Blending system for turbid liquid

Abstract

The utility model provides a mixing system for turbid liquid, which comprises a liquid suction pipe, a liquid discharge pipe, a liquid pump, a driving mechanism, a pressure sensor, a control device and a sample bottle placing rack, the liquid suction pipe is communicated with a liquid inlet of the liquid pump, and the liquid discharge pipe is communicated with a liquid outlet of the liquid pump; the pressure sensor is used for detecting axial force change values of the liquid suction pipe and the liquid discharge pipe; the control device is used for judging whether the end part of the liquid suction pipe or the liquid discharge pipe touches the solid-liquid interface or not and outputting a driving control signal to the driving mechanism; the driving mechanism is used for receiving a driving control signal and driving the liquid suction pipe and the liquid discharge pipe to move up and down relative to the sample bottle placing rack; the liquid pump is used for pumping liquid in the liquid suction pipe and discharging the liquid through the liquid discharge pipe. According to the utility model, a self-circulation uniform mixing mode of a sample in the sample bottle is adopted, liquid in the sample bottle is sucked and then discharged, a self-circulation liquid path flow is formed, solid particles at the bottom are impacted to finally complete uniform mixing, and the sample in the bottle can be uniformly mixed without carrying out mechanical movement on the sample bottle body.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of biomedical experimental instruments, and in particular to a mixing system for suspensions. Background Technology

[0002] In bioengineering and medical experiments, various types of samples are involved. Especially before fecal analysis, the bacterial culture sample often requires multiple washings during the processing. Current washing methods typically involve centrifugation to separate the solid and liquid layers. After discarding the supernatant, physiological saline is added to the separated solid for mixing. This process is repeated multiple times. Because the solid residue after centrifugation is viscous and easily adheres to the bottom of the vial, mixing is usually done manually or by machine. Common mixing methods include vortex mixing, inverting mixing, ultrasonic mixing, stirring mixing, and spitting mixing. Most of these methods require shaking or inverting the vial, making them unsuitable for stationary conditions. Stirring mixing requires inserting a stir bar into the sample vial, which can lead to cross-contamination. Using disposable stir bar consumables increases costs. Swallowing and mixing can keep the bacterial culture bottle still, but it usually requires opening the cap or maintaining the permeability of gas inside and outside the bottle, which is quite troublesome. Utility Model Content

[0003] This invention provides a suspension mixing system to solve at least one of the above-mentioned problems.

[0004] According to one aspect of this utility model, a suspension mixing system is provided, comprising a suction tube, a discharge tube, a liquid pump, a drive mechanism, a pressure sensor, a control device, and a sample bottle holder; the suction tube is connected to the inlet of the liquid pump, and the discharge tube is connected to the outlet of the liquid pump; the pressure sensor is used to detect the axial force change value of the suction tube and the discharge tube, and outputs the axial force change value to the control device; the control device is used to determine whether the end of the suction tube or the discharge tube touches the solid-liquid interface based on the axial force change value, and outputs a drive control signal to the drive mechanism; the drive mechanism is used to receive the drive control signal and drive the suction tube and the discharge tube to move up and down relative to the sample bottle holder, or drive the sample bottle holder to move up and down relative to the suction tube and the discharge tube; the liquid pump is used to draw liquid from the suction tube and discharge it through the discharge tube.

[0005] This invention relates to a suspension mixing system that uses a suction tube to draw liquid from a sample bottle and then a discharge tube to return the liquid to the sample bottle. The discharge tube applies pressure during discharge, agitating the liquid within the sample bottle. Through repeated suction and discharge, the liquid in the sample bottle is eventually mixed into a suspension. When the suction tube or discharge tube enters the liquid in the sample bottle, if either tube touches the solid-liquid interface, a pressure sensor will detect a change in the axial force of the suction or discharge tube. The system can determine whether the lower end of the suction or discharge tube has touched the solid-liquid interface based on this change in axial force. When the lower end of the suction or discharge tube touches the interface, the drive mechanism stops driving the suction and discharge tubes downwards to prevent the tube openings from being blocked by the solid sample in the sample bottle. This invention's suspension mixing system employs a self-circulating mixing method within the sample bottle. Liquid is drawn from the bottle and then discharged, creating a self-circulating liquid flow that impacts the solid particles at the bottom, ultimately achieving mixing. This method achieves sample mixing without requiring mechanical movement of the sample bottle itself. The drive mechanism can also move the sample holder up and down relative to the suction and discharge tubes.

[0006] In some embodiments, the drive mechanism of this utility model includes a motor, a transmission mechanism, a track, and a support; the suction tube and the discharge tube are disposed on the support; the motor drives the transmission mechanism to move the support up and down along the track.

[0007] In some embodiments, the transmission mechanism of this invention is a transmission belt.

[0008] In some embodiments, the lower end of the suction tube of this invention is beveled. This prevents the tube opening from being blocked by the sample in the sample bottle.

[0009] In some embodiments, the present invention also includes a three-way solenoid valve located at the outlet of the liquid pump. Thus, by controlling the three-way solenoid valve, waste liquid in the sample bottle can be discharged.

[0010] In some embodiments, the lower end of the suction tube of this invention is lower than the lower end of the discharge tube.

[0011] In some embodiments, the present invention also includes a back plate, with the motor located on one side of the back plate, the transmission belt located on the other side of the back plate, the track parallel to the transmission belt, and the bracket fixedly connected to the transmission belt.

[0012] In some embodiments, the suction tube and discharge tube of this invention are connected to the support via detachable connectors. This facilitates the replacement of the suction tube and discharge tube.

[0013] In some embodiments, the detachable connector of this invention is a cylindrical elastic element with an internal cross-section of two connected circles. An opening is located on the side furthest from the support. The width of the closed opening is smaller than the outer diameter of the suction tube and the discharge tube, while the width of the open opening is larger than the outer diameter of the suction tube and the discharge tube. Therefore, the suction tube and the discharge tube can be quickly replaced by inserting and removing them. Attached Figure Description

[0014] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a suspension mixing system according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0015] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the working process of a suspension mixing system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0016] Figure 3 for Figure 1 A partial structural schematic diagram of the mixing system for the suspension shown;

[0017] Figure 4 for Figure 3 A top view schematic diagram of a partial structure of the mixing system for the suspension shown;

[0018] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the signal transmission of a suspension mixing system according to one embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0019] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this utility model clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this utility model, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of this utility model.

[0020] It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features described in this application can be combined with each other.

[0021] Finally, it should be noted that in this document, relational terms such as first and second, counterclockwise and clockwise, forward and reverse are used only to distinguish one entity or operation from another, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Furthermore, the terms "comprising" or "including" include not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Without further limitations, an element defined by the phrase "comprising..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes said element.

[0022] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0023] Figure 1 The diagram schematically illustrates a suspension mixing system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] refer to Figure 1 As shown, the mixing system for the suspension includes a suction tube 201, a discharge tube 203, a liquid pump 4, a drive mechanism and a pressure sensor 7, as well as a control device 100 and a sample bottle rack (not shown).

[0025] The suction pipe 201 is connected to the inlet of the liquid pump 4 via a hose, and the discharge pipe 203 is connected to the outlet of the liquid pump 4 via a hose.

[0026] The pressure sensor 7 is used to detect the change in axial force of the suction tube 201 and the discharge tube 203, and outputs the change in axial force to the control device 100.

[0027] The control device 100 is used to receive the axial force change value, determine whether the end of the suction pipe 201 or the discharge pipe 203 touches the solid-liquid interface based on the axial force change value, and output a drive control signal to the drive mechanism.

[0028] The drive mechanism receives a drive control signal and drives the suction tube 201 and the discharge tube 203 to move up and down relative to the sample bottle holder. In other embodiments, the drive mechanism may also receive a drive control signal and drive the sample bottle holder to move up and down relative to the suction tube 201 and the discharge tube 203. Regardless of whether the suction tube 201 and the discharge tube 203 are moved up and down relative to the sample bottle holder, or the sample bottle holder is moved up and down relative to the suction tube 201 and the discharge tube 203, the pressure sensor 7 can sense the change in axial force of the suction tube 201 and the discharge tube 203.

[0029] The liquid pump 4 is used to draw liquid from the suction tube 201 and discharge it into the sample bottle 1 through the discharge tube 203.

[0030] The suction tube 201 and the discharge tube 203 are mounted on the bracket 8.

[0031] The sample in sample bottle 1 has been centrifuged beforehand. The lower sample 301 is a precipitated solid-liquid particulate matter, and the upper sample 302 can be physiological saline added after the waste liquid after solid-liquid separation is extracted, or it can be a suspension.

[0032] In this embodiment, the drive mechanism includes a motor 12, a transmission belt 10, a track 9, and a support 8. The control device 100 outputs a drive control signal to the motor 12 based on the change in axial force. In other embodiments, the transmission mechanism may also be a lead screw, a transmission chain, or a rack and pinion, etc.

[0033] The motor 12 receives the drive control signal and drives the transmission belt 10 to move the support 8 up and down, which in turn drives the suction tube 201 and discharge tube 203 set on the support 8 to move up and down.

[0034] The electric motor 12 drives the transmission belt 10 to move the bracket 8 up and down along the track 9.

[0035] The lower end of the suction tube 201 is lower than the lower end of the discharge tube 203. The lower end of the suction tube 201 is inclined to prevent the tube opening from being blocked by the sample in the sample bottle.

[0036] The motor 12 is located on one side of the back plate 11, the transmission belt 10 is located on the other side of the back plate 11, the track 9 is parallel to the transmission belt 10, and the bracket 8 is fixedly connected to the transmission belt 10.

[0037] Figure 2 The diagram schematically illustrates the structure of the working process of a suspension mixing system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] refer to Figure 2As shown, the suction tube 201 and the discharge tube 203 are inserted into the sample bottle 1 by the drive mechanism, keeping the lower end of the suction tube 201 above the solid-liquid interface. The liquid in the sample bottle 1 is drawn out through the suction tube 201 by the liquid pump 4, and then discharged back into the sample bottle 1 through the discharge tube 203. The liquid is under certain pressure when it is discharged, which can agitate the sample in the sample bottle 1. After repeated suction and discharge, the sample in the sample bottle 1 can be finally mixed into a suspension. When the suction tube 201 and the discharge tube 203 enter the liquid in the sample bottle 1, if either of them touches the solid-liquid interface, the pressure sensor 7 will detect a change in the axial force of the suction tube 201 and the discharge tube 203. The system can determine whether the lower end of the suction tube 201 or the discharge tube 203 touches the solid-liquid interface based on the change in the axial force of the suction tube 201 or the discharge tube 203. When the lower end of the suction tube 201 or the discharge tube 203 touches the solid-liquid interface, the drive mechanism will stop driving the suction tube 201 and the discharge tube 203 to descend, so as to prevent the opening of the suction tube 201 or the discharge tube 203 from being blocked by the solid sample in the sample bottle 1.

[0039] The outlet of the liquid pump 1 can also be equipped with a three-way solenoid valve 41. One outlet of the three-way solenoid valve 41 is connected to the discharge pipe 203, and the other outlet is connected to the waste liquid pipe 202. By controlling the three-way solenoid valve 41, waste liquid in the sample bottle 1 can be discharged, or liquid can be returned to the sample bottle 1.

[0040] If the mixing system of this suspension is to be used in conjunction with the cap for flap puncture, the aspiration tube 201 and the discharge tube 203 can be rigid tubes.

[0041] Figure 3 and Figure 4 schematically shown Figure 1 The local structure of the mixing system of the suspension shown.

[0042] refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the suction tube 201 and the discharge tube 203 are connected to the bracket 8 by a detachable connector.

[0043] There are two detachable connectors: a suction tube connector 6 and a discharge tube connector 5. Both connectors are cylindrical elastic elements with an internal cross-section of two connected circles. The side furthest from the support 8 has an opening. The width of the closed opening is less than the outer diameter of the suction tube 201 and the discharge tube 203, while the width of the open opening is greater than their outer diameters. The suction tube 201 and the discharge tube 203 can be quickly replaced through a simple plug-and-play operation.

[0044] The sample tubes 201 and 203 are disposable and should be replaced with new ones after each use to prevent cross-contamination between different samples.

[0045] Figure 5 The diagram schematically illustrates the signal transmission process of a suspension mixing system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] refer to Figure 5 As shown, the pressure sensor 7 detects the change in axial force of the suction tube 201 and outputs the change in axial force to the control device 100.

[0047] The control device 100 analyzes the received axial force change value and outputs a drive control signal to the drive mechanism based on the axial force change value. For example, if the axial force change value is greater than a set value, the drive mechanism outputs a control signal to stop operation.

[0048] The drive mechanism receives the drive control signal and drives the suction tube 201 and the discharge tube 203 to move up and down.

[0049] The liquid pump 4 draws liquid from the suction pipe 201 according to the suction control command issued by the control device 100, and discharges it through the discharge pipe 203.

[0050] When this system is used for sample mixing, the solid-liquid interface in sample bottle 1 will gradually move downwards during the self-circulation mixing process. When the suction tube 201 touches the bottom of the bottle and no solid-liquid interface is detected, it means that the mixing is complete.

[0051] When this system is used to remove the waste liquid separated from the upper layer of the sample after centrifugation, the suction tube 201 can be controlled to descend while removing the waste liquid. When the lower end of the suction tube 201 touches the solid-liquid interface, the pressure sensor 7 will detect the change in axial force of the suction tube 201 and stop, indicating that the waste liquid has been completely removed.

[0052] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this application, and are not intended to limit them. Although this application has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some of the technical features. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application.

Claims

1. A system for mixing a suspension, characterized in that The device comprises a suction tube, a discharge tube, a liquid pump, a driving mechanism, a pressure sensor, a control device and a sample bottle rack. The suction tube is connected with the liquid inlet of the liquid pump, and the discharge tube is connected with the liquid outlet of the liquid pump. The pressure sensor is used to detect the axial force change value of the suction tube and the discharge tube and output the axial force change value to the control device. The control device is used to determine whether the end of the suction tube or the discharge tube touches the solid-liquid interface according to the axial force change value and output a driving control signal to the driving mechanism. The driving mechanism is used to receive the driving control signal and drive the suction tube and the discharge tube to move up and down relative to the sample bottle rack or drive the sample bottle rack to move up and down relative to the suction tube and the discharge tube. The liquid pump is used to extract the liquid in the suction tube and discharge it through the discharge tube.

2. The system for mixing a suspension according to claim 1, characterized in that The driving mechanism comprises a motor, a transmission mechanism and a track, and a bracket. The suction tube and the discharge tube are arranged on the bracket. The motor drives the transmission mechanism to drive the bracket to move up and down along the track.

3. The system for mixing a suspension according to claim 2, wherein The transmission mechanism is a transmission belt.

4. The system for mixing suspensions according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that The lower end of the suction tube is a slope.

5. The system for mixing suspensions according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that A three-way electromagnetic valve is arranged at the liquid outlet of the liquid pump.

6. The system for mixing a suspension according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that The lower end of the suction tube is lower than the lower end of the discharge tube.

7. The system for mixing a suspension according to claim 3, wherein A back plate is further provided, the motor is arranged on one side of the back plate, the transmission belt is arranged on the other side of the back plate, the track is parallel to the transmission belt, and the bracket is fixedly connected with the transmission belt.

8. The system for mixing a suspension according to claim 7, wherein The suction tube and the discharge tube are connected with the bracket through detachable connecting pieces.

9. The system for mixing a suspension according to claim 8, wherein, The detachable connecting pieces are cylindrical elastic pieces, the internal cross section is two connected circles, the side away from the bracket has an opening, the width of the opening when closed is smaller than the outer diameter of the suction tube and the discharge tube, and the width of the opening when opened is greater than the outer diameter of the suction tube and the discharge tube.

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