Sample mixing system, sample handling method, sample analyzer, and control device

Abstract

The present application relates to a sample mixing system, a sample container carrying method, a sample analyzer and a control device for the sample analyzer. The sample mixing system comprises: a sample rack having sample container fixing holes for accommodating sample containers which can be loaded with samples to be mixed, the sample rack being capable of carrying the sample containers to a mixing position to wait for mixing operation; a mixing device having sample container fixing seats capable of accommodating the sample containers for mixing operation on the samples in the sample containers; a carrying device for clamping the sample containers in the sample container fixing holes on the sample rack at the mixing position and carrying the sample containers between the sample rack and the mixing device; a controller in communication connection with the mixing device and the carrying device and controlling actions thereof, configured to control the carrying device such that the carrying device makes the mixed sample containers enter the corresponding sample container fixing holes in an upright state during carrying the mixed sample containers from the mixing device to the sample rack.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of sample analysis, and more specifically to a sample mixing system, a sample container handling method, a sample analyzer, and a control device for the sample analyzer. Background Technology

[0002] In a sample analyzer, when analyzing a sample, it is necessary to mix and test the sample to be mixed. For example, the sample container on the sample rack needs to be moved to the mixing device for mixing first, and then the mixed sample is moved back to the sample rack for sampling and analysis. However, jamming often occurs when the mixed sample container is put back into the sample rack.

[0003] Therefore, it is necessary to analyze and study the current phenomenon of sample container jamming in order to solve this problem. Summary of the Invention

[0004] A first aspect of this application provides a sample mixing system, the sample mixing system comprising:

[0005] A sample rack has sample container fixing holes to accommodate sample containers that can be loaded with samples to be mixed, and the sample rack can transport the sample containers to the mixing position to wait for the mixing operation.

[0006] A mixing device having a sample container holder capable of accommodating a sample container to be mixed and for performing a mixing operation on the sample container.

[0007] A transport device for gripping the sample container and transporting the sample container between the sample rack and the mixing device;

[0008] A controller electrically connected to the mixing device and the conveying device is used to control the operation of the conveying device and the mixing device, wherein the controller is configured to control the conveying device such that the conveying device can rotate the sample container during the process of conveying the mixed sample container from the mixing device to the sample rack, so that the sample container can enter the corresponding sample container fixing hole in an upright state.

[0009] Optionally, the sample mixing system has a top that can abut against the sample container, the top being disposed on the path of the transport device to transport the mixed sample container from the mixing device to the sample rack, and the controller is configured to control the transport device such that the transport device can contact the top and rotate the sample container before placing the mixed sample container into the corresponding sample container fixing hole, so that the sample container can enter the corresponding sample container fixing hole in an upright state.

[0010] Optionally, the top abutment is positioned corresponding to the mixing position.

[0011] Optionally, the abutment is located on the side of the sample container fixing hole on the sample holder that is in the mixing position, away from the mixing device.

[0012] Optionally, the abutment can be fixedly disposed on the sample holder at the mixing position on the side away from the mixing device and extending toward the sample container fixing hole.

[0013] Optionally, the projection of the outermost end of the abutment extending toward the sample container fixing hole at the mixing position on the sample holder is tangent to the outer circumference of the sample container fixing hole on the horizontal plane where the top of the sample container fixing hole is located.

[0014] Optionally, the abutment includes a connected vertical portion and a bent portion, wherein the vertical portion extends in a vertical direction and is disposed on the side of the sample container fixing hole at the mixing position on the sample holder away from the mixing device, and the bent portion is located above and extends toward the sample container fixing hole at the mixing position on the sample holder.

[0015] Optionally, the bent portion extends along or at an angle relative to the horizontal plane toward the sample container fixing hole on the sample holder at the mixing position.

[0016] Optionally, the vertical portion and / or bent portion at the top is configured as a planar plate structure or a columnar structure.

[0017] Optionally, the abutment is configured to be movable and able to move to the side above the sample container fixing hole on the sample holder at the mixing position.

[0018] Optionally, the abutment can be rotated and / or moved under the drive of a drive source, or the abutment is part of the drive source.

[0019] Optionally, the abutment can move toward the sample container fixing hole on the sample holder at the mixing position until the projection of the top of the abutment onto the horizontal plane where the top of the sample container fixing hole is located is tangent to the outer circumference of the sample container fixing hole.

[0020] Optionally, the controller is configured to control the conveying device to move the sample container horizontally before completely removing the mixed sample container from the sample container holder of the mixing device in the vertical direction, so as to use the sample container holder of the mixing device to hold the sample container against the sample container and rotate the sample container, so that the sample container can enter the corresponding sample container fixing hole in an upright state.

[0021] Optionally, the controller is configured to control the transport device to first move the mixed sample container vertically upward from the sample container fixing seat of the mixing device by a preset distance, and then control the transport device to move the sample container horizontally by a preset distance, so that the sample container fixing seat of the mixing device abuts against the sample container and causes the sample container to rotate, so that the sample container can enter the corresponding sample container fixing hole in an upright state.

[0022] Optionally, the sample container holder is configured such that the top of the sample container it accommodates is tilted in a first direction. Correspondingly, the controller is configured to control the conveying device to move the mixed sample container from the sample container holder of the mixing device first vertically upward by a preset distance and then move it along a second direction by a preset distance, so that the sample container holder of the mixing device abuts against the sample container and causes the sample container to rotate, thereby allowing the sample container to enter the corresponding sample container fixing hole in an upright state; wherein, the first direction and the second direction are opposite directions on the horizontal plane.

[0023] Optionally, the conveying device includes grippers and a drive mechanism, wherein the grippers are configured to grip and move the sample container under the drive of the drive mechanism.

[0024] A second aspect of the present invention provides a sample container handling method, the sample container handling method comprising:

[0025] The moving step involves moving the sample rack to transport the sample containers on the sample rack to a mixing position to await mixing, wherein the sample rack has sample container fixing holes to accommodate the sample containers that can be loaded with samples to be mixed.

[0026] In the removal step, the control transport device clamps the sample container in the sample container fixing hole at the mixing position on the sample rack and transports the sample container to the mixing device, wherein the mixing device has a sample container fixing seat that can accommodate the sample container to be mixed.

[0027] The mixing step involves controlling the mixing device to mix the sample in the sample container.

[0028] In the relocation step, the transport device is controlled to clamp and move the sample container in the sample container holder, so that the transport device can rotate the sample container during the process of transporting the mixed sample container from the mixing device to the sample rack, so that the sample container can enter the corresponding sample container fixing hole in an upright state.

[0029] Optionally, a top is provided along the path of the conveying device to transport the mixed sample container from the mixing device to the sample rack, and the retraction step includes:

[0030] The transport device is controlled to contact the top of the sample container and rotate it before placing the mixed sample container into the corresponding sample container fixing hole, so that the sample container enters the corresponding sample container fixing hole in an upright state.

[0031] Optionally, the relocation step includes:

[0032] Before the mixed sample container is completely removed vertically from the sample container holder of the mixing device, the transport device moves the sample container horizontally so that the sample container holder of the mixing device holds the sample container against it and rotates the sample container, so that the sample container can enter the corresponding sample container fixing hole in an upright state.

[0033] Optionally, the relocation step includes:

[0034] The transport device is controlled to move the mixed sample container vertically upward from the sample container fixing base of the mixing device by a preset distance;

[0035] The transport device is controlled to move the sample container a preset distance in the horizontal direction, so that the sample container fixing seat of the mixing device abuts against the sample container and makes the sample container rotate, so that the sample container can enter the corresponding sample container fixing hole in an upright state.

[0036] Optionally, the sample container holder is configured such that the top of the sample container it houses is tilted in a first direction, and the retraction step includes:

[0037] The transport device is controlled to move the mixed sample container from the sample container holder of the mixing device upwards by a preset distance in the vertical direction and then move it by a preset distance in the second direction, so as to use the sample container holder of the mixing device to hold the sample container against the sample container and change the sample container from an inclined state to an upright state; wherein the first direction and the second direction are opposite directions on the horizontal plane.

[0038] Optionally, the sample container handling method is implemented using the sample container mixing system provided in the first aspect of this application.

[0039] A third aspect of the present invention provides a sample analyzer, the sample analyzer comprising a transport unit, a sample mixing system as described above, and an analysis unit, wherein:

[0040] The transport unit is used to transport the sample rack;

[0041] The sample mixing system is used to mix the samples in the sample containers on the sample rack.

[0042] The analysis unit is used to analyze the mixed sample from the sample container.

[0043] Optionally, the sample analyzer further includes a mixing device for mixing venous blood samples, and the sample mixing system is used to mix capillary blood samples.

[0044] A fourth aspect of the present invention provides a control device for a sample analyzer, comprising:

[0045] At least one processor; and

[0046] A memory storing instructions executable by the at least one processor, which, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the sample analyzer to perform the steps of the method provided according to the second aspect of this application.

[0047] According to an embodiment of the present invention, by controlling the conveying device to transport the mixed sample container from the mixing device to the sample rack, the sample container, especially the sample container that may be tilted by the conveying device, can be rotated so that the sample container can enter the sample container fixing hole of the sample rack in an upright state in any case, thereby avoiding jamming during the process of returning the sample container to the sample rack. Attached Figure Description

[0048] The following drawings, which are incorporated herein by reference as part of this invention, are provided for understanding the invention. The drawings illustrate embodiments of the invention and their descriptions, serving to explain the principles of the invention.

[0049] In the attached image:

[0050] Figure 1 A three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of a current micro-sample mixing device is shown;

[0051] Figure 2 The sample container is shown placed Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view of the sample container in the micro-sample mixing device tilted in the fixing hole.

[0052] Figure 3 It shows Figure 2 A schematic diagram showing the sample in the sample container rising along the tube wall of the sample container under the action of centrifugal force;

[0053] Figure 4 A schematic perspective view shows the transfer device picking up a sample container from the mixing device;

[0054] Figure 5A schematic side view shows the transport device picking up a sample container from the mixing device;

[0055] Figure 6 This diagram illustrates the process of a transport device moving sample containers between a sample rack and a mixing device in the prior art.

[0056] Figure 7 This diagram illustrates a prior art technique where a sample container tilts after being removed from a mixing device by a transport device.

[0057] Figure 8 A three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of another prior art micro-sample mixing device is shown;

[0058] Figures 9 to 11 It shows Figure 8 A schematic diagram of the process by which the transport device picks up the sample container from the mixing device.

[0059] Figure 12 A three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of a sample mixing system according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0060] Figure 13 , Figure 15 and Figure 17 This invention shows a three-dimensional structural diagram of the sample mixing system of the present invention with the top disposed at different heights;

[0061] Figure 14 , Figure 16 and Figure 18 A three-dimensional structural diagram of the sample mixing system of the present invention is shown, which rotates the sample container by touching the top.

[0062] Figure 19 It shows according to Figure 17 A schematic diagram of the process of a transport device moving sample containers between a sample rack and a mixing device.

[0063] Figure 20 A three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of a sample mixing system according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0064] Figure 21 A schematic diagram of the process of a transport device according to an embodiment of the present invention transporting sample containers between a sample rack and a mixing device is shown.

[0065] Figures 22 to 24 It shows according to Figure 21 The diagram illustrates different states in which sample containers are moved from the mixing device using various handling methods.

[0066] Figure 25 A schematic diagram of the process of a transport device according to another embodiment of the present invention transporting sample containers between a sample rack and a mixing device is shown.

[0067] Figure 26 and 27 It shows according to Figure 25 The diagram illustrates different states in which sample containers are moved from the mixing device using various handling methods.

[0068] Figure 28 A schematic flowchart of a sample container handling method according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0069] Figure 29 A schematic diagram of a control device according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0070] To fully understand this invention, detailed steps and structures will be presented in the following description to illustrate the technical solution proposed by this invention. Preferred embodiments of the invention are described in detail below; however, in addition to these detailed descriptions, the invention may have other embodiments.

[0071] The technical terminology used in the embodiments of this invention is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to limit the invention. In this document, the singular forms “a,” “the,” and “the” are used to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Furthermore, the use of “comprising” and / or “including” in the specification means the presence of the stated feature, integral, step, operation, element, and / or component, but does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integrals, steps, operations, elements, and / or components.

[0072] To address the problem of sample containers getting stuck during return to the sample rack, this invention first requires analyzing the causes of the stuckness and then making improvements based on those causes. Research and analysis revealed that:

[0073] Due to their small volume and poor fluidity, capillary blood samples cannot be thoroughly mixed using the reciprocating inverting of the sample container method employed for venous blood samples. A vortex mixing method is typically used instead. In a fully automated capillary blood sample introduction scheme, the capillary blood sample needs to be transferred from the sample rack to a vortex mixer for mixing, and then transferred back to the sample rack. In this scheme, the vortex mixer has a sample container fixing hole, into which the capillary blood sample container is placed for mixing.

[0074] To prevent sample spillage, the sample container is tilted when placed in the sample container mounting hole of the vortex mixer. For example... Figure 1 As shown, Figure 1This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of a micro-sample mixing device proposed by the applicant. The micro-sample mixing device 1 includes a drive source 11 and a sample container fixing base 12, wherein a sample container fixing hole 121 is provided on the sample container fixing base 12. During mixing, the sample container is placed in the sample container fixing hole 121, and the drive source 11 drives the sample container fixing base 12 to rotate the sample container, thereby realizing the mixing of the sample in the sample container.

[0075] like Figure 2 As shown, since the sample container holder 12 has an abutment part 122 at the bottom, when the sample container 2 is placed in the sample container fixing hole 121 of the sample container holder 12, the rotation axis A1 of the sample container 2 forms an angle α with the central axis A3 of the sample container holder 12, that is, the sample container 2 is in an inclined state when placed in the sample container fixing hole 121 of the sample container holder 12.

[0076] The micro-sample mixing device 1 is designed as follows: Figure 2 The advantage shown is that when the drive source 11 drives the sample container fixing seat 12 to rotate the sample container 2, the sample 3 in the sample container 2 rises along the tube wall of the sample container 2 under the action of centrifugal force, such as... Figure 3 As shown. For Figure 3 Force analysis of the sample unit S on the tube wall reveals that it is subjected to a force F perpendicular to the tube wall. This force F can be decomposed into a component F1 perpendicular to the rotation axis A1 of the sample container fixing seat 12 and a component F2 directed downwards along the tube wall. Component F1 provides the centripetal force for the sample unit S to rotate around axis A1, while component F2 prevents the sample unit S from rising along the inner wall of the sample container 2. This prevents sample overflow from the sample container 2 and suppresses the liquid level height during sample rotation, reducing the amount of residual sample 3 on the inner wall of the sample container 2, thereby reducing sample loss.

[0077] The analyzer using the aforementioned micro-sample mixing device 1 requires a transport device (in this embodiment, for example, constructed with grippers 8) to move the sample container 2 between the sample holder 9 and the micro-sample mixing device 1, such as... Figure 4 and Figure 5 Accordingly, the process by which the grippers of the transport device move the sample container 2 between the sample rack 9 and the micro-sample mixing device 1 is as follows: Figure 6 As shown.

[0078] like Figure 6As shown, in step S1, the gripper 8 extends horizontally to grasp the sample container 2 to be mixed from the sample holder 9. In step S2, the gripper 8, carrying the sample container 2, rises vertically away from the sample holder 9. In step S3, the gripper 8 moves horizontally, moving the grasped sample container 2 above, particularly directly above, the sample mixing device 1. In step S4, the gripper descends vertically to place the sample container 2 into the sample container fixing hole 121 of the sample mixing device 1. In step S5, the gripper 8 retracts horizontally, disengaging from the sample container 2. In step S6, the drive source 11 of the sample mixing device 1 drives the sample mixing device 1 to mix the sample in the sample container 2 located therein. In step S7, the gripper 8 extends horizontally to grasp the sample container 2 located in the sample container fixing hole 121 of the sample mixing device 1. In step S8, the gripper 8, carrying the sample container 2, rises vertically away from the sample mixing device 1. In step S9, the gripper 8 moves horizontally, moving the sample container 2 to above, specifically directly above, the sample container fixing hole 10 of the sample holder 9. In step S10, the gripper 8 descends vertically to place the sample container 2 into the sample container fixing hole 10 of the sample holder 9. In step S11, the gripper retracts horizontally, disengaging from the sample container 2 on the sample holder 9. This completes the mixing operation of the sample container 2.

[0079] However, in Figure 6 During the process of transferring sample container 2 from micro-sample mixing device 1 back to sample rack 9, because sample container 2 is in an inclined state in sample container fixing hole 121 of micro-sample mixing device 1, Figure 6 In step S8, after the grippers lift the sample container 2 from the micro-sample mixing device 1, the sample container 2 may still be tilted relative to the vertical direction, such as... Figure 7 As shown. Then, in Figure 6 In step S10, during the process of the gripper moving the sample container 2 downward to the sample holder 9, the bottom of the sample container 2 may interfere with the top surface of the sample holder 9 (this is because the sample holder 9 is placed horizontally and the center of the sample container fixing hole 10 on the sample holder 9 is in a vertical state), which may lead to instrument malfunction.

[0080] In addition to the micro-sample mixing device 1 described in the example above, Figure 8This is another form of micro-sample mixing device in the prior art. The micro-sample mixing device 4 includes a first support plate 41 and a second support plate 42, wherein the second support plate 42 is fixed above the first support plate 41 by several flexible pillars 43. A motor 44 and a sample container holder 46 are fixed on the second support plate 42, and an eccentric block 45 is fixed on the shaft of the motor 44. When the motor 44 drives the eccentric block 45 to rotate, the eccentric block 45 generates rotational vibration relative to the shaft of the motor 44. Since the second support plate 42 is supported by flexible pillars 43, the vibration generated by the eccentric block 45 will drive the second support plate 42 to vibrate, thereby driving the sample container holder 46 to vibrate. The first support plate 41 extends upward to form a third support plate 47, which has a sample container support hole 48. When the sample container 2 is placed in the sample container support hole 48, the bottom of the sample container 2 abuts against the sample container holder 46. When the sample container holder 46 vibrates, it will drive the bottom of the sample container 2 to vibrate, thereby achieving sample mixing in the sample container 2.

[0081] To prevent the bottom of sample container 2 from jamming due to vibration with sample container bracket 46, the diameter of the sample container support hole 48 on the third support plate 47 is typically set to be larger than the outer diameter of sample container 2. (Reference) Figure 9 When the gripper 8 moves along the Y1 direction to grip the sample container 2, in order to reliably grip the sample container 2, the gripper 8 is usually moved along the Y1 direction until it passes directly above the sample container support hole 48 for a certain distance, until the gripper completely grips the sample container 2. At this time, the top of the sample container 2 will tilt along the Y1 direction, such as... Figure 10 As shown. After the gripper 8 grasps the sample container 2 and lifts it vertically along the Z1 direction, the sample container 2 may still be tilted relative to the vertical direction, such as... Figure 11 As shown. If sample container 2 is placed back into the sample holder in this state, the bottom of sample container 2 may interfere with the top surface of sample holder 9 during the process of gripper 8 lowering sample container 2 into the sample holder.

[0082] To address the above problems, a first aspect of the present invention provides a sample mixing system, the sample mixing system comprising:

[0083] The sample rack 9 has a sample container fixing hole 10 to accommodate a sample container 2 that can be loaded with a sample to be mixed. The sample rack 9 can transport the sample container 2 to the mixing position to wait for the mixing operation.

[0084] Mixing device 1 or 4 is used to mix the sample in the sample container 2.

[0085] The transport device 8 is used to clamp the sample container 2 on the sample rack 9 at the mixing position and transport the sample container 2 between the sample rack 9 and the mixing device 1 or 4;

[0086] A controller (not shown) communicatively connected to the mixing device 1 or 2 and the transport device 8 is used to control the transport device 8 to transport the sample container 2, which is in the mixing position, from the sample container fixing hole 10 of the sample rack 9 to the mixing device 1 or 4 for mixing, and after the mixing operation is completed, to transport the mixed sample container 2 from the mixing device 1 or 4 back to the sample container fixing hole 10 of the sample rack 9. The controller is configured to control the transport device 8 such that the transport device 8 rotates the sample container 2 during the process of transporting the mixed sample container 2 from the mixing device 1 or 4 to the sample rack 9, so that the sample container 2 can enter the corresponding sample container fixing hole 10 in an upright state.

[0087] The sample mixing system of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. First, refer to the accompanying drawings... Figure 12 and 13 In one example of the present invention, the sample mixing system is further provided with a top abutment 7 that can hold the sample container 2. The top abutment 7 is disposed on the path of the conveying device to transport the mixed sample container 2 from the mixing device 1 or 4 to the sample rack 9, so that the sample container 2 contacts the top abutment 7 before being placed into the sample container fixing hole 10 of the sample rack 9. The top abutment 7 holds the sample container and causes the sample container to rotate, so that the tilted sample container rotates to an upright state and the sample container enters the sample container fixing hole of the sample rack in an upright state, thereby avoiding jamming.

[0088] The conveying device includes grippers 8 and a drive mechanism (not shown), wherein the drive mechanism drives the grippers 8 to grasp and move the sample container 2. The grippers 8 can be configured as mechanical grippers or pneumatic grippers.

[0089] The sample rack 9 is movable, and the sample container containing the sample to be mixed is transported to the mixing position to wait for the mixing operation by moving the sample rack. The abutment 7 is set at a position corresponding to the mixing position, and in particular, the abutment is set above the sample container fixing hole 10 where the sample container 2 waiting for the mixing operation is located.

[0090] Optionally, the abutment 7 is disposed on one side of the sample rack 9, for example, on one side of the sample container fixing hole 10 on the sample rack 9 at the mixing position and on the side away from the mixing device 1, so as to prevent the abutment from interfering with the transport device.

[0091] Optionally, the abutment 7 is fixedly disposed on the sample holder 9 on the side of the sample container fixing hole 10 located at the mixing position, away from the mixing device 1 or 4, and extends towards the sample container fixing hole 10, i.e., extends towards the side closer to the mixing device. The abutment 7 does not extend into the sample container fixing hole 10 indefinitely; preferably, the abutment 7 extends into the sample container fixing hole 10 to a point that does not obstruct the insertion of the sample container 2 into the sample holder 9, and can abut against the sample container and allow it to rotate before insertion.

[0092] For example, in one example, such as Figure 12 As shown, the outermost end 711 of the top abutment 7 extending toward the sample container fixing hole 10 on the sample holder 9 at the mixing position is located directly above the tangent 101 of the outer circumference 102 of the sample container fixing hole closest to the top abutment 7. That is, the projection of the outermost end 711 of the top abutment 7 extending toward the sample container fixing hole 10 on the horizontal plane where the top of the sample container fixing hole is located is tangent to the outer circumference 102 of the sample container fixing hole.

[0093] Furthermore, the top 7 includes a connected vertical portion 72 and a bent portion 71, wherein the vertical portion extends vertically upward from the side away from the mixing device 1 or 4 of the sample container fixing hole in the mixing position on the sample holder, and wherein the bent portion is located above the sample container fixing hole in the mixing position on the sample holder and extends toward the sample container fixing hole.

[0094] The outermost end 711 of the top abutment 7 extending toward the sample container fixing hole 10 refers to the outermost end 711 of the bent portion 71, that is, the end that contacts the sample container 2. The projection of the outermost end 711 onto the horizontal plane where the top of the sample container fixing hole 10 is located refers to the projection of the edge of the farthest end of the bent portion 71 along the extension direction of the sample holder onto the horizontal plane, that is, its projection is a straight line and is tangent to the outer circumference 102 of the sample container fixing hole closest to the top abutment.

[0095] The bent portion 71 can extend along the horizontal plane, such as... Figure 13 As shown; it can also extend at an angle relative to the horizontal plane, for example, the bent portion 71 can be inclined downwards relative to the horizontal plane, such as... Figure 12 and Figure 15As shown. The tilt direction and tilt angle of the bent portion 71 can be set according to the specific position of the top abutment 7. For example, when the bent portion 71 of the top abutment 7 is set at a lower position, such as near the top of the sample container fixing hole 10 in the mixing position, the bent portion 71 of the top abutment 7 can be set to tilt downwards with a larger tilt angle. Figure 15 As shown. It should be noted that the tilt direction and tilt angle of the bent portion 71 can be adjusted according to actual needs and are not limited to the example above.

[0096] Furthermore, the main structure of the vertical portion 72 and / or the bent portion 71 at the top is configured as a planar plate structure or a columnar structure (not shown). When the main structure of the vertical portion and / or the bent portion at the top is configured as a planar plate structure, the extension direction of the plate structure is consistent with the travel direction of the sample holder, such as... Figure 12 As shown.

[0097] Optionally, the bent portion 71 of the top 7 can be set at different heights above the sample container fixing hole 10 in the mixing position on the sample holder 9, for example, at the first height, the second height and the third height respectively, wherein the heights of the first height, the second height and the third height increase sequentially.

[0098] For example, in one embodiment of the invention, the bent portion 71 may be positioned at a first height above the sample container fixing hole 10 and extend downwards at an angle relative to the horizontal plane, such as... Figure 15 As shown. When the controller controls the transport device to move the mixed sample container 2 horizontally from the mixing device 1 or 4 directly above the corresponding sample container fixing hole 10, the sample container 2 does not contact the bent part 71. Instead, when the controller controls the transport device to move the sample container 2 vertically downwards, the bottom edge of the sample container 2 can abut against the bent part 71, causing the sample container 2 to rotate. That is, the bottom of the sample container 2 is pushed by the bent part 71, so that the sample container can enter the corresponding sample container fixing hole 10 in an upright state. In other words, after the gripper carries the sample container 2 down a certain distance along the Z2 direction, the bottom of the sample container 2 will abut against the bent part 71 at the top 7 (see reference). Figure 16 Then, the gripper carries the sample container 2 down along the Z2 direction. The bottom of the sample container 2 is subjected to force and rotates in the horizontal direction Y2. Finally, before the bottom of the sample container 2 enters the sample container fixing hole 10 of the sample rack 9, the sample container 2 becomes basically upright, thus ensuring that the bottom of the sample container 2 will not interfere with the top surface of the sample rack 9 during the process of the gripper lowering the sample container 2 into the sample rack 9.

[0099] In another example of the invention, the bent portion 71 may be positioned at a second height above the sample container fixing hole 10, such as... Figure 13 As shown. During the process where the controller controls the conveying device to move the mixed sample container 2 from the mixing device 1 or 4 to directly above the corresponding sample container fixing hole 10 along the horizontal direction Y1, the bent portion 71 abuts against the lower middle part of the sample container 2, causing the sample container to rotate, thus allowing the sample container 2 to enter the corresponding sample container fixing hole 10 in an upright state. That is, the gripper carries the sample container 2 horizontally along the Y1 direction. After moving a certain distance, the lower middle part of the sample container 2 will abut against the bent portion 71 at the top 7. Then, the gripper carries the sample container 2 and continues to move horizontally along the Y1 direction until directly above the sample container fixing hole 10. During this process, the lower middle part of the sample container 2 is subjected to force and rotates in the Y2 direction, eventually becoming nearly vertical, as shown. Figure 14 As shown. This ensures that the bottom of sample container 2 does not interfere with the top surface of sample rack 9 during the process of the gripper lowering sample container 2 into sample rack 9.

[0100] In another example of the invention, the bent portion 71 may be positioned at a third height above the sample container fixing hole 10, such as... Figure 17 As shown. When the controller moves the mixed sample container 2 from the mixing device 1 or 4 directly above the corresponding sample container fixing hole 10 along the horizontal direction Y1, the bent portion 71 abuts against the upper middle part of the sample container 2 and causes the sample container to rotate when the transport device then moves the sample container 2 upward along the vertical direction Z1, thereby allowing the mixed sample container 2 to enter the corresponding sample container fixing hole 10 in a substantially upright state. That is, when the abutment is set at the third height, the working process of the sample mixing system according to the present invention is as follows: Figure 19 As shown, compared to the process Figure 6 ,process Figure 19 The S9a step has been added. This is after the process... Figure 19 In step S9, after the gripper moves horizontally to move the sample container 2 above the sample container fixing hole 10 of the sample holder 9, the positions of the gripper and the sample container 2 are as follows: Figure 18 As shown. In step S9a, the gripper moves the sample container 2 along the Z1 direction. At this time, the body of the sample container 2 is held in place by the bent portion 71 of the top 7, causing the sample container 2 to gradually rotate in the vertical plane. When the gripper raises the sample container 2 along the Z1 direction to a certain height, the sample container 2 becomes nearly vertical. This ensures that in step S10, during the process of the gripper lowering the sample container 2 into the sample holder 9, the bottom of the sample container 2 will not interfere with the top surface of the sample holder 9.

[0101] Optionally, such as Figure 20 As shown, the abutment 7 is configured to be movable and capable of moving to the side above the sample container fixing hole 10 on the sample holder 9 at the mixing position. For example, the abutment 7 can rotate and / or move under the drive of a drive source. For example, the abutment can move toward the sample container fixing hole on the sample holder at the mixing position until the projection of the top of the abutment on the horizontal plane where the top of the sample container fixing hole is located is tangent to the outer circumference of the sample container fixing hole.

[0102] In addition, the abutment 7 can also be part of a drive source, such as a pneumatic component or an electric component.

[0103] By setting a top abutment 7, the present invention enables the sample container, which may be tilted, to become upright when the transport device moves the sample container back to the sample rack. This solves the problem of the sample container getting stuck when it is moved back to the sample rack due to its tilt, and improves the reliability of sample container transport.

[0104] In addition, to solve the above problems, besides setting the top 7 in the sample mixing system, the controller can be configured to control the transport device to move the sample container 2 horizontally before completely removing the mixed sample container 2 from the sample container fixing seat (i.e., sample container fixing seat 12 or sample container support hole 48) of the mixing device 1 or 4 in the vertical direction, so that the sample container 2 is held against the sample container by the sample container fixing seat of the mixing device 1 or 4 and rotated, so that the sample container 2 can enter the corresponding sample container fixing hole 10 in an upright state.

[0105] In one embodiment, the controller can be configured to control the transport device to move the mixed sample container 2 vertically upward from the sample container fixing seat 12 or 48 of the mixing device 1 or 4 by a predetermined distance, and then control the transport device to move the sample container 2 horizontally by a predetermined distance, so that the sample container fixing seat 12 or 48 of the mixing device abuts against the sample container 2 and causes the sample container to rotate, so that the sample container 2 can enter the corresponding sample container fixing hole 10 in an upright state.

[0106] When the top of the sample container 2 is tilted in the first direction in the mixing device, for example, the sample container holder 12 is configured to tilt the top of the sample container 2 it contains in the first direction, the controller is configured to control the conveying device 8 to move the mixed sample container 2 from the sample container holder 12 or 48 of the mixing device 1 or 4 first vertically upward and then along the second direction; or, control the conveying device 8 to move the mixed sample container 2 from the sample container holder 12 or 48 of the mixing device 1 or 4 vertically upward while moving it along the second direction, so that the sample container holder 12 or 48 of the mixing device abuts against the sample container 2 and changes the sample container 2 from an tilted state to an upright state; wherein, the first direction and the second direction are opposite directions on the horizontal plane.

[0107] For example, when the top of the sample container 2 tilts to the right in the mixing device, the controller is configured to, during the process of removing the sample container 2 from the mixing device, control the transport device to move the sample container 2 upwards and then to the left; or control the transport device to move the sample container 2 upwards and to the left simultaneously; or control the transport device to remain stationary while controlling the mixing device to move to the right, so that the sample container rotates from a tilted state to a vertical state. Conversely, when the top of the sample container 2 tilts to the left in the mixing device, the controller is configured to, during the process of removing the sample container 2 from the mixing device, control the transport device to move the sample container 2 upwards and then to the right; or control the transport device to move the sample container 2 upwards and to the right simultaneously; or control the transport device to remain stationary while controlling the mixing device to move to the left, so that the sample container 2 rotates from a tilted state to a vertical state.

[0108] Specifically, after the grippers pick up the sample container 2 located in the sample container holder 12 or 48 of the sample mixing device 1 or 4, and before the grippers place the sample container 2 into the sample rack 9, the horizontal movement of the grippers causes the sample container 2 to become vertical. The specific process of the controller's control operation is as follows: Figure 21 and Figure 25 As shown. Among them, Figure 21 The process shown is particularly suitable for use Figure 1 The micro-sample mixing device 1 and shown Figure 8 The micro-sample mixing device 4 shown is... Figure 25 The process shown is particularly suitable for Figure 8 The micro-sample mixing device 4 shown is shown.

[0109] First, combine Figure 1 The micro-sample mixing device 1 and shown Figure 21The flowchart shown illustrates the method flow of an embodiment of the present invention, wherein steps S101 to S107 are... Figure 6 and Figure 19 Steps S1 to S7 are the same as those shown, and will not be repeated here. At the end of step S107, the relative positional relationship between the gripper and sample container 2 is as follows: Figure 22 As shown. Then, in step S108, under the control of the controller, the gripper carries the sample container 2 upwards a specific distance along the Z1 direction. This specific distance causes the bottom of the sample container 2 to move away from the abutment part 122 but not out of the sample container fixing hole 121, as shown. Figure 23 As shown. Next, in step S109, the gripper is controlled to move horizontally a specific distance along the Y1 direction (in this embodiment, the top of the sample container in the sample container fixing hole 121 of the mixing device 1 is tilted towards the opposite direction Y2 of Y1). Alternatively, the sample mixing device 1 can be controlled to move horizontally a specific distance along the opposite direction Y2 of Y1, i.e., the gripper and the micro-sample mixing device 1 move towards each other a specific distance, causing the sample container 2 to become upright. Since the bottom of the sample container 2 does not leave the sample container fixing hole 121, controlling the relative movement of the gripper and the micro-sample mixing device 1 can cause the sample container 2 to rotate under the force of the sample container fixing seat 12, ultimately becoming upright, as shown. Figure 24 As shown. Finally, step S110 to S113 are used to put sample container 2 back into sample rack 9.

[0110] Optionally, in step S109, the controller can control the gripper to move the sample container 2 horizontally, or control the micro sample mixing device 1 to move horizontally, or control the gripper and the micro sample mixing device 1 to move horizontally relative to each other, so that the sample container 2 is in an upright state when it is completely removed from the micro sample mixing device 1.

[0111] In one example of the present invention, steps S109 and S110 can be performed simultaneously. That is, the controller can control the gripper to move horizontally relative to the micro sample mixing device 1 along the Y1 direction and simultaneously move vertically relative to the micro sample mixing device along the Z1 direction to save handling time; or, control the sample mixing device 1 to move in the opposite direction Y2 of the Y1 direction and simultaneously control the gripper to move vertically relative to the micro sample mixing device along the Z1 direction to save handling time; or control the sample mixing device 1 to move in the opposite direction Y2 of the Y1 direction and simultaneously control the gripper to move horizontally relative to the micro sample mixing device along the Y1 direction and vertically relative to the Z1 direction to save handling time.

[0112] In other words, the controller only needs to be configured to cause the mixing device and the gripper to move relative to each other, and to cause the sample container 2 to rotate under force through the sample container fixing seat 12, eventually turning it into a vertical state. The specific movement is not limited to the above example.

[0113] It should be noted that in step S103, the sample mixing device 1 may remain stationary, while the gripper moves the sample container 2 above the micro sample mixing device 1 by translation under the control of the controller. Alternatively, the gripper may keep the sample container 2 stationary, while the sample container 2 moves relative to the micro sample mixing device 1 by translation. Or, both the gripper and the micro sample mixing device 1 may move, ultimately placing the sample container 2 above the micro sample mixing device 1.

[0114] Similarly, in step S111, the controller can control the gripper to move the sample container 2 horizontally, or it can control the micro-sample mixing device 1 to move horizontally, or both the gripper and the micro-sample mixing device 1 can move horizontally, ultimately achieving the effect of moving the sample container 2 away from the top of the micro-sample mixing device 1.

[0115] It should also be noted that after step S111 ends, if the sample container 2 is already directly above the sample container fixing hole of the sample rack 9, the gripper can directly descend in the opposite direction of Z1 (Z2) to put the sample container 2 back into the sample rack; if the sample container 2 is not directly above the sample container fixing hole of the sample rack 9, the gripper needs to first move the sample container 2 to directly above the sample container fixing hole of the sample rack 9, and then descend in the opposite direction of Z1 (Z2) to put the sample container 2 back into the sample rack.

[0116] Figure 21 The process shown also applies to Figure 8 The micro-sample mixing device 4 shown here will not be described in detail here.

[0117] The following is combined with Figure 8 The micro-sample mixing device 4 shown is... Figure 25 The flowchart shown illustrates the method flow of another embodiment of the present invention, wherein steps S201 to S207 are... Figure 21 Steps S101 to S107 are the same and will not be described again here. In step S207, the gripper extends horizontally along the Y1 direction to grip the sample container 2. The relative positional relationship between the gripper and the sample container 2 is as follows: Figure 26 As shown, the top of sample container 2 tilts towards the Y1 direction under the action of the gripper. Then, in step S208, the gripper, under the control of the controller, moves sample container 2 along the Y2 direction. Alternatively, it can be controlled to move the micro-sample mixing device 4 in the opposite direction (Y1) of Y2, meaning the gripper and micro-sample mixing device 4 move a specific distance away from each other, causing sample container 2 to rotate under force, eventually reaching a vertical position. Figure 27 As shown. Finally, step S209 to S212 are performed to return sample container 2 to sample rack 9. Steps S209 to S212 are similar to... Figure 21Steps S110 to S113 shown are basically similar and will not be repeated here.

[0118] In addition, such as Figure 28 As shown, a second aspect of the present invention provides a sample container handling method 300, the sample container handling method 300 comprising:

[0119] S310 Moving step, moving the sample rack to transport the sample container on the sample rack to the mixing position to wait for the mixing operation, wherein the sample rack has a sample container fixing hole to accommodate the sample container that can be loaded with the sample to be mixed.

[0120] S320 The removal step involves controlling the transport device to clamp the sample container on the sample rack at the mixing position and transport the sample container to the mixing device, wherein the mixing device has a sample container fixing seat that can accommodate the sample container to be mixed.

[0121] S330 mixing step, controlling the mixing device to perform mixing operation on the sample in the sample container;

[0122] In step S340, the transport device is controlled to pick up the mixed sample container after the mixing operation is completed and transport the sample container from the mixing device to the sample rack. The transport device is controlled in such a way that the sample container is rotated during the process of transporting the mixed sample container from the mixing device to the sample rack, so that the sample container can enter the corresponding sample container fixing hole in an upright state.

[0123] In the method, a top may be provided along the path on which the transport device transports the mixed sample container from the mixing device to the sample rack, and the return step S340 includes:

[0124] The transport device is controlled to contact the top of the sample container and rotate it before placing the mixed sample container into the corresponding sample container fixing hole, so that the sample container enters the corresponding sample container fixing hole in an upright state.

[0125] The arrangement of the top and its specific working principle can be found in the description of the sample container mixing system of the first aspect of the present invention.

[0126] In one example, the retraction step S340 may further include: controlling the transport device to move the sample container horizontally before completely removing the mixed sample container vertically from the sample container holder of the mixing device, so as to use the sample container holder of the mixing device to hold the sample container against the sample container and rotate the sample container, so that the sample container can enter the corresponding sample container fixing hole in an upright state.

[0127] For details, please refer to the relevant description of the sample container mixing system of the first aspect of the present invention, which will not be repeated here.

[0128] A third aspect of the present invention provides a sample analyzer, the sample analyzer comprising a transport unit, a sample mixing system as described in the first aspect of the present invention, and an analysis unit, wherein:

[0129] The transport unit is used to transport the sample rack;

[0130] The sample mixing system is used to mix the samples in the sample containers on the sample rack.

[0131] The analysis unit is used to analyze the mixed sample from the sample container.

[0132] Optionally, the sample analyzer may further include a mixing device for mixing venous blood samples, and the sample mixing system is used for mixing capillary blood samples. Preferably, the transport device can be used as a mixing device for mixing venous blood samples.

[0133] The transport unit may further include a drive device to transport the sample rack under the drive of the drive device.

[0134] In addition, such as Figure 29 As shown, a fourth aspect of the present invention provides a control device 400 for a sample analyzer, comprising:

[0135] At least one processor 401; and

[0136] The memory 402 stores instructions executable by the at least one processor 401, which, when executed by the at least one processor 401, cause the sample analyzer to perform the steps of the method described in the second aspect of the present invention.

[0137] Furthermore, the control device 400 may also include at least one network interface 404 and a user interface 403. The various components in the control device 400 are coupled together via a bus system 405. It is understood that the bus system 405 is used to implement communication between these components. In addition to a data bus, the bus system 405 also includes a power bus, a control bus, and a status signal bus. However, for clarity, in... Figure 29 The general designated all buses as Bus System 405.

[0138] The user interface 403 may include a monitor, keyboard, mouse, trackball, click wheel, buttons, touchpad, or touch screen.

[0139] It is understood that memory 402 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 402 described in the embodiments of the present invention is intended to include these and any other suitable types of memory.

[0140] The memory 402 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 400.

[0141] The processor 401 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.

[0142] Embodiments of the present invention can be implemented as software modules running on one or more processors, or a combination thereof. Those skilled in the art will understand that microprocessors or digital signal processors (DSPs) can be used in practice to implement some or all of the functions of some modules according to the embodiments of this application. The present invention can also be implemented as an apparatus program (e.g., a computer program and computer program product) for performing some or all of the methods described herein. Such programs implementing the present invention can be stored on a computer-readable medium or can be in the form of one or more signals. Such signals can be downloaded from an Internet website, provided on a carrier signal, or provided in any other form.

[0143] Features mentioned in the specification, drawings, and claims can be combined in any way as long as they are meaningful within the scope of this invention. The advantages and features described for the sample mixing system are applicable in a corresponding manner to appropriate sample analyzers and methods.

[0144] The equivalents (if any) of the corresponding structures, materials, actions, and all means or steps and functional elements in the appended claims are intended to include any structure, material, or action used in conjunction with other expressly claimed elements to perform the function. The description in this application is given for the purposes of embodiment and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the application to the forms disclosed. Various modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of this application. The embodiments described in this application better reveal the principles and practical applications of this application and enable those skilled in the art to understand this application.

[0145] The flowchart described in this application is merely one embodiment, and various modifications and variations can be made to this illustration or the steps in this application without departing from the spirit of this application. For example, these steps can be performed in different orders, or certain steps can be added, deleted, or modified. Those skilled in the art will understand that implementing all or part of the processes of the above embodiments, and equivalent variations made in accordance with the claims of this application, still fall within the scope of this application.

Claims

1. A sample mixing system, comprising: The sample mixing system includes: A sample rack has sample container fixing holes to accommodate sample containers that can be loaded with samples to be mixed, and the sample rack can transport the sample containers to the mixing position to wait for the mixing operation. A mixing device having a sample container holder capable of accommodating a sample container to be mixed and for performing a mixing operation on the sample container. A transport device for gripping the sample container and transporting the sample container between the sample rack and the mixing device; A controller electrically connected to the mixing device and the conveying device is used to control the operation of the conveying device and the mixing device. The controller is configured to at least: control the conveying device to grip the mixed sample container in the mixing device. When the mixed sample container gripped by the conveying device is tilted relative to the vertical direction, the conveying device is controlled such that the conveying device can rotate the sample container during the process of transporting the mixed sample container from the mixing device to the sample rack, so that the sample container can enter the corresponding sample container fixing hole in an upright state. The sample mixing system has a top that abuts against the sample container. The top is positioned on the path of the transport device that carries the mixed sample container from the mixing device to the sample rack. The controller is configured to control the transport device such that it contacts the top and rotates the sample container before placing it into the corresponding sample container fixing hole, so that the sample container can enter the corresponding sample container fixing hole in an upright position. The projection of the outermost end of the top extending toward the sample container fixing hole at the mixing position on the sample rack onto the horizontal plane where the top of the sample container fixing hole is located is tangent to the outer circumference of the sample container fixing hole.

2. The sample mixing system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The top of the abutment is set to correspond to the mixing position.

3. The sample mixing system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The abutment is located on the sample holder, on the side away from the mixing device, at the sample container fixing hole in the mixing position.

4. The sample mixing system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The top is fixedly disposed on the sample holder at the mixing position on the side away from the mixing device and extends toward the sample container fixing hole.

5. The sample mixing system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The top abutment includes a connected vertical portion and a bent portion, wherein the vertical portion extends in a vertical direction and is disposed on the side of the sample container fixing hole at the mixing position on the sample holder away from the mixing device, and the bent portion is located above and extends toward the sample container fixing hole at the mixing position on the sample holder.

6. The sample mixing system according to claim 5, characterized in that, The bent portion extends along or at an angle relative to the horizontal plane toward the sample container fixing hole on the sample holder at the mixing position.

7. The sample mixing system according to claim 5, characterized in that, The vertical portion and / or bent portion at the top is configured as a planar plate structure or a columnar structure.

8. The sample mixing system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The top abutment is configured to be movable and can move to the side above the sample container fixing hole on the sample holder at the mixing position.

9. The sample mixing system according to claim 8, characterized in that, The abutment is rotatable and / or movable under the drive of the drive source, or the abutment is part of the drive source.

10. The sample mixing system according to claim 8, characterized in that, The abutment can move toward the sample container fixing hole on the sample holder at the mixing position until the projection of the top of the abutment on the horizontal plane where the top of the sample container fixing hole is located is tangent to the outer circumference of the sample container fixing hole.

11. The sample mixing system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The transport device includes grippers and a drive mechanism, wherein the grippers are configured to grip and move the sample container under the drive of the drive mechanism.

12. A method for handling sample containers, characterized in that, The sample container handling method includes: The moving step involves moving the sample rack to transport the sample containers on the sample rack to a mixing position to await mixing, wherein the sample rack has sample container fixing holes to accommodate the sample containers that can be loaded with samples to be mixed. In the removal step, the control transport device clamps the sample container in the sample container fixing hole at the mixing position on the sample rack and transports the sample container to the mixing device, wherein the mixing device has a sample container fixing seat that can accommodate the sample container to be mixed. The mixing step involves controlling the mixing device to mix the sample in the sample container. In the relocation step, the transport device is controlled to clamp and move the mixed sample container in the sample container holder. When the mixed sample container clamped by the transport device is tilted relative to the vertical direction, the transport device can rotate the sample container during the process of transporting the mixed sample container from the mixing device to the sample rack, so that the sample container can enter the corresponding sample container fixing hole in an upright state. The transport device has a top stop along the path on which it transports the mixed sample container from the mixing device to the sample rack. The return step includes: The transport device is controlled to contact the top and rotate the sample container before placing the mixed sample container into the corresponding sample container fixing hole, so that the sample container enters the corresponding sample container fixing hole in an upright state; the projection of the outermost end of the top extending toward the sample container fixing hole in the mixing position on the sample rack onto the horizontal plane where the top of the sample container fixing hole is located is tangent to the outer circumference of the sample container fixing hole.

13. The sample container handling method according to claim 12, characterized in that, The sample container handling method is implemented using the sample mixing system according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

14. A sample analyzer, characterized in that, The sample analyzer includes a transport unit, a sample mixing system as described in any one of claims 1 to 11, and an analysis unit, wherein: The transport unit is used to transport the sample rack; The sample mixing system is used to mix the samples in the sample containers on the sample rack. The analysis unit is used to analyze the mixed sample in the sample container.

15. The sample analyzer according to claim 14, characterized in that, The sample analyzer also includes a mixing device for mixing venous blood samples, and the sample mixing system is used to mix peripheral blood samples.

16. A control device for a sample analyzer, comprising: At least one processor; as well as A memory storing instructions executable by the at least one processor, which, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the sample analyzer to perform the steps of the method according to any one of claims 12 to 13.

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