A fecal sample pre-treatment device

Abstract

A feces sample pretreatment device comprises a rotating disc assembly, a filter element assembly, and sample assemblies, transfer assemblies, filter element assemblies, liquid supplement assemblies, mixing assemblies and sampling assemblies arranged along the outer periphery of the rotating disc assembly in sequence; the rotating disc assembly is controllably rotated, and four groups of functional positions are defined along the rotation track of the rotating disc assembly; the functional positions are used to carry filter elements and sample containers containing feces samples, and correspond to loading positions, liquid supplement positions, mixing positions and sampling positions. The rotating disc assembly rotates to sequentially reach the loading position, the liquid supplement position, the mixing position and the sampling position, so as to perform actions such as opening, loading, liquid supplementing, mixing, adding filter elements and sampling at the corresponding functional positions, and the automatic extraction of supernatant is realized through parallel station design and collaborative operation of a mechanical arm, manual participation and direct contact are reduced, the processing speed is greatly improved, and the liquid level of each sample container tends to be consistent, thereby improving the stability of sample sampling quality.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of medical testing and sampling equipment technology, specifically to a fecal sample pretreatment device. Background Technology

[0002] Stool sample testing is one of the three routine clinical laboratory tests and is almost always a mandatory item in clinical physical examinations, with wide clinical applications. Especially for screening for cancers such as colorectal cancer, it generally requires extracting relevant DNA from the patient's stool for testing. The testing procedure is as follows: the collector places the stool sample into a stool sampling tube, which the patient then hands to the testing institution. Upon receiving the sampling tube, the institution opens it and uses a manual pipette to extract the supernatant from the stool sample, which is then placed into the testing equipment for analysis.

[0003] The procedure for removing fecal supernatant from a fecal sampling tube is as follows: manually open the fecal sampling tube; manually use a manual pipette with a disposable tip to extract the fecal supernatant from the sampling tube; manually place the fecal supernatant into a deep well plate; and manually close the sampling tube cap.

[0004] Due to the unique nature of stool sample collection, the standards for collection vary from person to person, making it difficult to extract the supernatant. Stool itself has a distinctive odor, and the extraction of the supernatant mainly relies on manual collection, which is inefficient and affects the physical and mental health of the operators. Utility Model Content

[0005] This application provides a fecal sample pretreatment device to improve the stability of sample collection quality.

[0006] According to one aspect of this application, one embodiment provides a fecal sample pretreatment device, comprising:

[0007] A turntable assembly that can be rotated controllably has four functional positions defined along its rotation trajectory. These functional positions are used to carry filter cartridges and sample containers containing fecal samples. The functional positions correspond to feeding position, liquid replenishment position, mixing position, and sampling position.

[0008] Sample component, used to store the sample container;

[0009] Filter cartridge assembly, used to store filter cartridges;

[0010] A transfer assembly, disposed between the sample assembly and the filter element assembly, is used to transfer the sample container from the sample assembly to the turntable assembly at the feeding position, and also to transfer the filter element from the filter element assembly to the turntable assembly at the feeding position;

[0011] A liquid replenishment assembly is used to detect the liquid level in the sample container at the liquid replenishment level and to open the sample container to replenish the preservation liquid;

[0012] A mixing component for mixing the fecal sample and preservation solution in the sample container at the mixing position;

[0013] A filter cartridge assembly is used to open the sample container at the sampling position and to grasp the filter cartridge and place it into the sample container to form a supernatant and a subturbid liquid within the sample container; and

[0014] A sampling assembly is used to aspirate the supernatant and transfer it to the corresponding deep well plate;

[0015] The sample assembly, transfer assembly, filter assembly, replenishment assembly, mixing assembly, and sampling assembly are arranged sequentially along the outer periphery of the turntable assembly.

[0016] In another embodiment, the turntable assembly includes a drive unit and a rotary disk, the rotary disk being driven to rotate by the drive unit, and the functional positions being evenly distributed circumferentially on the rotary disk to transfer the sample container and filter element to the corresponding workstations of each component.

[0017] In another embodiment, the functional position is located near the outer peripheral wall of the rotary table and includes a sample mounting base and a filter element mounting base.

[0018] In another embodiment, the turntable assembly further includes the telescopic member and a clamping member disposed at the operating end of the telescopic member. The telescopic member is installed independently of the turntable and is used to move the clamping member closer to or away from the sample container. The clamping member is used to clamp the sample container when the lid is opened.

[0019] In another embodiment, the telescopic member is located at the center of the rotary table, and two sets of clamping members are provided, with the two sets of clamping members always facing the liquid replenishment position and the sampling position respectively.

[0020] In another embodiment, the fluid replenishment assembly includes:

[0021] Fluid replenishment mounting bracket;

[0022] A fluid replenishment moving component is mounted on the fluid replenishment mounting bracket, and the operating end of the fluid replenishment moving component is capable of moving in three-dimensional space;

[0023] A liquid replenishment and cap opening component is disposed at the operating end of the liquid replenishment moving component and is used to open the sample container;

[0024] A detection component, disposed at the operating end of the liquid replenishment moving component, is used to detect the liquid level in the sample container; and

[0025] The liquid injection component is located at the operating end of the liquid replenishment moving component and is used to replenish the preservation liquid in the sample container to a set liquid level according to the liquid level height data.

[0026] The operating end of the fluid replenishment moving component has a waiting point and an operating point. The waiting point is located away from the rotary table, and the operating point is located at the fluid replenishment position. The fluid replenishment moving component is used to drive the fluid replenishment opening component and the fluid injection component to move between the waiting point and the operating point.

[0027] In another embodiment, the mixing component includes:

[0028] Mixing mounting frame;

[0029] A mixing moving component is disposed on the mixing mounting frame, and the operating end of the mixing moving component is capable of moving in three-dimensional space;

[0030] A clamping component, disposed at the operating end of the mixing moving component and used to clamp the sample container; and

[0031] A homogenizer is installed on the homogenizing mounting frame and is used to homogenize the sample container after liquid addition;

[0032] The operating end of the mixing moving component has a mixing point and a gripping point. The gripping point is located at the mixing position and the mixing point is located at the bearing end of the mixer. The mixing moving component is used to drive the clamping component and the sample container to move between the mixing point and the gripping point.

[0033] In another embodiment, the filter cartridge assembly includes:

[0034] A filter element mounting bracket is installed horizontally above the turntable assembly;

[0035] A filter cartridge moving component is provided on the filter cartridge mounting bracket, and the operating end of the filter cartridge moving component is capable of moving in three-dimensional space;

[0036] A sampling and opening component is disposed at the operating end of the filter cartridge moving component and is used to open the sample container; and

[0037] A filter cartridge feeding component is disposed at the operating end of the filter cartridge feeding moving component and is used to clamp the filter cartridge and place it into the sample container to form a supernatant and a turbid liquid in the sample container;

[0038] The operating end of the filter cartridge moving component has a waiting point and an operating point. The waiting point is located away from the rotary table, and the operating point is located at the sampling position. The filter cartridge moving component is used to drive the sampling opening component and the filter cartridge component to move between the waiting point and the operating point.

[0039] In another embodiment, the sampling component includes:

[0040] Sampling mounting frame;

[0041] A sampling moving component is disposed on the sampling mounting frame, and the operating end of the sampling moving component is movable in three-dimensional space; and

[0042] A pipette component is disposed at the operating end of the sampling moving component and is used to aspirate the supernatant;

[0043] The operating end of the sampling moving component includes a waiting point, a liquid taking point, and a liquid transfer point. The waiting point is located away from the rotary table, the liquid taking point is located at the sampling position, and the liquid transfer point is located at the deep hole plate. The sampling moving component is used to drive the sampling cap opening component and the filter cartridge adding component to move between the waiting point, the liquid taking point, and the liquid transfer point.

[0044] In another embodiment, an operating box is also included, which forms an operating space for installing fecal sample pretreatment equipment components. The operating box has an opening and a switch door for closing the opening. The sample components and the deep-well plate are arranged near the opening of the operating box.

[0045] According to the above embodiment, the fecal sample pretreatment equipment rotates a turntable assembly to sequentially reach the feeding position, liquid replenishment position, mixing position, and sampling position, thereby performing actions such as opening the lid, feeding, replenishing liquid, mixing, adding filter cartridges, and sampling at the corresponding functional positions. Through parallel station design and robotic arm collaborative operation, the supernatant is automatically extracted, reducing manual intervention and direct contact, and greatly improving the processing speed. The liquid replenishment assembly detects the liquid level and replenishes accordingly. Through automatic liquid replenishment and forced mixing, the supernatant acquisition rate is improved, ensuring that the liquid level in each sample container tends to be consistent, and improving the stability of sample quality. Attached Figure Description

[0046] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of a sampling tube using existing technology.

[0047] Figure 2 This is an overall diagram of a fecal sample pretreatment device in one embodiment;

[0048] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the components of a fecal sample pretreatment device in one embodiment.

[0049] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the turntable assembly in one embodiment;

[0050] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a sample component in one embodiment;

[0051] Figure 6This is a schematic diagram of the filter element assembly in one embodiment;

[0052] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the transfer component in one embodiment;

[0053] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the fluid replenishment component in one embodiment;

[0054] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the mixing component in one embodiment;

[0055] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the filter element assembly and the sampling assembly in one embodiment.

[0056] Figure label:

[0057] 1. Control box; 11. Mounting platform; 12. Mounting frame; 13. Housing; 14. Opening / closing door;

[0058] 2. Turntable assembly; 21. Drive component; 22. Rotary turntable; 23. Function position; 231. Sample mounting base; 232. Filter element mounting base; 24. Telescopic component; 25. Clamping component;

[0059] 3. Sample components; 31. Sample rack; 32. Sample container;

[0060] 4. Transfer assembly; 41. Loading station; 42. Mechanical base; 43. Robotic arm; 44. Robotic gripper;

[0061] 5. Filter element assembly; 51. Feeding frame; 52. Vibrator; 53. Flexible vibrating plate; 54. Feeding bin; 55. Observation device;

[0062] 6. Liquid replenishment assembly; 61. Liquid replenishment position; 62. Liquid replenishment mounting bracket; 63. Liquid replenishment moving parts; 64. Liquid replenishment cap opening parts; 65. Detection parts;

[0063] 7. Mixing assembly; 71. Mixing position; 72. Mixing mounting bracket; 73. Mixing moving part; 74. Clamping part; 75. Mixer; 76. Guide gripper; 77. Guide hole;

[0064] 8. Add filter cartridge assembly; 81. Add filter cartridge mounting bracket; 82. Add filter cartridge moving parts; 83. Sampling cap opening parts; 84. Add filter cartridge parts;

[0065] 9. Sampling assembly; 91. Sampling position; 92. Sampling mounting bracket; 93. Pipette components; 94. Deep well plate; 95. Pipette tip support bracket; 96. Sampling moving parts. Detailed Implementation

[0066] The present application will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. Similar elements in different embodiments are referred to by related similar element reference numerals. In the following embodiments, many details are described to facilitate a better understanding of the present application. However, those skilled in the art will readily recognize that some features may be omitted in different situations, or may be replaced by other elements, materials, or methods. In some cases, certain operations related to the present application are not shown or described in the specification. This is to avoid obscuring the core parts of the present application with excessive description. For those skilled in the art, detailed description of these related operations is not necessary; they can fully understand the related operations based on the description in the specification and general technical knowledge in the art.

[0067] Furthermore, the features, operations, or characteristics described in the specification can be combined in any suitable manner to form various embodiments, and the operational steps involved in each embodiment can also be rearranged or adjusted in a manner that is obvious to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the specification and drawings are only for clearly describing a particular embodiment and do not imply that they represent the necessary components and / or order.

[0068] The serial numbers assigned to components in this document, such as "first" and "second," are used only to distinguish the described objects and have no sequential or technical meaning. The terms "connection" and "linkage" used in this application, unless otherwise specified, include both direct and indirect connections (linkages).

[0069] Clinically, DNA needs to be extracted from the patient's stool for testing. The testing procedure is as follows: the collector places the stool sample into a stool sampling tube, and the patient then hands the stool sampling tube to the testing institution. Please refer to [the relevant documentation / reference]. Figure 1 The fecal sampling tube consists of a tube body and a screw-on cap. The lower layer inside the tube contains solid feces, and the upper layer contains supernatant. The procedure for the testing agency to remove the fecal supernatant from the fecal sampling tube after receiving it is as follows: manually open the cap of the fecal sampling tube; manually use a manual pipette with a disposable pipette tip to draw the fecal supernatant from the sampling tube; manually place the fecal supernatant into the deep well plate 94; manually close the cap of the sampling tube; and finally, place the fecal supernatant into the testing equipment for testing.

[0070] During the extraction of the supernatant, due to the unique characteristics of stool sample collection—inconsistent standards for each individual and the distinctive odor of stool itself—and the fact that supernatant extraction relies primarily on manual collection, the following problems arise:

[0071] 1. During the testing process, testing personnel may experience extremely uncomfortable physiological reactions, which may cause certain harm to their physical and mental health over time.

[0072] 2. The entire process is done manually, and manual sampling is slow;

[0073] 3. The feces in the incoming sampling tubes are of different shapes. For example, some tubes are full of feces and have no supernatant at all, making it impossible to draw out the supernatant. Some tubes have too low a liquid level or are even empty.

[0074] 4. Manual sampling is prone to errors, such as inconsistent sampling amounts or incorrect well placement.

[0075] This application provides a fecal sample pretreatment device that automatically feeds, replenishes, mixes, adds filters, and takes samples from incoming sampling tubes, ensuring uniform quality of incoming sampling tubes and improving the efficiency, accuracy, and stability of sample testing.

[0076] Please refer to Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 A fecal sample pretreatment device includes: a turntable assembly 2, which can be controllably rotated, and four functional positions 23 defined along the rotation trajectory of the turntable assembly 2. The functional positions 23 are used to hold filter cartridges and sample containers 32 containing fecal samples. The functional positions 23 correspond to a feeding position 41, a liquid replenishment position 61, a mixing position 71, and a sampling position 91; a sample assembly 3 for storing the sample containers 32; a filter cartridge assembly 5 for storing filter cartridges; and a transfer assembly 4 disposed between the sample assembly 3 and the filter cartridge assembly 5, used to transfer the sample containers 32 from the sample assembly 3 to the turntable assembly 2 at the feeding position 41, and also used to transfer the filter cartridges from the filter cartridge assembly 5 at the feeding position 41. The sample is moved to the turntable assembly 2; the replenishment assembly 6 is used to detect the liquid level in the sample container 32 at the replenishment position 61 and open the sample container 32 to replenish the preservation liquid; the mixing assembly 7 is used to mix the fecal sample and the preservation liquid in the sample container 32 at the mixing position 71; the filter cartridge assembly 8 is used to open the sample container 32 at the sampling position 91 and grab the filter cartridge to put it into the sample container 32 to form a supernatant and a turbid liquid in the sample container 32; and the sampling assembly 9 is used to aspirate the supernatant and transfer it to the deep well plate 94; the sample assembly 3, the transfer assembly 4, the filter cartridge assembly 5, the replenishment assembly 6, the mixing assembly 7 and the sampling assembly 9 are arranged sequentially along the outer periphery of the turntable assembly 2.

[0077] In this embodiment, the turntable assembly 2 rotates sequentially to the feeding position 41, the liquid replenishment position 61, the mixing position 71, and the sampling position 91, thereby performing actions such as opening the cap, feeding, replenishing liquid, mixing, adding filter cartridges, and sampling at the corresponding functional positions 23. Through parallel station design and collaborative operation of the robotic arm 43, the supernatant is automatically extracted, reducing manual intervention and direct contact, and greatly improving the processing speed. The liquid replenishment assembly 6 detects the liquid level and replenishes it accordingly. Through automatic liquid replenishment and forced mixing, the supernatant acquisition rate is improved, ensuring that the liquid level in each sample container 32 tends to be consistent, thus improving the consistency of the solution.

[0078] For further details, please refer to... Figure 2 and Figure 3 It also includes an operation box 1, which includes an installation platform 11, an installation frame 12, and a housing 13 that is fastened and fixed on the installation platform 11. The installation platform 11 is used to install various components of the equipment. The housing 13 and the installation platform 11 form an operating space for various components of the fecal sample pretreatment equipment. The housing 13 has an opening and a door 14 for closing the opening. The sample component 3 and the deep hole plate 94 are arranged near the opening of the operation box 1.

[0079] Please refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3 The control box 1 has a lifting door 14 at the front opening, and spare doors are provided on both sides and the rear of the control box 1. The control box 1 is equipped with a ventilation device at the top and a storage space at the bottom for placing the corresponding electrical and control equipment. The control box 1 is also equipped with casters and brakes to facilitate the overall transfer of the equipment.

[0080] In this embodiment, the entire extraction process of the fecal sample supernatant is kept in a relatively enclosed space to reduce the diffusion of irritating odors and improve air quality. The sample assembly 3 and the deep-hole plate 94, which need to be manually picked up and placed, are arranged near the opening of the operation box 1. The filter element assembly 5 is fed through the spare door to facilitate manual placement of the sample container 32, the deep-hole plate 94 and the filter element. Other components can also be inspected and replaced through the spare door, which is more in line with operating habits.

[0081] For further details, please refer to... Figure 3 and Figure 4 The turntable assembly 2 includes a drive unit 21 and a rotary table 22. The rotary table 22 is driven to rotate by the drive unit 21. Functional positions 23 are evenly distributed around the rotary table 22 to transfer the sample container 32 and the filter element to the corresponding work positions of each component.

[0082] In this embodiment, please refer to Figure 4 The drive unit 21 is a rotary motor, which is mounted and fixed to the bottom of the mounting platform 11 via a motor mount. The output end of the rotary motor passes through the mounting platform 11 and is fixed to the bottom of the rotary disk 22 to drive the rotary disk 22 to rotate along the axis. The flow rate is controlled by controlling the start and stop of the rotary motor and various parameters.

[0083] In this embodiment, please refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4Functional position 23 is located near the outer peripheral wall of rotary table 22 and includes a sample mounting base 231 and a filter element mounting base 232. The sample mounting base 231 and the filter element mounting base 232 are arranged sequentially along the rotation direction of rotary table 22. They cooperate with sample assembly 3 and filter element assembly 5 so that the transfer component 4, which is located between sample assembly 3 and filter element assembly 5, clamps the sample container 32 and the filter element to the corresponding position.

[0084] In this embodiment, please refer to Figure 4 The rotary disk 22 has a central opening, and a drive disk is provided at the output end of the rotary motor. The drive disk is arranged around the central opening of the rotary disk 22. The rotary motor drives the drive disk to rotate, thereby driving the rotary disk 22 to rotate.

[0085] For further details, please refer to... Figure 3 and Figure 4 The turntable assembly 2 also includes a telescopic member 24 and a clamping member 25 disposed at the operating end of the telescopic member 24. The telescopic member 24 is installed independently of the turntable 22 and is used to move the clamping member 25 closer to or away from the sample container 32. The clamping member 25 is used to clamp the sample container 32 when the lid is opened. The telescopic member 24 is located at the center of the turntable 22, and there are two sets of clamping members 25, and the two sets of clamping members 25 are always facing the liquid replenishment position 61 and the sampling position 91, respectively.

[0086] In this embodiment, the functional positions 23 such as the loading position 41, the liquid replenishment position 61, the mixing position 71, and the sampling position 91 are not fixed on the rotary table 22, but are located in positions corresponding to the functions of each process component. In other words, the positions of the loading position 41, the liquid replenishment position 61, the mixing position 71, and the sampling position 91 are relatively fixed to the installation platform 11. The four sets of sample containers 32 and filter elements on the rotary table 22 are always in any process position, and the sample containers 32 and filter elements can be transferred to the corresponding process positions by rotating the rotary table 22.

[0087] In this embodiment, the four sets of functional positions 23 on the rotary table 22 are evenly distributed. In other embodiments, the number and position of the functional positions 23 can be adaptively adjusted according to the component distribution corresponding to the process.

[0088] In this embodiment, please refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4The lower end of the telescopic component 24 is fixed to the motor base of the rotary motor through the center opening of the rotary table 22, that is, the telescopic component 24 is fixed relative to the mounting platform 11. The telescopic component 24 adopts an opening and closing motor, which has two telescopic platforms that can extend and retract in the horizontal direction and are parallel to the rotary table 22. The clamping component 25 is set at the front end of the telescopic platform, which includes a gripper and a clamping motor that controls the opening and closing of the gripper. The telescopic component 24 is relatively independent from the rotary table 22, so that the two sets of clamping components 25 are always facing the liquid replenishment position 61 and the sampling position 91 respectively. The gripper has a built-in torque sensor to fix the sample container 32 in this process, and cooperates with the liquid replenishment component 6 and the sampling component 9 to open the sample container 32.

[0089] For further details, please refer to... Figure 3 and Figure 5 The sample component 3 includes multiple sample racks 31, on which multiple sample containers 32 are evenly placed. In this embodiment, before the sample racks 31 are placed into the operation box 1, the corresponding identification codes are affixed to the sample containers 32. Other components of the device are equipped with barcode scanners to accurately identify the sample containers 32, greatly reducing errors.

[0090] For further details, please refer to... Figure 3 and Figure 6 The filter element assembly 5 includes a feeding frame 51, a vibrator 52, and a flexible vibrating plate 53. The upper end of the feeding frame 51 is a feeding bin 54. The upper end of the feeding bin 54 is equipped with an opening and closing door and a corresponding handle to facilitate the feeding of filter elements. The filter elements flow from the feeding bin 54 through the inclined surface of the feeding frame 51 into the flexible vibrating plate 53. The vibrator 52 drives the flexible vibrating plate 53 to vibrate and separate the filter elements, making the filter elements independent and easy to grasp.

[0091] In this embodiment, please refer to Figure 3 and Figure 6 An observation device 55 is horizontally mounted on the upper end of the flexible vibrating plate 53, with an observation lens covering the flexible vibrating plate 53, so as to identify the filter element and avoid missing the target.

[0092] For further details, please refer to... Figure 3 and Figure 7 The transfer component 4 includes a mechanical base 42, a mechanical arm 43 connected to the mechanical base 42, and a robotic gripper 44 located at the front end of the mechanical arm 43. The robotic gripper 44 has four gripping heads at its front end to facilitate gripping the sample container 32 and the filter element.

[0093] In this embodiment, the loading position 41 corresponds to the position of the transfer component 4. The end of the robotic arm 43 is equipped with a vision positioning lens, which works in conjunction with the corresponding barcode scanner to ensure gripping accuracy. The sample container 32 and sample rack 31 are manually placed in the position of the sample component 3. At the loading position 41, the robotic gripper 44 picks up a sampling tube from the sample rack 31 and places it on the sample mounting seat 231 of the rotary table 22. The robotic gripper 44 then picks up a filter element from the flexible vibrating plate 53 and places it on the filter element mounting seat 232 of the rotary table 22. The rotary table 22 rotates 90 degrees to reach the liquid replenishment position 61 for opening the lid, measuring distance, and replenishing the liquid.

[0094] For further details, please refer to... Figure 3 and Figure 8 The replenishment component 6 includes: a replenishment mounting bracket 62; a replenishment moving component 63, which is mounted on the replenishment mounting bracket 62 and whose operating end is movable in three-dimensional space; a replenishment opening component 64, which is mounted on the operating end of the replenishment moving component 63 and is used to open the sample container 32; a detection component 65, which is mounted on the operating end of the replenishment moving component 63 and is used to detect the liquid level in the sample container 32; and a liquid injection component, which is mounted on the operating end of the replenishment moving component 63 and is used to replenish the preservation liquid in the sample container 32 to a set liquid level according to the liquid level data.

[0095] In this embodiment, the operating end of the liquid replenishment moving component 63 has a waiting point and an operating point. The waiting point is set away from the rotary table 22, and the operating point is set at the liquid replenishment position 61. The liquid replenishment moving component 63 is used to drive the liquid replenishment opening component 64 and the liquid injection component to move between the waiting point and the operating point.

[0096] Please refer to Figure 3 and Figure 8 The replenishment mounting bracket 62 is fixed on the mounting platform 11. The replenishment moving component 63 includes a replenishment horizontal moving component and a replenishment vertical moving component. In this embodiment, the replenishment horizontal moving component is a lead screw module, and the replenishment vertical moving component is a replenishment lifting module. The replenishment lifting module is mounted on the slider of the lead screw module. The replenishment opening component 64 is located at the lifting end of the replenishment lifting module and includes a replenishment gripper and a rotating component that drives the replenishment gripper to rotate. Before operation, the replenishment moving component is at the waiting point. The lead screw module moves horizontally to move the replenishment opening component 64 above the sample container 32 at the replenishment position 61. The lifting module descends and clamps the lid of the sample container 32 through the replenishment gripper, thus reaching the operation point. It cooperates with the clamping component 25 of the replenishment position 61 to fix the sample container 32 tube body. The rotating component drives the replenishment gripper to rotate and open the sample container 32.

[0097] In this embodiment, the lead screw module of the liquid replenishment horizontal moving component can be a single-axis device. Simply align the liquid replenishment opening component 64 and the sample container 32 of the liquid replenishment position 61 on a straight line parallel to the lead screw module. Horizontal single-line movement will allow the liquid replenishment opening component 64 to be positioned directly above the sample container 32. In other embodiments, the liquid replenishment horizontal moving component and the liquid replenishment vertical moving component can be driven by a three-axis module.

[0098] In this embodiment, the detection component 65 uses an ultrasonic sensor, which is located on one side of the liquid replenishment and opening component 64. It works with the supplementary light and visual imaging device to detect the liquid level in the sample container 32. The liquid injection component can be connected to an external storage tank for the preservation liquid. The preservation liquid is injected into the sample container 32 through a peristaltic pump and a liquid tube. The liquid injection component is driven independently. After the sample container 32 is opened, the drive structure of the liquid injection component adjusts the injection head of the liquid tube to move to the upper end of the sample container 32 to inject the liquid.

[0099] In this embodiment, the liquid replenishment and cap opening component 64 unscrews the cap of the sample container 32, uses a vision system and an ultrasonic sensor to measure the liquid level in the sample container 32, and then injects a certain amount of preservation liquid into the sample container 32 through a peristaltic pump. After that, the cap is tightened, and the rotary table 22 rotates 90 degrees to reach the mixing position 71 for mixing.

[0100] For further details, please refer to... Figure 3 and Figure 9 The mixing assembly 7 includes: a mixing mounting frame 72; a mixing moving part 73 disposed on the mixing mounting frame 72, and the operating end of the mixing moving part 73 is movable in three-dimensional space; a clamping part 74 disposed on the operating end of the mixing moving part 73 and used to clamp the sample container 32; and a mixing instrument 75 disposed on the mixing mounting frame 72 and used to mix the sample container 32 after liquid addition.

[0101] In this embodiment, the operating end of the mixing moving component 73 has a mixing point and a gripping point. The gripping point is set at the mixing position 71, and the mixing point is set at the bearing end of the mixer 75. The mixing moving component 73 is used to drive the clamping component 74 and the sample container 32 to move between the mixing point and the gripping point.

[0102] Please refer to Figure 3 and Figure 9The mixing mounting frame 72 is fixed on the mounting platform 11. The mixing moving component 73 includes a horizontal mixing moving component and a vertical mixing moving component. In this embodiment, the horizontal mixing moving component is a lead screw module, and the vertical mixing moving component is a mixing lifting module. The mixing lifting module is mounted on the slider of the lead screw module. The clamping component 74 is located at the lifting end of the mixing lifting module and uses a gripper for clamping. Before operation, the mixing moving component is at the mixing point. The lead screw module moves horizontally to move the clamping component 74 above the sample container 32 at the mixing position 71. The mixing lifting module descends and clamps the sample container 32 through the clamping component 74, reaching the grasping point. The mixing moving component 73 grasps the sample container 32 to the mixing point, and the mixing lifting module drives the sample container 32 down to be placed into the mounting base of the mixing instrument 75.

[0103] In this embodiment, the lead screw module of the horizontal mixing component can be a device with a single axis. Simply align the clamping component 74 and the sample container 32 of the mixing position 71 on a straight line parallel to the lead screw module. A single horizontal movement will allow the clamping component 74 to be positioned directly above the sample container 32. In other embodiments, the horizontal mixing component and the vertical mixing component can be driven by a three-axis module.

[0104] For further details, please refer to... Figure 9 A guide gripper 76 is provided above the mixer 75. The guide gripper 76 is installed on the mixer mounting frame 72. A guide plate with a guide hole 77 is provided above the guide gripper 76. The sample container 32 descends from the mixing position 71, passes through the guide hole 77 and the guide gripper 76, and enters the mounting base of the mixer 75 for mixing. The guide hole 77 and the guide gripper 76 can fix the sample container 32, making it more stable when shaking during mixing.

[0105] In this embodiment, the gripper of the clamping component 74 picks up the sample container 32 and places it on the mixer 75. The mixer 75 mixes the sample container 32 for, for example, 30 seconds. After the mixing is finished, the clamping component 74 puts the sample container 32 back onto the sample container 32 mounting base corresponding to the mixing position 71 of the rotary table 22. The rotary table 22 rotates 90 degrees to reach the sampling position 91.

[0106] For further details, please refer to... Figure 3 and Figure 10 The filter cartridge assembly 8 includes: a filter cartridge mounting frame 81, horizontally positioned above the turntable assembly 2; a filter cartridge moving component 82, disposed on the filter cartridge mounting frame 81, and the operating end of the filter cartridge moving component 82 is movable in three-dimensional space; a sampling opening component 83, disposed on the operating end of the filter cartridge moving component 82, and used to open the sample container 32; and a filter cartridge component 84, disposed on the operating end of the filter cartridge moving component 82, and used to clamp the filter cartridge and place it into the sample container 32 to form a supernatant and a turbid liquid within the sample container 32.

[0107] In this embodiment, the operating end of the filter cartridge moving component 82 has a waiting point and an operating point. The waiting point is set away from the rotary table 22, and the operating point is set at the sampling position 91. The filter cartridge moving component 82 is used to drive the sampling opening component 83 and the filter cartridge component 84 to move between the waiting point and the operating point.

[0108] Please refer to Figure 3 and Figure 10 The filter element mounting base 232 is fixed on the mounting platform 11, and the filter element moving component 82 adopts a three-axis moving module. The horizontal moving module is horizontally arranged above the rotary table 22, and two sets of vertical lifting modules are arranged side by side, which are used to install the sampling cap opening component 83 and the filter element adding component 84 respectively. The sampling cap opening component 83 has the same structure as the liquid adding cap opening component, and the filter element adding component 84 has the same structure as the clamping component 74, so as to facilitate opening the cap and adding the filter element before sampling.

[0109] In this embodiment, before opening the lid, the filter cartridge moving component 82 is at the waiting point. The filter cartridge moving component 82 moves, causing the sampling lid opening component 83 to move so that the lid opening component reaches above the sample container 32 and descends. The lid is opened by clamping and rotating the lid by the lid opening component. The filter cartridge moving component 82 moves horizontally, causing the filter cartridge moving component 84 to reach above the filter cartridge mounting base 232 of the sampling position 91 and descends. The front end gripper of the filter cartridge moving component 84 grabs the filter cartridge. The filter cartridge moving component 82 continues to move until the filter cartridge reaches above the sample container 32 and descends, placing the filter cartridge into the sample container 32. The filter cartridge in the sample container 32 separates the sample into the lower turbid liquid and the supernatant liquid. That is, the filter cartridge moving component 82 moves horizontally at the operation point to perform operations such as opening the lid, clamping the filter cartridge, and placing the filter cartridge.

[0110] For further details, please refer to... Figure 3 and Figure 10 The sampling assembly 9 includes: a sampling mounting frame 92; a sampling moving part 96 disposed on the sampling mounting frame 92, and the operating end of the sampling moving part 96 is movable in three-dimensional space; and a pipette part 93 disposed on the operating end of the sampling moving part 96 and used to aspirate the supernatant.

[0111] In this embodiment, the operating end of the sampling moving component 96 includes a waiting point, a liquid taking point, and a liquid transfer point. The waiting point is located away from the rotary table 22, the liquid taking point is located at the sampling position 91, and the liquid transfer point is located at the deep hole plate 94. The sampling moving component 96 is used to drive the sampling opening component 83 and the filter element adding component 84 to move between the waiting point, the liquid taking point, and the liquid transfer point.

[0112] Please refer to Figure 3 and Figure 10The sampling mounting base is fixed on the mounting platform 11, and the sampling moving part 96 adopts a three-axis moving module. The pipette part 93 is set on the lifting module. In this embodiment, the deep hole plate 94 and the disposable pipette tip support frame 95 are set below the sampling mounting base, which makes it easier for the sampling moving part 96 to complete operations such as aspirating pipette tips, aspirating liquid, pipetting liquid, and removing pipette tips in a limited space.

[0113] In this embodiment, before sampling, the sampling moving component 96 is at the waiting point, which is set above the pipette tip support frame 95. The pipette component 93 descends to pick up a disposable pipette tip, and then the sampling moving component 96 moves the pipette tip to the sample container 32 at the sampling position 91 and lowers it, so that the pipette tip extends into the sample container 32 to pick up the supernatant. That is, the sampling moving component 96 is at the sampling position 91. The sampling moving component 96 rises and moves, moving the pipette tip to the position of the deep well plate 94 and descending, and then puts the supernatant into the deep well plate 94. That is, the sampling moving component 96 is at the pipetting position. After sampling is completed, the filter cartridge assembly 8 tightens the cap of the sample container 32 through the cap opening assembly. The rotary table 22 continues to rotate, rotating 90 degrees back to the loading position 41. The transfer assembly 4 then clamps the sample container 32 that has been sampled back to the loading position 41 and clamps the sample container 32 that has not been sampled to the loading position 41.

[0114] In this embodiment, the pretreatment equipment is fully automated through a control system. The sample container 32 is a sampling tube with an identification code on its wall. Each component (each process) of the pretreatment equipment is equipped with a barcode scanner. While realizing the automatic extraction of the supernatant from the fecal sampling tube, it also has functions such as opening the cap, scanning the code, replenishing the liquid, mixing, adding the filter element, and sampling. Furthermore, it avoids errors caused by manual operation and ensures the stability of the sampling quality.

[0115] The sample pretreatment device disclosed in this application, after testing, has the following advantages compared to previous manual operations: Increased sampling speed: Manual extraction of supernatant from sampling tubes can complete 50 samples per hour, while the device can extract 100 samples per hour. Reduced errors: Manually injecting supernatant into the deep well plate 94 after aspirating it with a pipette is prone to misplacement, while the automated device places it according to a predetermined program, avoiding errors throughout the process. Uneven supernatant volume in different sampling tubes during manual aspiration: This embodiment, by replenishing the supernatant at different liquid levels, ensures a more consistent volume of supernatant collected in each sampling tube.

[0116] The above-described specific examples are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of this invention. Those skilled in the art to which this invention pertains can make various simple deductions, modifications, or substitutions based on the concept of this invention.

Claims

1. A faecal sample pre-treatment apparatus, characterised in that, include: A turntable assembly (2) is controllably rotated. Four functional positions (23) are defined along the rotation trajectory of the turntable assembly (2). The functional positions (23) are used to carry the filter element and the sample container (32) containing the fecal sample. The functional positions (23) correspond to the feeding position (41), the liquid replenishment position (61), the mixing position (71), and the sampling position (91). Sample component (3) for storing the sample container (32); Filter element assembly (5), used to store filter elements; A transfer component (4) is disposed between the sample component (3) and the filter element component (5) for transferring the sample container (32) from the sample component (3) to the turntable component (2) at the loading position (41), and also for transferring the filter element from the filter element component (5) to the turntable component (2) at the loading position (41). The liquid replenishment assembly (6) is used to detect the liquid level in the sample container (32) at the liquid replenishment position (61) and open the sample container (32) to replenish the preservation liquid; A mixing component (7) is used to mix the fecal sample and the preservation solution in the sample container (32) at the mixing position (71); Add a filter cartridge assembly (8) to open the sample container (32) at the sampling position (91) and grab the filter cartridge and put it into the sample container (32) to form a supernatant and a turbid liquid in the sample container (32); as well as The sampling component (9) is used to aspirate the supernatant and transfer it to the corresponding deep well plate (94); The sample assembly (3), transfer assembly (4), filter assembly (5), replenishment assembly (6), mixing assembly (7) and sampling assembly (9) are arranged sequentially along the outer periphery of the turntable assembly (2).

2. The fecal sample pretreatment device of claim 1, wherein The turntable assembly (2) includes a drive unit (21) and a rotary table (22). The rotary table (22) is driven to rotate by the drive unit (21). The functional positions (23) are evenly distributed circumferentially on the rotary table (22) to transfer the sample container (32) and the filter element to the corresponding work positions of each component.

3. The fecal sample pretreatment device of claim 2, wherein The functional position (23) is located near the outer peripheral wall of the rotary table (22) and includes a sample mounting base (231) and a filter element mounting base (232).

4. The fecal sample pretreatment device of claim 2, wherein The turntable assembly (2) also includes a telescopic component (24) and a clamping component (25) disposed at the operating end of the telescopic component (24). The telescopic component (24) is installed independently from the turntable (22) and is used to drive the clamping component (25) closer to or away from the sample container (32). The clamping component (25) is used to clamp the sample container (32) when the lid is opened.

5. The fecal sample pretreatment device of claim 4, wherein The telescopic component (24) is located at the center of the rotary table (22), and two sets of clamping components (25) are provided, with the two sets of clamping components (25) always facing the replenishment position (61) and the sampling position (91) respectively.

6. The fecal sample pretreatment device of claim 5, wherein The fluid replenishment component (6) includes: Fluid replenishment mounting bracket (62); A fluid replenishment moving component (63) is disposed on the fluid replenishment mounting bracket (62), and the operating end of the fluid replenishment moving component (63) is capable of moving in three-dimensional space; A liquid replenishment opening component (64) is disposed at the operating end of the liquid replenishment moving component (63) and is used to open the sample container (32); A detection component (65) is disposed at the operating end of the liquid replenishment moving component (63) and is used to detect the liquid level in the sample container (32); and The liquid injection component is located at the operating end of the liquid replenishment moving component (63) and is used to replenish the preservation liquid in the sample container (32) to the set liquid level according to the liquid level height data; The operation end of the fluid replenishment moving component (63) has a waiting point and an operation point. The waiting point is located away from the rotary table (22), and the operation point is located at the fluid replenishment position (61). The fluid replenishment moving component (63) is used to drive the fluid replenishment opening component (64) and the fluid injection component to move between the waiting point and the operation point.

7. The fecal sample pretreatment device of claim 2, wherein, The mixing component (7) includes: Mixing mounting bracket (72); A mixing moving component (73) is disposed on the mixing mounting frame (72), and the operating end of the mixing moving component (73) is capable of moving in three-dimensional space; A clamping component (74) is disposed at the operating end of the mixing moving component (73) and is used to clamp the sample container (32); and A mixer (75) is installed on the mixing mounting frame (72) and is used to mix the sample container (32) after liquid addition; The operating end of the mixing moving component (73) has a mixing point and a gripping point. The gripping point is located at the mixing position (71), and the mixing point is located at the bearing end of the mixer (75). The mixing moving component (73) is used to drive the clamping component (74) and the sample container (32) to move between the mixing point and the gripping point.

8. The fecal sample pretreatment device of claim 5, wherein, The filter cartridge assembly (8) includes: A filter element mounting bracket (81) is horizontally positioned above the turntable assembly (2); A filter cartridge moving component (82) is provided on the filter cartridge mounting bracket (81), and the operating end of the filter cartridge moving component (82) is capable of moving in three-dimensional space; A sampling opening component (83) is disposed at the operating end of the filter cartridge moving component (82) and is used to open the sample container (32); and A filter cartridge addition component (84) is provided at the operating end of the filter cartridge addition moving component (82) and is used to clamp the filter cartridge and place it into the sample container (32) to form a supernatant and a turbid liquid in the sample container (32); The operating end of the filter cartridge moving component (82) has a waiting point and an operating point. The waiting point is located away from the rotary table (22), and the operating point is located at the sampling position (91). The filter cartridge moving component (82) is used to drive the sampling opening component (83) and the filter cartridge component (84) to move between the waiting point and the operating point.

9. The fecal sample pretreatment device of claim 8, wherein, The sampling component (9) includes: Sampling mounting bracket (92); A sampling moving component (96) is disposed on the sampling mounting frame (92), and the operating end of the sampling moving component (96) is movable in three-dimensional space; and A pipette component (93) is disposed at the operating end of the sampling moving component (96) and is used to aspirate the supernatant; The operating end of the sampling moving component (96) includes a waiting point, a liquid taking point, and a liquid transfer point. The waiting point is located away from the rotary table (22), the liquid taking point is located at the sampling position (91), and the liquid transfer point is located at the deep hole plate (94). The sampling moving component (96) is used to drive the sampling opening component (83) and the filter cartridge adding component (84) to move between the waiting point, the liquid taking point, and the liquid transfer point.

10. The fecal sample pretreatment device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, It also includes an operating box (1), which forms an operating space for installing the components of the fecal sample pretreatment equipment. The operating box (1) has an opening and a switch door (14) for closing the opening. The sample component (3) and the deep hole plate (94) are arranged near the opening of the operating box (1).

Images