Cup separation device, sample analyzer and sample analysis method

Abstract

The present application provides a cup-splitting device, comprising a silo, a picking mechanism, a cup-splitting tray and a heating unit. The silo is used to hold reaction cups, the picking mechanism is used to transfer the reaction cups held in the silo to the cup-splitting tray, the cup-splitting tray is used to place the reaction cups transferred from the silo, and the heating unit is used to preheat the reaction cups before adding samples. The cup-splitting device of the present application can ensure that the reaction cups are preheated before adding samples through the setting of the heating unit, and subsequent sample addition work can be carried out after reaching a uniform temperature. The reaction liquid prepared in this way also eliminates the deviation in the test results that may be caused by different reaction cup temperatures, and can improve the consistency of the sample analysis results. The present application also relates to a sample analyzer equipped with the cup-splitting device, and a sample analysis method.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the field of in vitro diagnostic analysis, and in particular to a sample cup separating device, a sample analyzer equipped with the sample cup separating device, and a sample analysis method. Background Art

[0002] According to the detection process, the sample analyzer needs to first complete the addition of samples and reagents in the reaction cup to prepare the reaction solution, then mix and incubate the reaction cup containing the reaction solution, and finally place the reaction cup on the detection unit. The detection unit irradiates the reaction solution in the reaction cup with multi-wavelength light, and analyzes it through coagulation method, immunoturbidimetry or chromogenic substrate method to obtain the test results.

[0003] Empty cuvettes, unloaded with samples and reagents, are typically stored in bulk in the cuvette dispenser's hopper. When needed, the dispenser delivers each cuvette to the sample loading line. Cuvette dispensers typically lack heating capabilities, and the scattered cuvettes are typically at room or ambient temperature before loading. Their temperature during loading varies with environmental factors. For some tests with larger sample volumes, the initial temperature fluctuations of the cuvettes can significantly impact the initial boundary conditions for initiating the coagulation reaction after reagent addition, leading to variations in measurement results. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The present application provides a cup-dispensing device for preheating a reaction cup before sample addition, a sample analyzer for preheating a reaction cup before sample addition, and a sample analysis method. The present application specifically includes the following solutions:

[0005] In a first aspect, the present application provides a cup-dispensing device, comprising:

[0006] A silo, used to hold reaction cups;

[0007] A picking mechanism, used for transferring the reaction cups contained in the hopper to the cup separation tray;

[0008] A cup tray for placing the reaction cups transferred from the silo;

[0009] The heating part is used to preheat the reaction cup before adding the sample.

[0010] In which, the heating part is arranged on the cup-dividing plate, and the cup-dividing plate includes a cup inlet, a cup outlet and at least one cup holder. The cup holder is used to carry the reaction cup and move between the cup inlet and the cup outlet. The heating part is arranged corresponding to the movement track of the cup holder.

[0011] The cup-distributing plate includes a turntable, and the at least one cup holder is constructed as a through hole opened on the turntable. The turntable rotates in the cup-distributing plate and drives the cup holder to move between the cup inlet and the cup outlet.

[0012] There are multiple through holes, and the multiple through holes are evenly distributed in the circumferential direction of the turntable.

[0013] Wherein, a plurality of the through holes are opened on the outer circumference of the turntable, and each of the through holes is constructed as a notch on the outer circumference of the turntable.

[0014] The heating part includes a heating unit, a temperature sensor and a protection switch. The heating unit is used to preheat the reaction cup. The protection switch is connected to the heating unit. The temperature sensor is used to monitor the temperature of the cup-dispensing plate. The cup-dispensing plate is also used to stop the operation of the heating unit through the protection switch when the temperature sensor detects that the temperature in the cup-dispensing plate exceeds a preset threshold.

[0015] The cup-distributing plate further controls the rotation speed of the rotary plate so that the reaction cup carried in the cup holder is preheated by the heating part for a time period greater than or equal to a preset time period.

[0016] The cup-distributing plate further comprises a sealed outer shell, the cup inlet and the cup outlet are separately opened on the outer shell, and the turntable is rotatably arranged in the outer shell.

[0017] Wherein, the heating unit is fixed on the inner surface of the housing and / or

[0018] The heating unit is fixed on the turntable.

[0019] Wherein, the heating unit is constructed as a heating film attached to the turntable.

[0020] The heating film is annular, and the shortest distance between the cup seat and the rotation center of the turntable is a first size, which is greater than or equal to the radius of the outer circle of the heating film.

[0021] Wherein, the inner surface of the shell is also provided with thermal insulation cotton and / or

[0022] The shell is made of heat-insulating material.

[0023] Wherein, it also includes a reversing mechanism, which is used to receive the reaction cup unloaded by the picking mechanism and place the reaction cup into the cup distribution tray.

[0024] The device further comprises a stirring mechanism having a stirring block installed in the hopper for stirring the reaction cup and enabling the reaction cup to enter the picking mechanism.

[0025] The cup-splitting device provided in the first aspect of the present application realizes the function of sending the scattered reaction cups one by one to the subsequent sample addition line through the arrangement of the material bin, the picking mechanism and the cup-splitting tray. At the same time. The cup-splitting device of the present application can also ensure that the reaction cups can be preheated before sample addition through the arrangement of the heating unit, and the subsequent sample addition work can be carried out after reaching a uniform temperature. The reaction solution prepared in this way also eliminates the deviation in the test results that may be caused by different reaction cup temperatures, which can improve the consistency of the sample analysis results.

[0026] A second aspect of the present application provides a sample analyzer, comprising:

[0027] Controller;

[0028] A sample adding device, used for adding samples into the reaction cup;

[0029] The cupping device comprises:

[0030] A silo, used to hold reaction cups;

[0031] A picking mechanism, used for transferring the reaction cups contained in the hopper to the cup separation tray;

[0032] A cup tray for placing the reaction cups transferred from the silo;

[0033] A heating unit, used to preheat the reaction cup before adding the sample;

[0034] The controller is electrically connected to the heating unit and is used to control the heating unit to heat the reaction cup so that the reaction cup reaches a preset temperature before adding a sample.

[0035] It also includes an incubation device for heating the reaction cup, and the heating occurs after the sample adding device adds the sample to the reaction cup.

[0036] Among them, the cup-distributing plate includes a cup inlet, a cup outlet and at least one cup holder, the cup holder is used to carry the reaction cup, the cup holder moves between the cup inlet and the cup outlet, and the heating part is arranged corresponding to the movement track of the cup holder.

[0037] The heating part includes a heating unit, a temperature sensor and a protection switch. The protection switch is connected between the heating unit and the controller. The controller is also used to stop the operation of the heating unit through the protection switch when the temperature sensor detects that the temperature of the cup-dispensing device exceeds a preset threshold.

[0038] The third aspect of the present application further provides a sample analysis method, comprising the following steps:

[0039] Pick up the cuvette from the hopper;

[0040] Place the reaction cup on the cup tray;

[0041] Preheat the reaction cup before adding the sample to allow the reaction cup to reach the preset temperature;

[0042] Add sample to the reaction cup;

[0043] Adding reagents to the reaction cup to allow the sample and the reagent to react;

[0044] Incubate the reaction cup;

[0045] The samples after reaction are tested.

[0046] As can be seen, the second and third aspects of this application are consistent with the first aspect of this application. By providing the heating unit in the cup-dispensing device, it is possible to ensure that the reaction cups are preheated before sample addition and reach a uniform temperature before subsequent sample addition. The reaction solution prepared in this way also eliminates the potential deviation in test results caused by different reaction cup temperatures, thereby improving the consistency of sample analysis results. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0047] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the framework of the cup-dispensing device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0048] Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the structure of the cup-dispensing device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0049] Figure 3 This is a partial structural diagram of the cup-dispensing device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0050] Figure 4 This is an exploded schematic diagram of a cup-dispensing plate in a cup-dispensing device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0051] Figure 5 1 is a plan view of a cup-dispensing plate in a cup-dispensing device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0052] Figure 6 Schematic diagram of the framework of the sample analyzer provided in the embodiment of the present application;

[0053] Figure 7 This is a flow chart of the sample analysis method provided in an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0054] The following will be combined with the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of this application to clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application. Obviously, the embodiments described are only part of the embodiments of this application, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making any creative efforts are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0055] The serial numbers assigned to the components herein, such as "first", "second", etc., are only used to distinguish the objects described and do not have any order or technical meaning. The "connection" and "coupling" mentioned in this application include direct and indirect connections (couplings) unless otherwise specified. In the description of this application, it should be understood that the orientations or positional relationships indicated by the terms "upper", "lower", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inside", "outside", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", etc. are based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, rather than indicating or implying that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore cannot be understood as a limitation to this application.

[0056] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, when a first feature is "above" or "below" a second feature, it may mean that the first and second features are in direct contact, or the first and second features are in indirect contact through an intermediate medium. Furthermore, when a first feature is "above," "above," or "above" a second feature, it may mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply means that the first feature is at a higher level than the second feature. When a first feature is "below," "below," or "below" a second feature, it may mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply means that the first feature is at a lower level than the second feature.

[0057] See also Figure 1 The schematic diagram of the frame of the cup-dispensing device 100 of the present application is shown, and Figure 2 and Figure 3 The cup-splitting device 100 of the present invention is shown in FIG. The cup-splitting device 100 can automatically load cuvettes 200 so that the disorderly scattered cuvettes 200 are finally arranged in a certain order for easy access during subsequent sample loading operations.

[0058] In some embodiments, the cup-dispensing device 100 includes a hopper 10, a picking mechanism 20, a cup-dispensing tray 30, and a heating unit 40. The picking mechanism 20 further includes a reversing mechanism 21. The hopper 10 is used to hold disorderly scattered reaction cups 200, and has a receiving chamber 11 with an open mouth. This open mouth facilitates the operator to pour the bulk reaction cups 200 into the receiving chamber 11. The open mouth can also be provided with an openable lid so that the open mouth is in a closed state when no reaction cups 200 are added. The hopper 10 can be in a shape that is larger at the top and smaller at the bottom, with the open mouth provided at the top so that the open mouth has a sufficient size to facilitate the operator to add the reaction cups 200.

[0059] In one embodiment, the picking mechanism 20 further includes a driving mechanism 22 and a plurality of picking blocks 23 spaced apart on the driving mechanism 22 for picking up the cuvette 200 from the hopper 10 during movement.

[0060] In one embodiment, the accommodating chamber 11 is divided into two chambers, one large and one small, by a central partition. The large chamber 11A is used to add and store new cuvettes 200, while the small chamber 11B is an effective pickup area. The large chamber 11A and the small chamber 11B are interconnected below. When the number of cuvettes 200 in the small chamber 11B decreases, the cuvettes 200 in the large chamber 11A are transferred into the small chamber 11B. A portion of the pickup mechanism 20 extends obliquely upward from the small chamber 11B, allowing the pickup block 23, driven by the drive mechanism 22, to sequentially pass through the small chamber 11B and move obliquely upward. Consequently, the cuvettes 200 in the small chamber 11B fall onto the pickup block 23 under the influence of gravity and the surrounding cuvettes 200, and move with the pickup block 23, thereby completing the pickup of the cuvette 200.

[0061] The two cavities, one large and one small, can prevent too many cuvettes 200 from being stacked in the small cavity 11B, which would make it difficult for the pick-up block 23 to pick up the cuvettes 200. Of course, the hopper 10 is not limited to the two cavities, one large and one small, and can also be a complete cavity or other designs.

[0062] In one embodiment, the cup-dispensing device 100 further includes a stirring mechanism 25 . The stirring mechanism 25 includes a stirring block (not shown) installed in the hopper 10 to stir the reaction cup 200 and enable the reaction cup 200 to enter the picking mechanism 20 .

[0063] The driving mechanism 22 controls the picking block 23 so that the picking block 23 can pass through the hopper 10 from bottom to obliquely upward in a stroke to pick up, transport and unload the cuvette 200 .

[0064] Furthermore, the drive mechanism 22 can be a motor-driven conveyor chain or synchronous belt, with the pickup block 23 fixedly mounted on the drive chain or synchronous belt. In one embodiment, the drive mechanism 22 includes a motor (not shown separately in the figure, but this does not affect the understanding of those skilled in the art) and a conveyor chain 221. The conveyor chain 221 and its conveyor wheels are arranged as a whole at an angle, and the conveyor chain 221 forms a circulating conveyor track. The multiple pickup blocks 23 are arranged at regular intervals on the conveyor chain 221, so that the cuvettes 200 are transported in a circular, obliquely upward direction under the drive of the conveyor chain 221.

[0065] The reversing mechanism 21 is disposed on one side of the picking mechanism 20 for receiving and transferring the cuvettes 200 dropped from the picking block 23 . The cup separation tray 30 is connected to the unloading position of the reversing mechanism 21 (the position where the cuvettes 200 drop from the picking mechanism 20 ).

[0066] The reversing mechanism 21 collects and organizes the cuvettes 200 picked up by the picking mechanism 20 and arranges them in order. The cuvette inlet of the reversing mechanism 21 is located at the unloading position of the picking mechanism 20. When the cuvette slides off the picking block 23, it enters the reversing mechanism 21.

[0067] The reversing mechanism 21 may include a downwardly slanted conveying trough 211, allowing the cuvettes 200 to move downward sequentially along the conveying trough 211. In some embodiments, the conveying trough 211 may also include a buffer area for queuing the cuvettes 200. Alternatively, the reversing mechanism 21 may be another type of conveying mechanism.

[0068] The hopper 10 has a first side panel 12 positioned along the motion path of the pickup block 23. This first panel 12 seals the cuvette outlet of the pickup block 23, preventing cuvettes 200 from falling out of the pickup block 23. This first panel 12 does not extend to the highest point of the conveyor chain 221. The top edge of the pickup block 23's starting point (the end closest to the pickup mechanism 20's unloading position) is roughly flush with the highest edge of the first panel 12, with a height difference within ±5 mm. Cuvettes 200 on the pickup block 23 can only fall into the pickup block 23 after they have cleared the highest edge of the first panel 12.

[0069] At the same time, an opposite second side plate 13 can be set on the other side of the first side plate 12. The first side plate 12 and the second side plate 13 are respectively located on both sides of the conveying chain 221 to limit and protect both sides of the picking block 23.

[0070] The direction in which the reversing mechanism 21 conveys the cuvette 200 is set at an angle to the direction in which the pickup mechanism 20 transports the cuvette 200, thereby changing the direction in which the cuvette 200 is conveyed to facilitate coordination with subsequent structures. Of course, in other embodiments, the two can also be set in the same or opposite directions.

[0071] The cup-dispensing tray 30 has at least one cup holder 301 for holding the cuvette 200. In one embodiment, the cup-dispensing tray 30 includes a housing 34, with the cup holder 301 disposed within the housing 34. The housing 34 also has two separate openings, one forming a cup inlet 31 and the other forming a cup outlet 32. The cup inlet 31 is located on the side of the cup-dispensing tray 30 near the reversing mechanism 21 and interfaces with the outlet of the cuvette 200 of the reversing mechanism 21.

[0072] At least one cup holder 301 can be driven by a motor or other drive mechanism and move between the cup inlet 31 and the cup outlet 32. When a cup holder 301 moves to align with the cup inlet 31, the reaction cup 200 delivered from the outlet of the reversing mechanism 21 can enter the cup holder 301 through the cup inlet 31 and be transported to the cup outlet 32 as the cup holder 301 moves within the housing 34. Subsequently, the reaction cup 200 is transported out of the cup-dispensing device 100 of the present application through the cup outlet 32 and enters the working line for the next step of sample addition and reaction liquid preparation.

[0073] It can be understood that the cup separation device 100 of the present application can pick up the bulk and disorderly reaction cups 200 one by one through the coordinated action of the material bin 10, the picking mechanism 20 and the cup separation plate 30, and correct their postures so that they are arranged neatly and with consistent spacing. Finally, each reaction cup 200 is transported to the designated position one by one according to the preset posture and time interval, completing a series of operations of placing - picking - arranging - transporting.

[0074] The heating unit 40 in the cup-dispensing device 100 of the present application can be installed on any one or more of the aforementioned components. The heating unit 40 is used to preheat the reaction cuvette 200 in the cup-dispensing device 100 so that the reaction cuvette 200 reaches a preset temperature before being transported out of the cup-dispensing device 100 through the cup outlet 32 for sample loading and reaction solution preparation. Typically, during the subsequent sample loading process, the reaction cuvette 200 needs to reach a temperature of approximately 37°C, and the maximum temperature of the reaction cuvette 200 should not exceed 70°C.

[0075] Because the hopper 10, pickup mechanism 20, and cup-dispensing tray 30 all come into contact with the cuvettes 200 during operation, the heating unit 40 can be installed on any of these components to preheat the cuvettes 200 through heat conduction. Alternatively, the same effect can be achieved by heating the housing formed within a component with an external housing, such as the hopper 10 or cup-dispensing tray 30, to preheat the cuvettes 200 within the housing. For example, the heating unit 40 may be disposed on the inner wall of the hopper 10 to heat the large cavity 11A and / or the small cavity 11B of the hopper 10; the heating unit 40 may be disposed on the pickup mechanism 20 to heat each pickup block 23, with the pickup block 23 transferring heat to the cuvette 200 it carries; the heating unit 40 may be disposed within the housing 34 to heat the interior of the housing 34 to preheat the cuvette 200; the heating unit 40 may be disposed corresponding to each cup holder 301, with each cup holder 301 transferring heat to the cuvette 200 it holds, etc., all of which can achieve the function of preheating the cuvette 200. Furthermore, two or more of the above heating methods may be combined to improve heating efficiency.

[0076] As mentioned above, if the reaction cuvette 200 has different temperatures before sample loading, the prepared reaction solution may produce inconsistent test results. However, the cup-splitting device 100 of the present application, through the provision of the heating unit 40, can ensure that the reaction cuvette 200 has a uniform preset temperature before being transferred to the sample loading line. This eliminates the inconsistent test results caused by temperature differences in the reaction cuvette 200, ensuring that the test results obtained from the reaction cuvette 200 loaded by the cup-splitting device 100 of the present application are accurate and reliable.

[0077] For an example, see Figure 4 The heating unit 40 is disposed on the cup-dispensing tray 30 , and the heating unit 40 is disposed corresponding to the movement trajectory of the cup holder 301 carrying the reaction cup 200 and moving between the cup inlet 31 and the cup outlet 32 , and is used to preheat the reaction cup 200 during the process of the cup holder 301 transporting the reaction cup 200. Because the cup-dispensing tray 30 is located at the very end of the entire operation process of the cup-dispensing device 100 of the present application, the reaction cup 200 will be directly transported to the sample loading work line for sample loading after being sent out from the cup outlet 32. Therefore, arranging the heating unit 40 on the cup-dispensing tray 30 can reduce the circulation link of the reaction cup 200 after reaching the preset temperature, and shorten the time interval between the reaction cup 200 reaching the preset temperature and the sample loading process, thereby minimizing the heat loss of the reaction cup 200 and ensuring that the reaction cup 200 maintains the preset temperature and performs sample loading.

[0078] At the same time, the heating portion 40 is arranged to correspond to the motion trajectory of the cup holder 301, so that the reaction cup 200 can be heated to the preset temperature before reaching the cup outlet 32. There is no need to consider the heating and insulation issues of the reaction cup 200 at the material bin 10 and the picking mechanism 20 before the cup distribution plate 30, and the heat required to heat the reaction cup 200 to the preset temperature is correspondingly saved.

[0079] In one embodiment, the cup-distributing tray 30 includes a rotating disk 33 with a disc structure. The rotating disk 33 is rotatably disposed within a housing 34, and the cup holder 301 is constructed as a through hole opened on the rotating disk 33. The inner diameter of the through hole of the cup holder 301 corresponds to the outer diameter of the cup body of the reaction cup 200, so as to allow the cup body of the reaction cup 200 to pass through and abut against the cup mouth of the reaction cup 200 to accommodate and fix the reaction cup 200. The rotating disk 33 can be driven by a motor or other driving mechanism, and rotates within the cup-distributing tray 30 to transport the neatly arranged reaction cups 200, thereby driving the reaction cups 200 placed in the cup holder 301 to move from the cup inlet 31 to the cup outlet 32. Accordingly, the housing 34 forms a cylindrical cavity, which surrounds the rotating disk 33 with a disc structure.

[0080] In one embodiment, the turntable 33 rotates in one direction and has a plurality of cup holders 301 disposed thereon. The plurality of cup holders 301 are distributed along the circumference of the turntable 33, preferably evenly distributed along the circumference of the turntable 33. When one cup holder 301 receives a reaction cup 200, the turntable 33 rotates one stroke, causing the next cup holder 301 to move to a position aligned with the cup inlet 31. After the next reaction cup 200 enters the cup holder 301, the turntable 33 rotates another stroke, causing the next cup holder 301 to align with the cup inlet 31, and then rotates one stroke again, causing the next cup holder 301 to align with the cup inlet 31. The turntable 33 continues this rotational motion in a cycle.

[0081] One embodiment is Figure 4 As shown, multiple through-holes are formed on the outer circumference of the rotating disk 33, each of which is constructed as a notch on the outer circumference of the rotating disk 33. Because the cuvette 200 is a tubular object, if the cup holder 301 is configured as a through-hole, the cuvette 200 would need to slide vertically a considerable distance before it can land in the cup holder 301 and abut against it when it enters the cup-dispensing tray 30 from the pickup mechanism 20. This mechanism results in a large movement distance for the cuvette 200, making it difficult to control its position within the motion trajectory.

[0082] Please combine Figure 3It should be understood that when the cup holder 301 is disposed on the outer circumference of the rotating disk 33, multiple through-cutouts are formed on the outer circumference of the rotating disk 33. When the cuvette 200 enters the cup-dispensing tray 30 from the pickup mechanism 20, the outlet of the transfer chute 211 of the pickup mechanism 20 can be horizontally aligned with the cup inlet 31, or the outlet of the transfer chute 211 can be vertically positioned slightly higher than the cup inlet 31. Under the action of gravity, the cuvette 200 slides from the cup inlet 31 into the rotating disk 33 along the notches of the cup holder 301. This reduces the travel distance of the cuvette 200 during entry into the cup holder 301. Furthermore, the inner walls of the notches of the cup holder 301 can also serve to restrict the movement of the cuvette 200 during entry, achieving a more efficient transfer of the cuvette 200. In one embodiment, the number of notches on the rotating disk 33 is 16.

[0083] It should be noted that the structure of the cup tray 30 of the present application is not limited to Figure 4 In the embodiment, the mechanism for implementing the cup holder 301 in the cup dispensing tray 30 is not limited to the rotary disk 33. In other embodiments, the cup dispensing tray 30 may also employ a chain drive, a belt drive, or other similar means, to form a rectangular, elliptical, or even arbitrarily shaped circular track within the housing 34 to drive the cup holder 301 to consistently move in one direction, thereby similarly achieving the effect of orderly transporting the cuvettes 200.

[0084] In one embodiment, the heating unit 40 includes a heating unit 41, a temperature sensor 42, and a protection switch 43. The heating unit 41 is configured to convert electrical energy into thermal energy and is configured to correspond to the motion trajectory of the cup holder 301 to preheat the reaction cup 200. The protection switch 43 is connected to the heating unit 41. The temperature sensor 42 is configured to monitor the temperature of the cup tray 30 and transmit the monitored temperature data to the cup tray 30. The cup tray 30 is also electrically connected to the protection switch 43. When the temperature sensor 42 detects that the temperature in the cup tray 30 exceeds a preset threshold, the protection switch 43 stops the heating unit 41 from heating.

[0085] As mentioned above, during the subsequent sample loading process, the cuvette 200 typically needs to reach a temperature of approximately 37°C, and the maximum temperature of the cuvette 200 should not exceed 70°C. Therefore, it is necessary to control the heating power of the heating unit 40 to prevent the heating unit 41 from continuously heating, causing the internal temperature of the cuvette tray 30 to overheat, thereby causing the temperature of the cuvette 200 to exceed the preset temperature range before sample loading. The integration of the temperature sensor 42 and the protection switch 43 effectively protects the internal temperature of the cuvette tray 30.

[0086] A control unit for controlling the rotation of the turntable 33 is usually provided in the cup-dispensing tray 30. Because the heating unit 40 is provided on the cup-dispensing tray 30, the control unit can be used to coordinate the cooperation between the heating unit 41, the temperature sensor 42 and the protection switch 43. In some embodiments, the heating unit 40 can also be provided with a separate control unit, and the control unit can be fixed on the cup-dispensing tray 30. In some embodiments, the cup-dispensing tray 30 or the heating unit 40 can also not be provided with a separate control unit, but the control unit of the cup-dispensing device 100 is used to control the rotation of the turntable 33, and control the cooperation between the heating unit 41, the temperature sensor 42 and the protection switch 43 to achieve control of the cup-dispensing tray 30 and the heating unit 40. The cup-dispensing device 100 of the present application does not strictly limit the specific location of the control unit and the body to which it belongs. As long as the above functions can be achieved, the working needs of the separation device 100 can be met.

[0087] In one embodiment, the cup-distributing tray 30 is further configured to control the rotation speed of the turntable 33. Specifically, the control unit of the cup-distributing tray 30 can control the rotation speed of the turntable 33 within the cup-distributing tray 30 to ensure that the reaction cuvette 200 is heated by the heating unit 40 within the cup-distributing tray 30 for a predetermined period of time, thereby ensuring that the reaction cuvette 200 reaches a predetermined temperature before being ejected from the cup-distributing tray 30.

[0088] In one embodiment, the number of cup holders 301 on the turntable 33 is 16, and the cup inlet 31 and the cup outlet 32 are respectively arranged at both ends of the shell 34 along the diameter direction of the turntable 33. At this time, when a reaction cup 200 is transferred from the cup inlet 31 to the cup outlet 32, it needs to pass through the positions of 8 cup holders 301 (i.e., corresponding to 180 degrees of the semicircle of the turntable 33). In order to ensure the preheating effect of the reaction cup 200, the preheating time of the reaction cup 200 in the cup tray 30 needs to be longer than 60 seconds. At this time, the cup tray 30 can control the time required for the reaction cup 200 to move from one cup holder 301 to the next cup holder 301 to be 8 seconds. Therefore, when the reaction cup 200 is transferred from the cup inlet 31 to the cup outlet 32, it needs to move in the cup distribution plate 30 for 64 seconds, which exceeds the predetermined preheating time of 60 seconds. This also ensures that the reaction cup 200 can reach the preset temperature when it is sent out from the cup outlet 32. At this time, the rotation speed control of the rotating disk 33 by the cup distribution plate 30 can be converted into:

[0089] 180° / 64s=2.81(° / s) Formula (1).

[0090] In one embodiment, the outer shell 34 of the cup-dispensing tray 30 is a sealed structure. The cup inlet 31 and cup outlet 32 are separately defined on the outer shell 34, and the rotating disk 33 is rotatably disposed within the outer shell 34. The sealed structure of the outer shell 34 prevents the internal temperature from being circulated with the outside world, thereby enhancing the internal heating effect on the reaction cups 200. In one embodiment, to further enhance the heat retention effect, the outer shell 34 can be made of an insulating material, or a thermal insulation pad 341 can be attached to the inner surface of the outer shell 34.

[0091] Regarding the placement of the heating unit 41 in the cup-dispensing tray 30, since the heating unit 41 needs to be located along the motion path of the cup holder 301, in an embodiment where the rotating disk 33 drives the cup holder 301 to rotate, the motion path of the cup holder 301 is an arc around the rotation center of the rotating disk 33. In this case, the heating unit 41 can be fixed to the inner surface of the housing 34 to continuously heat the cuvette 200 held therein during the rotation of the cup holder 301.

[0092] The heating unit 41 can also be fixed to the rotating disk 33 and rotate with it within the cup-dispensing tray 30. Because the cuvette 200 also rotates with the rotating disk 33, the heating unit 41 can also achieve the effect of continuously heating the cuvette 200. It is understood that the heating unit 41 can also be provided in two parts, one of which is fixed to the inner surface of the housing 34 and the other is fixed to the rotating disk 33, so that both parts can simultaneously preheat the cuvette 200.

[0093] exist Figure 4 In the schematic diagram, the heating unit 41 is constructed as a heating film attached to the rotating disk 33. The disk-shaped rotating disk 33 facilitates the attachment of a flat heating film to the surface of the rotating disk 33, achieving a better heating effect. The rotating disk 33 is preferably made of metal or other thermally conductive materials to transfer heat generated by the heating film to the reaction cuvette 200. In the illustrated embodiment, the heating unit 41, constructed as a heating film, is also attached to the bottom surface of the rotating disk 33.

[0094] See Figure 5 The heating unit 41 of the heating film is annular. The shortest distance between the cup holder 301 and the rotation center of the rotary disk 33 is a first dimension d1. The outer circle of the annular heating unit 41 has a radius R, and d1 ≥ R is set. Figure 5As can be seen, the cup holder 301 in this embodiment is constructed as a notch on the outer circumference of the rotating disk 33. This notch has a first dimension d1 formed at its vertex, facing the center of rotation of the rotating disk 33. As can be understood, when the cuvette 200 is secured to the cup holder 301 and accommodated within the notch, the closest distance between the cuvette 200 and the rotating disk 33 is also the first dimension d1. When the outer radius R of the annular heating element 41, i.e., the maximum dimension R of the heating element 41, is less than the first dimension d1, this ensures that the heating element 41 does not directly contact the cuvette 200. The heating element 41 typically has a relatively high temperature. If the heating element directly contacts the cuvette 200, it could burn the cuvette 200 or cause the preheating temperature of the cuvette 200 to be too high. Therefore, setting the first dimension d1 ≥ R can avoid this undesirable phenomenon.

[0095] See Figure 6 The second aspect of the present application provides a sample analyzer 300, which includes a controller 320, a sample loading device 310, and a cup separation device 100. The sample loading device 310 is used to add samples to the reaction cup 200. The cup separation device 100 includes a material bin 10, a picking mechanism 20, a cup separation tray 30, and a heating unit 40. The material bin 10 is used to hold randomly scattered reaction cups 200; the picking mechanism 20 is used to transfer the reaction cups 200 contained in the material bin 10 to the cup separation tray 30; the cup separation tray 30 is used to place the reaction cups 200 transferred from the material bin 10; and the heating unit 40 is used to preheat the reaction cup 200 before the sample loading device 310 adds samples to the reaction cup 200. The controller 320 in the sample analyzer 300 of the present application is electrically connected to the heating unit 40 and is used to control the heating of the reaction cup 200 by the heating unit 40 so that the reaction cup 200 reaches a preset temperature before the sample is loaded.

[0096] It can be understood that the cup separation device 100 in the sample analyzer 300 of the present application can be the cup separation device 100 provided in any of the above-mentioned embodiments. Its function is to transport the disorderly scattered reaction cups 200 to the sample loading device 310, and heat the reaction cups 200 during the transportation process so that the reaction cups 200 can reach a preset temperature when the sample is loaded in the sample loading device 310, thereby eliminating the deviation in the test results caused by the inconsistent temperature of the reaction cups 200, thereby improving the consistency of the test results of the sample analyzer 300.

[0097] In one embodiment, the sample analyzer 300 further includes an incubation device 330. The incubation device 330 is used to heat the cuvette 200 so that both the cuvette 200 and the sample contained therein reach a preset temperature before being detected by the sample analyzer 300, thereby improving the consistency of the test results. It is understood that the incubation device 330 heats the cuvette 200 after the sample loading device 310 adds the sample to the cuvette 200.

[0098] In one embodiment, the cup-distributing plate 30 includes a cup inlet 31, a cup outlet 32, and at least one cup holder 301. The cup holder 301 is used to support the reaction cup 200. The cup holder 301 moves between the cup inlet 31 and the cup outlet 32. The heating part 40 is set corresponding to the movement trajectory of the cup holder 301.

[0099] In one embodiment, the heating unit 40 includes a heating unit 41, a temperature sensor 42 and a protection switch 43. The protection switch 43 is connected between the heating unit 41 and the controller 320. The controller 320 is also used to stop the operation of the heating unit 41 through the protection switch 43 when the temperature sensor 42 detects that the temperature of the cup-dispensing device 100 exceeds a preset threshold.

[0100] See Figure 7 The sample analysis method provided in the third aspect of the present application comprises the following steps:

[0101] S10, picking up the cuvette 200 from the hopper 10;

[0102] S20, placing the reaction cup 200 on the cup tray 30;

[0103] S30, preheating the reaction cup 200 before adding the sample to allow the reaction cup 200 to reach a preset temperature;

[0104] S40, adding a sample into the reaction cup 200;

[0105] S50, adding reagents into the reaction cup 200 to react the sample with the reagents;

[0106] S60, incubating the reaction cup 200;

[0107] S70, testing the reacted sample.

[0108] Specifically, the sample analysis method of the present application can also be explained corresponding to the above-mentioned sample analyzer 300 and the cup-dividing device 100. Before the reaction cup 200 is transported from the silo 10 to the sample adding work line via the cup-dividing plate 30, the reaction cup 200 is preheated so that the reaction cup 200 reaches a preset temperature. Then, the sample and the reagent are successively added to the preheated reaction cup 200 for reaction, and then the reaction cup 200 is incubated, so that when the reacted sample is finally tested, the consistency of the test can be guaranteed. Because the reaction cup 200 has been preheated before the sample is added, and the sample and reagent in the reaction cup 200 have also been incubated and fully reacted before testing, the deviation of the test results caused by the temperature difference of the reaction cup 200 or the sample can be eliminated accordingly, thereby improving the accuracy of the sample analysis method of the present application.

[0109] It should be pointed out that, for the sample analyzer 300 of the present application and the sample analysis method of the present application, since both apply the cup separation device 100 provided in the first aspect of the present application, the remaining embodiments of the sample analyzer 300 of the present application and the sample analysis method of the present application can be explained by referring to the various embodiments of the above-mentioned cup separation device 100, and the present application will not elaborate on them one by one here.

[0110] The above-described embodiments do not constitute a limitation on the scope of protection of this technical solution. Any modifications, equivalent replacements, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the above-described embodiments shall be included in the scope of protection of this technical solution.

Claims

1. A cup-dispensing device, characterized in that: include: A silo, used to hold reaction cups; A picking mechanism, used for transferring the reaction cups contained in the hopper to a cup separation tray; A cup tray for placing the reaction cups transferred from the silo; A heating unit, used to preheat the reaction cup before adding the sample; In which, the heating part is arranged on the cup-dividing plate, and the cup-dividing plate includes a cup inlet, a cup outlet and at least one cup holder. The cup holder is used to carry the reaction cup and move between the cup inlet and the cup outlet. The heating part is arranged corresponding to the movement track of the cup holder, and is used to preheat the reaction cup during the operation of the reaction cup by the cup holder.

2. The cup-dispensing device according to claim 1, wherein: The cup-distributing plate includes a turntable, and the at least one cup holder is constructed as a through hole opened on the turntable. The turntable rotates in the cup-distributing plate and drives the cup holder to move between the cup inlet and the cup outlet.

3. The cup-dispensing device according to claim 2, characterized in that: There are a plurality of through holes, and the plurality of through holes are evenly distributed in the circumferential direction of the turntable.

4. The cup-dispensing device according to claim 3, characterized in that: A plurality of through holes are opened on the outer circumference of the turntable, and each of the through holes is constructed as a notch on the outer circumference of the turntable.

5. The cup-dispensing device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The heating part includes a heating unit, a temperature sensor and a protection switch. The heating unit is used to preheat the reaction cup. The protection switch is connected to the heating unit. The temperature sensor is used to monitor the temperature of the cup-distributing plate. The cup-distributing plate is also used to stop the operation of the heating unit through the protection switch when the temperature sensor detects that the temperature in the cup-distributing plate exceeds a preset threshold.

6. The cup-dispensing device according to claim 5, characterized in that: The cup-distributing plate also controls the rotation speed of the rotary plate so that the reaction cup carried in the cup holder is preheated by the heating part for a time period greater than or equal to a preset time period.

7. The cup-dispensing device according to claim 5, wherein: The cup-distributing plate further comprises a sealed outer shell, the cup inlet and the cup outlet are separately opened on the outer shell, and the turntable is rotatably arranged in the outer shell.

8. The cup-dispensing device according to claim 7, characterized in that: The heating unit is fixed on the inner surface of the housing and / or The heating unit is fixed on the turntable.

9. The cup-dispensing device according to claim 8, characterized in that: The heating unit is constructed as a heating film attached to the turntable.

10. The cup-dispensing device according to claim 9, wherein: The heating film is annular, and the shortest distance between the cup seat and the rotation center of the rotary disk is a first size, which is greater than or equal to the radius of the outer circle of the heating film.

11. The cup-dispensing device according to claim 7, wherein: The inner surface of the shell is also provided with thermal insulation cotton and / or The shell is made of heat-insulating material.

12. The cup-dispensing device according to claim 1, wherein: It also includes a reversing mechanism, which is used to receive the reaction cup unloaded by the picking mechanism and place the reaction cup into the cup-distributing tray.

13. The cup-dispensing device according to claim 1, wherein: It also includes a stirring mechanism having a stirring block installed in the hopper for stirring the reaction cup and enabling the reaction cup to enter the picking mechanism.

14. A sample analyzer, characterized in that: include: Controller; A sample adding device, used for adding samples into the reaction cup; The cupping device comprises: A silo, used to hold reaction cups; A picking mechanism, used for transferring the reaction cups contained in the hopper to the cup separation tray; A cup tray for placing the reaction cups transferred from the silo; A heating unit, used to preheat the reaction cup before adding the sample; The controller is electrically connected to the heating unit and is used to control the heating unit to heat the reaction cup so that the reaction cup reaches a preset temperature before adding a sample; Among them, the cup-distributing plate includes a cup inlet, a cup outlet and at least one cup holder, the cup holder is used to carry the reaction cup, the cup holder moves between the cup inlet and the cup outlet, and the heating part is arranged corresponding to the movement track of the cup holder, and is used to preheat the reaction cup when the cup holder operates the reaction cup.

15. The sample analyzer according to claim 14, wherein: It also includes an incubation device for heating the reaction cup, and the heating occurs after the sample adding device adds the sample to the reaction cup.

16. The sample analyzer according to claim 14, wherein: The heating part includes a heating unit, a temperature sensor and a protection switch. The protection switch is connected between the heating unit and the controller. The controller is also used to stop the operation of the heating unit through the protection switch when the temperature sensor detects that the temperature of the cup-dispensing device exceeds a preset threshold.

17. A sample analysis method, characterized in that: The steps include: Pick up the cuvette from the hopper; placing the reaction cup on a cup tray; Preheating the reaction cup by a heating unit before adding the sample so that the reaction cup reaches a preset temperature; adding a sample into the reaction cup; adding a reagent into the reaction cup to allow the sample and the reagent to react; incubating the reaction cup; Testing the samples after the reaction; In which, the heating part is arranged on the cup-dividing plate, and the cup-dividing plate includes a cup inlet, a cup outlet and at least one cup holder. The cup holder is used to carry the reaction cup and move between the cup inlet and the cup outlet. The heating part is arranged corresponding to the movement track of the cup holder, and is used to preheat the reaction cup during the operation of the reaction cup by the cup holder.

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