Kit loading and unloading device, reagent sample adding equipment and kit loading and unloading method

Abstract

The present application relates to a kit loading and unloading device, a reagent sample adding equipment and a kit loading and unloading method. The kit loading and unloading device comprises a grabbing mechanism and a conveying mechanism. The grabbing mechanism and the conveying mechanism are arranged close to a reagent disc device. The conveying mechanism comprises a conveying driving part and a storage part connected to the conveying driving part. The conveying driving part drives the storage part to move to convey a kit. The grabbing mechanism comprises a lifting part and a grabbing claw connected to the lifting part. The lifting part drives the grabbing claw to rise or fall to make the grabbing claw transfer the kit between the reagent disc device and the storage part. The kit loading and unloading device can automatically load and unload the kit in the accommodating cavity of the reagent disc device. The operator only needs to place or remove the kit on the storage part, and the operation is simple.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of chemiluminescence immunoassay technology, and in particular to a reagent kit loading and unloading device, a reagent sample loading device, and a reagent kit loading and unloading method. Background Technology

[0002] Chemiluminescence immunoassay has advantages such as short reaction time, simple operation, and high diagnostic efficiency. With the development of modern science, immunodiagnostic technology has gradually become a key tool in modern clinical testing and scientific research, and is applied in the diagnosis of diseases such as tumors, diabetes, and gonadal secretion disorders. Traditional detection methods are gradually being replaced by chemiluminescence immunoassay due to their complex manual operation, long reaction time, and environmental pollution.

[0003] Currently, chemiluminescence immunoassay systems mainly include: reaction cup storage and delivery system, sample loading system, reagent loading system, sample addition system, incubation system, centrifugation and cleaning system, and luminescence reading system. Currently, the reagent loading system requires manual loading and unloading of reagent kits within the reagent tray's container, which is cumbersome. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Therefore, it is necessary to provide a reagent kit loading and unloading device, a reagent sample addition device, and a reagent kit loading and unloading method to improve the convenience of loading and unloading.

[0005] A reagent kit loading and unloading device includes a gripping mechanism and a conveying mechanism; the gripping mechanism and the conveying mechanism are configured to be positioned close to a reagent tray device; the conveying mechanism includes a conveying drive component and a storage component connected to the conveying drive component; the conveying drive component is used to drive the storage component to move to convey the reagent kit; the gripping mechanism includes a lifting component and a gripping claw connected to the lifting component; the lifting component is used to drive the gripping claw to rise or fall, so that the gripping claw grips the reagent kit and transfers it between the reagent tray device and the storage component.

[0006] Compared with existing solutions, the above-mentioned reagent kit loading and unloading device has the following advantages:

[0007] When loading reagent kits, the reagent kits to be loaded are placed in the storage component of the conveying mechanism. The conveying mechanism transports the reagent kits to the loading port of the reagent tray device. The lifting component of the gripping mechanism drives the gripping claws to descend, grab the reagent kits, and load them into the reagent tray device. When unloading reagent kits, the lifting component drives the gripping claws to descend, grab the reagent kits from the reagent tray device, and place them on the storage component. The conveying drive component then drives the storage component to reset. In this way, the reagent kit loading and unloading device can automatically load and unload reagent kits within the receiving cavity of the reagent tray device. Operators only need to place or remove reagent kits on the storage component, making operation simple.

[0008] In one embodiment, the conveying drive component includes a rotary driver for driving the storage component to rotate between a pick-up / placement station, a clearance station, and a gripping station. The pick-up / placement station is used to remove or place a reagent kit on the storage component. The gripping station is located below the gripping claw, and the clearance station is offset from the gripping station.

[0009] In one embodiment, the reagent kit loading and unloading device further includes a reagent kit detector and an identification code scanner. The reagent kit detector is used to detect whether there is a reagent kit on the storage component before the storage component moves to the gripping station. When the reagent kit detector detects a reagent kit, the identification code scanner reads the identification code information on the reagent kit.

[0010] In one embodiment, the lifting component includes a lifting drive motor, a lead screw, a guide rail, and a mounting component. The lead screw is vertically arranged, the lifting drive motor is connected to the lead screw, the mounting component is threadedly connected to the lead screw, the guide rail extends vertically, the mounting component is slidably engaged with the guide rail, and the gripping claw is connected to the mounting component.

[0011] In one embodiment, the gripper includes a first gripper arm and a second gripper arm, the first gripper arm and the second gripper arm being disposed opposite to each other, the first gripper arm having a first V-groove on the side facing the second gripper arm, and the second gripper arm having a second V-groove on the side facing the first gripper arm.

[0012] In one embodiment, the surface of the wall of the first V-groove has anti-slip texture; and / or

[0013] The surface of the second V-shaped groove wall has anti-slip texture.

[0014] A reagent loading device includes a reagent tray assembly and a reagent loading and unloading device as described in any of the above embodiments. The reagent tray assembly has a accommodating cavity, a loading port communicating with the accommodating cavity, and a reagent loading tray disposed within the accommodating cavity. The lifting component is used to drive the gripping claw to load or unload reagent kits onto the reagent loading tray via the loading port.

[0015] The reagent loading and unloading device described above has the reagent kit loading and unloading device of any of the above examples, and thus can achieve the corresponding technical effects.

[0016] In one embodiment, the reagent loading and unloading device further includes a loading preparation detector for detecting whether the gripper is at a preset height position; the reagent dispensing device further includes a control mechanism electrically connected to the reagent tray device and the gripping mechanism. When the loading preparation detector detects that the gripper is at the preset height position and the control mechanism receives a loading permission signal from the reagent tray device, the control mechanism controls the lifting component to drive the gripper to descend into the reagent tray device and load the reagent kit.

[0017] Traditional reagent loading systems require manual loading and unloading of reagent kits while the system is shut down, necessitating the cessation of ongoing tests and impacting test time and results. Furthermore, during testing, some reagents may run out, or different tests may require different reagents, necessitating reagent loading or replacement, all of which disrupt ongoing tests. The reagent loading and unloading device described in the above embodiment allows other actions to be performed externally to the reagent tray during reagent loading. A loading preparation detector checks for the presence of a gripper at a preset height, determining if the gripping mechanism has completed its pre-loading preparation. If so, upon receiving a loading permission signal from the reagent tray, the lifting component drives the gripper to descend into the reagent tray and load the reagent kit. This allows for automated reagent loading without shutting down the reagent tray or interfering with ongoing tests, thereby improving work efficiency and saving manpower.

[0018] In one embodiment, the reagent tray device further includes a loading cover for sealing the loading port, and the lifting component is used to drive the gripper to move to the position of the loading port to open or close the loading cover.

[0019] A reagent kit loading and unloading method, using the reagent kit loading and unloading device or the reagent dispensing equipment described in any of the above embodiments, the reagent kit loading process includes the following steps:

[0020] Place the reagent kit in the storage component;

[0021] The conveying drive component drives the storage component to move below the gripping claw;

[0022] The lifting component drives the gripper to descend, grab the reagent kit, and load it into the reagent tray device;

[0023] The reagent kit unloading process includes the following steps:

[0024] The lifting component drives the gripper to descend, grab the reagent kit in the reagent tray device, and then rises;

[0025] The conveying drive component drives the storage component to move below the gripping claw;

[0026] The lifting component drives the gripper to descend, placing the reagent kit in the storage component;

[0027] The conveying drive component drives the storage component to reset. Attached Figure Description

[0028] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a reagent kit loading and unloading device according to one embodiment;

[0029] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the gripping mechanism in the reagent kit loading and unloading device shown;

[0030] Figure 3 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the conveying mechanism in the reagent kit loading and unloading device shown;

[0031] Figure 4 for Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the structure of the first gripper arm in the gripping mechanism shown;

[0032] Figure 5 for Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the first gripper arm in the gripping mechanism from another perspective;

[0033] Figure 6 For inclusion Figure 1 The diagram shows the structure of the reagent dispensing device for the reagent kit loading and unloading apparatus.

[0034] Figure 7 for Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of the loading cap in the reagent dispensing device shown.

[0035] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0036] 100. Reagent kit loading and unloading device; 110. Gripping mechanism; 120. Conveying mechanism; 121. Conveying drive component; 1212. Rotary drive motor; 1214. Synchronous belt; 122. Storage component; 111. Lifting component; 1112. Lifting drive motor; 1114. Lead screw; 1116. Mounting component; 1118. Guide rail; 112. Gripping claw; 1121. First clamping arm; 1122. Second clamping arm; 1125. First V-groove; 130. Reagent kit detector; 140. Identification code scanner; 200. Reagent dispensing device; 210. Reagent tray device; 220. Loading pre-detector; 214. Loading port; 212. Loading cover; 2122. Cover tray; 2124. Cover handle; 2126. Embedding part; 2128. Thermal insulation foam; 230. Base. Detailed Implementation

[0037] To facilitate understanding of the present invention, a more complete description will be given below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Preferred embodiments of the invention are shown in the drawings. However, the invention can be implemented in many different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided to provide a thorough and complete understanding of the disclosure of the invention.

[0038] It should be noted that when an element is referred to as being "set on" another element, it can be directly on the other element or there may be an intervening element. When an element is referred to as being "connected to" another element, it can be directly connected to the other element or there may be an intervening element. The terms "vertical," "horizontal," "left," "right," and similar expressions used herein are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent the only possible implementation.

[0039] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Therefore, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature.

[0040] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. The terminology used herein in the specification of this invention is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. The term "and / or" as used herein includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0041] Please refer to Figures 1 to 3 As shown, a reagent kit loading and unloading device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a gripping mechanism 110 and a conveying mechanism 120.

[0042] The gripping mechanism 110 and the conveying mechanism 120 are positioned close to the reagent tray device.

[0043] The conveying mechanism 120 includes a conveying drive component and a storage component. The conveying drive component is connected to the storage component and is used to drive the storage component to move in order to convey the reagent kit.

[0044] The gripping mechanism 110 includes a lifting component 111 and a gripping claw 112. The lifting component 111 is connected to the gripping claw 112 and is used to drive the gripping claw 112 to rise or fall, so that the gripping claw 112 grips the reagent kit and transfers it between the reagent tray device 210 and the storage component 122.

[0045] When loading reagent kits, the reagent kits to be loaded are placed in the storage component 122 of the conveying mechanism 120, for example, manually. The conveying mechanism 120 transports the reagent kits to the loading port 214 of the reagent tray device 210. The lifting component 111 of the gripping mechanism 110 drives the gripping claw 112 to descend, grab the reagent kits, and load them into the reagent tray device 210. When unloading reagent kits, the lifting component drives the gripping claw to descend, grab the reagent kits in the reagent tray device, and place them on the storage component. The conveying drive component drives the storage component to reset. In this way, the reagent kit loading and unloading device 100 can automatically load and unload reagent kits in the receiving cavity of the reagent tray device 210. The operator only needs to place or remove the reagent kits in the storage component 122, making the operation simple.

[0046] like Figure 2 As shown, in one example, the lifting component 111 includes a lifting drive motor 1112, a lead screw 1114, and a mounting component 1116. The lead screw 1114 is vertically arranged, the lifting drive motor 1112 is connected to the lead screw 1114, the mounting component 1116 is threadedly connected to the lead screw 1114, and the gripping claw 112 is connected to the mounting component 1116. In this example, the lifting drive motor 1112 drives the lead screw 1114 to rotate, and the mounting component 1116 moves along the lead screw 1114, causing the gripping claw 112 to rise or fall.

[0047] Furthermore, in one example, the lifting component 111 also includes a guide rail 1118 extending vertically, with the mounting component 1116 slidingly engaged with the guide rail 1118. Thus, the guide rail 1118 ensures the stability of the movement of the mounting component 1116 and the gripper 112.

[0048] like Figure 2 , Figure 4 and Figure 5As shown, in one example, the gripper 112 includes a first gripping arm 1121 and a second gripping arm 1122. The first gripping arm 1121 and the second gripping arm 1122 are arranged opposite to each other and can move closer or further apart. When the first gripping arm 1121 and the second gripping arm 1122 are close together, they can grip the reagent kit; when they are far apart, they can release the reagent kit. The driving force for the first gripping arm 1121 and the second gripping arm 1122 can be electric, pneumatic, etc. In the specific example shown, the first gripping arm 1121 has a first V-groove 1125 on the side facing the second gripping arm 1122, and the second gripping arm 1122 has a second V-groove on the side facing the first gripping arm 1121. The first V-groove 1125 and the second V-groove extend vertically and are arranged opposite to each other.

[0049] In one example, there are multiple first V-grooves 1125, such as two or three. Correspondingly, there are multiple second V-grooves, with each of the multiple first V-grooves 1125 corresponding to one of the multiple second V-grooves.

[0050] In one example, the surface of the first V-groove 1125 has anti-slip textures, such as a mesh pattern. In another example, the surface of the second V-groove has anti-slip textures, such as a mesh pattern. These anti-slip textures increase friction with the reagent bottle opening, ensuring reliable gripping.

[0051] In one example, the gripper 112 is made of metal with a mesh pattern to increase friction. Alternatively, a layer of soft rubber material can be applied to the V-groove, where partial deformation of the rubber increases friction.

[0052] like Figure 3 As shown, in one example, the transport drive unit 121 includes a rotary driver. The rotary driver includes a rotary drive motor 1212 and a timing belt 1214. The rotary driver is used to drive the storage unit 122 to rotate between a pick-and-place station, a clearance station, and a gripping station. The pick-and-place station is used to remove or place reagent kits on the storage unit 122. The gripping station is located below the gripper 112 for gripping reagent kits when the gripper 112 descends. The clearance station is offset from the gripping station; the storage unit 122 is moved to the clearance station when the gripper 112 enters or exits the reagent tray assembly 210.

[0053] In one example, the storage component 122 is a tray with a placement slot.

[0054] The storage component 122 can have one or more slots. In the specific example shown, the storage component 122 has three reagent kit placement positions, allowing for the simultaneous transport of three reagent kits. This minimizes the gaps between reagent kits, resulting in a smaller overall size for the storage component 122. This design satisfies the loading requirements of multiple reagent kits while maintaining the strength of the storage component 122, reducing the load and vibration of the horizontal rotational motion, lowering the drive requirements for the horizontal rotational motion, and ensuring the reliability of the motion.

[0055] Further, please refer to Figure 6 As shown, the present invention also provides a reagent loading device 200, including a reagent tray device 210 and a reagent kit loading and unloading device 100 of any of the above examples. The reagent tray device 210 has a accommodating cavity, a loading port 214 communicating with the accommodating cavity, and a reagent loading tray disposed within the accommodating cavity. A lifting component 111 is used to drive a gripping claw 112 to load or unload reagent kits onto the reagent loading tray via the loading port 214.

[0056] The reagent loading device 200 described above has the reagent loading and unloading device 100 of any of the above examples, and thus can achieve the corresponding technical effects.

[0057] exist Figure 6 In the specific example shown, the gripping mechanism 110 is mounted on the base 230 of the whole machine, and the conveying mechanism 120 is mounted on the cover of the reagent tray device 210. The two are installed separately and do not need to be mounted on the same bracket, making the overall structure relatively simple.

[0058] In one example, the reagent loading / unloading device 100 further includes a loading preparation detector 220, which detects whether a gripper 112 is present at a preset height position. In this example, the reagent dispensing device 200 also includes a control mechanism electrically connected to the reagent tray device 210 and the gripper mechanism 110. When the loading preparation detector 220 detects that the gripper 112 is at the preset height position, and the control mechanism receives a loading permission signal from the reagent tray device 210, the control mechanism controls the lifting component 111 to drive the gripper to descend into the reagent tray device 210 and load the reagent kit.

[0059] Traditional reagent loading systems require manual loading and unloading of reagent kits while the system is shut down, necessitating the cessation of ongoing tests and impacting test time and results. Furthermore, during testing, there are instances where some reagents are used up, or different tests require different reagents, necessitating reagent loading or replacement, all of which disrupt ongoing tests.

[0060] To address this issue, the reagent kit loading and unloading device 100 described above allows other actions to be performed beforehand outside the reagent tray device 210 during reagent kit loading. A loading preparation detector 220 detects whether a gripper 112 is present at a preset height position, determining whether the gripping mechanism 110 has completed its pre-loading preparation. If so, upon receiving a loading permission signal from the reagent tray device 210, the lifting component 111 drives the gripper to descend into the reagent tray device 210 and load the reagent kit. This allows for automated reagent kit loading without stopping the reagent tray device 210 or affecting ongoing testing, thereby improving work efficiency and saving manpower.

[0061] The preset height position is preferably close to the loading port 214 of the reagent tray device 210, so that the vertical movement stroke is the shortest and the movement time is the least when the reagent kit is placed last, so as to minimize the impact on normal testing.

[0062] like Figure 6 As shown, in one example, the reagent loading / unloading device 100 also includes a reagent detector 130 and an identification code scanner 140. During reagent loading, the reagent detector 130 detects whether there is a reagent on the storage component 122 before it moves to the gripping station. When the reagent detector 130 detects a reagent, the identification code scanner 140 reads the identification code information on the reagent.

[0063] The reagent kit detector 130 and the identification code scanner 140 can complete the detection and identification code information reading of the reagent kit before loading. The obtained identification code information can be entered into the system in advance. After the reagent kit is loaded into the reagent tray device 210, it can be used without scanning the code again.

[0064] When the reagent kit detector 130 does not detect a reagent kit, the transport drive unit 121 drives the storage unit 122 back to the pick-and-place station for placing the reagent kit before proceeding with subsequent steps.

[0065] like Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, in one example, the reagent tray device 210 also includes a loading cover 212 for sealing the loading port 214, and a lifting component 111 for driving the gripper 112 to move to the position of the loading port 214 to open or close the loading cover 212.

[0066] The reagent tray device 210 has added a loading cover 212 structure to meet the requirements of reagents with refrigeration requirements, making it more adaptable. Moreover, the loading cover 212 can be opened and closed by the gripping mechanism 110 without the need for other driving methods, making the structure simple.

[0067] Furthermore, in one example, the storage component 122, in addition to having a reagent kit placement position, also has a loading cap placement position. After the gripper 112 grips the loading cap 212 to open the loading port 214 of the reagent tray device 210, it temporarily places the loading cap 212 in the loading cap placement position of the storage component 122. After the reagent kit loading is completed, the gripper 112 grips the loading cap 212 from the storage component 122 and reseales the loading port 214.

[0068] Understandably, in other examples, the reagent tray device 210 may also be without a loading cover 212, and the gripping mechanism 110 may directly load or unload the reagent kit into the reagent loading tray via the loading port 214.

[0069] In one example, the loading cover 212 includes a cover plate 2122, a cover handle 2124, and an insert 2126. The cover plate 2122 is used to cover the loading port 214. The cover handle 2124 is disposed on the cover plate 2122 for retrieving the entire loading cover 212. The insert 2126 is disposed on the side of the cover plate 2122 away from the cover handle 2124 for inserting into the loading port 214.

[0070] The cover plate 2122, cover handle 2124, and insert 2126 are preferably made of low thermal conductivity materials, such as plastic. Furthermore, the insert 2126 has an insulation cavity with built-in insulating foam to improve the insulation effect of the reagent tray device 210. In addition, insulating foam is also provided between the edge of the cover plate 2122 and the insert 2126 to prevent cold leakage at the edge of the loading cover 212 and the loading port 214, thus avoiding condensation.

[0071] Furthermore, the present invention also provides a reagent kit loading and unloading method, using the reagent kit loading and unloading device 100 of any of the above examples or the reagent sample dispensing device 200 of any of the above examples.

[0072] The reagent kit loading process includes the following steps:

[0073] Place the reagent kit in the storage component;

[0074] The conveying drive component drives the storage component to move below the gripping claw;

[0075] The lifting component drives the gripper to descend, grab the reagent kit, and load it into the reagent tray device.

[0076] The reagent kit unloading process includes the following steps:

[0077] The lifting component drives the gripper to descend, grab the reagent kit in the reagent tray device, and then rises;

[0078] The conveying drive component drives the storage component to move below the gripping claw;

[0079] The lifting component drives the gripper to descend, placing the reagent kit in the storage component;

[0080] The conveying drive component drives the storage component to reset.

[0081] The following is Figure 6 The present invention will be further explained by taking the working process of the reagent addition device 200 shown in the specific example.

[0082] Figure 6 The reagent loading process of the reagent loading device 200 shown in the specific example is as follows:

[0083] Step 1: The conveying drive component 121 of the conveying mechanism 120 drives the storage component 122 to the reagent kit pick-and-place station, where the reagent kit is placed manually. Then, the storage component 122 moves to a clearance station, where the gripping device moves up and down to avoid the conveying mechanism 120. During this movement, the reagent kit detector 130 checks the presence of reagent kits on the storage component 122. If a reagent kit is detected, the barcode scanner reads the corresponding reagent kit's barcode information and pre-enters it into the system. Once the reagent kit is loaded onto the reagent tray device 210, it is ready for use without further identification.

[0084] Step 2: After the storage component 122 moves to the clearance station, the gripping claw 112 of the gripping mechanism 110 opens and moves from the initial position to the loading port 214 of the reagent tray device 210, gripping the loading cover 212 and returning to the initial position. The loading cover placement position of the storage component 122 moves to the gripping station, the gripping claw 112 grips the loading cover 212, descends to the storage component 122, opens, and returns to the initial position. At this time, the loading cover 212 is transferred to the loading cover placement position of the storage component 122.

[0085] Step 3: The reagent kit placement position of storage component 122 moves to the gripping station. The gripping claw 112 of gripping mechanism 110 opens and moves from the initial position to the reagent kit placement position of the rotating tray, grips the reagent kit, and returns to the initial position. Storage component 122 moves to the clearance station, and gripping claw 112 grips the reagent kit and moves to a preset height position, waiting for the system to allow reagent kit loading.

[0086] All of the above movements occur outside the reagent tray device 210 and will not affect the ongoing test.

[0087] Step 4: After receiving the loading permission signal from the reagent tray device 210, the reagent tray of the reagent tray device 210 moves to the corresponding loading position, the gripper 112 grips the reagent kit and moves it downward to the loading position, the gripper 112 opens and moves upward a certain distance, and then the gripper 112 opens and closes again. After confirming that the reagent kit has been completely released, it rises back to the preset height position, and the reagent tray device 210 can then perform the relevant tests normally. Finally, the gripper 112 returns to the initial position, thus completing one reagent kit loading.

[0088] Repeat steps 3 and 4, up to a maximum of 3 times, to load the kit.

[0089] Step 5: After the reagent kit loading is completed, the loading cover of the storage component 122 moves to the gripping station. The gripping claw 112 moves from the initial position to the storage component 122, grips the loading cover 212, and returns to the initial position. The storage component 122 then moves to the clearance station, and the gripping claw 112 grips the loading cover 212 and moves it to the loading port 214 of the reagent tray device 210, pressing the loading cover 212 firmly to achieve a seal at the loading port 214 of the reagent tray device 210, preventing condensation from forming there.

[0090] The unloading process for the reagent kit is roughly the reverse of the loading process, and will be briefly described below.

[0091] During reagent kit unloading, the gripper 112 opens the loading cover 212 of the reagent tray device 210 and rises. The storage component 122 moves to the gripping station, and the gripper 112 places the loading cover 212 on the storage component 122. It then rises to a preset height, and the storage component 122 moves to a clearance station. Upon receiving a permission signal from the reagent tray device 210, the gripper 112 descends, grabs the reagent kit, and places it back on the storage component 122. After completing reagent kit unloading, the gripper 112 removes the loading cover 212 from the storage component 122 and reseals the loading port 214 of the reagent tray device 210.

[0092] When loading reagent kits, the reagent kit loading / unloading device 100 places the reagent kit to be loaded in the storage component 122 of the conveying mechanism 120, for example, by manual placement. The conveying mechanism 120 transports the reagent kit to the loading port 214 of the reagent tray device 210. The lifting component 111 of the gripping mechanism 110 drives the gripping claw 112 to descend, gripping the reagent kit and loading it into the reagent tray device 210. When unloading reagent kits, the lifting component drives the gripping claw to descend, gripping the reagent kit in the reagent tray device and placing it on the storage component. The conveying drive component drives the storage component to reset. In this way, the reagent kit loading / unloading device 100 can automatically load and unload reagent kits in the accommodating cavity of the reagent tray device 210. The operator only needs to place or remove the reagent kit in the storage component 122, making the operation simple.

[0093] The technical features of the above embodiments can be combined in any way. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0094] The embodiments described above are merely illustrative of several implementations of the present invention, and while the descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention patent. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of the present invention, and these all fall within the protection scope of the present invention. Therefore, the protection scope of this invention patent should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A reagent dispensing device, characterized in that, Includes reagent tray device and reagent kit loading and unloading device; The reagent kit loading and unloading device includes a gripping mechanism and a conveying mechanism. The gripping mechanism and the conveying mechanism are positioned close to the reagent tray device. The conveying mechanism includes a conveying drive component and a storage component connected to the conveying drive component. The conveying drive component drives the storage component to move and convey the reagent kit. The gripping mechanism includes a lifting component and a gripping claw connected to the lifting component. The lifting component drives the gripping claw to rise or fall, so that the gripping claw grasps the reagent kit and transfers it between the reagent tray device and the storage component. The reagent kit loading and unloading device also includes a reagent kit detector and an identification code scanner. The reagent kit detector detects whether there is a reagent kit on the storage component before the storage component moves to the gripping station. When the reagent kit detector detects a reagent kit, the identification code scanner reads the identification code information on the reagent kit. When the reagent kit detector does not detect a reagent kit, the conveying drive component drives the storage component back to the loading and unloading station. The reagent tray device has a accommodating cavity, a loading port communicating with the accommodating cavity, and a reagent loading tray disposed in the accommodating cavity. The lifting component is used to drive the gripping claw to load or unload the reagent kit on the reagent loading tray via the loading port. The reagent kit loading and unloading device also includes a loading preparation detector, which is used to detect whether the gripper is at a preset height position; The reagent dispensing device also includes a control mechanism, which is electrically connected to the reagent tray device and the gripping mechanism. When the loading preparation detector detects that the gripping claw is at the preset height position and the control mechanism receives the loading permission signal from the reagent tray device, the control mechanism controls the lifting component to drive the gripping claw to descend into the reagent tray device and load the reagent kit. The reagent tray device further includes a loading cover for sealing the loading port. The lifting component is used to drive the gripping claw to move to the position of the loading port to open or close the loading cover. The loading cover includes a cover plate, a cover handle, and an insert. The cover plate is used to seal the loading port. The cover handle is disposed on the cover plate. The insert is disposed on the side of the cover plate away from the cover handle and is used to insert into the loading port. The insert has a heat insulation cavity with heat insulation foam inside. Heat insulation foam is also disposed between the edge of the cover plate and the insert.

2. The reagent dispensing device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The conveying drive component includes a rotary driver, which drives the storage component to rotate between a pick-up / placement station, a clearance station, and a gripping station. The pick-up / placement station is used to remove or place the reagent kit on the storage component. The gripping station is located below the gripping claw, and the clearance station is offset from the gripping station.

3. The reagent dispensing device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The storage component is a tray with a placement slot.

4. The reagent dispensing device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The lifting component includes a lifting drive motor, a lead screw, a guide rail, and a mounting component. The lead screw is vertically arranged, the lifting drive motor is connected to the lead screw, the mounting component is threadedly connected to the lead screw, the guide rail extends vertically, the mounting component is slidably engaged with the guide rail, and the gripping claw is connected to the mounting component.

5. The reagent dispensing device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The gripper includes a first gripper arm and a second gripper arm, which are arranged opposite to each other. The first gripper arm has a first V-shaped groove on the side facing the second gripper arm, and the second gripper arm has a second V-shaped groove on the side facing the first gripper arm.

6. The reagent dispensing device as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The surface of the first V-groove wall has anti-slip texture; and / or The surface of the second V-shaped groove wall has anti-slip texture.

7. A method for loading and unloading a reagent kit, characterized in that, Using the reagent loading device as described in any one of claims 1 to 6, the reagent loading process includes the following steps: Place the reagent kit on the storage component; The conveying drive component drives the storage component to move below the gripping claw; The lifting component drives the gripper to descend, grab the reagent kit, and load it into the reagent tray device; The reagent kit unloading process includes the following steps: The lifting component drives the gripper to descend, grab the reagent kit in the reagent tray device, and then rises; The conveying drive component drives the storage component to move below the gripping claw; The lifting component drives the gripper to descend, placing the reagent kit in the storage component; The conveying drive component drives the storage component to reset.

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