Microorganism detection device and working method

Abstract

The invention provides a microbiological detection device and a working method, relates to the field of microbiological detection, and aims to solve the problems that in existing continuous microbiological monitoring, the detection precision is reduced due to precipitation generated by static culture, and cells are easily damaged by a conventional uniform mixing mode. The culture container is kept at a detection position fixed relative to the detection module through the fixing assembly, and the multi-station support, the detection module and the culture container are driven by the shaking-up mechanism to jointly swing as a whole; precipitates at the bottom of the container are re-suspended and uniformly mixed by utilizing soft reciprocating inertia and gravity generated by integral swinging, so that cells are prevented from being damaged by centrifugal layering and high shear force, and efficient shaking is realized on the premise of mildly protecting cell activity and maintaining a sealed environment; the fixing assembly ensures that the detection light path always passes through the same cross section of the culture container, so that the measurement error caused by relative displacement between the sample and the detection module is effectively reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of microbial detection, and more specifically to a microbial detection device and its working method. Background Technology

[0002] In the field of microbiology research, particularly for the anaerobic culture of gut microbiota and the microaerophilic culture of deep-sea microorganisms, sealed test tubes are typically used as culture containers to meet specific gaseous environment requirements and to continuously monitor a large number of cultured samples over extended periods. Currently, the conventional detection method involves manually opening the tube to take samples and then transferring them to a spectrophotometer for analysis, which is inefficient. Furthermore, the overall operating space requirements are high, resulting in low space utilization and making it unsuitable for space-constrained scenarios such as buffer rooms in detection workstations.

[0003] However, during the phased and continuous monitoring of microorganisms, static culture can lead to uneven distribution of microorganisms within some samples, directly affecting the accuracy of optical density or concentration detection. In existing conventional detection methods, repeatedly shaking the test tube upside down at 180 degrees can cause the sample to come into contact with the sealed cap, compromising sterility. Centrifugation or high-frequency vigorous shaking can generate significant shear forces, causing fragile cells to break down and die. Furthermore, centrifugation may exacerbate stratification or cause liquid splashing into the sealed cap, disrupting the sterile or specific gaseous environment. Using a separate shaker and detector makes it impossible to maintain a constant detection position while shaking, and frequent handling introduces uncontrollable displacement errors. Therefore, when implementing multi-channel concurrent detection within a confined space, it is difficult to effectively address the decrease in detection accuracy caused by culture precipitation while ensuring cell viability and a sealed environment. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to address the shortcomings of existing technologies by providing a microbial detection device and operating method that improves the accuracy and stability of detection data while protecting cell activity and maintaining a sealed environment.

[0005] The first objective of this invention is to provide a microbial detection device.

[0006] The multi-station support has several accommodating positions that are adapted to and support culture containers. The detection module is provided in multiple units and set on a multi-station support. Each detection module corresponds to a culture container. The detection module is provided with a detection optical path that covers the internal area of ​​the container. A fixing component, set with a multi-station support, is used to hold the culture container in a fixed detection position relative to the detection module; The shaking mechanism has a multi-station support mounted on its drive end and connected to the shaking mechanism via transmission. The shaking mechanism drives the multi-station support, the detection module, and the culture container fixed by the fixing components to perform a shaking motion as a whole.

[0007] Furthermore, the shaking mechanism includes a drive shaft and a drive element. The drive shaft is connected to the multi-station support, and there is a transmission connection between the drive shaft and the drive element, so that the multi-station support swings around the horizontal axis in a fan-shaped trajectory under the drive of the drive element.

[0008] Furthermore, the shaking mechanism includes an eccentric drive assembly or a linkage assembly, which is connected between the multi-station support and the drive source. Under the drive of the drive source, the eccentric drive assembly or linkage assembly drives the multi-station support to perform circular or elliptical translational movements in the horizontal plane.

[0009] Furthermore, the shaking mechanism also includes a limiting structure or an angle sensor to limit the swing range of the multi-station support, so that the liquid level in the culture container is always lower than the container opening seal when tilted.

[0010] Furthermore, the fixing component has a clamping portion or abutment portion extending to the receiving position, the clamping portion or abutment portion cooperating with the outer wall of the culture container to limit the displacement of the culture container relative to the detection module.

[0011] Furthermore, the fixing component includes several sets of clamps, each set of clamps corresponding to a receiving position. When locked, the clamps are tightly attached to the outer wall of the culture container through the clamping part or the abutment part, so that the culture container and the multi-station support remain relatively stationary.

[0012] Furthermore, the detection module includes a light emitting unit or a light receiving unit, the light emitting unit and the light receiving unit are located on the same side or both sides of the receiving position, the receiving position is provided with a light-transmitting hole or is made of a light-transmitting material, and the light adapted to the detection module passes through.

[0013] Furthermore, the receiving positions on the multi-station bracket are arranged in a rectangular array or a straight line, and the receiving positions are grooves or openings, with the detection module embedded in the multi-station bracket.

[0014] A second objective of the present invention is to provide a method for operating a microbial detection device, comprising the microbial detection device of the first objective, including: The culture container containing the sample to be tested is placed in the receiving position of the multi-position support, and the culture container is fixed by the fixing component to keep it in a fixed detection position relative to the detection module. The shaking mechanism drives the multi-station support, which in turn causes the multi-station support, the detection module set on it, and the fixed culture container to swing together as a whole, so that the culture container is tilted and the liquid surface does not contact the container opening of the culture container to seal it, so that the sample to be tested in the culture container is mixed evenly. With the culture container held in the detection position, the detection module uses its detection optical path to detect the sample inside the culture container.

[0015] Furthermore, the mixing and homogenization step specifically includes: controlling the shaking mechanism to drive the multi-station support to reciprocate around the horizontal axis in a fan-shaped angle, and controlling the amplitude of the reciprocating swing so that the liquid surface of the sample to be tested does not contact the sealing cap of the culture container in the tilted state. The detection steps of the detection module specifically include: according to the preset detection cycle, the detection module is controlled to collect signals when the shaking mechanism drives the culture container to a specific position, or during the interval when the shaking mechanism pauses shaking, so as to realize the timing and positioning measurement of the sample to be tested.

[0016] Compared with the prior art, the advantages and positive effects of this invention are: To address the issues of decreased detection accuracy due to sedimentation during static culture in existing continuous microbial monitoring, and the potential for cell damage or positional errors caused by frequent handling in conventional mixing methods, this invention employs a fixing component to maintain the culture container in a fixed detection position relative to the detection module. A shaking mechanism drives a multi-station support, detection module, and culture container as a single unit to perform a shaking motion. Unlike conventional centrifugation or high-frequency oscillation mixing methods, this method utilizes the gentle reciprocating inertia and gravity generated by the overall shaking to resuspend and uniformly mix the sediment at the bottom of the container. This avoids centrifugal stratification and cell damage caused by high shear forces, achieving efficient mixing while gently protecting cell viability and maintaining a sealed environment. The fixing component ensures that the detection optical path always passes through the same cross-section of the culture container, effectively reducing measurement errors caused by relative displacement between the sample and the detection module. Therefore, while maintaining a sealed environment and cell viability, this significantly improves the accuracy and stability of the detection data.

[0017] To address the challenge of balancing the need for thorough mixing and sedimentation in sealed culture environments with the need to prevent contamination of the container's seal, this invention employs a shaking mechanism with a limiting structure or angle sensor, combined with a fan-shaped oscillation scheme. This solves the problem of excessive oscillation amplitude or improper centrifugal motion causing the culture medium to come into contact with the container's seal, resulting in microbial leakage or contamination. The invention drives a rotating shaft to cause a support to oscillate around a horizontal axis, utilizing the alternating effects of gravity and inertia to promote turbulence within the culture medium. Simultaneously, the limiting structure or angle sensor strictly limits the oscillation amplitude, ensuring the liquid level remains below the container's seal. This effectively improves internal sediment distribution and uniformity while reducing the risk of liquid contact with the seal, thus better maintaining the sterility and airtightness of the culture environment.

[0018] To address the issue of significant measurement errors caused by sample vibration during dynamic monitoring, a fixing assembly with clamping or abutting parts is employed. During continuous or intermittent swaying motion, several sets of clamps are tightly attached to the outer wall of the container in a locked state. The friction and constraint forces generated by the mechanical clamping or abutting force force the culture container to be forcibly held in a stationary state relative to the detection module. This ensures that the detection optical path can stably pass through the same position of the same sample before and after the shaking action, thereby effectively reducing the interference of mechanical vibration on photoelectric signal detection and improving the repeatability and reliability of the detection data.

[0019] By setting the detection cycle and detection position, the detection module can collect data during the pause interval of the shaking mechanism or when it moves to a specific position. During the pause interval or at a specific position, the sample has a relatively stable liquid surface, which reduces signal noise when the liquid is swaying, improves the consistency of detection data collected at different time periods, and enhances the reference value of the data. Attached Figure Description

[0020] The accompanying drawings, which form part of this invention, are used to provide a further understanding of the invention. The illustrative embodiments of the invention and their descriptions are used to explain the invention and do not constitute an improper limitation of the invention.

[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a microbial detection device in one or more embodiments of the present invention.

[0022] Among them, 1. Multi-station support; 2. Containing position; 3. Culture container; 4. Drive shaft; 5. Shaking mechanism. Detailed Implementation

[0023] Example 1 In a typical embodiment of the present invention, such as Figure 1 As shown, a microbial detection device is presented.

[0024] Traditional microbial detection equipment, when continuously detecting large numbers of samples under anaerobic or microaerobic environments for extended periods, is prone to sample precipitation during static incubation, affecting detection accuracy. Conventional mixing methods such as centrifugation or high-frequency oscillation can easily damage cell viability or disrupt the sealed environment. Separate shakers and detectors cannot maintain a constant detection position during mixing, introducing displacement errors. Therefore, this embodiment provides a microbial detection device that improves the accuracy and stability of detection data while gently protecting cell viability and maintaining a sealed environment.

[0025] like Figure 1 As shown, the microbial detection device includes a multi-station support 1, a detection module, a fixing component, and a shaking mechanism 5.

[0026] The multi-station support 1 has several receiving positions 2 for accommodating and supporting culture containers 3. Multiple detection modules are mounted on the multi-station support 1, each corresponding to a culture container 3, and each module has a detection optical path covering the internal area of ​​the receiving position 2. A fixing component is mounted on the multi-station support 1 to hold the culture container 3 in a fixed detection position relative to the detection modules. A shaking mechanism 5 is connected to the multi-station support 1 for driving the multi-station support 1, the detection modules, and the culture container 3 fixed by the fixing component to perform a shaking motion as a whole.

[0027] In this embodiment, the multi-station support 1, the detection module, and the culture container 3 fixed by the fixing components are driven to swing as a whole. The gentle reciprocating inertia and gravity are used to resuspend and mix the sediment at the bottom of the container evenly, reducing the damage to cells caused by centrifugation stratification and high shear force. Thus, efficient mixing is achieved while gently protecting cell activity and maintaining a sealed environment.

[0028] In addition, the fixed components ensure that the detection optical path always passes through the same cross section of the culture container 3, which effectively reduces the measurement error caused by the relative displacement between the sample and the detection module, thereby improving the accuracy and stability of the detection data.

[0029] like Figure 1 As shown, the multi-station support 1 can support multiple culture containers 3, and has several receiving positions 2. The receiving positions 2 are matched with the external dimensions of the culture containers 3, so as to stably support the culture containers 3. For example, the receiving positions 2 can be grooves that match the shape of the bottom of the culture containers 3, or a combined hole structure formed by multiple combined openings, in which the culture containers 3 can be placed.

[0030] Each detection module is configured to correspond to one culture container 3, enabling independent detection of samples within each culture container 3. Each detection module has a detection optical path that covers the internal area of ​​the accommodating position 2, ensuring that light can pass through the sample to be tested within the culture container 3. For example, the detection module may include a light source and a light sensor; light is emitted from the light source, passes through the culture container 3, and is then received by the light sensor to acquire the optical information of the sample. In other optional implementations, the detection modules can be configured as needed.

[0031] The position of the culture container 3 is constrained by a fixing component, preventing relative displacement between the culture container 3 and the detection module. For example, the fixing component can be a pressure plate structure, which presses the culture container 3 into the receiving position 2 by gravity or spring force, so that its bottom or side wall is in close contact with the support, thereby restricting its movement in the horizontal and vertical directions.

[0032] The shaking mechanism 5 uses gentle mechanical action to mix the sample in the culture container 3 evenly. For example... Figure 1 As shown, the shaking mechanism 5 can be a crank-rocker mechanism, which drives the connecting rod to reciprocate through the rotation of the motor, thereby causing the multi-station support 1 to swing back and forth or left and right; the shaking mechanism 5 can also be a servo motor, which directly drives the multi-station support 1 to swing back and forth through the output shaft of the servo motor as the drive end.

[0033] The microbial detection device in this embodiment integrates a multi-station support 1 with a detection module, enabling high-throughput simultaneous detection of multiple microbial samples. This effectively improves detection efficiency and optimizes space utilization. A fixing component stabilizes the culture container 3 at the detection position, while a shaking mechanism 5 drives the entire detection system in a gentle rocking motion, reducing cell damage and disruption to the sealed environment compared to traditional mixing methods. This ensures uniform mixing of the precipitate within the culture container 3, while simultaneously ensuring that the detection optical path always passes through the same cross-section of the sample, reducing measurement errors caused by sample movement. Thus, while maintaining cell viability and the sterility of the culture environment, the accuracy and stability of the detection data are improved.

[0034] In this embodiment, the shaking mechanism 5 drives the multi-station support 1, the detection module, and the culture container 3 as a whole to perform a shaking motion to achieve uniform sample mixing. However, the specific driving method of the shaking mechanism 5 directly affects the mixing effect, cell protection, and maintenance of a sealed environment. An inappropriate driving method, such as the existing shaking or centrifugation process, may lead to incomplete mixing, excessive shear force on microorganisms, or affect the detection stability due to inaccurate motion trajectory.

[0035] In this embodiment, in order to simultaneously meet the requirements of mixing effect and reduce shear force damage to microorganisms, the swaying motion generated by the shaking mechanism 5 is divided into two types: one is a fan-shaped swaying motion, and the other is a circular, elliptical or nearly circular swaying motion.

[0036] For the first type of fan-shaped oscillating motion, the oscillating mechanism 5 includes a drive shaft 4 and a drive element. The drive shaft 4 is connected to the multi-station support 1, and there is a transmission connection between the drive shaft 4 and the drive element, so that the multi-station support 1 oscillates around the horizontal axis with the drive shaft 4 under the drive of the drive element. The drive shaft 4 provides a stable axis of rotation and is directly connected to the multi-station support 1, thereby transmitting the driving torque to the multi-station support 1.

[0037] Understandably, the drive shaft 4 is made of high-strength material to withstand the weight and inertia of the multi-station support 1 and the culture container 3 on it, and to maintain good concentricity and stability during long-term operation, thereby reducing motion trajectory deviations caused by bearing wear or deformation. The drive element is the component that provides the power source for the drive shaft 4, and can be, for example, a servo motor, stepper motor, or DC motor. The drive element precisely controls the output speed and torque to achieve precise control of the drive shaft 4, thereby controlling the swing amplitude, frequency, and speed of the multi-station support 1. The drive element and the drive shaft 4 are connected by a transmission mechanism, such as gear transmission, belt transmission, or direct coupling, converting the rotational motion of the drive element into the swinging motion of the drive shaft 4.

[0038] It is understandable that the drive shaft 4 can be adopted as follows: Figure 1 The single-sided structure shown supports the multi-station support 1 in a cantilever manner. Alternatively, drive shafts 4 can be provided on both sides of the multi-station support 1 and distributed coaxially. One drive shaft 4 is connected to a drive element through a transmission mechanism, while the other drive shaft 4 acts as a driven element. In other optional embodiments, a rotating support can be provided for the drive shaft 4 to achieve stable support for the multi-station support 1.

[0039] The oscillation mode of the fan-shaped trajectory refers to the reciprocating arc motion of the multi-station support 1 around the drive shaft 4 in the horizontal axis direction. By utilizing the alternating effects of gravity and inertia, the liquid in the culture container 3 generates gentle convection and turbulence, thereby achieving effective suspension and mixing of the precipitate.

[0040] Meanwhile, this left-right swaying motion causes the liquid surface to fluctuate continuously and extend to the inner wall of the culture container 3, significantly increasing the contact area between the liquid surface and the internal air (or a specific gas environment), thereby effectively increasing the dissolved oxygen content and meeting the culture requirements of microaerophilic microorganisms.

[0041] Compared to violent oscillations or high-speed rotation, slow fan-shaped oscillations generate less shear force, significantly reducing the risk of damage to microorganisms.

[0042] The shaking mechanism 5, employing a combination of a drive shaft 4 and drive elements, enables the multi-station support 1 to oscillate in a fan-shaped trajectory around a horizontal axis. Utilizing the liquid's own gravity and inertia, it creates gentle yet effective convection within the culture container 3, promoting the re-uniform re-suspension of bottom sediment. This reduces the damage to microbial cells caused by traditional high-shear mixing methods, effectively protecting cell viability. Simultaneously, because the oscillation trajectory is a controllable fan shape and revolves around a horizontal axis, the tilt angle of the liquid surface can be precisely controlled, reducing the risk of the culture medium contacting the container's sealing edge, thus better maintaining the sterility and airtightness of the culture environment.

[0043] Furthermore, this stable and repeatable oscillation pattern, combined with the fixing components that keep the culture container 3 in a fixed detection position relative to the detection module, ensures that the detection optical path always passes through the same cross section of the culture container 3 during the shaking process, significantly improving the accuracy and stability of the detection data.

[0044] In certain microbial detection scenarios, such as for samples that are prone to forming stubborn precipitates or require a more refined flow field to maintain a specific cell state, a single oscillation pattern may not provide a sufficiently thorough or uniform mixing effect, thus affecting the accuracy of the detection.

[0045] To meet the shaking requirements, this embodiment configures a second shaking motion trajectory. The shaking mechanism 5 may include an eccentric drive assembly or a linkage assembly, which is connected between the multi-station support 1 and the drive source. Under the drive of the drive source, the eccentric drive assembly or linkage assembly drives the multi-station support 1 to perform a circular or elliptical translational motion in the horizontal plane.

[0046] The eccentric drive assembly typically consists of one or more eccentric wheels, eccentric shafts, or eccentric disks, which are rotated by a drive source (e.g., a motor). When the eccentric element rotates, its eccentric motion is transmitted to the multi-station support 1 via a mechanical connection, causing the multi-station support 1 to perform a circular or elliptical translational motion on the horizontal plane without its own rotation. The amplitude, frequency, and trajectory of the translational motion can be precisely controlled by adjusting the eccentricity and drive speed, thereby adapting to the mixing requirements of different samples.

[0047] The linkage assembly is formed by connecting multiple rigid links and hinges. For example, a four-bar linkage or a crank-slider mechanism can be used. A drive source drives one of the links, converting the rotational motion into a circular or elliptical translational motion of the multi-station support 1 in the horizontal plane. The linkage assembly offers high design flexibility, allowing for various complex motion trajectories to be obtained by changing the length and connection method of the links. This enables finer flow field control of the liquid within the culture container 3, ensuring uniform and gentle mixing.

[0048] Whether it's the eccentric drive assembly or the linkage assembly, their core function is to convert the power from the drive source into precise translational motion of the multi-station support 1 in the horizontal plane. This translational motion causes the liquid in the culture container 3 to generate a uniform vortex or move along the desired trajectory, thereby effectively dispersing sediment, promoting uniform suspension of microorganisms, and reducing damage to microorganisms from severe impacts or shear forces.

[0049] In a sealed culture environment, if the shaking amplitude is too large or the shaking method is improper, the culture medium may come into contact with the sealed opening of the culture container 3. This could not only lead to microbial leakage but also introduce contaminants, thereby compromising the sterility and airtightness of the culture environment and affecting the accuracy of the test results. To address this, the shaking mechanism 5 is equipped with a limiting structure or angle sensor to limit the shaking range of the multi-station support 1, ensuring that the liquid level in the culture container 3, when tilted, is always lower than the sealed opening of the culture container 3.

[0050] Specifically, the limiting structure can be a physical stop, a mechanical limit pin, an optical limit signal, an electromagnetic signal, a limit switch, or a limit cam, etc., which can physically limit the multi-station support 1 to prevent it from exceeding the preset maximum angle or stroke during swinging motion. For example, an adjustable mechanical stop can be set on the movement path of the multi-station support 1. When the support swings to a preset angle, the stop will limit its further movement, ensuring that the amplitude of the swinging motion is always controlled within a safe range and preventing the culture container 3 from tilting excessively.

[0051] Meanwhile, an angle sensor is used to monitor the tilt angle or swing position of the multi-station support 1 in real time. Common angle sensors include encoders, gyroscopes, tilt sensors, or potentiometers. The angle sensor can be mounted on the drive shaft 4 or directly on the multi-station support 1. It measures the tilt angle of the support relative to the horizontal plane and feeds the measurement data back to the control system. Based on a preset safety angle threshold, the control system can adjust or stop the driving of the shaking mechanism 5 in a timely manner to prevent the liquid in the culture container 3 from contacting the container opening seal.

[0052] By using a limiting structure or an angle sensor, the maximum tilt angle or swing stroke of the multi-station support 1 during its swinging motion is controlled within a predetermined safe range. This safe range is determined comprehensively based on factors such as the geometry of the culture container 3, the liquid filling volume, and the position of the container's sealing point, ensuring that the liquid level in the culture container 3 will not reach or exceed the container's sealing point under any tilting condition.

[0053] By using limiting structures or angle sensors, efficient and gentle mixing is achieved, and turbulence within the culture medium is promoted, while reducing the risk of liquid contact with the sealed cap. This maintains the sterility and airtightness of the culture environment, ensuring the accuracy and reliability of microbial detection data.

[0054] When the shaking mechanism 5 is dynamically oscillating, the culture container 3 may still experience slight relative displacement or vibration, which can easily cause the detection optical path to not always accurately pass through the same cross-section of the culture container 3, thus affecting the accuracy and stability of the detection data. To address this, the fixing component is configured with a clamping part or abutment part extending to the receiving position 2. The clamping part or abutment part cooperates with the outer wall of the culture container 3 to limit the displacement of the culture container 3 relative to the detection module.

[0055] Specifically, the clamping part can apply a clamping or holding force to the culture container 3 from the outside through a mechanical structure, such as a spring-loaded claw, a threaded ring structure, or a clamping block driven by a lever mechanism, to provide radial or axial constraint force and firmly fix the culture container 3 in the receiving position 2.

[0056] The abutment part can be a component that provides support or restriction through physical contact surface. For example, it can be a V-shaped groove that matches the shape of the outer wall of the culture container 3, a pad with elastic cushioning effect, or multiple limiting posts, etc., to provide unidirectional or multidirectional support and restriction, and prevent the culture container 3 from shaking or sliding in the receiving position 2.

[0057] Both the clamping part and the abutting part can fit tightly with the outer wall of the culture container 3. The shape, size or function of the corresponding configuration position can match the shape characteristics of the culture container 3, thereby ensuring the effective application and transmission of the constraint force. This can effectively limit the translation and rotation of the culture container 3 relative to the detection module in the receiving position 2 of the multi-station support 1, ensuring that the culture container 3 is always in the predetermined detection position throughout the entire detection process.

[0058] Specifically, the fixing component includes several sets of clamps, each set of clamps corresponding to a receiving position 2. When locked, the clamps are tightly attached to the outer wall of the culture container 3 through the clamping part or the abutment part, so that the culture container 3 and the multi-station support 1 remain relatively stationary.

[0059] The clamps can take various forms, such as spring clamps, screw clamps, pneumatic clamps, or hydraulic clamps, forming the aforementioned clamping or abutting parts to provide the required clamping or abutting force. Each receiving position 2 for placing the culture container 3 is equipped with a dedicated clamp to achieve independent fixation of each culture container 3.

[0060] In this embodiment, the detection module includes a light emitting unit or a light receiving unit. The light emitting unit and the light receiving unit are located on the same side or both sides of the receiving position 2. The receiving position 2 has a light-transmitting hole or is made of a light-transmitting material, allowing light from the detection module to pass through.

[0061] To achieve optical detection, the detection module needs to be capable of emitting and / or receiving light. The light emitting unit is responsible for generating and emitting light of a specific wavelength, such as visible light, ultraviolet light, or infrared light, to penetrate the sample to be tested within the culture container 3. This can be achieved using light sources including, but not limited to, LEDs, laser diodes, and halogen lamps, and can be combined with optical components such as filters and collimating lenses to ensure that the wavelength, intensity, and direction of the emitted light meet the detection requirements.

[0062] The light receiving unit is responsible for receiving the light rays that have penetrated the sample under test and converting them into electrical signals. Its implementation can include, but is not limited to, photodiodes, photomultiplier tubes, CCDs (charge-coupled devices), or CMOS (complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor) sensors, and can be used in conjunction with amplifier circuits and analog-to-digital converters to process and quantize the received light signals.

[0063] The relative positions of the light emitting unit and the light receiving unit with respect to the culture container 3 within the receiving position 2 determine the geometric configuration of the detection optical path. When the light emitting unit and the light receiving unit are located on the same side of the receiving position 2, a reflective detection mode is used. After the light penetrates the sample, it is scattered or reflected by particles inside the sample (such as microbial cells). Part of the scattered / reflected light is received by the light receiving unit on the same side, which is suitable for detecting parameters such as the turbidity and scattered light intensity of the sample.

[0064] When the light emitting unit and the light receiving unit are located on both sides of the receiving position 2, a transmission detection mode is adopted. After the light passes through the sample from one side, it is received by the light receiving unit on the other side. This mode is suitable for detecting parameters such as absorbance and transmittance of the sample. The growth density of microorganisms or the concentration of metabolites can be reflected by measuring the degree of attenuation of the light after it passes through the sample.

[0065] To ensure that the light emitted by the detection module can smoothly penetrate the receiving position 2, then the culture container 3, and finally be received by the light receiving unit, the receiving position 2 is provided with a light-transmitting hole or is made of a light-transmitting material. One or more holes are opened on the wall of the receiving position 2 of the multi-station support 1 at the position corresponding to the detection light path as light-transmitting holes. The size and shape should match the size and shape of the light spot of the detection light path to maximize the light flux and reduce stray light.

[0066] Alternatively, part or all of the accommodating position 2 can be made of a material that is transparent to the wavelength of the detection light. For example, optical glass, quartz glass, polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polycarbonate (PC), and other plastic or glass materials with good light transmittance can be used.

[0067] like Figure 1 As shown, the receiving positions 2 on the multi-station bracket 1 are arranged in a rectangular array or a straight line. The receiving positions 2 are grooves or openings, and the detection module is embedded in the multi-station bracket 1.

[0068] Specifically, the accommodating positions 2 on the multi-station support 1 can be arranged in a rectangular array to increase the number of culture containers 3 that can be accommodated, thereby improving detection efficiency and parallel processing capabilities. Alternatively, the accommodating positions 2 can also be arranged in a linear pattern, such as... Figure 1 As shown, the accommodating positions 2 are arranged sequentially along a straight line, which is suitable for scenarios that require sequential processing or where the device width is limited.

[0069] The receiving position 2 can be a cylindrical groove that matches the shape of the culture container 3. Its inner wall can fit tightly against the side wall of the culture container 3, thus providing stable support and precise positioning for the culture container 3. Other shapes of grooves can also be used, such as rectangular, triangular, or polygonal. Alternatively, the receiving position 2 can be an opening, such as a stepped hole. The upper large-diameter section can accommodate the culture container 3, which can be inserted into it, while the lower connected small-diameter hole can serve as a drainage hole, and the stepped position can be used as a support and limiter at the bottom of the culture container 3. Whether it is a groove or an opening, the purpose is to ensure that the culture container 3 remains in the preset detection position during the swinging motion, preventing unnecessary shaking or displacement, and thus ensuring that the detection optical path can stably pass through the sample to be tested.

[0070] The detection module is embedded in the multi-station support 1, and the corresponding light emitting unit or light receiving unit is directly integrated or packaged in the internal structure of the multi-station support 1, effectively reducing the external size of the detection module and making it a compact and integrated whole with the multi-station support 1. At the same time, the embedded design can also better protect the precision optical components of the detection module from the influence of the external environment and mechanical damage, and ensure that the detection optical path maintains a precise and stable relative positional relationship with the culture container 3 in the housing position 2.

[0071] Example 2 In another typical embodiment of the present invention, such as Figure 1 As shown, a method for operating a microbial detection device is provided, utilizing the microbial detection device as described in Example 1, including the following steps: The culture container 3 containing the sample to be tested is placed in the receiving position 2 of the multi-position support 1, and the culture container 3 is fixed by the fixing component so that it is held in a fixed detection position relative to the detection module. The shaking mechanism 5 drives the multi-station support 1, which in turn drives the multi-station support 1, the detection module set on it, and the fixed culture container 3 to swing together as a whole, so that the culture container 3 is tilted and the liquid surface does not contact the container opening of the culture container 3 to seal it, so that the sample to be tested in the culture container 3 is mixed evenly. With the culture container 3 in the detection position, the sample to be tested inside the culture container 3 is detected using the detection optical path of the detection module.

[0072] The microbial detection device provided in this embodiment operates by firmly fixing the culture container 3 to the detection position relative to the detection module using a fixing component. This ensures that the detection optical path can stably pass through the same cross section inside the culture container 3 throughout the entire mixing and detection process, thereby reducing measurement errors caused by the relative displacement between the sample and the detection module and improving the accuracy and repeatability of the detection data.

[0073] Furthermore, by using the shaking mechanism 5 to drive the multi-station support 1, the detection module, and the culture container 3 as a whole to perform a gentle shaking motion, the sample to be tested in the culture container 3 is mixed gently and efficiently, reducing the damage to microbial cells caused by traditional high-shear mixing methods, while effectively solving the precipitation problem.

[0074] More importantly, by strictly controlling the liquid surface to avoid contact with the container opening during the shaking process, the sterility and airtightness of the culture environment are effectively maintained, preventing cross-contamination. Therefore, this method ensures the continuity, accuracy, and reliability of detection data while maintaining the viability of microbial cells, providing a stable and efficient solution for long-term dynamic monitoring of microorganisms.

[0075] While driving the multi-station support 1, detection module, and culture container 3 as a whole to swing together via the shaking mechanism 5 effectively solves the problem of decreased detection accuracy caused by sedimentation during static culture in continuous microbial monitoring, and reduces the drawbacks of conventional mixing methods that easily damage cells or introduce positional errors due to frequent handling, there are still some issues. If detection is performed directly during the shaking motion, the sloshing of the liquid inside the culture container 3 may cause instability in the liquid surface, introducing noise into the detection signal and affecting the accuracy and consistency of the data. Furthermore, if the shaking amplitude is not properly controlled, there is still a risk of liquid contacting the sealed area of ​​the container opening, leading to microbial leakage or contamination.

[0076] In this embodiment, the mixing and detection steps are specified in detail.

[0077] The mixing process specifically includes controlling the shaking mechanism 5 to drive the multi-station support 1 to reciprocate around the horizontal axis in a fan-shaped angle, and controlling the amplitude of the reciprocating swing so that the liquid surface of the sample to be tested does not contact the sealing cap of the culture container 3 in an inclined state.

[0078] The reciprocating oscillation of the fan-shaped angle can be achieved through various mechanical structures as shown in Example 1. In order to ensure the sterility and airtightness of the culture environment, the amplitude of the reciprocating oscillation is strictly controlled to ensure that when the multi-station support 1 reaches the maximum tilt angle, the liquid level in the culture container 3 is always lower than the container opening seal of the culture container 3, which effectively avoids the culture medium from contacting the sealing cap during the oscillation process, thereby preventing potential cross-contamination or microbial leakage.

[0079] Meanwhile, the detection steps of the detection module specifically include, according to the preset detection cycle, controlling the detection module to collect signals when the shaking mechanism 5 drives the culture container 3 to a specific position, or during the interval when the shaking mechanism 5 pauses shaking, so as to realize the timing and positioning measurement of the sample to be tested.

[0080] When the shaking mechanism 5 drives the culture container 3 to a specific position, data is collected. This specific position can be the extreme point of the shaking motion (i.e., the instant the swing reaches its maximum angle, when the velocity is zero) or a preset stable point during the swing process. A position sensor (such as a photoelectric switch, Hall sensor, or encoder) detects that the multi-station support 1 has reached this specific position and triggers the detection module to collect the signal. Data acquisition is performed during the pauses in the shaking mechanism 5. The shaking mechanism 5 periodically stops shaking, allowing the culture container 3 to return to a static state. Once the liquid has completely stabilized, the detection module resumes signal acquisition. The frequency and duration of these pauses can be configured according to the characteristics of the sample and the detection requirements.

[0081] The preset detection cycle is controlled by the system timer, ensuring that measurements are performed regularly at predetermined time intervals throughout the entire microbial culture and detection process. Through this control strategy, timed and location-based measurements of the samples are achieved, and regular detection at preset time intervals meets the timing requirement, thus enabling continuous monitoring of microbial growth dynamics. Furthermore, during each detection, the detection optical path always passes through the same area within the culture container 3, fulfilling the requirement for location-based measurements.

[0082] In the detection steps of the detection module, according to the preset detection cycle, the detection module is controlled to collect signals when the shaking mechanism 5 drives the culture container 3 to a specific position or during the interval when the shaking mechanism 5 pauses shaking. This ensures that the liquid surface of the sample to be tested in the culture container 3 is in a relatively stable state during detection, reduces the detection signal noise introduced by liquid shaking, improves the accuracy of each measurement and the consistency of detection data collected at different time periods, thereby improving the reference value and reliability of the detection data.

[0083] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the invention. Various modifications and variations can be made to the present invention by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A microbial detection device, characterized in that, include: The multi-station support has several accommodating positions that are adapted to and support culture containers. The detection module is provided in multiple units and set on a multi-station support. Each detection module corresponds to a culture container. The detection module is provided with a detection optical path that covers the internal area of ​​the container. A fixing component, set with a multi-station support, is used to hold the culture container in a fixed detection position relative to the detection module; The shaking mechanism has a multi-station support mounted on its drive end and connected to the shaking mechanism via transmission. The shaking mechanism drives the multi-station support, the detection module, and the culture container fixed by the fixing components to perform a shaking motion as a whole.

2. The microbial detection device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The shaking mechanism includes a drive shaft and a drive element. The drive shaft is connected to a multi-station support, and there is a transmission connection between the drive shaft and the drive element, so that the multi-station support swings around the horizontal axis in a fan-shaped trajectory under the drive of the drive element.

3. The microbial detection device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The shaking mechanism includes an eccentric drive assembly or a linkage assembly, which is connected between the multi-station support and the drive source. Under the drive of the drive source, the eccentric drive assembly or linkage assembly drives the multi-station support to perform circular or elliptical translational movements in the horizontal plane.

4. The microbial detection device as described in claim 1, 2, or 3, characterized in that, The shaking mechanism also includes a limiting structure or an angle sensor to limit the swing range of the multi-station support, so that the liquid level in the culture container is always lower than the sealed part of the container opening when tilted.

5. The microbial detection device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The fixing component has a clamping or abutting portion extending to the receiving position, which engages with the outer wall of the culture container to limit the displacement of the culture container relative to the detection module.

6. The microbial detection device as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The fixing component includes several sets of clamps, each set of clamps corresponding to a receiving position. When locked, the clamps are tightly attached to the outer wall of the culture container through the clamping part or the abutment part, so that the culture container and the multi-position support remain relatively stationary.

7. The microbial detection device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The detection module includes a light emitting unit or a light receiving unit, which are located on the same side or both sides of the receiving position. The receiving position has a light-transmitting hole or is made of a light-transmitting material, through which the light of the detection module passes.

8. The microbial detection device as described in claim 1 or 7, characterized in that, The receiving positions on the multi-station bracket are arranged in a rectangular array or a straight line. The receiving positions are grooves or openings, and the detection module is embedded in the multi-station bracket.

9. A method for operating a microbial detection device, utilizing the microbial detection device as described in any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that, include: The culture container containing the sample to be tested is placed in the receiving position of the multi-position support, and the culture container is fixed by the fixing component to keep it in a fixed detection position relative to the detection module. The shaking mechanism drives the multi-station support, which in turn causes the multi-station support, the detection module set on it, and the fixed culture container to swing together as a whole, so that the culture container is tilted and the liquid surface does not contact the container opening of the culture container to seal it, so that the sample to be tested in the culture container is mixed evenly. With the culture container held in the detection position, the detection module uses its detection optical path to detect the sample inside the culture container.

10. The operating method of the microbial detection device as claimed in claim 9, characterized in that, The mixing and homogenization step specifically includes: controlling the shaking mechanism to drive the multi-station support to reciprocate around the horizontal axis in a fan-shaped angle, and controlling the amplitude of the reciprocating swing so that the liquid surface of the sample to be tested does not contact the sealing cap of the culture container in the tilted state. The detection steps of the detection module specifically include: according to the preset detection cycle, the detection module is controlled to collect signals when the shaking mechanism drives the culture container to a specific position, or during the interval when the shaking mechanism pauses shaking, so as to realize the timing and positioning measurement of the sample to be tested.

Images