Microorganism culture and observation device
By linking the V-shaped flow channel with the U-shaped siphon tube, the shortcomings of waste liquid treatment in traditional microbial culture devices are solved, realizing the automatic collection and complete discharge of waste liquid, reducing the risk of infection, and improving the accuracy and efficiency of culture.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-04-15
- Publication Date
- 2026-04-03
AI Technical Summary
Traditional microbial culture and observation devices suffer from problems in waste liquid treatment, such as labor-intensive manual dumping, high risk of infection, environmental pollution from waste liquid splashing, difficulty in cleaning residual waste liquid at the bottom of the culture container, and lack of backflow prevention design.
The system employs a V-shaped guide channel and a U-shaped siphon tube linkage design, combined with a hydrophobic coating, anti-backflow protrusions, detachable connectors, sliding rail connections, and a transparent observation window, to achieve automatic collection of waste liquid and prevent backflow, ensuring a pure and safe culture environment.
It enables automatic collection and complete discharge of waste liquid, reduces the risk of infection, improves the accuracy and efficiency of microbial culture, reduces contamination by other microorganisms, and provides a pure culture environment.
Smart Images
Figure CN224077381U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of microbial device technology, specifically, it relates to a microbial culture and observation device. Background Technology
[0002] Microbial culture and observation devices are crucial equipment in medical laboratories. They are primarily used for the isolation, cultivation, identification, and observation of microorganisms, providing essential information for disease diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. In the medical field, microbial testing helps doctors accurately determine the type of pathogen infecting a patient, thereby enabling the development of precise and effective treatment plans. This plays an indispensable role in improving medical quality and patient cure rates.
[0003] Traditional microbial culture and observation devices have revealed numerous drawbacks during long-term use. Firstly, they suffer from serious deficiencies in wastewater treatment. Traditional devices typically lack a dedicated, efficient wastewater collection system, often requiring manual dumping of wastewater generated during cultivation. This is not only labor-intensive but also highly susceptible to operator contact with the wastewater, increasing the risk of infection. Furthermore, manual dumping can lead to splashing, contaminating the experimental environment and affecting the accuracy of other experiments.
[0004] Secondly, in terms of the design of the culture containers, traditional devices mostly have flat bottoms, which is not conducive to the discharge of waste liquid. The waste liquid generated during the microbial culture process contains various metabolic products, culture medium residues, and microbial cells. Culture containers with flat bottoms will cause a large amount of waste liquid to remain inside the container, making it difficult to clean thoroughly and easily leading to the growth of contaminants, which will affect the purity and accuracy of subsequent microbial cultures.
[0005] Furthermore, traditional waste collection tanks lack effective splash-proof, backflow-proof, and easy-to-observe designs. Waste liquid is prone to splashing when poured into the collection tank, causing environmental pollution; without backflow prevention measures, changes in the liquid level in the collection tank may cause waste liquid to flow back into the culture container, leading to cross-contamination; moreover, due to the lack of a transparent observation window and volume scale lines, it is difficult for staff to accurately monitor the amount of waste liquid in the collection tank in real time, making timely waste liquid removal inconvenient. Utility Model Content
[0006] In view of this, the present invention provides a microbial culture and observation device that solves the shortcomings of traditional microbial culture and observation devices in waste liquid treatment, and improves the efficiency and safety of waste liquid treatment.
[0007] This utility model is implemented as follows:
[0008] This utility model provides a microbial culture and observation device, comprising:
[0009] The culture container has a V-shaped flow channel at the bottom that slopes towards the center, and a drain outlet is provided at the lowest point of the flow channel.
[0010] The siphon tube is U-shaped, with one end sealed to the drain port via a detachable connector, and the other end extending into the waste liquid collection tank outside the culture container.
[0011] A waste liquid collection tank is located below the culture container, and the top of the waste liquid collection tank is provided with a receiving port corresponding to the outlet end of the siphon tube.
[0012] The highest point of the siphon tube is lower than the horizontal plane where the lowest point of the guide channel is located, and the curved part of the siphon tube is connected to the side wall of the culture container through a fixed bracket.
[0013] The technical effects of the microbial culture and observation device provided by this utility model are as follows: through the linkage design of the V-shaped guide channel and the U-shaped siphon tube, the siphon drainage is automatically triggered when the waste liquid accumulates to the critical height, avoiding the introduction of pollution by manual opening operation; the inclined structure of the guide channel ensures that the waste liquid is completely discharged, preventing the accumulated liquid from interfering with the humidity balance of the culture medium.
[0014] Based on the above technical solution, the microbial culture and observation device of this utility model can be further improved as follows:
[0015] The angle between the inclined surface of the flow guide groove and the horizontal plane is 15°-30°, and the surface of the flow guide groove is covered with a hydrophobic coating.
[0016] The beneficial effects of adopting the above-mentioned improvement scheme are: the 15°-30° tilt angle balances the efficiency of waste liquid diversion and the structural strength of the bottom of the culture container; the hydrophobic coating reduces liquid residue and prevents microorganisms from growing in the tank.
[0017] Furthermore, the detachable connector includes an annular groove nested outside the drain port and an elastic sealing ring disposed at the inlet end of the siphon tube, wherein the elastic sealing ring is interference-fitted with the annular groove.
[0018] The beneficial effects of adopting the above-mentioned improvement scheme are: the interference fit between the annular groove and the elastic sealing ring ensures the airtightness of the connection, while facilitating disassembly, cleaning or replacement of the siphon tube, and adapting to the discharge requirements of waste liquids with different viscosities.
[0019] Furthermore, the inner side of the curved portion of the siphon tube is provided with anti-backflow protrusions, which are triangular ribs spaced apart along the circumference of the tube wall.
[0020] The beneficial effects of adopting the above-mentioned improvement scheme are as follows: the triangular ribs form local turbulence, which disrupts the laminar flow conditions required for counterflow and prevents the liquid from flowing back into the culture container due to pressure changes after drainage.
[0021] Furthermore, the fixing support includes an arc-shaped support plate fixed to the side wall of the culture container, and an elastic clamping piece disposed on the arc-shaped support plate, the elastic clamping piece covering the outer peripheral surface of the siphon tube.
[0022] The beneficial effects of adopting the above-mentioned improved scheme are as follows: the combination of the arc-shaped support plate and the elastic clamping plate not only avoids the siphon tube displacement leading to sealing failure, but also allows for thermal expansion and contraction deformation, adapting to dimensional changes after high-temperature sterilization.
[0023] Furthermore, the waste liquid collection tank and the culture container are connected by a slide rail, the extension direction of which is perpendicular to the inclination direction of the guide channel. The receiving port of the waste liquid collection tank is provided with an openable and closable splash guard, which is hinged to the edge of the receiving port by a pivot.
[0024] The beneficial effects of adopting the above-mentioned improvement scheme are as follows: the extension direction of the slide rail is perpendicular to the inclination direction of the guide channel, so that the force is evenly distributed when the waste liquid collection tank is pulled out, avoiding jamming or overturning accidents caused by uneven loading. The splash baffle is closed when not draining to prevent external pollutants from entering the collection tank through the receiving port; it automatically rotates and opens when draining due to liquid impact, reducing waste liquid splashing.
[0025] Furthermore, a filter screen is provided above the drain outlet of the guide channel.
[0026] The beneficial effects of adopting the above-mentioned improvement scheme are: intercepting culture medium carriers (such as agar blocks) from entering the siphon tube, avoiding pipe blockage, while allowing liquid metabolic waste to pass through smoothly, ensuring long-term reliability.
[0027] Furthermore, the outlet end of the siphon tube is provided with an anti-backflow constriction opening, the diameter of which is less than 1 / 2 of the diameter of the main body of the siphon tube.
[0028] The beneficial effects of adopting the above-mentioned improvement scheme are as follows: the constriction design increases the surface tension of the liquid at the outlet end, and a liquid seal is quickly formed when the siphon is interrupted, preventing air backflow from disrupting the negative pressure environment.
[0029] Furthermore, the side wall of the culture container is provided with an auxiliary injection pipe that communicates with the guide channel, and the outlet end of the auxiliary injection pipe is higher than the lowest point of the guide channel.
[0030] The beneficial effects of adopting the above-mentioned improved scheme are: it allows the replenishment of culture medium or reagents without opening the cap, and the outlet of the injection tube is higher than the lowest point of the guide trough, avoiding direct rinsing of the formed colonies.
[0031] Furthermore, a one-way valve is provided at the inlet of the auxiliary injection pipe, and the opening direction of the one-way valve is to guide the flow from the outside of the pipe into the inside of the flow channel.
[0032] The beneficial effects of adopting the above-mentioned improvement scheme are: the one-way valve ensures that the liquid can only be injected into the guide tank from the outside, preventing the liquid in the culture container from flowing back into the injection pipe and causing contamination or cross-infection.
[0033] Compared with existing technologies, the beneficial effects of the microbial culture and observation device provided by this utility model are:
[0034] Automated waste liquid collection: Utilizing the siphon principle, waste liquid is automatically collected, eliminating the need for manual emptying and significantly reducing labor costs. Staff only need to clean the waste liquid collection tank periodically, reducing direct contact between operators and the waste liquid and lowering the risk of infection.
[0035] Highly efficient wastewater discharge: The V-shaped drainage channel design at the bottom of the culture container and the application of a hydrophobic coating enable rapid and thorough discharge of wastewater, reducing residue within the container. Compared to traditional culture containers with flat bottoms, this device significantly improves wastewater discharge efficiency, effectively preventing residual wastewater from breeding harmful bacteria and interfering with subsequent cultures.
[0036] Multiple anti-backflow design: The anti-backflow protrusions of the U-shaped siphon tube and the anti-backflow constriction at the outlet end, along with the one-way valve, together constitute a multiple anti-backflow mechanism. These designs effectively prevent waste liquid from flowing back into the culture container, avoid cross-contamination, ensure the purity and stability of the microbial culture environment, and improve the accuracy and reliability of microbial culture;
[0037] Detachable connection: The U-shaped siphon tube is connected to the drain port via a detachable connector, allowing for quick disassembly and installation when cleaning or replacing the U-shaped siphon tube is required. Simultaneously, the waste liquid collection tank is connected to the culture container via a sliding rail, facilitating the removal of the waste liquid collection tank for cleaning or replacement, thus improving the maintenance efficiency and reducing the difficulty of maintenance.
[0038] Easy to observe and operate: The transparent observation window and volume scale at the bottom of the waste liquid collection tank allow staff to monitor the waste liquid level in real time, facilitating timely cleaning. The splash guard at the receiving port can be opened and closed as needed, making operation simple and convenient and effectively reducing waste liquid splashing and pollution of the experimental environment. The design of the auxiliary injection pipe and one-way valve facilitates the replenishment of liquid during the culture process while ensuring the safety of the culture environment.
[0039] A pristine culture environment: A highly efficient wastewater treatment system and multiple backflow prevention designs reduce the possibility of contamination by other microorganisms, providing a purer culture environment for microorganisms. This helps improve the success rate of microbial culture, ensuring that the cultured microorganisms better meet experimental requirements and providing more reliable samples for subsequent observation and research. Attached Figure Description
[0040] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments of this utility model will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.
[0041] Figure 1 This is a top view of a microbial culture and observation device;
[0042] Figure 2 An example diagram of a fixed support for a microbial culture and observation device;
[0043] Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of a microbial culture and observation device;
[0044] The attached diagram lists the components represented by each number as follows:
[0045] 10. Culture container; 11. Flow guide channel; 12. Drain outlet; 20. Siphon tube; 21. Detachable connector; 30. Waste liquid collection tank; 31. Receiver port; 40. Fixing bracket. Detailed Implementation
[0046] 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.
[0047] like Figures 1-3 The image shown is a first embodiment of a microbial culture and observation device provided by this utility model. In this embodiment, it includes:
[0048] The culture container 10 has a bottom that is set as a flow channel 11 that slopes towards the center. The flow channel 11 is V-shaped and has a drain port 12 at the lowest point of the flow channel 11.
[0049] The siphon tube 20 is U-shaped, with one end sealed to the drain port 12 via a detachable connector 21, and the other end extending into the waste liquid collection tank 30 outside the culture container 10.
[0050] Waste liquid collection tank 30 is located below culture container 10, and the top of waste liquid collection tank 30 is provided with receiving port 31 corresponding to the outlet end of siphon tube 20.
[0051] The highest point of the siphon tube 20 is lower than the horizontal plane where the lowest point of the guide channel 11 is located, and the curved part of the siphon tube 20 is connected to the side wall of the culture container 10 through the fixed bracket 40.
[0052] The culture container is cylindrical. A V-shaped flow channel, sloping inwards, is located at the center of its bottom. The lowest point of the V-shaped flow channel is situated in the central area of the bottom of the culture container, where a drain outlet is located. On the side wall of the culture container, there is an auxiliary injection pipe connected to the V-shaped flow channel. The outlet end of the auxiliary injection pipe is higher than the lowest point of the V-shaped flow channel, with the opening facing outwards from the culture container. A one-way valve is installed at the opening, allowing flow from the outside of the pipe into the inside of the V-shaped flow channel.
[0053] One end of the U-shaped siphon is sealed to the drain port of the V-shaped guide groove at the bottom of the culture container via a detachable connector; this connection end is located inside the culture container. The other end of the U-shaped siphon extends into the waste liquid collection tank located below the outside of the culture container. The highest point of the U-shaped siphon is lower than the horizontal plane of the lowest point of the V-shaped guide groove, and its bend is connected to the side wall of the culture container via a fixed bracket. On the inner side of the bend of the U-shaped siphon, triangular rib-shaped anti-backflow protrusions are distributed circumferentially along the tube wall; the outlet end has an anti-backflow constriction with a diameter less than 1 / 2 of the main tube diameter of the U-shaped siphon.
[0054] In the above technical solution, the angle between the inclined surface of the flow guide 11 and the horizontal surface is 15°-30°, and the surface of the flow guide 11 is covered with a hydrophobic coating.
[0055] Furthermore, in the above technical solution, the detachable connector 21 includes an annular groove nested outside the drain port 12 and an elastic sealing ring disposed at the inlet end of the siphon tube 20, the elastic sealing ring being press-fitted with the annular groove.
[0056] The detachable connector is used to seal one end of the U-shaped siphon tube to the drain port of the V-shaped guide groove at the bottom of the culture container. An annular groove is nested outside the drain port, and an elastic sealing ring is located at the inlet end of the U-shaped siphon tube; the two are press-fitted together to achieve a seal. Since the drain port is inside the culture container, the entire detachable connector, which completes the connection, is also inside the culture container.
[0057] Furthermore, in the above technical solution, the inner side of the curved part of the siphon 20 is provided with anti-backflow protrusions, which are triangular ribs distributed circumferentially along the pipe wall.
[0058] Furthermore, in the above technical solution, the fixed support 40 includes an arc-shaped support plate fixed to the side wall of the culture container 10, and an elastic clamping piece disposed on the arc-shaped support plate, the elastic clamping piece covering the outer peripheral surface of the siphon tube 20.
[0059] Furthermore, in the above technical solution, the waste liquid collection tank 30 and the culture container 10 are connected by a slide rail. The extension direction of the slide rail is perpendicular to the inclination direction of the guide channel 11. The receiving port 31 of the waste liquid collection tank 30 is provided with an openable and closable anti-splash baffle. The anti-splash baffle is hinged to the edge of the receiving port 31 by a rotating shaft.
[0060] Furthermore, in the above technical solution, a filter screen is provided above the drain port 12 of the guide channel 11.
[0061] Furthermore, in the above technical solution, the outlet end of the siphon tube 20 is provided with an anti-backflow constriction, the diameter of which is less than 1 / 2 of the main tube diameter of the siphon tube 20.
[0062] Furthermore, in the above technical solution, the side wall of the culture container 10 is provided with an auxiliary liquid injection pipe that communicates with the guide channel 11, and the outlet end of the auxiliary liquid injection pipe is higher than the lowest point of the guide channel 11.
[0063] Furthermore, in the above technical solution, a one-way valve is provided at the inlet of the auxiliary injection pipe, and the opening direction of the one-way valve is to guide the flow groove 11 from the outside of the pipe.
[0064] Specifically, the principle of this utility model is as follows:
[0065] Application of the siphon principle: The U-shaped siphon tube is a key component for automatic waste liquid collection. The siphon phenomenon utilizes the force of the liquid level difference. After filling an inverted U-shaped tubular structure with liquid, the higher end (the opening) is placed in a container filled with liquid. The liquid in the container will continuously flow out through the siphon tube from the lower opening. In this device, one end of the U-shaped siphon tube is sealed to the drain port of the V-shaped guide groove at the bottom of the culture container via a detachable connector, while the other end extends into the waste liquid collection tank located below the outside of the culture container. The highest point of the U-shaped siphon tube is lower than the lowest point of the V-shaped guide groove. When waste liquid is generated in the culture container and the liquid level is higher than the highest point of the U-shaped siphon tube, the siphon phenomenon occurs, and the waste liquid automatically flows into the waste liquid collection tank through the U-shaped siphon tube under the action of atmospheric pressure and the liquid level difference.
[0066] Culture Container Design Principles: V-shaped Flow Channel: The bottom of the culture container is designed with a V-shaped flow channel that slopes inwards towards the center. The inclined surface forms an angle of 15°-30° with the horizontal plane, and the channel surface is covered with a hydrophobic coating. This design allows the waste liquid inside the culture container to flow naturally to the lowest point of the V-shaped flow channel under gravity. The inclined angle ensures smooth flow of the waste liquid without causing excessive splashing due to excessive flow velocity. The hydrophobic coating further reduces waste liquid residue on the channel walls, improving waste liquid discharge efficiency and ensuring that as much waste liquid as possible is collected from the culture container, minimizing the impact of residue on subsequent culture.
[0067] Drainage port and filter screen: A drainage port is located at the lowest point of the V-shaped guide channel to connect to the U-shaped siphon tube for waste liquid discharge. A filter screen with a pore size smaller than the minimum size of the culture medium carrier is installed above the drainage port. This effectively prevents larger particles such as the culture medium carrier from entering the U-shaped siphon tube, avoiding blockage and ensuring smooth siphoning.
[0068] Auxiliary injection tube and one-way valve: The side wall of the culture container is equipped with an auxiliary injection tube that connects to the V-shaped flow channel. The outlet end of the auxiliary injection tube is higher than the lowest point of the V-shaped flow channel. The auxiliary injection tube is used to replenish liquids during the culture process, such as adding nutrients or pH-adjusting reagents. A one-way valve is installed at the tube opening. The one-way valve opens from the outside of the tube into the inside of the V-shaped flow channel. This prevents liquid in the culture container from flowing back through the auxiliary injection tube, ensuring the stability and safety of the culture environment.
Claims
1. A microbial culture and observation device, characterized by comprising: The utility model relates to a culture container with a siphon and a waste liquid collecting tank, which comprises: a culture container with a V-shaped flow guide groove at the bottom, the lowest point of the flow guide groove being provided with a liquid outlet; a U-shaped siphon connected to the liquid outlet through a detachable connector and extending into the waste liquid collecting tank outside the culture container; a waste liquid collecting tank arranged below the culture container and provided with a receiving port corresponding to the outlet end of the siphon at the top; the highest point of the siphon is lower than the horizontal plane of the lowest point of the flow guide groove, and the curved part of the siphon is connected to the sidewall of the culture container through a fixed support.
2. The device according to claim 1, wherein The angle between the inclined surface of the flow guide groove and the horizontal plane is 15°-30°, and the groove surface of the flow guide groove is covered with a hydrophobic coating.
3. The device of claim 2, wherein the device is a microscope. The detachable connector comprises an annular clamping groove embedded outside the liquid outlet and an elastic sealing ring arranged at the inlet end of the siphon, which is in interference fit with the annular clamping groove.
4. The device of claim 3, wherein the device further comprises a light source. The inner side of the curved part of the siphon is provided with an anti-backflow protrusion in the form of triangular ribs distributed along the circumference of the tube wall.
5. The device of claim 4, wherein the device further comprises a light source. The fixed support comprises an arc-shaped supporting plate fixed to the sidewall of the culture container and an elastic clamping piece arranged on the arc-shaped supporting plate, which covers the outer circumferential surface of the siphon.
6. The device of claim 5, wherein the device further comprises a light source. The waste liquid collecting tank is connected to the culture container through a slide rail, the extension direction of the slide rail is perpendicular to the inclined direction of the flow guide groove, the receiving port of the waste liquid collecting tank is provided with an openable splash-proof baffle, and the splash-proof baffle is hinged to the edge of the receiving port through a rotating shaft.
7. A device for culturing and observing microorganisms according to claim 6, characterized in that A filter screen is arranged above the liquid outlet of the flow guide groove.
8. A microbial culture and observation device according to claim 7, wherein The outlet end of the siphon is provided with an anti-backflow contraction port with a diameter less than 1 / 2 of the main tube diameter of the siphon.
9. A microbial culture and observation device according to claim 8, wherein The sidewall of the culture container is provided with an auxiliary liquid injection pipe in communication with the flow guide groove, and the outlet end of the auxiliary liquid injection pipe is higher than the lowest point of the flow guide groove.
10. The device of claim 9, wherein the device is a microscope. A one-way valve is arranged at the tube opening of the auxiliary liquid injection pipe, and the opening direction of the one-way valve is from the outside of the tube to the inside of the flow guide groove.