so as to squeeze the material in the rubber cylinder out of the outlet.

7. A method for picking bacteria, implemented using the picking device according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: Place the first container containing the bacterial colonies and the second container containing the culture medium on the workbench; The feeding mechanism delivers materials to the bacteria-picking mechanism; The bacteria-picking mechanism receives the material and drives the head end of the material to output a preset length towards the workbench to form a bacteria-picking component; The driving mechanism drives the picking mechanism to move relative to the worktable, so that the picking mechanism drives the picking piece to pick up colonies from the first container; The driving mechanism drives the picking mechanism to move relative to the worktable, so that the picking mechanism drives the picking piece to plant the colony in the culture medium of the second container; The bacteria-picking mechanism discards the used bacteria-picking components.

Images