Feeding slideway structure and test analyzer

Abstract

The invention relates to the technical field of in-vitro diagnosis automation equipment, and discloses a feeding slideway structure and a test analyzer, and the feeding slideway structure comprises a blanking hopper which is provided with a feeding end and a discharging end; and the slideway is arranged at the discharging end and partially extends into the blanking hopper. The bearing piece is arranged at the part, extending into the blanking hopper, of the slide way and is positioned at the falling point position after the reaction cup enters the blanking hopper. The cup shifting structure comprises a shifting piece located above the sliding way, one end of the shifting piece is rotatably arranged close to the discharging end, the other end of the shifting piece extends in the direction of the sliding way, and the shifting piece is used for correcting the posture of the reaction cup entering the sliding way. According to the feeding sliding way structure, the correction efficiency of the reaction cups is improved through the bearing pieces, the time for the reaction cups to pass through the discharging hopper is shortened, the feeding requirement of high-speed equipment for the reaction cups can be met, the probability of cup stacking and cup clamping is reduced, and faults caused by cup punching can be prevented through the stirring pieces.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of in vitro diagnostic automation equipment, and in particular to a feeding slideway structure and a test analyzer. Background Art

[0002] A chemiluminescence immunoassay (CLI) is a medical testing instrument that performs immunoassays on the human body by testing patient serum. In CLIs, the loading chute serves as the primary mechanism for transporting cuvettes and also aligns and sorts the cuvettes. However, prior art techniques generally require a long time to align the cuvettes. For high-speed equipment, the short loading interval from the hopper to the loading chute results in cuvette stacking and jamming, making it impossible to meet the loading requirements of high-speed equipment and severely impacting loading efficiency. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In view of this, the present invention provides a loading slide structure and a test analyzer to solve the problem that the conventional loading slide structure takes a long time to correct the reaction cup, cannot meet the loading requirements of high-speed equipment, and has the phenomenon of cup stacking and cup jamming, which seriously affects the loading efficiency.

[0004] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a feeding chute structure, comprising:

[0005] A drop hopper having a feed end and a discharge end;

[0006] A slideway is provided at the discharge end and partially extends into the drop hopper;

[0007] A receiving member is provided at the portion of the slideway extending into the drop hopper and is located at the drop point of the reaction cup after the reaction cup enters the drop hopper;

[0008] The cup paddle structure includes a paddle located above the slide, one end of the paddle is rotatably arranged close to the discharge end, and the other end extends toward the slide, and the paddle is used to correct the posture of the reaction cup entering the slide.

[0009] Optionally, the slideway has a slide groove for the reaction cup to slide, the receiving member is arranged in the slide groove, and the receiving member includes an impact surface, and the impact surface is inclined relative to the slideway.

[0010] Optionally, the impact surface includes a first part and a second part, the first part is located in the slide groove, and the second part extends above the slide groove.

[0011] Optionally, the receiving member includes:

[0012] a connecting portion, parallel to the extension direction of the slideway and slidably fitted with the bottom of the chute, the connecting portion being fixed in the chute by a fastener;

[0013] The impact portion extends from one end of the connecting portion toward the opening of the slide groove and partially protrudes from the slide groove, and the impact surface is located on the impact portion.

[0014] Optionally, a guide member is further included, which is arranged obliquely at the feeding end and is used to guide the reaction cup to collide with the receiving member.

[0015] Optionally, the guide member includes:

[0016] a connecting plate connected to the inner wall of the feed end;

[0017] The guide groove is connected to the connecting plate, and one end of the guide groove extends obliquely to extend out of the feeding end. The guide groove has a sliding surface for supporting the reaction cup.

[0018] Optionally, a first baffle and a second baffle are respectively provided on two opposite outer sides of the slide, the tops of the first baffle and the second baffle are higher than the top surface of the slide, and the extension direction is the same as the extension direction of the slide, and one end of the first baffle and the second baffle are connected to the discharge end;

[0019] a top plate formed by bending the top of one of the first baffle and the second baffle and overlapping the top of the other, or the top plate extends in the same direction as the first baffle and the second baffle, and the two ends of the top plate are respectively connected to the top of the first baffle and the second baffle;

[0020] Optionally, the paddle cup structure includes a rotating seat and a rotating shaft provided on the top plate, the rotating seat is provided on one of the top plate, the first baffle plate and the second baffle plate, and the paddle is rotatably engaged with the rotating shaft;

[0021] The paddle has a natural state and a deflected state. In the natural state, the end of the paddle is located on the movement path of the reaction cup. In the deflected state, the paddle is away from the movement path of the reaction cup. The paddle is adapted to change from the natural state to the deflected state when in contact with the reaction cup. And / or,

[0022] The end of the paddle close to the slide has a folded angle, and the folded angle is bent toward the downstream of the slide.

[0023] Optionally, the two ends of the top plate are respectively provided with a first folded edge and a second folded edge, the first folded edge is close to the discharge end and is bent away from the slide, and the second folded edge extends out of the slide and is bent toward the slide. In a second aspect, the present invention provides a test analyzer comprising the above-mentioned loading slide structure.

[0024] Beneficial effects:

[0025] 1. The feeding slide structure provided by the present invention includes: a drop hopper, a slide, a receiving member and a paddle cup structure.

[0026] The hopper has a feeding end and a discharging end, and the feeding end is used to receive the reaction cup from the silo.

[0027] The slide is arranged at the discharge end and partially extends into the hopper. The reaction cup entering the hopper will fall onto the slide and then leave the hopper from the discharge end along the slide.

[0028] The receiving element is located at the portion of the slide that extends into the hopper and is positioned where the cuvettes land after entering the hopper. During the loading process, a large number of disordered cuvettes will fall into the hopper one after another and collide with the receiving element. After impacting the receiving element, the cuvettes can quickly flip over and enter the slide. This arrangement can unify the landing points of the cuvettes through the receiving element, speed up the reaction cups' position adjustment and their speed of sliding down the slide, shorten the time the cuvettes spend in the hopper, prevent subsequent cuvettes from coming into contact with the cuvettes adjusting their position on the slide, and reduce the probability of cup overlap and jamming.

[0029] The cup-paddle structure includes a paddle located above the slide. One end of the paddle is rotatably arranged close to the discharge end, and the other end extends toward the slide. The paddle is used to correct the posture of the reaction cup entering the slide. The paddle can not only reduce the probability of the cup being horizontal, but also slow down the movement speed of the reaction cup, thereby reducing the impact force of the reaction cup on the reaction cup downstream of the slide. It can effectively prevent failures caused by cup impact and can efficiently handle the reaction cup.

[0030] Therefore, the loading slide structure provided by the present invention improves the correction efficiency of the reaction cup through the receiving part, reduces the time for the reaction cup to pass through the drop hopper, can adapt to the loading requirements of high-speed equipment for the reaction cup, reduces the probability of cup stacking and cup jamming, and in addition, can also prevent failures caused by cup impact through the pick.

[0031] 2. The present invention provides a loading chute structure comprising a slideway for the cuvette to slide, a receiving member disposed within the slideway, and a striker surface inclined relative to the chute. This inclined striker surface can cover all landing points of the cuvette and is suitable for receiving cuvettes dropped obliquely. Specifically, after the cuvette leaves the guide member and performs an oblique throw, the end of the cuvette impacts the striker surface, allowing the cuvette to quickly flip and enter the chute, thereby improving the cuvette's correction speed.

[0032] 3. The loading slide structure provided by the present invention has an impact surface including a first part and a second part. The first part is located in the slide groove, and the second part extends above the slide groove. Since the reaction cup enters the guide member in a disorderly manner, the contact position of the guide cup with the impact surface is different after leaving the guide member. When the landing point of the reaction cup is located on the first part, the reaction cup flips along the first direction after contacting the first part. When the landing point of the reaction cup is located on the second part, the reaction cup flips along the second direction opposite to the first direction after contacting the second part, thereby improving the correction speed.

[0033] 4. The loading slide structure provided by the present invention comprises a receiving part including a connecting portion and an impact portion. The connecting portion is parallel to the extension direction of the slide and is slidably fitted with the bottom of the chute. The connecting portion is fixed in the chute by a fastener. The impact portion extends from one end of the connecting portion toward the opening of the chute until it partially protrudes out of the chute, and the impact surface is located on the impact portion. The connecting portion can improve the installation stability and will not interfere with the movement of the reaction cup sliding down the slide. The position can be adjusted along the extension direction of the slide to facilitate adjustment of the position of the impact portion to adapt to the landing position of the reaction cup.

[0034] 5. The feeding slide structure provided by the present invention further includes a guide member, which is arranged at an angle at the feed end and is used to guide the reaction cup until it impacts the receiving member. The guide member can guide the reaction cup that falls into the feed end and guide it to impact the receiving member. Such a configuration can further guide the landing position of the reaction cup to unify the landing position of the reaction cup. The guide member and the receiving member can further accelerate the speed at which the reaction cup adjusts its posture and slides down the slide, reducing the time the reaction cup stays in the drop hopper, preventing subsequent reaction cups from contacting the reaction cup adjusted on the slide, and reducing the probability of cup overlap and jamming.

[0035] 6. The feed chute structure provided herein comprises a guide member comprising a connecting plate and a guide groove. The connecting plate is connected to the inner wall of the feed end. The guide groove is connected to the connecting plate, with one end extending obliquely beyond the feed end. The guide groove has a sliding surface for supporting reaction cups. This arrangement facilitates adjustment of the guide groove's position and angle, and improves its installation stability. One end of the guide groove extends beyond the feed end to interface with the upstream conveying structure, and the sliding surface serves as a structure for supporting the reaction cups, facilitating stable and sequential introduction of the reaction cups into the drop hopper.

[0036] 7. The present invention provides a loading slide structure, in which the two opposite outer sides of the slide are respectively provided with a first baffle and a second baffle, the tops of the first baffle and the second baffle are higher than the top surface of the slide, and the extension direction is the same as the extension direction of the slide, and one end of the first baffle and the second baffle is connected to the discharge end. The top plate is formed by bending the top of one of the first baffle and the second baffle and overlapping the top of the other, or the extension direction of the top plate is the same as the extension direction of the first baffle and the second baffle, and the two ends of the top plate are respectively connected to the top of the first baffle and the second baffle. The first baffle and the second baffle can act as a barrier, and together with the top plate, form a channel for the reaction cup to pass through, thereby preventing the reaction cup from leaving the slide due to incorrect posture or collision.

[0037] 8. The present invention provides a loading slide structure and a cup-paddle mechanism comprising a rotating base and a rotating shaft disposed on the top plate. The rotating base is disposed on one of the top plate, the first baffle, or the second baffle. A paddle rotates in conjunction with the rotating shaft. The paddle has a natural state and a deflected state. In the natural state, the end of the paddle is located in the motion path of the reaction cuvette. In the deflected state, the paddle is away from the motion path of the reaction cuvette. The paddle is adapted to transition from the natural state to the deflected state upon contact with the reaction cuvette.

[0038] With the above-described structure, the cuvette, during its movement, will collide with the paddle in its natural state. The paddle, under the impact force, deflects away from the slideway with the rotating shaft as its center of rotation, transitioning to a deflected state. After the cuvette passes under the paddle, the paddle, under its own weight, deflects toward the slideway with the rotating shaft as its center of rotation, transitioning to its natural state. During this process, the paddle reduces the momentum of the cuvette, slowing its movement and facilitating its correction. Therefore, the paddle not only reduces the probability of the cuvette tilting, but also slows its movement, thereby reducing the impact force of the cuvette on the downstream cuvette in the slideway, effectively preventing failures caused by impact. Furthermore, this structure eliminates the need for a drive mechanism to drive the paddle to swing. The paddle, in conjunction with the rotating shaft, utilizes its own weight as a power source, restoring the deflected state to its natural state. This results in a simple structure and efficient cuvette handling.

[0039] The end of the paddle near the slide has a folded angle, curving toward the downstream side of the slide. Different cuvettes move at different speeds on the slide. Faster cuvettes experience greater impact, causing the paddle to deflect quickly through impact. Slower cuvettes experience less impact, pushing the paddle to deflect and slide along its surface. After the paddle deflects to a certain degree, the end of the paddle contacts the rim of the cuvette until the cuvette leaves the paddle's position. The folded angle ensures that the contact surface between the paddle and the rim of the cuvette is curved, preventing the end of the paddle from obstructing the smooth passage of the cuvette. The folded angle also increases the weight of the paddle's end, facilitating its self-reset to a natural position.

[0040] 9. The loading chute structure provided by the present invention has a first hem and a second hem at each end of the top plate. The first hem is located near the discharge end and bends away from the chute, while the second hem extends beyond the chute and bends toward the chute. The first hem adjusts misaligned cuvettes, allowing them to flip quickly upon contact with the first hem. The second hem cushions any cuvettes that leave the chute. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0041] In order to more clearly illustrate the specific embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for use in the specific embodiments or the description of the prior art. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of the present invention. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without paying any creative work.

[0042] Figure 1 This is a structural diagram of a loading chute structure according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0043] Figure 2 This is a structural diagram of a receiving member according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0044] Figure 3 A schematic structural diagram of a paddle structure according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0045] Figure 4 Schematic diagram of the structure of the paddle and the rotating shaft in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] Description of reference numerals:

[0047] 1. Drop hopper; 11. Feed end; 12. Discharge end; 13. First detection optical coupler;

[0048] 2. Slide;

[0049] 31. Guide member; 311. Connecting plate; 312. Guide groove;

[0050] 32. Receiver; 321. Connecting portion; 322. Impact portion; 33. Impact surface; 331. First portion; 332. Second portion; 301. Impact area;

[0051] 4. Pick; 41. Corner; 401. Rotating seat; 402. Rotating shaft; 403. Notch;

[0052] 5. Reaction cup; 51. Lug;

[0053] 601, first baffle; 602, second baffle; 603, top plate; 604, first folding edge; 605, second folding edge;

[0054] 7. Second detection optocoupler;

[0055] 8. Bracket. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0056] To make the purpose, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention more clear, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without making creative efforts shall fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0057] In the description of the present invention, it should be noted that the terms "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicating orientations or positional relationships, are based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings and are intended solely to facilitate and simplify the description of the present invention. They are not intended to indicate or imply that the devices or components referred to must have, be constructed, or operate in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as limitations on the present invention. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0058] See Figure 1 、 Figure 2 and Figure 3 , Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the structure of the feeding chute structure of this embodiment is shown. Figure 2 FIG. 1 shows a schematic structural diagram of the receiving member 32 of this embodiment, specifically showing the matching relationship between the guide member 31 and the receiving member 32, and the matching relationship between the receiving member 32 and the slide 2. Figure 3 It shows a structural schematic diagram of the paddle structure, specifically showing the installation position of the paddle 4 and the matching relationship between the paddle 4 and the slide 2.

[0059] See Figure 1 and Figure 2This embodiment provides a feeding slide structure, including: a drop hopper 1, a slide 2, a receiving member 32 and a paddle cup structure.

[0060] The hopper 1 has a feed end 11 and a discharge end 12. The feed end 11 is used to receive the reaction cup 5 from the silo. The hopper 1 is surrounded by multiple plates. The opening size of the feed end 11 of the hopper 1 is larger than the opening size of the discharge end 12. The inner wall of the hopper 1 close to the slide 2 is an inclined surface.

[0061] The chute 2 is positioned at the discharge end 12 and partially extends into the hopper 1. The cuvette 5 entering the hopper 1 falls onto the chute 2 and then exits the hopper 1 from the discharge end 12 along the chute 2. The chute 2 is composed of two identically shaped, parallel slides with a gap between them, forming a chute for material movement. The cuvette 5 is a tubular structure with a flat opening and a curved bottom. The outer wall of the cuvette 5 is provided with a lug 51 positioned near the opening. The distance between the two opposing inner walls of the chute is greater than the diameter of the cuvette 5 and less than the outer diameter of the lug 51, allowing the cuvette 5 to partially extend into the chute and slide. The lug 51 can overlap and slide on the upper surface of the chute. The chute 2 is arranged at an angle relative to the horizontal plane, allowing the cuvette 5 to slide down the chute under its own weight. The end of the chute 2 extending into the hopper 1 can mate with the inner wall of the hopper 1 facing away from the discharge end 12.

[0062] The receiving member 32 is provided at the portion of the slide 2 extending into the drop hopper 1 and is located at the landing point of the reaction cup 5 after entering the drop hopper 1. During the loading process, a large number of disordered reaction cups 5 will fall into the drop hopper 1 one after another and collide with the receiving member 32. After the reaction cup 5 hits the receiving member 32, it can quickly flip over and enter the slide 2. This arrangement can unify the landing point of the reaction cup 5 through the receiving member 32, and can also speed up the speed at which the reaction cup 5 adjusts its posture and slides down the slide 2, reducing the time the reaction cup 5 stays in the drop hopper 1, preventing the reaction cup 5 that falls subsequently from contacting the reaction cup 5 that is adjusting its posture on the slide 2, and reducing the probability of cup overlap and cup jamming.

[0063] The cup-pick structure includes a paddle 4 located above the slide 2. One end of the paddle 4 is rotatably arranged near the discharge end 12, and the other end extends toward the slide 2. The rotation path of the paddle 4 is located on the same plane as the slide groove of the slide 2. The paddle 4 is used to correct the posture of the reaction cup entering the slide 2. The paddle 4 can not only reduce the probability of the cup being horizontal, but also slow down the moving speed of the reaction cup 5, thereby reducing the impact force of the reaction cup 5 on the reaction cup 5 downstream of the slide 2, which can effectively prevent failures caused by cup collision and can efficiently handle the reaction cup 5.

[0064] Therefore, the loading slide structure provided by the present invention improves the correction efficiency of the reaction cup 5 through the receiving part 32, reduces the time for the reaction cup 5 to pass through the drop hopper 1, can adapt to the loading requirements of the high-speed equipment for the reaction cup 5, and reduces the probability of cup stacking and cup jamming. In addition, the pick 4 can also prevent failures caused by cup impact.

[0065] As a preferred embodiment, the loading chute structure further includes a guide member 31, which is obliquely disposed at the feed end 11. A receiving member 32 is located at the landing point where the guide member 31 guides the cuvette 5 to slide. A gap is provided between the guide member 31 and the receiving member 32 to allow the cuvette 5 to pass through. The guide member 31 is used to guide the cuvette 5 until it impacts the receiving member 32. The guide member 31 can guide the cuvette 5 that falls into the feed end 11 and guide it until it impacts the receiving member 32. This arrangement can further guide the landing point of the cuvette 5 to unify the landing point of the cuvette 5. The guide member 31 and the receiving member 32 can further accelerate the speed at which the cuvette 5 adjusts its posture and slides down the chute 2, reducing the time the cuvette 5 stays in the hopper 1, preventing subsequent cuvettes 5 from contacting the cuvette 5 adjusting its posture on the chute 2, and reducing the probability of cup overlap and jamming.

[0066] In an optional embodiment, the guide member 31 can be provided on a side close to the discharge end 12, and the guide member 31 is inclined downward from the side close to the discharge end 12 to the side away from the discharge end 12, and the receiving member 32 is located on the side away from the discharge end 12. The guide member 31 points to the receiving member 32, so that the reaction cup 5 can accurately fall on the receiving member 32 while being able to make the most of the part of the slide 2 extending into the drop hopper 1. The slide 2 located in the drop hopper 1 has sufficient distance to adjust the position of the reaction cup 5. Figure 2 In this embodiment, the slideway 2 has a chute for the cuvette 5 to slide. A receiving member 32 is disposed within the chute. The receiving member 32 includes a collision surface 33, which is inclined relative to the slideway 2. The collision surface 33 can be inclined upward from the slideway 2 toward the inner wall of the hopper 1. The angle between the collision surface 33 and the horizontal plane can be smaller than the angle between the upper surface of the slideway 2 and the horizontal plane. This allows the collision surface 33 to guide the movement of the cuvette 5, ensuring that the cuvette 5 slides rapidly down the chute. The inclined collision surface 33 forms a collision area 301 with a certain area, which can cover all landing points of the cuvette 5 and is suitable for receiving the cuvette 5 dropped obliquely. Specifically, after the cuvette 5 leaves the guide member 31 and undergoes oblique motion, the end of the cuvette 5 will impact the collision surface 33, causing the cuvette 5 to quickly flip and enter the slideway 2, thereby improving the correction speed of the cuvette 5.

[0067] participate Figure 2In this embodiment, the impact surface 33 includes a first portion 331 and a second portion 332. The first portion 331 is located in the chute, and the second portion 332 extends above the chute. Since the reaction cup 5 enters the guide member 31 in a disorderly manner, the contact position of the guide cup with the impact surface 33 after leaving the guide member 31 is different. When the reaction cup 5 lands on the first portion 331, the reaction cup 5 flips in a first direction after contacting the first portion 331. When the reaction cup 5 lands on the second portion 332, the reaction cup 5 flips in a second direction opposite to the first direction after contacting the second portion 332, thereby improving the correction speed.

[0068] When the reaction cup 5 enters the guide member 31 in the first posture, that is, Figure 2 The opening of the reaction cup 5 is shown in a position close to the receiving member 32. Since the lug 51 changes the position of the reaction cup 5 sliding along the guide member 31, the end of the reaction cup 5 close to the receiving member 32 moves out of the guide member 31 at the first cup-out height, that is, the opening of the reaction cup 5 moves out of the guide member 31 at the first height. Then, the opening of the reaction cup 5 contacts the second portion 332. Since the contact between the opening of the reaction cup 5 and the surface of the second portion 332 is approximately surface-to-surface contact, the entire reaction cup 5 is flipped at the first angle, that is, Figure 2 As shown in the counterclockwise flip, the bottom of the reaction cup 5 quickly enters the chute of the slideway 2 and slides down quickly along the chute.

[0069] When the reaction cup 5 enters the guide member 31 in the second posture, that is, Figure 2 In contrast to the above, the bottom of the reaction cup 5 is close to the receiving member 32. Since the lug 51 changes the sliding posture of the reaction cup 5 along the guide member 31, the end of the reaction cup 5 close to the receiving member 32 moves out of the guide member 31 at the second cup-out height, that is, the bottom of the reaction cup 5 moves out of the guide member 31 at the second height. Then, the bottom of the reaction cup 5 will contact the first part 331. Since the bottom of the reaction cup 5 is an arc surface, the contact mode with the surface of the first part 331 is similar to point-to-surface contact, so that the entire reaction cup 5 is flipped at a second angle opposite to the first angle, that is, Figure 2 Turning over in the clockwise direction as shown, the bottom of the reaction cup 5 slides downward along the first portion 331 until it quickly enters the slide groove of the slideway 2 and quickly slides down along the slide groove.

[0070] The reaction cups enter the hopper 1 in an unordered manner. Taking the above-mentioned two reaction cup entry scenarios as an example, the first part 331 and the second part 332 of the impact surface 33 can be applied to the two typical cup entry scenarios and ensure that the reaction cups are flipped in the correct manner to quickly correct their posture and quickly slide down the slide 2.

[0071] See Figure 2In this embodiment, the receiving part 32 includes: a connecting part 321 and a striking part 322, and the connecting part 321 and the striking part 322 can be integrally formed. The connecting part 321 is parallel to the extension direction of the slide 2, and is slidably fitted with the bottom of the slide, and the connecting part 321 is fixed in the slide by a fastener. The striking part 322 extends from one end of the connecting part 321 to the opening of the slide until it partially extends out of the slide, and the striking surface 33 is located on the striking part 322. The fastener can be a screw, and the position of the striking part 322 can be adjusted by moving the connecting part 321 according to the needs of the impact cup position.

[0072] The connecting portion 321 can improve the installation stability and will not interfere with the movement of the reaction cup 5 sliding down the slide 2. The position can be adjusted along the extension direction of the slide 2 to facilitate the adjustment of the position of the impact portion 322 to adapt to the landing position of the reaction cup 5.

[0073] The bottom edge of the connecting portion 321 can be parallel to the bottom edge of the slide 2, and the two are located on the same plane, so as to maintain the relative angle between the impact portion 322 and the slide 2. Figure 2 In this embodiment, the guide member 31 includes a connecting plate 311 and a guide groove 312. The connecting plate 311 is connected to the inner wall of the feed end 11 and can be integrally formed with the guide groove 312. The guide groove 312 is connected to the connecting plate 311, with one end extending obliquely beyond the feed end 11. This arrangement facilitates adjustment of the position and angle of the guide groove 312 and improves its installation stability. The end of the guide groove 312 extending beyond the feed end 11 can interface with the upstream conveying structure, facilitating stable introduction of the cuvette 5 into the hopper 1.

[0074] In one embodiment of this invention, the guide groove 312 includes a sliding surface for supporting the cuvette 5, as well as first and second stop surfaces located on either side of the sliding surface. The sliding surface primarily supports the sliding movement of the cuvette 5, while the first and second stop surfaces provide a resistance function that corrects the movement of the cuvette 5 on the sliding surface. The sliding surface, first and second stop surfaces are all planar, and can be polished to reduce friction. Alternatively, they can be coated with a friction-reducing coating, such as Teflon or carbon nanotube coatings, to further shorten the time it takes for the cuvette 5 to pass through the guide member 31.

[0075] See Figure 1 、 Figure 2 and Figure 3In this embodiment, a first baffle 601 and a second baffle 602 are respectively provided on two opposing outer sides of the slideway 2. The tops of the first baffle 601 and the second baffle 602 are higher than the top surface of the slideway 2 and extend in the same direction as the slideway 2. One end of the first baffle 601 and the second baffle 602 are connected to the discharge end 12. The top plate 603 is formed by bending the top of one of the first baffle 601 and the second baffle 602 and overlapping the top of the other. Alternatively, the top plate 603 extends in the same direction as the first baffle 601 and the second baffle 602, and both ends of the top plate 603 are connected to the tops of the first baffle 601 and the second baffle 602, respectively.

[0076] The first baffle 601 and the second baffle 602 can play a blocking role, and together with the top plate 603 form a channel for the reaction cup 5 to pass through, so as to prevent the reaction cup 5 from falling off the slide 2 due to incorrect posture or collision.

[0077] In a preferred embodiment, the paddle structure includes a rotating base 401 and a rotating shaft 402. The paddle 4 is rotatably engaged with the rotating shaft 402. The rotating base 401 is disposed on one of the top plate 603, the first baffle 601, and the second baffle 602. The paddle 4 is rotatably engaged with the rotating shaft 402. The paddle 4 has a natural state and a deflected state. In the natural state, the end of the paddle 4 is located in the motion path of the reaction cuvette 5. In the deflected state, the paddle 4 is away from the motion path of the reaction cuvette 5. The paddle 4 is adapted to transition from the natural state to the deflected state upon contact with the reaction cuvette 5. The natural state refers to a stationary state in which the paddle 4 remains engaged with the slideway by its own weight, i.e., the end of the paddle 4 is located in the motion path of the reaction cuvette 5. The deflected state refers to a state in which the paddle 4 deviates from the slideway after being impacted by the reaction cuvette 5. The paddle 4 can rotate from the deflected state to the natural state under its own weight.

[0078] With the above-described structure, during the movement of the cuvette 5, it will collide with the paddle 4 in its natural position. The paddle 4, under the impact force, deflects away from the slide 2 about the rotation axis 402, transitioning to a deflected state. After the cuvette 5 passes under the paddle 4, the paddle 4, under its own weight, deflects toward the slide 2 about the rotation axis 402, transitioning to its natural position. During this process, the paddle 4 reduces the momentum of the cuvette 5, slowing its movement and facilitating its correction. Therefore, the paddle 4 not only reduces the chance of the cuvette tipping over but also slows its movement, thereby reducing the impact force on the cuvette 5 downstream of the slide, effectively preventing failures caused by impact. Furthermore, this structure eliminates the need for a drive mechanism to oscillate the paddle. The paddle 4, in conjunction with the rotation axis 402, utilizes its own weight as a power source to restore the deflected position to its natural state. This results in a simple structure and efficient cuvette handling.

[0079] It should be noted that when the rotating seat 401 is set on the top plate 603, or the rotation path of the paddle 4 passes through the top plate 603, the top plate 603 needs to have a corresponding notch 403, which allows the paddle 4 to pass through. The setting of the notch 403 can avoid interference with the movement of the paddle 4.

[0080] In an optional embodiment, the end of the paddle 4 near the slide 2 has a folded angle 41, which bends toward the downstream of the slide 2. Different cuvettes 5 move at different speeds on the slide 2. A faster cuvette 5 has a greater impact force, which can cause the paddle 4 to deflect quickly through impact. A slower cuvette 5 has a smaller impact force, which pushes the paddle 4 to deflect and slide along the surface of the paddle 4. After the paddle 4 deflects to a certain extent, the end of the paddle 4 contacts the rim of the cuvette 5 until the cuvette 5 leaves the position of the paddle 4. The provision of the folded angle 41 can make the surface where the paddle 4 contacts the rim of the cuvette 5 an arcuate surface, preventing the end of the paddle 4 from obstructing the smooth passage of the cuvette 5. At the same time, the provision of the folded angle 41 can increase the weight of the end of the paddle 4 to a certain extent, facilitating the paddle 4 to reset itself to a natural state.

[0081] See Figure 3 and Figure 4 In this embodiment, the rotating seat 401 can be a plate-shaped structure, and the rotating seat 401 is vertically arranged on the top plate 603. The extension direction of the rotating seat 401 is the same as the extension direction of the slide 2. The rotating shaft 402 can be installed on the rotating seat 401 by a pin or a fastening bolt. The rotating shaft 402 is located above the slide 2, and the rotating axis is perpendicular to the extension direction of the slide 2. The paddle 4 is a strip-shaped plate structure as a whole, one end of which is a rotating sleeve mounted on the rotating shaft 402, and the other end is bent in the direction away from the discharge end 12, so as to Figure 3 For example, when the reaction cup 5 collides with the paddle 4, the paddle 4 deflects in the counterclockwise direction and moves away from the slide 2, so that a gap exists between the end of the paddle 4 close to the slide 2 and the upper surface of the slide 2, allowing the reaction cup in the correct posture to pass through. After the reaction cup passes through, the paddle 4 returns to its natural state by its own weight.

[0082] Figure 3 The figure shows a scene where the reaction cup 5 slides down the slide 2 in a horizontal position. After the paddle 4 blocks the reaction cup 5, the reaction cup 5 is deflected to the bottom by the prying force and extends into the chute of the slide 2. It then slides down in the correct position, thus avoiding malfunctions caused by the cup being punched.

[0083] See Figure 3The top plate 603 has a first folded edge 604 and a second folded edge 605 at each end. The first folded edge 604 is located near the discharge end 12 and is bent away from the slideway 2. The second folded edge 605 extends beyond the slideway 2 and is bent toward the slideway 2. The first folded edge 604 can adjust a cuvette 5 in an incorrect position. Upon contact with the first folded edge 604, the cuvette 5 quickly flips over. The second folded edge 605 acts as a buffer for the cuvette 5 leaving the slideway 2.

[0084] In order to further increase the speed of the paddle 4 returning to the natural state from the deflected state, a ball bearing can be provided on the rotating shaft 402 , and the paddle 4 can be fixed to the outer ring of the bearing through a rotating sleeve, and the inner ring of the bearing can be fixed to the rotating shaft 402 .

[0085] See Figure 3 A first detection optical coupler 13 is provided in the hopper 1 and is located above the receiving member 32. The first detection optical coupler 13 is used to detect whether cup jamming or blocking occurs in the hopper 1 to ensure smooth detection of the reaction cup.

[0086] See Figure 1 A second detection optical coupler 7 is provided on the slide 2. The second detection optical coupler 7 can be used to detect whether there are a certain number of reaction cups 5 on the slide 2, so as to adjust the cup feeding amount.

[0087] The present invention also provides a test analyzer, including the above-mentioned feeding chute structure. The test analyzer includes but is not limited to a silo, a conveying structure, a sorting structure, etc. The silo can be arranged upstream of the feeding chute structure, and the sorting structure can be arranged downstream of the feeding chute structure. The chute 2 can be installed on the frame of the test analyzer through a bracket 8, or it can be installed on the transfer tray structure of the test analyzer to facilitate the docking of the chute 2 with the transfer tray structure. The structure, composition, connection mode of each component of the feeding chute structure and the specific working process have been described in detail above. Those skilled in the art can clearly know the specific implementation method of the feeding chute structure of this embodiment based on the above records, and will not be repeated here.

[0088] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described with reference to the accompanying drawings, those skilled in the art may make various modifications and variations without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Such modifications and variations are all within the scope defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A feeding chute structure, characterized in that: include: A hopper (1) having a feed end (11) and a discharge end (12); A slideway (2) is provided at the discharge end (12) and partially extends into the drop hopper (1); A receiving member (32) is provided at the portion of the slideway (2) extending into the drop hopper (1), and is located at the landing point of the reaction cup (5) after it enters the drop hopper (1); The cup-paddle structure comprises a paddle (4) located above the slideway (2), one end of the paddle (4) being rotatably arranged close to the discharge end (12), and the other end extending in the direction of the slideway (2), and the paddle (4) being used to correct the posture of the reaction cup entering the slideway (2).

2. The loading chute structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The slideway (2) has a slide groove for the reaction cup (5) to slide, and the receiving member (32) is arranged in the slide groove. The receiving member (32) includes an impact surface (33), and the impact surface (33) is inclined relative to the slideway (2).

3. The loading chute structure according to claim 2, characterized in that: The impact surface (33) comprises a first portion (331) and a second portion (332), wherein the first portion (331) is located in the slide groove, and the second portion (332) extends above the slide groove.

4. The loading chute structure according to claim 2, characterized in that: The receiving member (32) comprises: The connecting portion (321) is parallel to the extension direction of the slideway (2) and is slidably fitted with the bottom of the slide groove, and the connecting portion (321) is fixed in the slide groove by a fastener; The impact portion (322) extends from one end of the connecting portion (321) toward the opening of the slide groove until it partially protrudes from the slide groove, and the impact surface (33) is located on the impact portion (322).

5. The loading chute structure according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: It also includes a guide member (31), which is arranged obliquely on the feeding end (11) and is used to guide the reaction cup (5) to collide with the receiving member (32).

6. The loading chute structure according to claim 5, characterized in that: The guide member (31) comprises: a connecting plate (311) connected to the inner wall of the feed end (11); The guide groove (312) is connected to the connecting plate (311), and one end thereof extends obliquely to extend out of the feeding end (11). The guide groove (312) has a sliding surface for supporting the reaction cup (5).

7. The loading chute structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: A first baffle (601) and a second baffle (602) are respectively provided on two opposite outer sides of the slideway (2); the tops of the first baffle (601) and the second baffle (602) are higher than the top surface of the slideway (2), and the extension direction is the same as the extension direction of the slideway (2); one end of the first baffle (601) and the second baffle (602) are connected to the discharge end (12); A top plate (603), wherein the top plate (603) is formed by bending the top of one of the first baffle (601) and the second baffle (602) and overlapping the top of the other, or the extension direction of the top plate (603) is the same as the extension direction of the first baffle (601) and the second baffle (602), and the two ends of the top plate (603) are respectively connected to the top of the first baffle (601) and the second baffle (602).

8. The loading chute structure according to claim 7, characterized in that: The paddle cup structure comprises a rotating seat (401) and a rotating shaft (402); the rotating seat (401) is arranged on one of the top plate (603), the first baffle (601) and the second baffle (602); the paddle (4) is rotatably matched with the rotating shaft (402); The paddle (4) has a natural state and a deflected state, in the natural state, the end of the paddle (4) is located on the movement path of the reaction cup (5), in the deflected state, the paddle (4) is away from the movement path of the reaction cup (5), and the paddle (4) is suitable for changing from the natural state to the deflected state when in contact with the reaction cup (5); and / or, The end of the paddle (4) close to the slideway (2) has a folded corner (41), and the folded corner (41) is bent in a direction close to the downstream of the slideway (2).

9. The loading chute structure according to claim 7, characterized in that: The two ends of the top plate (603) are respectively provided with a first folding edge (604) and a second folding edge (605), wherein the first folding edge (604) is close to the discharge end (12) and is bent in a direction away from the slideway (2), and the second folding edge (605) extends out of the slideway (2) and is bent in a direction close to the slideway (2).

10. A test analyzer, characterized in that: It comprises the loading chute structure according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

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