A time-lapse incubation device

Abstract

The utility model relates to cultivating equipment technical field especially relates to a time difference culture device. The device includes control host computer, environmental control unit, imaging acquisition unit, identification unit and rotation unit, and the rotating disc of rotation unit has a plurality of independent culture cabin peripherally, and imaging acquisition unit is opposite to one independent culture cabin, and the bottom and hatch of independent culture cabin are provided with lower heating glass and upper heating glass respectively, and identification unit is opposite to the identification label on the culture dish in independent culture cabin. The time difference culture device is adopted, and the position of independent culture cabin is moved through rotation unit, and RFID label identification and image acquisition are carried out in the rotation process, and stable culture environment is provided for culture, realizes dynamic monitoring sample development whole process, maintains culture environment stability to the maximum, and protects sample development.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of culture equipment technology, and in particular to a time difference culture device. Background Technology

[0002] Existing culture devices include fixed culture (fixed cabinet structure), rotary culture, or time-of-flight devices. Fixed culture devices suffer from fluctuations in the internal culture environment due to frequent opening. Rotary culture devices avoid this problem. For example, patent application number 2023116506578 discloses a sealing device and a rotary culture box with a sealing device. Before opening the sampling sealing door, the current pull-out fan-shaped storage tray is sealed and isolated from other pull-out fan-shaped storage trays, and heated by a channel heating mechanism to avoid the impact of the external environment on the sample when the sampling sealing door is opened. However, it is still necessary to pull out the fan-shaped storage tray and take out the corresponding culture dish for sample observation. It is impossible to dynamically and actually detect the entire process of sample development. Although partitioning is performed, the whole is still in the same environment, and true independence is not achieved, resulting in poor culture environment stability. Utility Model Content

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to provide a time-difference culture device to solve the above-mentioned technical problems.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides a time difference culture device, including a control host, an environmental control unit, an imaging acquisition unit, an identification unit, and a rotating unit. The rotating unit has several independent culture chambers distributed circumferentially on its turntable. The imaging acquisition unit is positioned opposite to one of the independent culture chambers, and the identification unit is positioned opposite to the identification label on the culture dish inside the independent culture chamber. The bottom and the cover of the independent culture chamber are respectively provided with a lower heating glass and an upper heating glass. The environmental control unit, imaging acquisition unit, recognition unit, and rotation unit are all electrically connected to the control host.

[0005] Preferably, the environmental control unit includes a temperature control module and a concentration control module.

[0006] Preferably, the temperature control module includes a cover temperature control unit, a culture chamber temperature control unit, an upper heating glass, and a lower heating glass. The upper heating glass and the lower heating glass are respectively installed inside the cover and in the independent culture chamber. A temperature sensor is installed in the independent culture chamber. The upper heating glass and the lower heating glass are electrically connected to the cover temperature control unit and the culture chamber temperature control unit, respectively. The temperature sensor, the cover temperature control unit, and the culture chamber temperature control unit are all electrically connected to the control host.

[0007] Preferably, the concentration control module includes an air intake control component, a detection component, a fan pump, and an air distribution block; The air intake control assembly includes an intake solenoid valve installed on four intake pipes and an outlet solenoid valve installed on an outlet pipe. The four intake pipes are connected to an air source, an oxygen source, a carbon dioxide source, and a nitrogen source, respectively. All four intake pipes and the outlet pipe are connected to a mixing chamber. A detection assembly and a fan pump are installed on the outlet pipe. The detection assembly includes sensors for detecting oxygen and carbon dioxide concentrations. A circulation solenoid valve is installed on the gas supply pipe between the mixing chamber and the fan pump. An output solenoid valve is installed on the gas supply pipe between the gas distribution block and the fan pump. The outlet of the gas distribution block is connected to the vent of the independent culture chamber.

[0008] Preferably, the rotating unit includes a first base installed inside the housing of the control host, a rotary motor with a position encoder is mounted on the first base, and a turntable is mounted on the output shaft of the rotary motor; Both the position encoder and the rotary motor are electrically connected to the control host.

[0009] Preferably, the turntable is provided with a rotating connecting part, a weight-reducing part, and a mounting part from the inside to the outside. The mounting part has a groove for accommodating the independent culture chamber. One end of the chamber cover is hinged to the mounting part. The independent culture chamber is provided with a vent. The other end of the chamber cover is provided with an opening groove. A positioning magnet is embedded in the contact position between the other end of the chamber cover and the mounting part. A sealing ring is provided on the inner side of the chamber cover. Light-transmitting windows are provided in the middle of both the chamber cover and the independent culture chamber. The upper heating glass and the lower heating glass are located in the light-transmitting windows. The weight-reducing part is provided with circumferentially distributed weight-reducing holes. The rotating connecting part has threaded connection holes that are connected to the output shaft of the rotary motor by screws.

[0010] Preferably, a photoelectric switch detection piece is installed at the bottom of the turntable, and a photoelectric switch is installed on the first base. The rotary motor drives the turntable to rotate. When the photoelectric switch is aligned with the photoelectric switch detection piece, it is determined that the turntable has rotated to the initial installation position. The photoelectric switch is electrically connected to the control host.

[0011] Preferably, a status indicator light is provided on the outside of the control unit's enclosure to provide feedback on the operating status of the rotary motor, and a touch screen is provided on the front of the control unit's enclosure to display the incubator temperature, gas concentration status, and sample storage compartment location information.

[0012] Preferably, the imaging acquisition unit includes a C-shaped bracket, with a light source assembly mounted on the upper part of the C-shaped bracket. The light source assembly includes a light source and a condenser lens disposed opposite to the light source. The lower part of the C-shaped bracket is mounted on a second base via a translation drive assembly. The second base is installed inside the housing. An objective lens is mounted on the lower part of the C-shaped bracket via a lifting drive assembly. A camera for acquiring images from the objective lens is provided on the lower part of the C-shaped bracket. The light source, translation drive assembly, lifting drive assembly, and camera are all electrically connected to the control host.

[0013] Preferably, the identification unit includes an RFID tag reader, which is installed at the loading / unloading window of the enclosure and is electrically connected to the control host.

[0014] Therefore, the above-mentioned time-difference culture device of this utility model has the following beneficial effects: the independent culture chambers are moved by the rotating unit, and RFID tag identification and image acquisition are performed during the rotation process, providing a stable culture environment for culture, realizing dynamic monitoring of the entire process of sample development, such as division time points and morphological changes, maximizing the stability of the culture environment and protecting sample development. Furthermore, the corresponding culture chambers can be quickly rotated by the cooperation of the rotating unit and the identification unit, making it convenient and quick to use.

[0015] The technical solution of this utility model will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional view of the time difference incubation device of this utility model; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the turntable and imaging acquisition unit structure; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a rotating unit structure; Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the structure when the cover of the independent culture chamber is opened; Figure 5 This is a block diagram illustrating the principle of the concentration control module. Figure 6 This is a block diagram of the temperature control module.

[0017] Figure Labels 1. Control host; 10. Touch screen; 11. Status indicator light; 12. Pick-up and drop-off window; 2. Temperature control module; 21. Chamber cover temperature control unit; 22. Culture chamber temperature control unit; 23. Upper heating glass; 24. Lower heating glass; 3. Concentration control module; 31. Air intake control component; 32. Detection component; 33. Fan pump; 34. Gas distribution block; 4. Imaging acquisition unit; 41. C-shaped bracket; 42. Light source; 43. Condenser lens; 44. Translation drive component; 45. Two bases; 46. Lifting drive assembly; 47. Objective lens; 48. Camera; 5. RFID tag reader; 6. Rotating unit; 61. First base; 62. Rotary motor; 63. Turntable; 631. Rotating connection part; 632. Weight reduction part; 633. Mounting part; 634. Weight reduction hole; 7. Independent culture chamber; 71. Chamber cover; 72. Vent; 73. Opening slot; 74. Positioning magnet; 75. Sealing ring; 76. Light-transmitting window; 8. Photoelectric switch detection plate; 9. Photoelectric switch. Detailed Implementation

[0018] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that the terms "upper," "lower," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship, are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, or the orientation or positional relationship commonly used when the product of this utility model is in use. They are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model. In the description of this utility model, it should also be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "set," "install," and "connect" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Furthermore, for conventional devices in this field that are directly purchased from the market, those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model based on the specific circumstances.

[0019] The embodiments of this utility model will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0020] like Figure 1 As shown, a time-lapse incubation device includes a control host 1, an environmental control unit, an imaging acquisition unit 4, an identification unit, a rotation unit 6, and an independent incubation chamber 7. The control host 1 includes a touch screen display 10 and a PC host. The touch screen display 10 can control, store, and display the device's operating status and information via touch, such as incubator temperature, gas concentration status, and sample storage chamber location. The touch screen display 10 and the PC host use existing components without modification, and their specific signals, structures, and dimensions are not limited here.

[0021] The environmental control unit includes a temperature control module 2 and a concentration control module 3, providing a stable temperature and gas concentration environment for cultivation. Existing environmental control units, such as... Figures 5-6As shown, the temperature control module 2 includes a cover temperature control unit 21, a culture chamber temperature control unit 22, an upper heating glass 23, and a lower heating glass 24. The upper heating glass 23 and the lower heating glass 24 are respectively installed inside the cover 71 and the independent culture chamber 7 (heating plates or heating wires can be used depending on the actual situation). The upper heating glass 23 and the lower heating glass 24 are electrically connected to the cover temperature control unit 21 and the culture chamber temperature control unit 22, respectively, to realize the control of the upper heating glass 23 and the lower heating glass 24. The cover temperature control unit 21 and the culture chamber temperature control unit 22 use existing temperature controllers. Both the cover temperature control unit 21 and the culture chamber temperature control unit 22 are electrically connected to the control host 1 to realize the temperature regulation of different positions and provide a stable temperature environment for the culture dishes in the independent culture chamber 7.

[0022] The concentration control module 3 includes an intake control component 31, a detection component 32, a fan pump 33, and a gas distributor 34. The intake control component 31 includes intake solenoid valves on four intake pipes and an outlet solenoid valve on an outlet pipe. The four intake pipes are connected to an air source, an oxygen source, a carbon dioxide source, and a nitrogen source, respectively, controlling the entry and exit of the four gas sources. Both the four intake and outlet pipes are connected to the mixing chamber. The outlet pipe is equipped with the detection component 32 and the fan pump 33. The fan pump 33 provides circulation power for gas circulation. The detection component 32 includes sensors (using existing gas concentration sensors) for detecting oxygen and carbon dioxide concentrations, providing feedback on the oxygen and carbon dioxide concentrations in the gas. A circulation solenoid valve is installed on the gas supply pipe between the mixing chamber and the fan pump 33. An output solenoid valve is installed on the gas supply pipe between the gas distributor 34 and the fan pump 33. The outlet of the gas distributor 34 is connected to the vent 72 of the independent culture chamber 7. Figure 4 As shown, there are two vents 72, one on the chamber for air intake and one on the cover 71 for air exhaust. The exhaust vent 72 is smaller than the intake vent 72 to ensure that the air pressure in all chambers is greater than atmospheric pressure. Simultaneously, the vents 72 on all covers 71 are of the same size, ensuring consistent airflow in all chambers. A gas distributor 34 is mounted on the turntable 63 and connected to the gas supply pipe via a rotary joint, ensuring that rotation does not interfere with gas distribution. During the initial ventilation phase, the circulation solenoid valve is opened and the output solenoid valve is closed. When the oxygen and carbon dioxide concentrations stabilize at their set values, the circulation and intake solenoid valves are closed, and the output solenoid valve is opened, allowing the qualified gas to be input into each independent culture chamber 7 through the gas distributor 34.

[0023] Concentration control module 3 provides a stable oxygen and carbon dioxide gas environment for the petri dish, enabling low-oxygen, high-oxygen, low-carbon dioxide, and high-carbon dioxide gas environments.

[0024] When a low-oxygen gas environment is required for cultivation, open the intake solenoid valve corresponding to the nitrogen source, and keep other intake solenoid valves closed to reduce the oxygen content in the gas.

[0025] When a high oxygen concentration gas environment is required for cultivation, open the intake solenoid valves corresponding to the oxygen source and air source, and keep other intake solenoid valves closed to increase the oxygen content in the gas.

[0026] When a low carbon dioxide concentration gas environment is required for cultivation, open the air intake solenoid valves corresponding to the air source and nitrogen source, and keep the other air intake solenoid valves closed to reduce the carbon dioxide content in the gas.

[0027] When a high carbon dioxide concentration gas environment is required for cultivation, open the intake solenoid valve corresponding to the carbon dioxide source, while keeping other intake solenoid valves closed to increase the carbon dioxide content in the gas.

[0028] Several independent culture chambers 7 are circumferentially distributed on the turntable 63 of the rotating unit 6, such as Figures 2-3 As shown, the independent culture chamber 7 can rotate with the turntable 63. The rotating unit 6 includes a first base 61 installed in the housing of the control host 1. A rotary motor 62 with a position encoder is installed on the first base 61. The turntable 63 is installed on the output shaft of the rotary motor 62. The position encoder and the rotary motor 62 are both electrically connected to the control host 1 to realize the control of the rotary motor 62. The position encoder is used to collect rotation angle data.

[0029] The turntable 63 is provided with a rotating connection part 631, a weight-reducing part 632, and a mounting part 633 from the inside out. The mounting part 633 has a groove to accommodate the independent culture chamber 7. One end of the cover 71 is hinged to the mounting part 633, and the other end of the cover 71 has an opening groove 73. A positioning magnet 74 is embedded in the contact position between the other end of the cover 71 and the mounting part 633. A sealing ring 75 is provided on the inner side of the cover 71. Light-transmitting windows 76 are provided in the middle of both the cover 71 and the independent culture chamber 7. The upper heating glass 23 and the lower heating glass 24 are located in the light-transmitting windows 76 to realize the functions of light transmission and heating. The weight-reducing part 632 has circumferentially distributed weight-reducing holes 634. The weight-reducing holes 634 reduce the processing deformation of the turntable 63 and also allow wires and gas tubes to pass through. The rotating connection part 631 has a threaded connection hole to connect to the output shaft of the rotary motor 62 by screws.

[0030] A photoelectric switch detection piece 8 is installed at the bottom of the turntable 63, and a photoelectric switch 9 is installed on the first base 61. The rotary motor 62 drives the turntable 63 to rotate. When the photoelectric switch 9 is aligned with the photoelectric switch detection piece 8, it is determined that the turntable 63 has rotated to the initial installation position. The photoelectric switch 9 is electrically connected to the control host 1. The control host 1 sets the current overlapping sensing position of the photoelectric switch 9 and the photoelectric switch detection piece 8 as the origin position of the rotary motor 62. The rotation position of the rotary motor 62 is determined according to the data of the position encoder. At the same time, by setting the origin position, the independent culture chamber 7 can be precisely controlled to perform circular motion around the center of the rotation of the rotary motor 62.

[0031] A status indicator light 11 is installed on the outside of the control host 1 housing. The status indicator light 11 is used to provide feedback on the operating status of the rotary motor 62. The status indicator light 11 displays blue when it is in motion; when the rotary motor 62 moves to the position and stops according to the motion position command sent by the control host 1, the status indicator light 11 displays green; when the rotary motor 62 cannot respond to the motion position command sent by the control host 1, the status indicator light 11 displays red.

[0032] The imaging acquisition unit 4 is positioned opposite one of the independent culture chambers 7, and can sequentially acquire images of the culture at different positions as the turntable 63 rotates.

[0033] The imaging acquisition unit 4 includes a C-shaped bracket 41. A light source 42 assembly is mounted on the upper part of the C-shaped bracket 41 to provide a light source 42 for imaging. The light source 42 assembly includes a light source 42 and a condenser lens 43 positioned opposite to the light source 42. Illumination light passes through the condenser lens 43 and through the light-transmitting window 76 of the independent culture chamber 7, illuminating the culture sample and focusing the light source 42 to the irradiation position. The lower part of the C-shaped bracket 41 is mounted on a second base 45 via a translation drive assembly 44, facilitating adjustment of the overall horizontal position of the C-shaped bracket 41. The second base 45 is installed inside the housing. An objective lens 47 is mounted on the lower part of the C-shaped bracket 41 via a lifting drive assembly 46, allowing the object to be adjusted vertically according to focusing requirements. A camera 48 is located on the lower part of the C-shaped bracket 41 for acquiring images from the objective lens 47. The objective lens 47 projects the image onto the camera 48 and transmits the image to the control host 1. The light source 42, translation drive assembly 44, lifting drive assembly 46, and camera 48 are all electrically connected to the control host 1. To achieve control of the corresponding components, both the translation drive assembly 44 and the lifting drive assembly 46 are driven by motors, utilizing existing drive components. Combined with the rotation of the turntable 63, adjustments in three directions are achieved, facilitating image acquisition of samples at different positions.

[0034] The identification unit is positioned opposite to the RFID tags on the culture dishes inside the independent culture chamber 7. The identification unit includes an RFID tag reader 5, which is installed at the retrieval window 12 of the enclosure. The RFID tag reader 5 is electrically connected to the control host 1. During rotation, RFID tag identification facilitates the rotation of the corresponding independent culture chamber 7 to the retrieval window 12. The retrieval window 12 is sized to allow only one independent culture chamber 7 to be opened 71 for sample retrieval at a time. The control host 1 has a built-in rotation control program that can interface with the sample culture management system to automatically rotate the corresponding independent culture chamber 7 while verifying the cultured samples, thus avoiding sample retrieval errors.

[0035] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solution of this utility model and not to limit it. Although the utility model has been described in detail with reference to preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications or equivalent substitutions can still be made to the technical solution of this utility model, and these modifications or equivalent substitutions cannot cause the modified technical solution to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solution of this utility model.

Claims

1. A time-lapse incubation device, comprising a control host, characterized in that: It also includes an environmental control unit, an imaging acquisition unit, an identification unit, and a rotating unit. The rotating unit has several independent culture chambers distributed circumferentially on its turntable. The imaging acquisition unit is positioned opposite to one of the independent culture chambers, and the identification unit is positioned opposite to the identification label on the culture dish inside the independent culture chamber. The bottom and the cover of the independent culture chamber are respectively equipped with lower heating glass and upper heating glass. The environmental control unit, imaging acquisition unit, recognition unit, and rotation unit are all electrically connected to the control host.

2. The time-difference training device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The environmental control unit includes a temperature control module and a concentration control module.

3. The time-difference training device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The temperature control module includes a cover temperature control unit, a culture chamber temperature control unit, an upper heating glass, and a lower heating glass. The upper heating glass and the lower heating glass are respectively installed inside the cover and in the independent culture chamber. A temperature sensor is installed in the independent culture chamber. The upper heating glass and the lower heating glass are electrically connected to the cover temperature control unit and the culture chamber temperature control unit, respectively. The temperature sensor, the cover temperature control unit, and the culture chamber temperature control unit are all electrically connected to the control host.

4. The time-difference training device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The concentration control module includes an intake control component, a detection component, a fan pump, and a gas distribution block; The air intake control assembly includes an intake solenoid valve installed on four intake pipes and an outlet solenoid valve installed on an outlet pipe. The four intake pipes are connected to an air source, an oxygen source, a carbon dioxide source, and a nitrogen source, respectively. All four intake pipes and the outlet pipe are connected to a mixing chamber. A detection assembly and a fan pump are installed on the outlet pipe. The detection assembly includes sensors for detecting oxygen and carbon dioxide concentrations. A circulation solenoid valve is installed on the gas supply pipe between the mixing chamber and the fan pump. An output solenoid valve is installed on the gas supply pipe between the gas distribution block and the fan pump. The outlet of the gas distribution block is connected to the vent of the independent culture chamber.

5. The time-difference training device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The rotating unit includes a first base installed inside the control host housing, a rotary motor with a position encoder mounted on the first base, and a turntable mounted on the output shaft of the rotary motor. Both the position encoder and the rotary motor are electrically connected to the control host.

6. The time-difference training device according to claim 5, characterized in that: The turntable is arranged from the inside out as follows: a rotating connection part, a weight reduction part, and a mounting part. The mounting part has a groove to accommodate the independent culture chamber. One end of the chamber cover is hinged to the mounting part. The independent culture chamber is provided with a vent. The other end of the chamber cover is provided with an opening groove. A positioning magnet is embedded in the contact position between the other end of the chamber cover and the mounting part. A sealing ring is provided on the inside of the chamber cover. Light-transmitting windows are provided in the middle of both the chamber cover and the independent culture chamber. The upper heating glass and the lower heating glass are located in the light-transmitting windows. The weight reduction part is provided with circumferentially distributed weight reduction holes. The rotating connection part has threaded connection holes that are connected to the output shaft of the rotary motor by screws.

7. The time-difference training device according to claim 5, characterized in that: A photoelectric switch detection plate is installed at the bottom of the turntable, and a photoelectric switch is installed on the first base. The rotary motor drives the turntable to rotate. When the photoelectric switch is aligned with the photoelectric switch detection plate, it is determined that the turntable has rotated to the initial installation position. The photoelectric switch is electrically connected to the control host.

8. The time difference incubation device according to claim 5, characterized in that: The control unit has status indicator lights on the outside of its enclosure, which are used to provide feedback on the operating status of the rotary motor. The control unit also has a touch screen on the front of its enclosure, which displays the incubator temperature, gas concentration status, and sample storage compartment location information.

9. A time-difference incubation device according to claim 6, characterized in that: The imaging acquisition unit includes a C-shaped bracket, with a light source assembly mounted on the upper part of the C-shaped bracket. The light source assembly includes a light source and a condenser lens positioned opposite to the light source. The lower part of the C-shaped bracket is mounted on a second base via a translation drive assembly. The second base is installed inside the housing. An objective lens is mounted on the lower part of the C-shaped bracket via a lifting drive assembly. A camera for acquiring images from the objective lens is located on the lower part of the C-shaped bracket. The light source, translation drive assembly, lifting drive assembly, and camera are all electrically connected to the control host.

10. A time-difference training device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The identification unit includes an RFID tag reader, which is installed at the pick-up and drop-off window of the enclosure and is electrically connected to the control host.

Images