Food sample pretreatment device capable of preventing microbial contamination

Abstract

The utility model discloses a food sample pretreatment device capable of preventing microbial contamination, which belongs to the technical field of automatic pretreatment of samples and comprises a homogenizing module arranged in a shell and an air inlet fan with an air inlet facing the front side of the food sample pretreatment device. An air outlet of the air outlet fan faces the back surface of the food sample pretreatment device; and an HEPA filter is arranged at the air outlet and is used for filtering microorganisms. Thus, by arranging the air inlet fan and the air outlet fan, airflow flowing from the front side of the food sample pretreatment device to the back side of the food sample pretreatment device is realized, the airflow path can be shortened, pathogenic microorganisms can be discharged from the device in time, the airflow flows through fewer structure surfaces, and the situation that the microorganisms are easily adhered to the structure surfaces of the device is reduced; and diffusion and cross contamination of microorganisms in the device can be better prevented.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model belongs to the technical field of automatic sample pre-processing, and in particular relates to a food sample pre-processing device capable of preventing microbial contamination. Background Art

[0002] The existing food pre-processing equipment, devices or systems have the problem of lack of functional structure to prevent microbial contamination: when food samples contaminated by microbial pathogens are processed, the microbial pathogens will proliferate during the sample processing process, and may be released through overflow or leakage of the processed samples, contaminating various parts of the equipment. As the sample processing procedure proceeds, the microbial pathogens will contaminate the food samples being processed, and will also spread through the air to the entire laboratory environment and to the experimenters, which will lead to inaccurate food microbial detection and very serious biosafety accidents.

[0003] Food sample pretreatment devices have become important auxiliary equipment in efficient food safety testing. Pathogenic microbial contamination during the operation of food sample pretreatment devices seriously affects the biosafety of the test results and the test environment, resulting in false positive results of microbial detection tests or causing biosafety accidents that endanger the lives of test personnel. According to the literature, a Chinese patent with publication number CN112161850 A discloses a food sample pretreatment instrument for food safety testing, which can fully blend the food raw materials and solutions to be tested, improve detection accuracy, and reduce detection errors. A Chinese patent with publication number CN217111708U discloses a food sample pretreatment device for food safety testing, which is designed with the functions of cleaning and drying food. The above-mentioned patents all involve homogenization, but none of them involve the function of preventing microbial contamination.

[0004] In addition, the applicant also disclosed a food sample pre-processing workstation in the Chinese patent application with publication number CN117736833 A, which can realize high-throughput, automated and rapid processing of food samples. Figure 1-2, a biosafety module is designed, which includes an air duct 15, a fan 16, and an ultraviolet sterilization lamp installed above the inside of the homogenization module 17, and an ultraviolet sterilization lamp installed on the side of the discarding station. The biosafety module is an important component of microbial pretreatment or detection, and its purpose is to eliminate cross-contamination between samples of the same batch during the operation of the instrument. According to the preset working conditions and modes, the airflow direction is reasonably distributed between the sample test tube area and the operation area. Specifically, the sample position in each operation area is perpendicular to the airflow direction. Even if the sample tube is opened or the reagent is transferred, etc., which is prone to aerosol operations, the samples will not be cross-contaminated. A lateral airflow is generated at the bottom edge of each operation area, passing through the operation area and the waste liquid area in turn. A HEPA filter is provided next to the waste liquid area to filter the microorganisms in the airflow and discharge clean air. Moreover, in this patent application, the homogenization tank support frame, the homogenization tank assembly, the pressurizing assembly and the homogenization drive assembly in the homogenization module are all arranged inside the shell. Although this patent application physically isolates the homogenizing module that is most likely to produce pathogenic microorganisms through a shell, it can prevent the leakage of pathogenic microorganisms in the homogenizing module to a certain extent and avoid cross-contamination. Moreover, in this patent application, the sample position in the operation area is perpendicular to the airflow direction, so that operations that are prone to aerosols such as opening the sample tube or transferring reagents can be performed to avoid cross-contamination of the samples. However, in this patent application, the air inlet of the air inlet fan faces right, and the airflow direction is from the right side to the left side of the device, that is, the airflow path passes through at least the entire length of the device. If the airflow path is too long, it will make it easy for pathogenic microorganisms to adhere to the structure of the device. Moreover, if the airflow path is too long, it will not be conducive to the timely discharge of pathogenic microorganisms from the device. Utility Model Content

[0005] In view of this, the utility model provides a food sample pretreatment device capable of preventing microbial contamination, which solves the technical problem that a too long airflow path makes it easy for pathogenic organisms to adhere to the structure of the device and is not conducive to timely discharge of pathogenic microorganisms from the device.

[0006] The utility model is realized by the following technical solutions:

[0007] A food sample pretreatment device capable of preventing microbial contamination, comprising a homogenizing module arranged in a housing, an air inlet fan with an air inlet facing the front of the food sample pretreatment device, and an air outlet fan with an air outlet facing the back of the food sample pretreatment device;

[0008] When the air inlet fan and the air outlet fan are in operation, an air flow flowing from the front side to the back side of the food sample pretreatment device is generated in the food sample pretreatment device, and the air outlet is provided with a filter for filtering microorganisms.

[0009] Further, it also includes an air splitter;

[0010] After the air inlet fan draws the air outside the food sample pretreatment device into the air splitter, the air splitter disperses the air into the food sample pretreatment device, and the air outlet fan discharges the air in the food sample pretreatment device.

[0011] Furthermore, the air splitter disperses the air into multiple airflows flowing from the front side to the back side of the food sample pre-processing device.

[0012] Furthermore, the air splitter disperses the air into multiple airflows perpendicular to the bottom surface of the food sample pre-processing device.

[0013] Furthermore, the air inlet is also provided with a filter for filtering microorganisms.

[0014] Furthermore, the food sample preprocessing device is divided into two layers, each layer is provided with an air inlet fan with an air inlet facing the front of the food sample preprocessing device, and an air outlet fan with an air outlet facing the back of the food sample preprocessing device.

[0015] Further, it includes a solid waste collection mechanism;

[0016] The solid waste collection mechanism comprises a storage container, which is arranged on a bottom plate. The bottom plate can move horizontally in the food sample pre-processing device, so that the storage container can collect solid waste generated in different operation areas of the food sample pre-processing device.

[0017] Furthermore, the food sample pre-treatment device is also provided with an ultraviolet lamp;

[0018] At least one of the inner wall of the food sample pre-treatment device and the outer surface of the shell covering the homogenizing module is provided with a self-cleaning antibacterial coating;

[0019] The self-cleaning antibacterial coating is a silver ion coating or a titanium dioxide coating.

[0020] Beneficial effects:

[0021] (1) The food sample pretreatment device includes a homogenizing module arranged in a shell, and is characterized in that an air inlet fan with an air inlet facing the front of the food sample pretreatment device and an air outlet fan with an air outlet facing the back of the food sample pretreatment device are also provided; when the air inlet fan and the air outlet fan are in operation, an airflow flowing from the front to the back of the food sample pretreatment device is generated in the food sample pretreatment device, and a filter is provided at the air outlet for filtering microorganisms.

[0022] In this way, by setting up an air inlet fan and an air outlet fan, an airflow from the front to the back of the food sample pretreatment device is achieved. Compared with the airflow flowing from the right side to the left side (or the left side to the right side) of the food sample pretreatment device, the airflow path can be shortened, which is more conducive to the timely discharge of pathogenic microorganisms from the device. In addition, the airflow flows through fewer structural surfaces, reducing the ease with which microorganisms adhere to the structural surface of the device, and is more helpful in preventing the spread and cross-contamination of microorganisms inside the device.

[0023] (2) After the air inlet fan draws the air outside the food sample pretreatment device into the air splitter, the air splitter disperses the air into the food sample pretreatment device, and the air outlet fan discharges the air in the food sample pretreatment device.

[0024] In this way, the provision of the air splitter can improve the uniformity of air flow distribution, avoid dead corners in the device, and reduce the deposition of microorganisms inside the device.

[0025] (3) The air splitter disperses the air into multiple air streams flowing from the front to the back of the food sample pretreatment device. Alternatively, the air splitter disperses the air into multiple air streams perpendicular to the bottom of the food sample pretreatment device. In this way, the setting form of the air splitter can be flexibly selected according to the structure of the food sample pretreatment device.

[0026] (4) The air inlet is also provided with a filter for filtering microorganisms. This increases the protection level of the food sample pretreatment device, ensures that the air entering the device is also clean, and further prevents the invasion of pathogenic microorganisms.

[0027] (5) Each layer is provided with an air inlet fan with an air inlet facing the front of the food sample pretreatment device, and an air outlet fan with an air outlet facing the back of the food sample pretreatment device. In this way, the air purification of different areas of the food sample pretreatment device can be independently controlled, and the air purification of different areas of the food sample pretreatment device can be performed more flexibly and efficiently.

[0028] (6) The solid waste collection mechanism includes a storage container, which is arranged on a bottom plate. The bottom plate can move horizontally in the food sample pretreatment device, so that the storage container can collect solid waste generated in different operation areas of the food sample pretreatment device.

[0029] In this way, the design of the solid waste collection mechanism enables solid waste to be safely collected and stored, reducing the risk of operators being exposed to pollution sources. The horizontal movement function of the bottom plate allows the collection of solid waste generated in different operating areas, improving the collection efficiency.

[0030] (7) The food sample pretreatment device is also equipped with an ultraviolet lamp. Ultraviolet light has a bactericidal effect and can regularly disinfect the inside of the device to reduce microbial contamination.

[0031] (8) At least one of the inner wall of the food sample pretreatment device and the outer surface of the shell covering the homogenization module is provided with a self-cleaning antibacterial coating, which is a silver ion coating or a titanium dioxide coating. In this way, silver ions have broad-spectrum antibacterial properties and can be embedded in the coating, gradually released over time, and inhibit the growth of bacteria and fungi. Titanium dioxide (TiO2) produces strong oxidizing free radicals under ultraviolet irradiation, which can decompose organic matter and kill bacteria. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] Figure 1 A three-dimensional diagram of a food sample pre-processing workstation provided in the prior art;

[0033] Figure 2 This is a front view of a food sample pre-processing workstation provided in the prior art;

[0034] Figure 3 A three-dimensional diagram of a food sample pretreatment device capable of preventing microbial contamination provided by the utility model;

[0035] Figure 4 A front view of a food sample pretreatment device capable of preventing microbial contamination provided by the utility model;

[0036] Figure 5 This is a left view of a food sample pretreatment device capable of preventing microbial contamination provided by the utility model;

[0037] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the structure of the solid waste collection mechanism provided by the utility model;

[0038] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the solid waste collection mechanism provided by the utility model when the tipping bucket is turned 90°;

[0039] in:

[0040] Background technology: 15-fan, 16-air duct;

[0041] The present invention comprises: 1- a homogenizing module, 2- an incubating module, 3- a magnetic separation module, 4- a tipping bucket, 5- an air inlet fan, 6- an ultraviolet lamp, 7- a cylinder, 8- a sliding block, 9- a support, 10- a second connecting piece, 11- a pin shaft, 12- a first connecting piece, 13- a guide rail, and 14- a bottom plate. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0042] The present invention is described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0043] This embodiment provides a food sample pretreatment device capable of preventing microbial contamination. Figure 3 to Figure 7 , including a homogenizing module 1 arranged in a shell, and also provided with an air inlet fan 5 with an air inlet facing the front of the food sample pretreatment device, and an air outlet fan (not shown) with an air outlet facing the back of the food sample pretreatment device; when the air inlet fan 5 and the air outlet fan are in operation, an airflow flowing from the front to the back of the food sample pretreatment device is generated in the food sample pretreatment device, and a HEPA filter is provided at the air outlet for filtering microorganisms.

[0044] In this way, by providing an air inlet fan 5 and an air outlet fan, an airflow from the front side to the back side of the food sample pretreatment device is realized. Compared with the airflow flowing from the right side to the left side (or the left side to the right side) of the food sample pretreatment device, the airflow path can be shortened, which is more conducive to the timely discharge of pathogenic microorganisms from the food sample pretreatment device. In addition, the airflow flows through fewer structural surfaces, reducing the ease with which microorganisms adhere to the structural surfaces within the food sample pretreatment device, which is more helpful in preventing the spread and cross-contamination of microorganisms inside the device.

[0045] It should be particularly emphasized that, in this embodiment, (a) the homogenization module 1 is arranged in the shell; (b) the airflow flows in from the front of the food sample pretreatment device and flows out from the back; (c) a HEPA filter is arranged at the air outlet. These three measures are an inseparable whole, and none of them can be missing. This embodiment achieves the effect of preventing microbial contamination through the combined action of these three measures. Specifically, because the homogenization module 1 is the main source of contamination in the food sample pretreatment device, measure (a) prevents the microbial contamination source from spreading in the food sample pretreatment device; measure (b) prevents the existing microbial circulation contamination in the food sample pretreatment device; measure (c) prevents the microorganisms in the food sample pretreatment device from leaking and contaminating the outside world. In particular, in this embodiment, the filtration efficiency of the HEPA filter arranged at the air outlet is above 99.5%.

[0046] As an improvement, the food sample pretreatment device further includes an air splitter (not shown); after the air inlet fan 5 draws the air outside the food sample pretreatment device into the air splitter, the air splitter disperses the air into the food sample pretreatment device, and the air outlet fan discharges the air in the food sample pretreatment device. In this way, the provision of the air splitter can improve the uniformity of air flow distribution, avoid dead corners in the food sample pretreatment device, and reduce the deposition of microorganisms inside the device.

[0047] Specifically, in the present embodiment, the air diverter disperses the air into multiple airflows flowing from the front to the back of the food sample pretreatment device. Or the air diverter disperses the air into multiple airflows perpendicular to the bottom of the food sample pretreatment device. In this way, the setting form of the air diverter can be flexibly selected according to the structure of the food sample pretreatment device. It should be noted that the air diverter can disperse the air into multiple airflows perpendicular to the bottom of the food sample pretreatment device, which only means that the direction of the airflow coming out of the air diverter is vertically downward, but the airflow flowing out vertically is still to flow to the back of the food sample pretreatment device. It should be noted that in the present embodiment, the devices that can disperse the air into multiple airflows are all equivalent substitutes for the air diverter. For example, the air duct designed in the Chinese patent application with publication number CN117736833 A mentioned in the background technology can be regarded as an equivalent substitute for the air diverter in the present embodiment.

[0048] Moreover, in this embodiment, a filter is also provided at the air inlet for filtering microorganisms, thereby increasing the protection level of the food sample pretreatment device, ensuring that the air entering the device is also clean, and further preventing the invasion of pathogenic microorganisms.

[0049] Moreover, in this embodiment, the food sample pretreatment device is divided into two layers, each layer is provided with an air inlet fan 5 with an air inlet facing the front of the food sample pretreatment device, and an air outlet fan with an air outlet facing the back of the food sample pretreatment device. In this way, the air purification of different areas of the food sample pretreatment device can be independently controlled, and the air purification of different areas of the food sample pretreatment device can be performed more flexibly and efficiently.

[0050] As a further improvement, an ultraviolet lamp 6 is further provided in the food sample pretreatment device, and at least one of the inner wall of the food sample pretreatment device and the outer surface of the shell covering the homogenizing module 1 is provided with a self-cleaning antibacterial coating; the self-cleaning antibacterial coating can be a silver ion coating, a photocatalytic coating (such as a titanium dioxide coating), a nanocomposite coating (using nanotechnology to combine antibacterial agents such as nanosilver, nanocopper, etc. with coating materials to form a nanocomposite material with antibacterial effect), a superhydrophobic / superoleophobic coating (these coatings have extremely high surface energy, so that water and oil droplets form nearly perfect spheres on the coating surface, thereby reducing the adhesion of dirt and microorganisms), an antibacterial polymer coating (the antibacterial agent is directly incorporated into the polymer material to form a plastic or rubber coating with antibacterial function), a bio-based antibacterial coating (using antibacterial substances extracted from nature, such as certain plant extracts or natural antibacterial peptides, as part of the coating) or an antibacterial ceramic coating (certain types of ceramic materials have natural antibacterial properties and can be used as coatings). For example, taking silver ion coating as an example, silver ions have broad-spectrum antibacterial properties and can be embedded in the coating, gradually released over time to inhibit the growth of bacteria and fungi; taking titanium dioxide coating as an example, titanium dioxide (TiO2) produces strong oxidizing free radicals under ultraviolet light, which can decompose organic matter and kill bacteria.

[0051] As a further improvement, the food sample preprocessing device also includes a solid waste collection mechanism, which includes a storage container, which is arranged on a base plate 14. The base plate 1 is slidably installed in the food sample preprocessing device. Driven by a driving member, the base plate 14 can move horizontally in the food sample preprocessing device, so that the storage container can collect solid waste generated in different areas of the food sample preprocessing device.

[0052] Thus, the design of the solid waste collection mechanism enables solid waste to be safely collected and stored, reducing the risk of operators contacting pollution sources. The horizontal movement function of the bottom plate 14 allows the solid waste generated in different operating areas to be collected, thereby improving the collection efficiency.

[0053] Specifically, in this embodiment, the solid waste collection mechanism includes a bottom plate 14, a dump bucket 4 (used as a storage container for solid waste), a cylinder 7, a guide rail 13, a slider 8, a support 9, and a first connecting member 12, wherein:

[0054] The tipping bucket 4 is a container structure with an open top; the guide rail 13 and the support 9 are both fixed on the bottom plate 14; one end of the cylinder 7 is hinged to the support 9, and the other end is hinged to the tipping bucket 4; the first connecting member 12 is hinged to the tipping bucket 4 through the pin 11; the slider 8 is fixed to the bottom of the first connecting member 12, and the slider 8 is slidably matched with the guide rail 13; when the piston rod of the cylinder 7 is extended or shortened, the tipping bucket 4 can be flipped around the axis of the pin 11.

[0055] In this way, the cylinder 7 drives the tipping bucket 4 to flip, thereby realizing automatic dumping of solid waste. The structure is simple and compact, avoiding the inconvenience and low efficiency of manual dumping, and avoiding the problem of liquid leakage caused by hydraulic drive, which may lead to the risk of food sample contamination.

[0056] More specifically, the solid waste collection mechanism also includes a second connecting member 10, which is fixed to the outside of an inclined wall of the bucket 4. In the present embodiment, when the bottom of the bucket 4 is in a horizontal state, the angle formed by the inclined wall and the bottom plate 14 located on the outside of the bucket 4 is an acute angle. The first connecting member 12 is hinged with the second connecting member 10 through a pin shaft 11, thereby realizing the hinge with the bucket 4; an installation space for the first connecting member 12 and the second connecting member 10 is formed between the inclined wall and the bottom plate 14.

[0057] In this way, an installation space for the first connecting member 12 and the second connecting member 10 is formed between the inclined wall and the bottom plate 14, making the structure of the solid waste dumping device simpler and more compact. Moreover, because the second connecting member 10 is fixed to the outer side of an inclined wall of the tipping bucket 4, the first connecting member 12 is hinged with the tipping bucket 4 through the hinge with the second connecting member 10. Therefore, when the tipping bucket 4 is turned over to dump the solid waste, the solid waste can flow out along the inclined wall, making the dumping of the solid waste smoother.

[0058] Moreover, in the present embodiment, the cavity of the bucket 4 is in a long, narrow and deep shape, with a length of L, a width of B and a depth of H. In order to achieve the long, narrow and deep shape, as an example, the relationship between the length, width and depth can be: L / B>10, L / H>2, H / B>5; when the bottom of the bucket 4 is in a horizontal state, the guide rail 13 is parallel to the length direction of the bucket 4.

[0059] In this way, the cavity of the tipping bucket 4 is in a long, narrow and deep shape, which makes the tipping bucket 4 more suitable for accommodating solid waste such as centrifuge tubes and pipette tips generated in the food sample pretreatment process; at the same time, the long, narrow and deep design of the cavity of the tipping bucket 4 improves the capacity and dumping efficiency of the tipping bucket 4, while saving the internal space of the food sample pretreatment device; moreover, the long, narrow and deep shape of the cavity of the tipping bucket 4 makes it possible to hinge the cylinder only on one side of the length direction of the tipping bucket 4 without generating a large overturning moment, avoiding the need to set the cylinder 7 on both sides of the tipping bucket 4, thereby making the structure of the entire solid waste dumping device more compact, and the number of cylinders 7 is reduced, which is more conducive to the automatic control of the tipping bucket 4 when it is turned over.

[0060] More specifically, in this embodiment, the food sample pretreatment device is provided with a homogenization module 1, an incubation module 2, a magnetic separation module 3 and a transmission module (not shown). Among them, the homogenization module 1 is located at the homogenization station, and is used for homogenization of food samples and culture fluids; the incubation module 2 is located at the incubation station, and the incubation station has an independent openable and closable enclosed space, which is used for incubation treatment under a set temperature environment; the magnetic separation module 3 is located at the separation station, and adopts an immunomagnetic separation process to achieve rapid enrichment and separation of target microorganisms; the transmission module is used to realize the transportation of sample tubes between various stations.

[0061] In summary, the above are only preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc. made within the spirit and principles of the present invention, such as different types of self-cleaning antibacterial coatings, should be included in the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A food sample pretreatment device capable of preventing microbial contamination, comprising a homogenizing module arranged in a housing, characterized in that: An air inlet fan is also provided with an air inlet facing the front of the food sample pre-processing device, and an air outlet fan is provided with an air outlet facing the back of the food sample pre-processing device; When the air inlet fan and the air outlet fan are in operation, an air flow flowing from the front side to the back side of the food sample pre-processing device is generated in the food sample pre-processing device, and a filter is provided at the air outlet for filtering microorganisms.

2. A food sample pretreatment device capable of preventing microbial contamination according to claim 1, characterized in that: Also included is an air diverter; After the air inlet fan draws the air outside the food sample pretreatment device into the air splitter, the air splitter disperses the air into the food sample pretreatment device, and the air outlet fan discharges the air in the food sample pretreatment device.

3. A food sample pretreatment device capable of preventing microbial contamination according to claim 2, characterized in that: The air splitter disperses the air into a plurality of air flows flowing from the front side to the back side of the food sample pre-processing device.

4. A food sample pretreatment device capable of preventing microbial contamination according to claim 2, characterized in that: The air splitter disperses the air into a plurality of air streams perpendicular to the bottom surface of the food sample pre-processing device.

5. A food sample pretreatment device capable of preventing microbial contamination according to claim 1, characterized in that: The air inlet is also provided with a filter for filtering microorganisms.

6. A food sample pretreatment device capable of preventing microbial contamination according to claim 1, characterized in that: The food sample preprocessing device is divided into two layers, each layer is provided with an air inlet fan with an air inlet facing the front of the food sample preprocessing device, and an air outlet fan with an air outlet facing the back of the food sample preprocessing device.

7. A food sample pretreatment device capable of preventing microbial contamination according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: It also includes solid waste collection agencies; The solid waste collection mechanism comprises a storage container, which is arranged on a bottom plate. The bottom plate can move horizontally in the food sample pre-processing device, so that the storage container can collect solid waste generated in different operation areas of the food sample pre-processing device.

8. A food sample pretreatment device capable of preventing microbial contamination according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: The food sample pre-treatment device is also provided with an ultraviolet lamp; At least one of the inner wall of the food sample pre-treatment device and the outer surface of the shell covering the homogenizing module is provided with a self-cleaning antibacterial coating; The self-cleaning antibacterial coating is a silver ion coating or a titanium dioxide coating.

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