Sample mixing device, method and sample analyzer and control device therefor

Abstract

This invention provides a sample mixing apparatus, method, sample analyzer, and control device thereof. The sample mixing apparatus includes a mixing section and a driving section. The mixing section is used to accommodate a sample container and mix the sample in the sample container. The driving section is used to drive the mixing section from a mixing position to a receiving position to receive the sample container, and to drive the mixing section from the receiving position back to the mixing position to perform a mixing operation on the sample in the sample container. According to this invention, the mixing section can be moved from the mixing position to the receiving position to receive the sample container and back to the mixing position to perform a mixing operation on the sample container. This avoids sample mixing above the sample rack containing the sample container to be mixed, thereby preventing lateral movement of the sample rack and thus avoiding sampler malfunction or impact on the reliability of the sampling needle due to lateral movement of the sample rack.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of blood sample analysis, and more specifically to a sample mixing apparatus, method, and sample analyzer and its control device for mixing blood samples, especially trace amounts of blood samples, in a sample container. Background Technology

[0002] Blood testing requires collecting a certain amount of blood from the patient. Blood collection methods are generally divided into venous blood collection and capillary blood collection. For patients who are not suitable for venous blood collection, such as newborns, infants, and intensive care patients, capillary blood is often collected.

[0003] During blood collection, blood collection tubes containing anticoagulants are usually used to prevent blood clotting. Blood is composed of blood cells and plasma. Due to the different specific gravities of blood cells and plasma, anticoagulated blood will separate into layers after standing for a period of time. Therefore, the blood sample must be thoroughly mixed before measurement; otherwise, the measurement results will be significantly inaccurate.

[0004] Due to their small volume and poor fluidity, capillary blood samples cannot be properly mixed using the reciprocating inversion method employed for venous blood samples; a vortex mixing method is typically used instead. In one automated capillary blood sampling scheme, a sample mixing device is incorporated into the analyzer. The analyzer uses grippers to move the sample container from the sample rack to the mixing device and then returns the mixed container to the rack. This mixing device achieves capillary blood mixing by vibrating the bottom of the sample container.

[0005] However, a drawback of this sample mixing device is that mixing the sample directly above the sample holder may cause lateral movement of the sample holder, which could affect the reliability of the sampling needle or cause injector malfunction. Summary of the Invention

[0006] Based on the technical problems existing in the sample mixing technology of the prior art, and the urgent market demand for fully automated measurement of peripheral blood, the first aspect of the present invention provides a sample mixing device, the sample mixing device including a mixing part and a driving part, wherein the mixing part is used to accommodate a sample container and mix the sample in the sample container, and the driving part is used to drive the mixing part to move from the mixing position to the receiving position to receive the sample container, and drive the mixing part to return from the receiving position to the mixing position to perform a mixing operation on the sample in the sample container.

[0007] In one implementation, the driving unit may include a first driving unit and a slider, the mixing unit is fixedly disposed on the slider, and the first driving unit is used to drive the slider to move the mixing unit between the mixing position and the receiving position.

[0008] In one implementation, the driving unit may further include a first support plate, a slide rail, and a second support plate, wherein: the first support plate is used to fix the slide rail and the first driving unit, and the first driving unit drives the slider to move along the slide rail; the second support plate is fixed on the slider, and the mixing unit is fixedly disposed on the second support plate.

[0009] In one implementation, the driving unit may further include a first sensor and a sensor sensing unit, wherein: the first sensor is disposed on the first support plate; the sensor sensing unit is disposed on the second support plate; the first sensor is used to sense the position of the sensor sensing unit to determine whether the mixing unit is at the mixing position.

[0010] In one implementation, the first drive unit can be configured as a linear stepper motor, and the slide rail can be configured as a linear slide rail.

[0011] In one implementation, the drive unit may further include a nut, which is sleeved on the lead screw of the first drive unit and fixedly connected to the second support plate.

[0012] In one implementation, the mixing section may have a sample container receiving section for accommodating the sample container and a sample container support section for supporting the bottom of the sample container.

[0013] In one implementation, the mixing section may include a second driving unit and an eccentric block connected to each other. The second driving unit drives the eccentric block to rotate, thereby causing the sample container support section and the bottom of the sample container supported on the sample container support section to swing, so as to mix the sample in the sample container.

[0014] In one implementation, the mixing section may further include a third support plate, a flexible connecting component, and a fourth support plate, wherein the third support plate is fixed on the second support plate, and a sample container fixing hole is provided on the third support plate as a sample container receiving part; the fourth support plate is connected to the third support plate through the flexible connecting component; and the second driving unit and the sample container support part are fixed on the fourth support plate.

[0015] As one implementation, the sample mixing device may further include a second sensor, particularly a Hall sensor, for detecting the motion state of the sample container support.

[0016] A second aspect of the present invention provides a sample analyzer, the sample analyzer including an analysis unit and a sample mixing device according to the first aspect of the present invention, the sample mixing device being used to mix a sample in a sample container, and the analysis unit being used to analyze the mixed sample in the sample container.

[0017] In one implementation, the sample analyzer may further include a transport device and a sample rack for loading sample containers. The transport device is used to transport the sample containers from the sample rack to the mixing section located at the receiving position, which is above, in particular directly above, the sample rack, and the mixing position is away from the sample rack.

[0018] In one implementation, the sample analyzer may further include a second mixing device for mixing venous blood samples, and the sample mixing device is used to mix peripheral blood samples.

[0019] In one implementation, the second mixing device can be the conveying device.

[0020] A third aspect of the present invention provides a sample mixing method, the sample mixing method comprising: driving a mixing section of a sample mixing device from a mixing position to a receiving position by a driving unit of the sample mixing device; transporting a sample container loaded with a sample to be mixed to the mixing section located at the receiving position; driving the mixing section from the receiving position back to the mixing position by the driving unit; and performing a mixing operation on the sample in the sample container by the mixing section at the mixing position.

[0021] As one implementation, the sample mixing method may further include: detecting the motion state of the mixing section by a sensor; adjusting the driving parameters of the driving unit of the mixing section according to the motion state; and / or determining whether the mixing section has malfunctioned according to the motion state.

[0022] As one implementation, the sample mixing method may further include: detecting the mixing speed of the mixing section by the sensor; and issuing an alarm when the mixing speed is not within a preset range.

[0023] As one implementation method, the sensor can be a Hall sensor.

[0024] As one implementation, the sample mixing method can be implemented using the sample mixing apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention.

[0025] A fourth aspect of the present invention provides a control device for a sample analyzer, comprising: at least one processor; and a memory storing instructions executable by the at least one processor, the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, causing the sample analyzer to perform various steps of the method according to a third aspect of the present invention.

[0026] According to the present invention, the mixing unit can be moved from the mixing position to the receiving position to receive the sample container and return to the mixing position to perform a mixing operation on the sample container. This avoids mixing the sample directly above the sample rack on which the sample container to be mixed is loaded, thereby avoiding lateral movement of the sample rack and thus avoiding injector malfunction or affecting the reliability of the sampling needle due to lateral movement of the sample rack. Attached Figure Description

[0027] The above and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the more detailed description of the embodiments of the invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The drawings are provided to further illustrate the embodiments of the invention and form part of the specification. They are used together with the embodiments of the invention to explain the invention and do not constitute a limitation thereof. In the drawings, the same reference numerals generally represent the same parts or steps.

[0028] Figures 1 to 3 These are perspective views of the sample mixing apparatus according to embodiments of the present invention from different viewpoints.

[0029] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the sample analyzer according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 5 and Figure 6 for Figure 4 A partially enlarged schematic diagram of the sample analyzer shown;

[0031] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a sample holder used to fix sample containers;

[0032] Figure 8 This is a schematic flowchart of a sample mixing method according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 9 A more detailed flowchart of the sample mixing method according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 10 This is a diagram showing the input and sensor output pins of a brushless DC motor with Hall sensor signal output.

[0035] Figure 11 for Figure 10 The diagram shows the output signal of the Hall sensor when the brushless DC motor with Hall sensor signal output is rotating.

[0036] Figure 12 This is a schematic flowchart illustrating the mixing speed of the sample mixing device in the sample mixing method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] Figure 13 This is a structural block diagram of a control device for a sample analyzer according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0038] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the present invention more apparent, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0039] Figures 1 to 3 These are perspective views of the sample mixing apparatus 1 according to embodiments of the present invention from different viewpoints. Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the sample mixing device 1 includes a mixing section 1a and a driving section 1b. The mixing section 1a is used to contain the sample container 2 and mix the sample in the sample container 2. The driving section 1b is used to drive the mixing section 1a from the mixing position (i.e., the initial position, not shown) to the receiving position (i.e., the position for receiving the sample container 2, not shown) to receive the sample container 2, and drive the mixing section 1a from the receiving position back to the mixing position to perform a mixing operation on the sample in the sample container 2.

[0040] Specifically, the driving unit 1b may include a first driving unit 103 and a slider (not shown). The mixing part 1a is fixedly disposed on the slider. The first driving unit 103 is used to drive the slider to move the mixing part 1a between a mixing position and a receiving position. In addition, the driving unit may also include a first support plate 101, a slide rail 102 and a second support plate 106, wherein: the first support plate 101 is used to fix the slide rail 102 and the first driving unit 103, and the first driving unit 103 drives the slider to move along the slide rail 102; the second support plate 106 is fixed on the slider, and the mixing part 1a is fixedly disposed on the second support plate, so that the mixing part 1a can move along the slide rail 102 together with the slider under the drive of the first driving unit 103.

[0041] For example, the first drive unit 103 can be configured as a linear stepper motor, and the slide rail 102 can be configured as a linear slide rail, which can, for example, follow a path such as... Figures 1 to 3The Y1 and Y2 directions are shown. Based on this, the second support plate 106, fixed on the slider of the linear slide rail 102, can slide along the Y1 and Y2 directions with the slider of the linear slide rail 102. In addition, the driving unit may include a nut 104, which is sleeved on the lead screw of the first driving unit 103 and fixedly connected to the second support plate 106. Under the drive of the first driving unit 103, especially the stepper motor, the second support plate 106 can slide along the Y1 and Y2 directions, thereby driving the mixing part 1a fixed on the second support plate 106 to slide along the Y1 and Y2 directions, so that the mixing part 1a can move from the mixing position to the receiving position to receive the sample container 2, and return from the receiving position to the mixing position to perform a mixing operation on the sample in the sample container 2.

[0042] The mixing section 1a may have a sample container receiving section 112a for accommodating the sample container 2 and a sample container support section 113 for supporting the bottom of the sample container 2. When the sample container 2 is placed in the sample container receiving section 112a, the bottom of the sample container 2 abuts against the sample container support section 113. When the sample container support section 113 vibrates, it will cause the bottom of the sample container 2 to vibrate, thereby achieving sample mixing in the sample container 2.

[0043] Specifically, the mixing section may include a second drive unit 110 and an eccentric block 111 connected to each other. The second drive unit 110 drives the eccentric block 111 to rotate, thereby causing the sample container support 113 and the bottom of the sample container 2 supported on the sample container support 113 to swing, so as to mix the sample in the sample container 2. Exemplarily, the second drive unit 110 may be configured as a stepper motor, a DC motor, or a servo motor, especially a brushless DC motor, more preferably a brushless DC motor including a Hall sensor. The brushless DC motor with a Hall sensor can be used to detect the motion state of the mixing section 1a, more specifically the sample container support 113, and / or its mixing speed, which will be further described below.

[0044] Furthermore, the mixing section may also include a third support plate 107, a flexible connecting member 108, and a fourth support plate 109. The third support plate 107 is fixed to the second support plate 106. A sample container fixing hole is provided on the third support plate 107, particularly on the upwardly extending portion 112, serving as a sample container receiving portion 112a. The fourth support plate 109 is connected to the third support plate 107 via the flexible connecting member 108. The second drive unit 110 and the sample container support portion 113 are fixed to the fourth support plate 109. An eccentric block 111 can be fixed to the rotating shaft of the second drive unit 110. When the second drive unit 110 drives the eccentric block 111 to rotate, the eccentric block 111 generates rotational vibration relative to the rotating shaft of the second drive unit 110. Since the fourth support plate 109 is supported by the flexible connecting member 108, the vibration generated by the eccentric block 111 will drive the fourth support plate 109 to vibrate, thereby driving the sample container support portion 113 to vibrate. For example, the flexible connection member 108 may include a flexible column or a spring. Furthermore, the number of flexible connection members 108 may be as follows: Figures 1 to 3 The four shown, or any other suitable number.

[0045] Furthermore, the drive unit 1b may also include a sensor 105 and a sensor sensing unit 106a, wherein the sensor 105 is disposed on the first support plate 101, and the sensor sensing unit 106a is disposed on the second support plate 106. The sensor 105 is used to sense the position of the sensor sensing unit 106a to determine whether the mixing unit 1a is in the mixing position. That is, the sensor sensing unit 106a can cooperate with the sensor 105 to locate the mixing position (initial position) of the sample mixing device 1. In addition, the sensor sensing unit 106a can cooperate with the sensor 105 to detect whether the linear stepper motor, which serves as the first drive unit 103, loses steps during operation.

[0046] Furthermore, the sample mixing device 1 may also include a controller (not shown) communicatively connected to the mixing unit 1a and the drive unit 1b and controlling their operation, i.e., controlling the drive unit 1b to drive the mixing unit 1a to move between a mixing position and a receiving position and controlling the mixing unit 1a to mix the sample in the sample container. Additionally, if the sample mixing device 1 has a sensor 105 and / or a sensor for detecting the movement state of the mixing unit, the controller may also be communicatively connected to the sensor to acquire signals from the sensor and control the operation of the mixing unit 1a and / or the drive unit 1b.

[0047] Based on the above description, the mixing section of the sample mixing device according to the present invention can be moved from the mixing position to the receiving position to receive the sample container and return to the mixing position to perform a mixing operation on the sample container. This avoids sample mixing directly above the sample holder, thereby avoiding lateral movement of the sample holder and thus avoiding sample injector malfunction or affecting the reliability of the sampling needle due to lateral movement of the sample holder.

[0048] The following reference Figures 4 to 6 A sample analyzer according to an embodiment of the present invention is described. Wherein, Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the sample analyzer 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 5 and Figure 6 A partially enlarged schematic diagram of the sample analyzer 10 is shown.

[0049] like Figures 4 to 6 As shown, the sample analyzer 10 includes an analysis unit 6 and a sample mixing device 1 as described above. The sample mixing device 1 is used to mix the sample in the sample container 2, and the analysis unit 6 is used to analyze the mixed sample in the sample container 2. Further, the sample analyzer 10 may also include a transport device 4 and a sample rack 5 for loading the sample container 2. The transport device 4 is used to transport the sample container 2 from the sample rack 5 to the mixing unit 1a of the sample mixing device 1, located at the receiving position described above, as shown. Figure 5 As shown. The conveying device 4 can also be electrically connected to the controller so that it can grip and transport the sample container 2 under the control of the controller.

[0050] Preferably, the handling device 4 may include grippers for gripping and transporting the sample container 2, such as pneumatic grippers or mechanical grippers.

[0051] Preferably, the receiving position is located above, especially directly above, the sample holder 5, and the mixing position is away from the sample holder 5.

[0052] The sample holder 5 is provided with multiple fixing holes 51 for fixing the sample containers 2, such as... Figure 7 As shown. If the mixing section 1a of the sample mixing device 1 mixes at the receiving position, as... Figure 5 As shown, at this time, the mixing section 1a is directly above the fixing hole 51 of the sample holder 5. The fourth support plate 109 of the mixing section 1a and the sample container support section 113 have sample containers 2 on both sides along X1 and X2 (which is also the length extension direction of the sample holder 5). The second drive unit 110 drives the eccentric block 111 to vibrate, which causes the fourth support plate 109 and the sample container support section 113 to vibrate. This will cause the fourth support plate 109 and the sample container support section 113 to touch the sample containers 2 on both sides along X1 and X2, which will cause the sample holder 5 to move laterally, affecting the reliability of the sampling needle or causing the injector to malfunction.

[0053] Therefore, based on the sample mixing device 1 described above, the mixing unit 1a, driven by the driving unit 1b, can move from the initial position (i.e., the mixing position) to the receiving position (in this case, directly above the fixing hole 51 of the sample holder 5) to receive the sample container 2, and then, driven by the driving unit 1b, return to the mixing position to perform a mixing operation on the sample in the sample container 2. Figure 6 As shown, at this time, the mixing section 1a is not directly above the fixing hole 51 of the sample holder 5 to perform the mixing operation on the corresponding sample container 2, which avoids the lateral movement of the sample holder 5, and thus avoids the injection device failure or the impact on the reliability of the sampling needle caused by the lateral movement of the sample holder 5.

[0054] Now continue with the reference. Figures 4 to 6 The sample analyzer 10 may also include a sample transport device 3. The sample transport device 3 performs loading, lateral transport, and unloading operations on the sample rack 5. Furthermore, the analysis unit 6 may include a barcode scanner (not shown) at the barcode scanning position and a sampling device (not shown) at the sampling position, and may also include a detection device (not shown). The barcode scanner is used to read identification information (e.g., a barcode label) located on the sample container at the barcode scanning position. Exemplarily, the barcode scanner may be a barcode reader, a QR code reader, a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag reader, or a combination of a camera and a soft identification algorithm that acquires identification information by capturing an image and then processing the image. The sampling device is used to pick up a sample from the sample container located at the sampling position, and the detection device is used to detect the sample picked up by the sampling device.

[0055] Furthermore, in a further embodiment of the present invention, the sample analyzer 10 may further include a second mixing device for mixing venous blood samples, and the aforementioned sample mixing device 1 in the sample analyzer 10 is for mixing capillary blood samples. The aforementioned transport device can serve as the second mixing device. In this embodiment, the sample analyzer 10 can mix and analyze both capillary blood samples and venous blood samples. The sample analyzer 10 can perform venous blood mixing or capillary blood mixing based on user selection; or, the sample analyzer 10 can automatically identify whether venous blood mixing or capillary blood mixing is required.

[0056] The following reference Figure 8 and Figure 9 A sample mixing method provided according to an embodiment of the present invention is described.

[0057] Figure 8 A schematic flowchart of a sample mixing method 800 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. The sample mixing method 800 can be implemented, in particular, by the sample mixing apparatus 1 provided according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 8As shown, the sample mixing method 800 according to an embodiment of the present invention may include the following steps:

[0058] In step S810, the driving unit of the sample mixing device drives the mixing section of the sample mixing device to move from the mixing position to the receiving position. For example, in this step, the driving unit 1b of the sample mixing device 1 drives the mixing section 1a to move from the mixing position (e.g., the initial position) to the receiving position under the control of the controller, for example, to the side of the fixing hole 51 of the sample holder 5, so as to facilitate receiving the sample container 2 to be mixed.

[0059] Step S820: The sample container containing the sample to be mixed is transported to the mixing section in the receiving position. For example, in this step, the sample container 2 containing the sample to be mixed can be transported from its fixing hole 51 on the sample holder 5 to the mixing section 1a of the sample mixing device by the transport device 4 under the control of the controller.

[0060] In step S830, the driving unit drives the mixing unit to return from the receiving position to the mixing position. For example, in this step, the driving unit 1b of the sample mixing device 1 also drives the mixing unit 1a to return from the receiving position to the mixing position under the control of the controller.

[0061] In step S840, the mixing unit performs a mixing operation on the sample in the sample container at the mixing position. For example, after the mixing unit 1a returns to the mixing position under the drive of the drive unit 1b, the mixing unit 1a performs a mixing operation on the sample in the sample container.

[0062] Further, prior to step S810, method 800 may further include: moving the sample container containing the sample to be mixed vertically upward away from the sample holder containing the sample container. In this case, step S810 may include: driving the mixing section of the sample mixing device from the mixing position to the receiving position by the driving section of the sample mixing device, specifically moving it horizontally to directly above the fixing hole 51 of the sample holder 5. In this case, step S820 may include: transporting the sample container containing the sample to be mixed vertically downward into the mixing section located in the receiving position. In this embodiment, the transport path of the sample container can be shortened, thereby simplifying the structure of the transport device.

[0063] The following reference Figure 9 A more detailed flowchart of the sample mixing method 800 according to an embodiment of the present invention is described in conjunction with the sample analyzer 10 of the present invention.

[0064] like Figure 9As shown, in step S1, the gripper 4 extends along the Y1 direction to grasp the sample container 2 to be mixed from the sample holder 5. The Y1 direction can be found in [reference needed]. Figures 4 to 6 In step S2, the gripper 4, carrying the sample container 2, rises along the Z1 direction and leaves the sample holder 5. The Z1 direction can be found in [reference needed]. Figures 4 to 6 In step S3, the driving unit 1b of the sample mixing device translates the mixing unit 1a, especially its sample container receiving unit 112a, from the initial position (i.e., the mixing position) along the Y2 direction to above the fixing hole 51 of the sample holder 5 (i.e., the receiving position). The Y2 direction can be found in [reference needed]. Figures 4 to 6 In step S4, the gripper 4 descends along the Z2 direction to place the sample container 2 into the sample container receiving section 112a of the mixing section 1a. The Z2 direction can be found in [reference needed]. Figures 4 to 6 In step S5, the gripper retracts along the Y2 direction and disengages from the sample container 2. In step S6, the drive unit 1b of the sample mixing device moves the mixing unit 1a, which contains the sample container to be mixed, from above the fixing hole 51 of the sample holder 5 (i.e., the receiving position) to the initial position (i.e., the mixing position) of the mixing unit 1a of the sample mixing device 1 along the Y1 direction. In step S7, the mixing unit 1a of the sample mixing device 1 mixes the sample in the sample container 2 located therein. In step S8, the drive unit 1b of the sample mixing device moves the mixing unit 1a from the initial position (i.e., the mixing position) along the Y2 direction to above the fixing hole 51 of the sample holder 5. In step S9, the gripper 4 extends along the Y1 direction to grip the sample container 2 located in the sample container receiving part 112a of the mixing unit 1a of the sample mixing device 1. In step S10, the gripper 4, carrying the sample container 2, rises along the Z1 direction and leaves the mixing unit 1a of the sample mixing device. In step S11, the drive unit 1b of the sample mixing device moves the mixing unit 1a back to its initial position (i.e., the mixing position) along the Y1 direction. In step S12, the gripper 4 descends along the Z2 direction to place the sample container 2 into the fixing hole 51 of the sample holder 5. In step S13, the gripper 4 retracts along the Y2 direction and disengages from the sample container 2 on the sample holder 5. This completes the mixing operation on the sample container 2.

[0065] It should be understood that the steps and their order in the above process are merely exemplary. Based on the teachings of this invention, the order of some steps in the above process can be changed, some steps can be omitted, or some steps can be added. For example, step S5 can be placed after step S6. Furthermore, steps S5 and S9 can be omitted simultaneously.

[0066] Furthermore, the sample mixing method according to an embodiment of the present invention may further include the following steps (not shown): detecting the motion state of the mixing section by a sensor; adjusting the driving parameters of the driving unit of the mixing section according to the motion state; and / or determining whether the mixing section has malfunctioned according to the motion state. The sensor may be, for example, a through-beam photoelectric sensor, a reflective photoelectric sensor, a Hall sensor, or a capacitive sensor.

[0067] Furthermore, the sample mixing method according to an embodiment of the present invention may further include the following steps: detecting the mixing speed of the mixing section by the sensor; and issuing an alarm when the mixing speed is not within a preset range. This step can be performed by a sensor in the second drive unit 110 of the mixing section 1a of the aforementioned sample mixing device 1 in step S7. Preferably, the sensor can be a Hall sensor.

[0068] The following reference Figure 10 This describes the input and sensor output pin diagrams of a brushless DC motor with Hall sensor signal output used to monitor the mixing speed in the sample mixing method according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 10 As shown, U, V, and W are the three-phase inputs of the brushless DC motor, and Hu, Hv, and Hw are the outputs of the Hall sensors at three angles. Vcc is the power supply, and GND is the ground.

[0069] Figure 11 for Figure 10 The diagram shows the output signal of the Hall sensor when the brushless DC motor with Hall sensor signal output is rotating. Figure 11 As shown, assuming the number of phases of the brushless DC motor is a and the number of poles is b, then the angle through which the rotor of the brushless DC motor rotates for one period of T signal output from any one of the output pins Hu, Hv, or Hw is:

[0070]

[0071] The formula for calculating the speed of a brushless DC motor is:

[0072]

[0073] The unit of T is seconds (s).

[0074] By monitoring the signal period of any Hall sensor output pin of the brushless DC motor with Hall sensor signal output, the current speed of the DC motor can be calculated, thereby determining whether the mixing speed of the sample mixing device 1 is normal.

[0075] The following reference Figure 12 This is a schematic flowchart illustrating the mixing speed of the sample mixing device in the sample mixing method according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 12 As shown, in step S110, the sample mixing device 1 starts mixing. In step S120, the Hall sensor signal is acquired and the mixing speed is calculated. In step S130, it is determined whether the mixing speed is within a preset range. If the mixing speed is not within the preset range, step S150 is executed; if the mixing speed is within the preset range, step S140 is executed. In step S140, it is determined whether the mixing time has reached a preset time. If the mixing time has reached the preset time, the process ends; if the mixing time has not reached the preset time, the process returns to step S120. In step S150, an instrument malfunction alarm is issued, and then the process ends.

[0076] Based on the above process, by monitoring the sensor signals of the sample mixing device and calculating the mixing speed of the sample mixing device, an alarm can be triggered in a timely manner when the mixing speed of the sample mixing device does not meet expectations, which can eliminate the clinical risks caused by insufficient sample mixing.

[0077] The following reference Figure 13 A control device 1300 for a sample analyzer is described according to an embodiment of the present invention. For example... Figure 13 As shown, the control device 1300 for the sample analyzer may include a memory 1310 and at least one processor 1320. The memory 1310 stores instructions executable by the at least one processor 1320, which, when executed by the at least one processor 1320, cause the sample analyzer to perform the various steps of the aforementioned sample mixing method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0078] It is understood that memory 1310 can be volatile memory or non-volatile memory, or both. Non-volatile memory can be read-only memory (ROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), ferromagnetic random access memory (FRAM), flash memory, magnetic surface memory, optical disc, or compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM); magnetic surface memory can be disk storage or magnetic tape storage. Volatile memory can be random access memory (RAM), which is used as an external cache. By way of example, but not limitation, many forms of RAM are available, such as Static Random Access Memory (SRAM), Synchronous Static Random Access Memory (SSRAM), Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM), Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory (SDRAM), Double Data Rate Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory (DDRSDRAM), Enhanced Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory (ESDRAM), SyncLink Dynamic Random Access Memory (SLDRAM), and Direct Rambus Random Access Memory (DRRAM).The memory 1310 described in the embodiments of the present invention is intended to include these and any other suitable types of memory.

[0079] The memory 1310 in this embodiment includes, but is not limited to, a tri-state content-addressable memory and a static random access memory capable of storing various types of data such as received sensor signals to support the operation of the control device 1300.

[0080] The processor 1320 in this embodiment of the invention can be a central processing unit (CPU), or other general-purpose processors, digital signal processors (DSPs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, discrete hardware components, etc. The general-purpose processor can be a microprocessor or any conventional processor, etc.

[0081] Furthermore, according to embodiments of the present invention, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, on which program instructions are stored, which, when executed by at least one processor of a sample analyzer, cause the sample analyzer to perform the various steps of the aforementioned sample mixing method according to embodiments of the present invention. The computer-readable storage medium may, for example, include a memory card of a smartphone, a storage component of a tablet computer, a hard disk of a personal computer, a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), a portable compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), a USB memory, or any combination of the above storage media. The computer-readable storage medium may be any combination of one or more computer-readable storage media.

[0082] The features mentioned above, as long as they are meaningful within the scope of this invention, can be combined with each other arbitrarily. The advantages and features described for the sample mixing apparatus are applied in a corresponding manner to corresponding sample analyzers and methods.

[0083] Although exemplary embodiments have been described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings, it should be understood that the above exemplary embodiments are merely illustrative and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Various changes and modifications can be made therein by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. All such changes and modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the invention as claimed in the appended claims.

[0084] Those skilled in the art will understand that, apart from the mutual exclusion of features, all features disclosed in this specification (including the accompanying claims, abstract, and drawings) and all processes or elements of any method or apparatus so disclosed can be combined in any combination. Unless otherwise expressly stated, each feature disclosed in this specification (including the accompanying claims, abstract, and drawings) may be replaced by an alternative feature that serves the same, equivalent, or similar purpose.

[0085] Furthermore, those skilled in the art will understand that although some embodiments described herein include certain features but not others included in other embodiments, combinations of features from different embodiments are intended to be within the scope of the invention and form different embodiments. For example, in the claims, any of the claimed embodiments can be used in any combination.

Claims

1. A sample analyzer characterized by, include A sample transport device, which is used to realize the loading, lateral transport and unloading of the sample rack; A first mixing device is used to mix capillary blood samples. The first mixing device includes a mixing section and a driving section. The driving section includes a first driving unit. The mixing section is used to accommodate a sample container and mix the sample in the sample container. The first driving unit is used to drive the mixing section to move from a mixing position to a receiving position to receive the sample container, and to drive the mixing section to return from the receiving position to the mixing position in a horizontal direction to perform a mixing operation on the sample in the sample container. The receiving position of the mixing section is located above the sample rack that carries the sample container, and the mixing position of the mixing section is away from the sample rack. The mixing section has a sample container receiving section for accommodating a sample container and a sample container support section for supporting the bottom of the sample container; the mixing section also includes a second driving unit and an eccentric block connected to each other, the second driving unit driving the eccentric block to rotate, thereby causing the sample container support section together with the bottom of the sample container supported on the sample container support section to swing, so as to mix the sample in the sample container; the first mixing device also includes a second sensor for detecting the motion state of the sample container support section. The second mixing device is used to mix venous blood samples; The second mixing device serves as a transport device and is used to transport the capillary blood sample container from the sample rack to the mixing section of the first mixing device located at the receiving position; the transport device includes grippers for clamping and transporting the sample container. An analysis unit, which is used to analyze a mixed sample in a sample container; The controller is communicatively connected to the mixing unit and the driving unit and controls their operation, including controlling the driving unit to drive the mixing unit to move between the mixing position and the receiving position, and controlling the mixing unit to mix the sample in the sample container.

2. The sample analyzer of claim 1, wherein, The driving unit further includes a slide rail and a slider, and the first driving unit drives the slide rail and the slider to cooperate so that the mixing unit moves between the mixing position and the receiving position.

3. The sample analyzer of claim 2, wherein, The drive unit further includes a first support plate and a second support plate, wherein: The first support plate is used to fix the slide rail and the first drive unit, and the first drive unit drives the slider to move along the slide rail; The second support plate is fixed on the slider, and the mixing part is fixedly disposed on the second support plate.

4. The sample analyzer of claim 3, wherein, The driving unit further includes a first sensor and a sensor sensing unit, wherein: The first sensor is mounted on the first support plate; The sensor sensing unit is disposed on the second support plate; The first sensor is used to sense the position of the sensor sensing part to determine whether the mixing part is at the mixing position.

5. The sample analyzer according to claim 4, characterized in that, The first drive unit is constructed as a linear stepper motor, and the slide rail is constructed as a linear slide rail.

6. The sample analyzer according to claim 5, characterized in that, The drive unit also includes a nut, which is sleeved on the lead screw of the first drive unit and is fixedly connected to the second support plate.

7. The sample analyzer according to claim 6, characterized in that, The mixing section further includes a third support plate, a flexible connecting component, and a fourth support plate. The third support plate is fixed on the second support plate, and a sample container fixing hole is provided on the third support plate as a sample container receiving part. The fourth support plate is connected to the third support plate through the flexible connecting component, and the second driving unit and the sample container support part are fixed on the fourth support plate.

8. The sample analyzer according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second sensor is a Hall sensor.

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