A depth sampler for soil microbial samples

Abstract

This utility model relates to the field of soil sampling technology, and in particular to a fixed-depth sampler for soil microbial samples. It includes a fixed frame with an outer cylinder fixedly installed in the middle of the frame, and an inner cylinder detachably installed inside the outer cylinder. By designing a detachable inner cylinder structure, the inner cylinder can be completely removed after sampling and directly used as a sealed sample storage container for testing. This avoids the need to push or transfer soil from the sampler in traditional sampling methods, effectively preventing cross-contamination of microbial samples by the external environment, maximizing the preservation of the original soil structure, microbial community composition, and physiological activity, and improving the accuracy and reliability of subsequent molecular biological testing. Furthermore, because the outer and inner cylinders adopt a detachable modular design, only the inner cylinder needs to be replaced each time sampling, making operation simpler and faster. It is suitable for multi-point sampling in the field, improving on-site work efficiency.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of soil sampling technology, and in particular to a fixed-depth sampler for soil microbial samples. Background Technology

[0002] Soil microorganisms are an important component of biodiversity in terrestrial ecosystems, playing a crucial role in nutrient cycling, organic matter decomposition, pollutant degradation, and plant health. Research on the structure and function of soil microbial communities relies on the collection of high-quality, representative soil samples. Among these, fixed-depth sampling is a key step in ensuring the accuracy of vertical distribution information of samples. Especially when studying rhizosphere microorganisms, the gradient distribution of soil profile microorganisms, or the migration patterns of contaminant layers, it is essential to avoid cross-contamination between soil layers at different depths.

[0003] Patent CN209927508U discloses a soil microbial sample collection tool. The device includes a sampling tube with two tapered guides on the outside. A load-bearing component is connected to the top of the guides, allowing the device to be driven into the soil by hammering. Inside the sampling tube is a sliding sampling plate connected to a top handle via a connecting rod. During penetration, soil enters the sampling tube and pushes the sampling plate upwards. After sampling, the device is pulled out, and the soil sample is pushed out of the sampling tube by pressing down the handle. However, this device has some shortcomings in practical application. After sampling, the soil usually needs to be pushed out of the sampling tube or transferred to a storage container. This process easily introduces external contamination or reduces microbial activity, affecting the original state of the sample. Furthermore, the device is an integral sampling structure without modular design. After each sampling, the inner wall of the sampling tube and the sampling plate must be thoroughly cleaned before it can be used for the next sampling point, which is not only time-consuming and labor-intensive but also leads to low efficiency in field operations.

[0004] Therefore, there is an urgent need to provide a replaceable sampling inner cylinder, which can enable a fixed-depth sampler for soil microbial samples to be collected without pollution and with high efficiency. Utility Model Content

[0005] To overcome the shortcomings of existing soil sampling devices, such as the need for secondary transfer of microbial samples after sampling, susceptibility to cross-contamination, lack of modular design, and the need for thorough cleaning of the inner wall of the sampling tube and sampling plate after each sampling, which leads to low efficiency in field operations, this utility model provides a replaceable sampling inner tube, thereby enabling a fixed-depth sampler for soil microbial samples that achieves pollution-free and efficient sampling.

[0006] To address the aforementioned issues, this utility model employs the following technical solution: a soil microbial sampler for fixed-depth sampling, comprising a fixed frame, an outer cylinder fixedly mounted in the middle of the fixed frame, an inner cylinder detachably disposed inside the outer cylinder, a fixed block fixedly connected to the top of the inner cylinder, slots formed on both sides of the fixed block, mounting seats fixedly connected to both sides of the fixed frame, a first sliding rod slidably disposed on the mounting seat, a locking block fixedly connected to one end of the first sliding rod facing the fixed block, a first elastic element sleeved on the first sliding rod, and both ends of the first elastic element fixedly connected to the mounting seat and the locking block respectively.

[0007] Furthermore, it is particularly preferred that the bottom of the outer cylinder has a conical structure.

[0008] Furthermore, it is particularly preferred that the card block has inclined guide structures on both sides.

[0009] Furthermore, it is particularly preferred that a limiting plate is fixedly connected to the inner side of the fixing frame, a sliding plate is slidably provided on the limiting plate, a plurality of sets of insertion holes are evenly spaced along the height direction on the sliding plate, an annular positioning plate is fixedly connected to the bottom of the sliding plate, the annular positioning plate is sleeved on the outside of the outer cylinder, a mounting frame is fixedly connected to the outer side of the fixing frame, a second sliding rod is slidably provided on the mounting frame, a plug rod is fixedly connected to one end of the second sliding rod near the sliding plate, a second elastic element is sleeved on the second sliding rod, and the two ends of the second elastic element are fixedly connected to the plug rod and the mounting frame respectively.

[0010] Furthermore, it is particularly preferred that the fixing frame is provided with anti-slip grips on both outer sides.

[0011] Furthermore, it is particularly preferred that the end of the second slide bar away from the insertion rod is fixedly connected to a connecting ring.

[0012] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following technical effects: 1. By setting a detachable inner cylinder structure, the inner cylinder can be taken out as a whole after sampling and directly used as a sample storage container for sealed testing. This avoids the operation of pushing or transferring soil out of the sampler in the traditional sampling method, effectively preventing cross-contamination of microbial samples by the external environment, maximizing the preservation of the original soil structure, microbial community composition and physiological activity, and improving the accuracy and reliability of subsequent molecular biological detection. In addition, since the outer cylinder and inner cylinder adopt a detachable modular design, only the inner cylinder needs to be replaced each time sampling, making the operation simpler and faster. It is suitable for multi-point sampling in the field and improves the efficiency of on-site operations.

[0013] 2. By setting an adjustable ring positioning plate structure, and with multiple depth level holes on the sliding plate, different sampling depths can be preset according to research needs. During the penetration process, the ring positioning plate contacts the soil surface to form a mechanical stop, effectively limiting the penetration depth of the sampler, ensuring that each sample comes from the target soil layer, avoiding mixing between upper and lower layers, and ensuring the vertical representativeness of the sample. Attached Figure Description

[0014] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the present invention.

[0015] Figure 2 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the fixing frame and outer cylinder of this utility model.

[0016] Figure 3 This is a three-dimensional sectional view of the inner cylinder, fixing block, and mounting base of this utility model.

[0017] Figure 4 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the limiting plate, sliding plate, and annular positioning plate of this utility model.

[0018] Figure 5 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the components of this utility model, including the fixing frame, anti-slip grip, and connecting ring.

[0019] In the attached diagrams: 1: Fixing frame, 2: Outer cylinder, 3: Inner cylinder, 4: Fixing block, 5: Mounting base, 6: First sliding rod, 7: Locking block, 8: First elastic element, 9: Limiting plate, 10: Sliding plate, 11: Ring-shaped positioning plate, 12: Mounting frame, 13: Second sliding rod, 14: Insert rod, 15: Second elastic element, 16: Anti-slip grip, 17: Connecting ring. Detailed Implementation

[0020] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present utility model.

[0021] Example 1: Please refer to Figures 1-3A soil microbial sampler for fixed-depth sampling includes a frame 1, an outer cylinder 2 fixedly mounted in the middle of the frame 1, the bottom of the outer cylinder 2 having a conical structure to facilitate smooth penetration into the soil, reduce sampling resistance, and help maintain the verticality of the sampling direction. An inner cylinder 3 is detachably installed inside the outer cylinder 2, and a fixing block 4 is fixedly connected to the top of the inner cylinder 3. The fixing block 4 has slots on its left and right sides. Mounting seats 5 are fixedly connected to both sides of the frame 1, and a first sliding rod 6 is slidably mounted on the mounting seat 5, the first sliding rod 6 facing the fixing block 4. A locking block 7 is fixedly connected to the end of the inner cylinder 3. The locking block 7 is adapted to the slot of the fixing block 4 to achieve axial limiting and fixing of the inner cylinder 3. In addition, the locking block 7 has inclined guide structures on both the front and rear sides. When the fixing block 4 is inserted, its side wall contacts the inclined surface of the locking block 7 and generates a radial force, which pushes the first slide rod 6 to slide outward against the elastic force of the first elastic element 8, thereby achieving automatic repositioning. The first slide rod 6 is fitted with the first elastic element 8. The left and right ends of the first elastic element 8 are fixedly connected to the mounting base 5 and the locking block 7 respectively, thereby providing the locking block 7 with a reset elastic force towards the fixing block 4.

[0022] Before use, the clean inner cylinder 3 is inserted into the outer cylinder 2. The fixing block 4 at the top moves upward synchronously with the inner cylinder 3. When the fixing block 4 reaches the position of the locking block 7, the side wall of the fixing block 4 contacts the inclined surface of the locking block 7, generating a radial thrust. This forces the first sliding rod 6 to overcome the elastic force of the first elastic element 8 and slide outward, causing the locking block 7 to temporarily exit the movement path of the fixing block 4. When the fixing block 4 continues to rise to the predetermined position and its slot aligns with the two locking blocks 7 on both sides, the first elastic element 8 releases its stored energy, driving the locking block 7 to reset inward and lock into the slot, thereby firmly locking the inner cylinder 3 inside the outer cylinder 2 to prevent loosening or falling off during sampling. The assembled sampler is then vertically pressed or hammered into the target soil layer. The conical structure at the bottom of the outer cylinder 2 effectively reduces the penetration resistance and guides the sampler. The soil sample enters the inner cylinder 3 from the bottom of the outer cylinder 2 along a straight line to a predetermined depth, achieving fixed-depth sampling. After sampling, the fixing block 4 at the top of the inner cylinder 3 is pressed down, causing the fixing block 4 to move further down and squeeze the inclined surface of the locking block 7, forcing the first sliding rod 6 to move outward again, compressing the first elastic element 8, causing the locking block 7 to disengage from the slot, releasing the axial constraint on the inner cylinder 3. At this time, the inner cylinder 3 can be removed from the outer cylinder 2 as a whole and used as a sample storage container. After removal, it can be directly sealed and sent for testing, avoiding cross-contamination or loss of microbial activity caused by the need to transfer samples after traditional sampling. After removing the sampled inner cylinder 3, a new clean inner cylinder 3 can be reinserted into the outer cylinder 2, and the above automatic locking process can be repeated to achieve rapid replacement, which is suitable for continuous sampling operations at multiple points and depths.

[0023] Example 2: Based on Example 1, please refer to... Figure 4 and Figure 5The fixed frame 1 has a limiting plate 9 fixedly attached to its inner side. A sliding plate 10 is slidably mounted on the limiting plate 9. The sliding plate 10 has six sets of insertion holes evenly spaced along its height, each set corresponding to a different sampling depth level. These holes are arranged from bottom to top, with the insertion depth decreasing sequentially to achieve multi-level depth control. A ring-shaped positioning plate 11 is fixedly attached to the bottom of the sliding plate 10. The ring-shaped positioning plate 11 is sleeved on the outside of the outer cylinder 2 and is used to contact the ground surface when penetrating the soil, thereby limiting the overall penetration depth of the sampler and ensuring the accuracy of the sampling position. A mounting frame 12 is fixedly attached to the outer side of the fixed frame 1. A second sliding rod 13 is slidably mounted on the mounting frame 12, with symmetrically distributed left and right sides. An insertion rod is fixedly attached to one end of the second sliding rod 13 near the sliding plate 10. 14. The insertion rod 14 is adapted to and can be selectively inserted into any set of insertion holes on the sliding plate 10 to achieve position locking of the sliding plate 10 and the annular positioning plate. A second elastic element 15 is sleeved on the second slide rod 13. The front and rear ends of the second elastic element 15 are fixedly connected to the insertion rod 14 and the mounting bracket 12 respectively, providing an elastic pre-tightening force to automatically reset the insertion rod 14 and insert it into the insertion hole. Anti-slip grips 16 are provided on both the left and right sides of the outside of the fixing bracket 1. The surface of the anti-slip grips 16 is provided with anti-slip texture or elastic covering layer to facilitate the operator to hold it firmly. The ends of the two second slide rods 13 away from the insertion rod 14 are fixedly connected to a connecting ring 17, which facilitates the operator to simultaneously disengage the two insertion rods 14 by a single pull, improving the convenience and reliability of operation.

[0024] When using this device for sampling at different depths, select the corresponding socket position according to the target sampling depth. During operation, hold the non-slip handle 16 with both hands and pull the connecting ring 17 outwards. This will cause the two second sliding rods 13 to move backwards synchronously, allowing the insertion rod 14 to overcome the elastic force of the second elastic element 15 and disengage from the current socket. Then, manually adjust the sliding plate 10 downwards along the sliding direction of the limiting plate 9, causing the annular positioning plate to move down to the required height, aligning the insertion rod 14 with the target socket position. After releasing the connecting ring 17, under the restoring force of the second elastic element 15, the insertion rod 14 will automatically move forward and engage with the corresponding socket. After the sliding plate 10 and the annular positioning plate are locked in place, the annular positioning plate is located at a predetermined distance below the outer cylinder 2. When the sampler penetrates the soil vertically, as the outer cylinder 2 continues to penetrate deeper, the annular positioning plate eventually contacts the soil surface, forming a mechanical stop to prevent the device from sinking further, thereby accurately controlling the sampling depth. This design can effectively avoid sampling depth deviation caused by uneven operating force or differences in soil hardness. In addition, the six sets of insertion holes are arranged from bottom to top in descending order of depth, which makes it easy for users to quickly switch gears according to actual needs and meet the needs of complex scenarios such as stratified sampling and gradient research.

[0025] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this utility model, but the protection scope of this utility model is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in this utility model should be included within the protection scope of this utility model. Therefore, the protection scope of this utility model should be determined by the protection scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A soil microbial sampler for fixed-depth sampling, comprising a fixed frame (1), wherein an outer cylinder (2) is fixedly installed in the middle of the fixed frame (1), characterized in that, The outer cylinder (2) is detachably provided with an inner cylinder (3). A fixing block (4) is fixedly connected to the top of the inner cylinder (3). The fixing block (4) has slots on both sides. Mounting seats (5) are fixedly connected to both sides of the fixing frame (1). A first sliding rod (6) is slidably provided on the mounting seat (5). A locking block (7) is fixedly connected to one end of the first sliding rod (6) facing the fixing block (4). A first elastic element (8) is sleeved on the first sliding rod (6). The two ends of the first elastic element (8) are fixedly connected to the mounting seat (5) and the locking block (7) respectively.

2. The soil microbial sampler of claim 1, characterized in that, The bottom of the outer cylinder (2) has a conical structure.

3. A depth sampler for soil microorganisms as claimed in claim 2, wherein, Both sides of the card block (7) are provided with inclined guide structures.

4. The soil microbial sampler at a fixed depth as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The inner side of the fixed frame (1) is fixedly connected to a limiting plate (9), and a sliding plate (10) is slidably provided on the limiting plate (9). The sliding plate (10) has multiple sets of insertion holes evenly spaced along the height direction. A ring-shaped positioning plate (11) is fixedly connected to the bottom of the sliding plate (10). The ring-shaped positioning plate (11) is sleeved on the outside of the outer cylinder (2). A mounting frame (12) is fixedly connected to the outside of the fixed frame (1). A second sliding rod (13) is symmetrically distributed on the mounting frame (12). A plug rod (14) is fixedly connected to one end of the second sliding rod (13) near the sliding plate (10). A second elastic element (15) is sleeved on the second sliding rod (13). The two ends of the second elastic element (15) are fixedly connected to the plug rod (14) and the mounting frame (12) respectively.

5. A soil microbial sampler at a fixed depth as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The fixing frame (1) is provided with anti-slip grips (16) on both sides of its exterior.

6. A depth sampler for soil microorganisms samples as claimed in claim 5, wherein, The second slide bar (13) has a connecting ring (17) fixedly connected to the end away from the insert bar (14).

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