Sample rack transport device, sample analysis equipment and sample analysis system

Abstract

A sample rack transport device (100) is used to transport a sample rack (300) to a sample analyzer (200), comprising: a bidirectional transmission track (110) for bidirectionally transporting the sample rack without passing through the sample analyzer; a feed channel (120) parallel to the bidirectional transmission track, from which the sample rack can be transported to the feed channel and then to the sample analyzer; an unloading buffer area (130) located between the bidirectional transmission track and the feed channel, the unloading buffer area being used to store the sample rack; and an unloading mechanism (140) for transporting the sample rack in the feed channel to the unloading buffer area for storage, or transporting the sample rack stored in the unloading buffer area to the bidirectional transmission track. A sample analysis device (10) and a sample analysis system using the sample rack transport device are also provided. The sample rack transport device, sample analysis device, and sample analysis system can save space and reduce costs. At the same time, the transportation and detection efficiency of the sample rack can be improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to medical diagnostic equipment, and in particular to a sample rack transport device, a sample analysis device and a sample analysis system. Background Art

[0002] In the medical diagnostic field, sample analysis equipment is used to test samples such as blood. Samples are typically loaded onto sample racks and transported along an assembly line to streamline testing operations. To improve sample rack transport efficiency and avoid traffic jams, traditional sample analysis equipment typically utilizes multiple tracks, including forward and reverse transport tracks, and even avoidance tracks.

[0003] However, in traditional sample analysis equipment, the cost of multiple sample rack transmission tracks is high, and it will increase the depth of the production line, occupy a large amount of space resources, and further increase the cost. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Based on this, a sample rack transport device capable of reducing costs is provided, and a sample analysis device and a sample analysis system using the sample rack transport device are also provided.

[0005] A sample rack transport device for transporting a sample rack to a sample analyzer, comprising:

[0006] a bidirectional transport track, used for bidirectionally transporting the sample rack without passing through the sample analyzer;

[0007] a feeding channel, parallel to the bidirectional transport track, wherein the sample rack can be transported from the bidirectional transport track to the feeding channel and then to the sample analyzer;

[0008] an unloading buffer area, located between the bidirectional transmission track and the feeding channel, the unloading buffer area being used to store the sample rack; and

[0009] The unloading mechanism is used to transport the sample rack in the feeding channel to the unloading buffer area for storage, or to transport the sample rack stored in the unloading buffer area to the bidirectional transmission track.

[0010] In one embodiment, it further includes:

[0011] a loading buffer area, located between the bidirectional transmission track and the feeding channel, the loading buffer area being used to store the sample rack; and

[0012] The loading mechanism is used to transport the sample rack in the bidirectional transmission track to the loading buffer area for storage, or to transport the sample rack stored in the loading buffer area to the feeding channel.

[0013] In one embodiment, the loading mechanism is a push rod.

[0014] In one embodiment, a loading sensor is further included. The loading sensor is disposed next to the loading buffer area to detect whether the sample rack is stored in the loading buffer area.

[0015] In one embodiment, the unloading mechanism is arranged below the unloading buffer area, the unloading buffer area includes a panel for carrying the sample rack, the panel is provided with a long hole, and the unloading mechanism includes:

[0016] Bracket;

[0017] A horizontal pushing component is provided on the bracket;

[0018] A push claw mounting seat is linked to the horizontal pushing assembly, and the horizontal pushing assembly can drive the push claw mounting seat to perform horizontal movement;

[0019] A lifting assembly is disposed on the push claw mounting base; and

[0020] A push claw is provided on the lifting assembly, and the lifting assembly can drive the push claw to perform lifting motion at the long hole;

[0021] Among them, the lifting component drives the push claw to rise so that the push claw passes through the long hole and cooperates with the bottom of the sample rack. The horizontal pushing component can drive the push claw mounting seat to move horizontally, and then the push claw drives the sample rack to slide on the panel.

[0022] In one embodiment, the horizontal pushing component includes:

[0023] A horizontal guide rail is provided on the bracket, and the push claw mounting seat is slidably provided on the horizontal guide rail;

[0024] a motor, mounted on the bracket; and

[0025] A belt is linked to the motor, the push claw mounting seat is connected to the belt, and the motor can drive the push claw mounting seat to slide on the horizontal guide rail through the belt;

[0026] In one embodiment, the lifting component is a lifting cylinder.

[0027] In one embodiment, at least two long holes are provided on the panel, and at least two of the long holes are parallel to each other; the push claw includes a main body and at least two hooks, and at least two of the hooks are spaced apart and arranged on the main body; wherein, the lifting assembly drives the push claw to rise so that the at least two hooks respectively pass through the at least two long holes and cooperate with the bottom of the sample rack.

[0028] In one embodiment, the system further includes an unloading detection mechanism for detecting whether the sample rack is transported from the unloading buffer area to the bidirectional transfer track.

[0029] In one embodiment, the unloading detection mechanism includes a contact and a detection optical coupler; the contact is an arc-shaped hook structure, the contact is arranged on one side of the bidirectional transmission track, and the contact is rotatable so that the end of the contact enters or rotates out from above the bidirectional transmission track;

[0030] The sample rack is transported from the unloading buffer area to the bidirectional transmission track and contacts the end of the contact, and the contact rotates and triggers the detection optical coupler.

[0031] In one embodiment, a full unloading detection sensor is further included. The full unloading detection sensor is located opposite to the unloading buffer area and close to one end of the bidirectional transmission track, and is used to detect whether the sample rack on the unloading buffer area is full.

[0032] In one embodiment, an unloading sensor is further included. The unloading sensor is disposed next to the unloading buffer area and is used to detect whether the sample rack is stored in the unloading buffer area.

[0033] In one embodiment, it further includes a sample rack identification mechanism;

[0034] The sample rack identification mechanism is arranged on one side of the bidirectional transmission track and is opposite to one end of the bidirectional transmission track close to the unloading buffer area;

[0035] Alternatively, the sample rack identification mechanism is arranged at one side of the unloading buffer area and is opposite to the unloading buffer area and close to one end of the bidirectional transmission track.

[0036] In one embodiment, the sample rack identification mechanism is a radio frequency identifier, a chip recording identity information is attached to the sample rack, and the radio frequency identifier can identify the chip on the sample rack.

[0037] In one embodiment, a controller is further included.

[0038] The controller controls the unloading mechanism to transport the sample rack in the feeding channel to the unloading buffer area for storage;

[0039] The controller determines or obtains status information of whether the sample rack stored in the unloading buffer area can be transported to the bidirectional transmission track;

[0040] When it is determined that the sample rack can be transported to the bidirectional transport track, transporting the sample rack to the bidirectional transport track;

[0041] When it is determined that the sample rack cannot be transported to the bidirectional transmission track, the sample rack is stored in the unloading buffer area.

[0042] In one embodiment, a controller is further included, which determines or obtains status information of whether the unloading buffer area is not full. When it is determined that the unloading buffer area is not full, the controller controls the unloading mechanism to transport the sample rack in the feed channel to the unloading buffer area for storage.

[0043] A sample analysis device comprises the above-mentioned sample rack transport device and a sample analyzer, wherein the sample analyzer is located beside the feeding channel and absorbs the sample in the sample rack.

[0044] A sample analysis system comprising

[0045] a first sample analyzer, a second sample analyzer, a first sample rack transport device, a second sample rack transport device, and a controller;

[0046] The first sample rack transport device and the second sample rack transport device are adjacently configured to transport the sample rack;

[0047] The first sample rack transport device comprises

[0048] a first bidirectional transport track, for bidirectionally transporting the sample rack without passing through the first sample analyzer;

[0049] a first feeding channel, parallel to the first bidirectional transport track, wherein the sample rack can be transported from the first bidirectional transport track to the first feeding channel and then to the first sample analyzer;

[0050] a first unloading buffer area, located between the first bidirectional transmission track and the first feeding channel, the first unloading buffer area being used to store the sample rack; and

[0051] a first unloading mechanism, configured to transport the sample rack in the first feeding channel to the first unloading buffer area for storage, or to transport the sample rack stored in the first unloading buffer area to the first bidirectional transmission track;

[0052] The second sample rack transport device comprises

[0053] a second bidirectional transport track, for bidirectionally transporting the sample rack without passing through the second sample analyzer;

[0054] a second feeding channel, parallel to the second bidirectional transport track, wherein the sample rack can be transported from the second bidirectional transport track to the second feeding channel and then to the second sample analyzer;

[0055] a second unloading buffer area, located between the second bidirectional transmission track and the second feeding channel, the second unloading buffer area being used to store the sample rack; and

[0056] a second unloading mechanism, configured to transport the sample rack in the second feeding channel to the second unloading buffer area for storage, or to transport the sample rack stored in the second unloading buffer area to the second bidirectional transmission track;

[0057] The first sample rack transport device and the second sample rack transport device are adjacently arranged to transport the sample rack via the first bidirectional transmission track and the second bidirectional transmission track;

[0058] The controller determines whether the sample rack located on the first sample transport device needs to be transported to the second feed channel, and controls the second sample transport device to transport the sample rack to the second feed channel when the sample rack needs to be transported to the second feed channel.

[0059] The above-mentioned sample rack transport device includes a bidirectional transmission track capable of bidirectionally transmitting the sample rack, which replaces the multiple sample rack transmission tracks in the traditional equipment, thereby reducing the space occupied by the entire sample rack transport device and reducing the cost. In addition, the above-mentioned sample rack transport device also includes an unloading buffer area, in which the sample rack can be stored. When the bidirectional transmission track is idle, the sample rack stored in the unloading buffer area can be transported to the bidirectional transmission track by the unloading mechanism and deployed by the bidirectional transmission track. By setting up the unloading buffer area, multiple rows of sample racks can stay in the unloading buffer area at the same time without affecting the normal movement of the sample racks on the bidirectional transmission track and the feed channel, thereby meeting the deployment requirements of the sample racks and improving the transportation and detection efficiency of the sample racks. Therefore, the sample rack transport device of the present application can ensure the transportation efficiency of the sample rack while simplifying the structure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0060] In order to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for use in the embodiments or the description of the prior art. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For ordinary technicians in this field, without paying any creative work, they can also obtain drawings of other embodiments based on these drawings.

[0061] Figure 1 This is a schematic structural diagram of a sample analysis device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0062] Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the structure of the sample rack;

[0063] Figure 3 for Figure 1 A detailed structural diagram of the unloading mechanism in the sample analysis device shown;

[0064] Figure 4 For two Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of the sample analysis equipment shown; and

[0065] Figure 5 A schematic diagram showing the priority arrangement of sample analysis equipment when performing transmission tasks. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0066] To facilitate understanding of the present invention, the present invention will be described more fully below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The accompanying drawings illustrate preferred embodiments of the present invention. However, the present invention may be implemented in many different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided to provide a more thorough and comprehensive understanding of the present disclosure.

[0067] It should be noted that when an element is referred to as being "fixed to" another element, it may be directly attached to the other element or there may be an intermediate element. When an element is referred to as being "connected to" another element, it may be directly connected to the other element or there may be an intermediate element. The terms "vertical," "horizontal," "left," "right," and similar expressions used herein are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent the only implementations.

[0068] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one skilled in the art to which this invention pertains. The terms used herein in the specification of the present invention are for the purpose of describing specific embodiments only and are not intended to limit the present invention. The term "and / or" as used herein includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0069] Please also refer to Figure 1A sample analysis device 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a sample rack transport device 100 and a sample analyzer 200. Samples to be tested are loaded into a sample rack 300. The sample rack transport device 100 is used to transport the sample rack 300, and the sample analyzer 200 is used to test and analyze the samples in the sample rack 300.

[0070] Specifically in this embodiment, please refer to Figure 2 The sample is loaded into a test tube and then loaded onto the sample rack 300. The sample rack 300 is specifically a test tube rack having multiple test tube positions for loading multiple test tubes. The sample can be a blood or body fluid sample, such as a routine blood sample, a CRP (C-reactive protein) sample, a slide sample, a glycated sample, a urine sample, a cerebrospinal fluid sample, a pleural effusion sample, or an ascites sample.

[0071] The sample rack transport device 100 includes a bidirectional transport track 110 , a feed channel 120 , an unloading buffer area 130 , and an unloading mechanism 140 .

[0072] The bidirectional transfer track 110 is used to perform bidirectional transfer of the sample rack 300 without passing through the sample analyzer 200. The sample analysis device 10 may further include a front housing 150, on which the bidirectional transfer track 110 is fixed.

[0073] The feed channel 120 is parallel to the bidirectional transfer track 110 . The sample rack 300 can be transported from the bidirectional transfer track 110 to the feed channel 120 and then to the sample analyzer 200 .

[0074] The feed channel 120 is provided with a feed mechanism 121, which is used to push the sample rack 300, each time pushing the sample rack 300 by the distance between one or more adjacent test tubes. The feed channel 120 includes a workstation directly opposite the sample analyzer 200. When the sample rack 300 is pushed to the workstation, the sample analyzer 200 extends a sample needle to aspirate the sample from the test tube, or grabs the test tube and inserts it into the analyzer. In this embodiment, the sample analyzer 200 can be an instrument for analyzing blood or body fluid samples, including but not limited to a hematology analyzer, a CRP analyzer, a slide pusher, a glycated hemoglobin analyzer, a slide reader, a flow cytometer, an immunoassay analyzer, a blood coagulation measurement device, a biochemical analyzer, and a urine analyzer.

[0075] The unloading buffer 130 is located between the bidirectional transport track 110 and the feed channel 120. The unloading buffer 130 is used to store sample racks 300. The unloading buffer 130 can store multiple rows of sample racks 300. The sample rack transport device 100 further includes an unloading sensor 131. The sensor 131 is located adjacent to the unloading buffer 130, facing the unloading buffer 130, and is configured to detect whether a sample rack 300 is stored in the unloading buffer 130. If the unloading mechanism 140 detects that no test tube racks are present in the unloading buffer, it enters a standby state.

[0076] The unloading mechanism 140 is used to transport sample racks 300 from the infeed channel 120 to the unloading buffer 130 for storage, or to transport sample racks 300 stored in the unloading buffer 130 to the bidirectional transport track 110. After being inspected by the sample analyzer 200, the sample racks 300 are transported from the infeed channel 120 to the unloading buffer 130 for storage. When the bidirectional transport track 110 is idle, the sample racks 300 stored in the unloading buffer 130 are transported by the unloading mechanism 140 to the bidirectional transport track 110 for allocation. After being transported to the bidirectional transport track 110, the bidirectional transport track 110 can either output the sample racks 300 from either side or transport the sample racks 300 back to the infeed channel 120 for re-inspection.

[0077] The sample rack transport device 100 includes a bidirectional transfer track 110 capable of bidirectionally transporting sample racks 300, replacing the multiple sample rack transfer tracks in conventional equipment. This reduces the space occupied by the entire sample rack transport device 100 and reduces costs. Furthermore, the sample rack transport device 100 includes an unloading buffer 130, in which sample racks 300 can be stored. When the bidirectional transfer track 110 is idle, the sample racks 300 stored in the unloading buffer 130 can be transported to the bidirectional transfer track 110 by an unloading mechanism 140 and then allocated by the bidirectional transfer track 110. By providing the unloading buffer 130, multiple rows of sample racks 300 can be simultaneously retained in the unloading buffer 130 without affecting the normal movement of the sample racks 300 on the bidirectional transfer track 110 and the feed channel 120, thereby meeting the allocation requirements of the sample racks 300 and improving the transportation and testing efficiency of the sample racks 300.

[0078] Specifically in this embodiment, the sample rack transport device 100 may further include a loading buffer area 160 and a loading mechanism 170. The loading buffer area 160 is located between the bidirectional transport track 110 and the feed channel 120. The loading buffer area 160 is used to store sample racks 300. Specifically, the loading buffer area 160 can store multiple rows of sample racks 300.

[0079] The loading mechanism 170 is used to transport the sample racks 300 in the bidirectional transfer track 110 to the loading buffer area 160 for storage, or to transport the sample racks 300 stored in the loading buffer area 160 to the feed channel 120 .

[0080] The loading mechanism 170 can transport the sample rack 300 from the bidirectional transport track 110 to the loading buffer area 160 to wait for an empty space on the feed channel 120. When an empty space appears on the feed channel 120, the loading mechanism 170 will transport the sample rack 300 from the loading buffer area 160 to the feed channel 120.

[0081] Specifically, the loading mechanism 170 may be a push rod. Driven by the power mechanism, the push rod pushes the sample rack 300 to move the sample rack 300 from the bidirectional transport track 110 to the loading buffer 160 for storage, or pushes the sample rack 300 stored in the loading buffer 160 to the feed channel 120.

[0082] The sample rack transport device 100 may further include a loading sensor 161, which is located next to the loading buffer area and opposite the loading cache area 160, and is used to detect whether a sample rack 300 is stored in the loading cache area 160. When it is detected that there is no sample rack in the loading cache area 160, the loading mechanism 170 enters a standby state.

[0083] The sample rack transport device 100 also includes a full load detection sensor (not shown). The full load detection sensor is located adjacent to the loading buffer 160, directly opposite the end of the loading buffer 160 near the feed channel 120. It is used to detect whether the loading buffer 160 is full of sample racks 300. When the loading buffer 160 is full of sample racks 300, the loading mechanism 170 stops transporting sample racks 300 from the feed channel 120 to the loading buffer 160. It will be appreciated that in other embodiments, whether the loading buffer 160 is full can also be determined by determining whether the number of sample racks 300 entering the loading buffer 160 exceeds a preset value.

[0084] An optical coupler sensor 165 is installed at one end of the bidirectional transport track 110, near the loading buffer 160, to detect whether the sample rack 300 has been transferred to a position opposite the loading buffer 160. When the optical coupler sensor 163 detects that the sample rack 300 is in place and there is an empty space in the loading buffer 160, the loading mechanism 170 can transport the sample rack 300 to the loading buffer 160 for storage.

[0085] An optical coupler sensor 163 is also provided at one end of the feed channel 120 close to the loading buffer area 160 , for detecting whether the sample rack 300 is loaded into place on the feed channel 120 .

[0086] The unloading buffer area 130 includes a panel (not shown) for carrying the sample rack 300 , and a long hole 133 is formed on the panel.

[0087] Please refer again Figure 2 The bottom of the sample rack 300 is provided with a bottom groove 310. There can be multiple bottom grooves 310, which are arranged along the length direction of the sample rack 300.

[0088] Please also refer to Figure 3 The unloading mechanism 140 is disposed below the unloading buffer area 130 . The unloading mechanism 140 includes a bracket 141 , a horizontal pushing assembly 143 , a pushing claw mounting seat 145 , a lifting assembly 147 and a pushing claw 149 .

[0089] The horizontal pushing assembly 143 is arranged on the bracket 141. The pushing claw mounting seat 145 is linked with the horizontal pushing assembly 143, and the horizontal pushing assembly 143 can drive the pushing claw mounting seat 145 to do horizontal movement.

[0090] Specifically, the horizontal push assembly 143 includes a horizontal guide rail 143a, a motor 143b, and a belt 143c. The horizontal guide rail 143a is mounted on the bracket 141, and the push claw mounting base 145 is slidably mounted on the horizontal guide rail 143a. The motor 143b is mounted on the bracket 141. The belt 143c is coupled to the motor 143b. The push claw mounting base 145 is connected to the belt 143c, and the motor 143b, via the belt 143c, drives the push claw mounting base 145 to slide on the horizontal guide rail 143a.

[0091] The motor 143b can be specifically a stepping motor 143b. Under the control of an external control system, the motor 143b is driven by the belt 143c to move the sample rack 300 a distance of its width at a time.

[0092] Lifting assembly 147 is mounted on push claw mounting base 145. Push claw 149 is mounted on lifting assembly 147. Lifting assembly 147 is capable of driving push claw 149 upward and downward, with push claw 149 facing oblong hole 133. Specifically, lifting assembly 147 is a lifting cylinder, which raises and lowers push claw 149 by raising and lowering a piston rod (not shown). It is understood that the lifting assembly can be another structure, such as a motor-driven transmission component, as long as it can achieve lifting of the push claw and does not interfere with unloading.

[0093] The lifting assembly 147 drives the push claw 149 upward, allowing it to penetrate the elongated hole 133 and engage the bottom of the sample rack 300. The horizontal pushing assembly 143 drives the push claw mounting base 145 to move horizontally, allowing the push claw 149 to slide the sample rack 300 on the panel. When the push claw 149 has driven the sample rack 300 to a designated position, the lifting assembly 147 drives the push claw 149 downward, separating the push claw 149 from the sample rack 300. The horizontal pushing assembly 143 then drives the push claw mounting base 145 back to its original position.

[0094] The push claw 149 can apply a pushing force to the side of the sample rack 300 to push the sample rack 300 to move. In addition, the push claw 149 can also hook the groove wall of the bottom groove 310 of the sample rack 300 to pull the sample rack 300 to move.

[0095] Specifically in this embodiment, the panel is provided with two long holes 133, which are parallel to each other. The push claw 149 includes a main body 149a and two hooks 149b, and the two hooks 149b are spaced apart and disposed on the main body 149a.

[0096] The lifting assembly 147 drives the push claw 149 to rise, so that the two hooks 149 b respectively pass through the two long holes 133 and match with the bottom of the sample rack 300 .

[0097] During operation, the two hooks 149b can cooperate with two different positions on the sample rack 300 and drive the sample rack 300 to move, so that the force applied to the sample rack 300 by the unloading mechanism 140 is more uniform, ensuring the smooth movement of the sample rack 300.

[0098] It is understood that the number of hooks 149b is not limited to two, and may be more than two to more smoothly drive the movement of the sample rack 300. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that only one hook 149b or other push claw structures may be provided on the push claw body 149a, and the position of the elongated hole 133 may be adjusted accordingly. For example, only one elongated hole may be provided, as long as the test tube rack 300 can be pushed in the unloading buffer area 130. Test tube racks may be pushed one by one, or multiple test tube racks may be pushed together.

[0099] The sample rack transport device 100 also includes an unloading full detection sensor 135. Located adjacent to the unloading buffer 130, directly opposite the end of the unloading buffer 130 near the bidirectional transport track 110, the unloading full detection sensor 135 is used to detect whether the unloading buffer 130 is full of sample racks 300. When the unloading buffer 130 is full of sample racks 300, the unloading mechanism 140 stops transporting sample racks 300 from the feed channel 120 to the unloading buffer 130. It will be appreciated that in other embodiments, whether the unloading buffer 130 is full can also be determined by determining whether the number of sample racks 300 entering the unloading buffer 130 exceeds a preset value.

[0100] The sample rack transport device 100 may further include an unloading detection mechanism 180 for detecting whether the sample rack 300 is transported from the unloading buffer area 130 to the bidirectional transfer track 110 .

[0101] Specifically, the unloading detection mechanism 180 includes a contact 181 and a detection optical coupler 183. The contact 181 is an arc-shaped hook-shaped structure. The contact 181 is disposed on one side of the bidirectional transmission track 110 and is rotatable so that the end of the contact 181 enters or exits the upper portion of the bidirectional transmission track 110.

[0102] The sample rack 300 is transported from the unloading buffer 130 to the bidirectional transport track 110 and contacts the end of the contact 181. The contact 181 rotates and triggers the detection optical coupler 183. When the contact 181 triggers the detection optical coupler 183, the detection optical coupler 183 generates a signal indicating that the sample rack 300 is in place.

[0103] When the bidirectional transfer track 110 is transporting the sample rack 300 , the contact 181 rotates to leave the area above the bidirectional transfer track 110 to avoid affecting the normal operation of the bidirectional transfer track 110 .

[0104] It should be pointed out that when the unloading mechanism 140 transports multiple rows of sample racks 300 to the bidirectional transfer track 110, due to the mutual squeezing between the multiple rows of sample racks 300, pressure will be caused between the sample racks 300 in the front row and the side walls and other components on the bidirectional transfer track 110, thereby generating friction. The bidirectional transfer track 110 may not be able to smoothly carry away the sample racks 300 in the front row, thereby affecting the scheduling of the entire sample rack transportation device 100.

[0105] To address this issue, when the unloading detection mechanism 180 detects that the front row of sample racks 300 are in place on the bidirectional transport track 110, the push claw 149 descends and returns to the bottom of the second row of sample racks 300. After reaching the bottom of the sample racks 300, the push claw 149 ascends, hooking onto the wall of the bottom groove 310 of the second row of sample racks 300, and pulling the sample racks 300 in the second row and beyond back, thereby separating the sample racks 300 in the front row from the other sample racks 300 and relieving the pressure on the sample racks 300 in the front row.

[0106] Furthermore, because the unloading buffer 130 is configured to store multiple rows of sample racks 300, it is possible that a sample rack 300 may be manually removed during actual operation. For example, if there are five sample racks 300 to be tested and a sample rack 300 in the third row is removed, the control system may mistake the sample rack 300 originally in the fourth row for the sample rack 300 in the third row. Consequently, the sample rack 300 in the fourth row may be dispatched to the wrong location during subsequent dispatch, leading to issues such as missing sample test results and the inability to retest. Furthermore, to prevent errors, the control system will stop transporting sample racks 300 if it detects that the number of sample racks 300 in the unloading buffer 130 does not match the expected number, thereby affecting the transport efficiency of the entire sample rack transport device 100.

[0107] To address the aforementioned issues, the sample rack transport device 100 may further include a sample rack identification mechanism 190. The sample rack identification mechanism 190 is disposed on one side of the bidirectional transport track 110, facing the end of the bidirectional transport track 110 near the unloading buffer area 130. Alternatively, in other embodiments, the sample rack identification mechanism 190 may be disposed on one side of the unloading buffer area 130, facing the end of the unloading buffer area 130 near the bidirectional transport track 110.

[0108] The sample rack identification mechanism 190 can identify the identity information of the sample rack 300 and thus know which sample rack 300 is taken away, thereby avoiding the situation of sending the wrong sample rack 300 and improving the transportation efficiency of the sample rack transport device 100.

[0109] Specifically in this embodiment, the sample rack identification mechanism 190 is a radio frequency identifier. Chips (not shown) recording identity information are attached to the sample racks 300 . The radio frequency identifier can identify the chips on the sample racks 300 .

[0110] It is understood that in other embodiments, the sample rack identification mechanism 190 may also be a barcode scanner. Each sample rack 300 is affixed with a barcode recording identification information, and the barcode scanner is used to identify the barcode on the sample rack 300. Alternatively, other methods may be used to identify the sample rack 300, not limited to the above methods.

[0111] In the aforementioned sample analysis device 10 and its sample rack transport device 100, a single bidirectional transport track 110 replaces the multiple sample rack transport tracks found in conventional equipment. Therefore, a single bidirectional transport track 110 presents greater challenges in ensuring efficient scheduling than a structure with multiple sample rack transport tracks.

[0112] When working, please refer to Figure 4 The bidirectional transmission track 110 will be occupied in the following eight scenarios:

[0113] Sample rack 300 transport path 1: [two-way direct]

[0114] Enter from the right side of the diagram → bidirectional transfer track 110 → exit from the left side of the diagram.

[0115] Sample rack 300 transport path 2: [Straight to the right in the figure]

[0116] Enter from the left side of the diagram → bidirectional transport track 110 → exit from the right side of the diagram.

[0117] Sample rack 300 transport path 3: [Loading and unloading on opposite sides, entering the test, and output after completion]

[0118] Enter from the right side of the diagram → loading mechanism 170 → loading buffer area 160 → feeding channel 120 → unloading buffer area 130 → bidirectional transfer track 110 → output from the left side of the diagram.

[0119] Sample rack 300 transport route 4: [Loading and unloading on the same side, entering the test, and output after completion]

[0120] Enter from the right side of the diagram → loading mechanism 170 → loading buffer area 160 → feeding channel 120 → unloading buffer area 130 → bidirectional transfer track 110 → output from the right side of the diagram.

[0121] Sample rack 300 transport route 5: [Loading and unloading on opposite sides, local re-inspection]

[0122] Enter from the right side of the figure → loading mechanism 170 → loading buffer area 160 → feeding channel 120 → unloading buffer area 130 → bidirectional transfer track 110 → loading mechanism 170 → loading buffer area 160 → feeding channel 120 → unloading buffer area 130 → bidirectional transfer track 110 → output from the left side of the figure.

[0123] Sample rack 300 transport route 6: [Loading and unloading on the same side, local re-inspection]

[0124] Enter from the right side of the figure → loading mechanism 170 → loading buffer area 160 → feeding channel 120 → unloading buffer area 130 → bidirectional transfer track 110 → loading mechanism 170 → loading buffer area 160 → feeding channel 120 → unloading buffer area 130 → bidirectional transfer track 110 → output from the right side of the figure.

[0125] Sample rack 300 transport route 7: [Re-inspection after changing the machine]

[0126] Loading mechanism 170 → loading buffer area 160 → feeding channel 120 → unloading buffer area 130 → bidirectional transfer track 110 → loading mechanism 170 in another sample analysis device 10 → loading buffer area 160 in another sample analysis device 10 → feeding channel 120 in another sample analysis device 10 → unloading buffer area 130 in another sample analysis device 10 → bidirectional transfer track 110 in another sample analysis device 10 → output from the left side of the diagram.

[0127] Sample rack 300 transport route 8: [Re-inspection after changing the machine]

[0128] Loading mechanism 170 in another sample analysis device 10 → loading buffer area 160 in another sample analysis device 10 → feeding channel 120 in another sample analysis device 10 → unloading buffer area 130 in another sample analysis device 10 → bidirectional transfer track 110 in another sample analysis device 10 → loading mechanism 170 → loading buffer area 160 → feeding channel 120 → unloading buffer area 130 → bidirectional transfer track 110 → output from the right side of the diagram.

[0129] See also Figure 5 Since a single bidirectional transport track 110 is responsible for transporting the various sample racks 300, in order to ensure transport efficiency, time-sharing multiplexing is used and the transport tasks are prioritized:

[0130] 1. No speed reduction: Prioritize ensuring the number of sample racks 300 in the loading buffer area 160 so that the sample analyzer 200 can continuously run the test on the sample racks 300;

[0131] 2. Re-examination samples: Priority will be given to re-examination samples, including routine blood samples, CRP samples, slide samples, glycated samples, etc.

[0132] 3. The unloading buffer area 130 is full: If the unloading buffer area 130 is full, it will affect the detection speed. The sample racks 300 in the unloading buffer area 130 are preferably transported to the external unloading station (not shown);

[0133] 4. Unloading samples: Prioritize transporting the sample rack 300 to be unloaded from the unloading buffer area 130 to the external unloading station.

[0134] During scheduling, path calculation is performed based on the aforementioned priorities and the overall load of the sample analysis device 10. In this scheduling method, if a path is occupied, the sample rack 300 to be scheduled is temporarily parked in the unloading buffer, awaiting resources. Path calculation utilizes regional segmentation to increase the efficiency of the bidirectional transport track 110.

[0135] The sample rack transport device 100 of the present application also includes a controller 400. The controller 400 can communicate with other components of the sample rack transport device 100 to control the movement of each component, such as the bidirectional transfer track 110, the feed mechanism 121, the unloading mechanism 140, the loading mechanism 170, etc. Specifically, when the sample in the sample rack 300 is transferred to the end of the feed channel 120 after sample aspiration, the controller 400 obtains information from the unloading full detection sensor 135 indicating that the unloading buffer 130 is not full, and then controls the unloading mechanism 140 to transport the sample rack 300 to the unloading buffer 130 for storage. The controller 400 determines or obtains information on whether the current sample rack 300 can be transported to the bidirectional transfer track 110. The so-called current sample rack 300 refers to the sample rack 300 in the unloading buffer 130 that is closest to the bidirectional transfer track 110. When the current sample rack 300 is ready to be transported to the bidirectional transport track 110, the controller 400 adjusts the direction of movement of the bidirectional transport track 100 to enable the current sample rack 300 to be transported to its destination and controls the unloading mechanism 140 to transport the current sample rack 300 to the bidirectional transport track 110. In the present application, the unloading buffer 130 can buffer multiple sample racks 300. The sample racks 300 enter and exit the unloading buffer 130 in a non-contiguous manner. Sample racks 300 typically wait in the unloading buffer 130 for the controller 400 to determine whether the current sample rack 300 can be transported to the bidirectional transport track 110. Because the unloading mechanism 140 in the present application is located below the panel that supports the sample racks 300 in the unloading buffer 130, its movement does not interfere with the sample racks 300. Therefore, as long as the unloading area of ​​the present application is not full, any sample rack 300 that has completed sample aspiration in the feed channel 120 can be transported to the unloading buffer 130. At the same time, as long as the bidirectional transfer track 110 can accommodate the sample rack 300 of the unloading buffer area 130, even if the sample rack 300 of the feed channel 120 is still in the sample suction state, the unloading mechanism 140 can also transport the sample rack 300 to the bidirectional transfer track 110 in real time, thereby improving scheduling efficiency.

[0136] In addition, the controller 400 can also determine or obtain status information of whether the unloading buffer area 130 is not full. When it is determined or known that the unloading buffer area 130 is not full, the unloading mechanism 140 is controlled to transport the sample rack 300 in the feed channel 120 to the unloading buffer area 130 for storage until it is determined or known that the unloading buffer area 130 is full.

[0137] In another aspect, the present application discloses a sample analysis system, which includes a first sample analyzer 200 , a second sample analyzer 200 , a first sample rack transport device 100 , a second sample rack transport device 100 , and a controller 400 .

[0138] The first sample rack transport device 100 and the second sample rack transport device 100 are adjacently arranged to transport the sample rack 300 .

[0139] The first sample rack transport device 100 includes: a first bidirectional transport track 110 for bidirectionally transporting sample racks 300 without passing through the first sample analyzer 200; a first feed channel 120 parallel to the first bidirectional transport track 110, allowing sample racks 300 to be transported from the first bidirectional transport track 110 to the first feed channel 120 and then to the first sample analyzer 200; a first unloading buffer 130 located between the first bidirectional transport track 110 and the first feed channel 120 for storing sample racks 300; and a first unloading mechanism 140 for transporting sample racks 300 in the first feed channel 120 to the first unloading buffer 130 for storage, or transporting sample racks 300 stored in the first unloading buffer 130 to the first bidirectional transport track 110.

[0140] The second sample rack transport device 100 includes: a second bidirectional transfer track 110, used for bidirectionally transferring the sample rack 300 without passing through the second sample analyzer 200; a second feed channel 120, parallel to the second bidirectional transfer track 110, and the sample rack 300 can be transported from the second bidirectional transfer track 110 to the second feed channel 120, and then to the second sample analyzer 200; a second unloading buffer area 130, located between the second bidirectional transfer track 110 and the second feed channel 120, and the second unloading buffer area 130 is used to store the sample rack 300; and, a second unloading mechanism 140, used to transport the sample rack 300 in the second feed channel 120 to the second unloading buffer area 130 for storage, or to transport the sample rack 300 stored in the second unloading buffer area 130 to the second bidirectional transfer track 110.

[0141] The first sample rack transport device 100 and the second sample rack transport device 100 are adjacently arranged to transport the sample rack 300 via the first bidirectional transfer track 110 and the second bidirectional transfer track.

[0142] The controller 400 determines whether the sample rack 300 located on the first sample transport device needs to be transported to the second feed channel 120 , and controls the second sample transport device to transport the sample rack 300 to the second feed channel 120 if the sample rack 300 needs to be transported to the second feed channel 120 .

[0143] The sample analysis system connects two or more sample rack transport devices 100 via a bidirectional transport track, and can transport sample racks 300 between two or more sample analyzers 200, thereby automating sample analysis and testing by assembling multiple sample analyzers 200.

[0144] The sample rack transport device 100 includes a bidirectional transfer track 110 capable of bidirectionally transporting sample racks 300, replacing the multiple sample rack transfer tracks in conventional equipment. This reduces the space occupied by the entire sample rack transport device 100 and reduces costs. Furthermore, the sample rack transport device 100 includes an unloading buffer 130, in which sample racks 300 can be stored. When the bidirectional transfer track 110 is idle, the sample racks 300 stored in the unloading buffer 130 can be transported to the bidirectional transfer track 110 by an unloading mechanism 140 and then allocated by the bidirectional transfer track 110. By providing the unloading buffer 130, multiple rows of sample racks 300 can be simultaneously retained in the unloading buffer 130 without affecting the normal movement of the sample racks 300 on the bidirectional transfer track 110 and the feed channel 120, thereby meeting the allocation requirements of the sample racks 300 and improving the transportation and testing efficiency of the sample racks 300. Therefore, the sample rack transport device 100 of the present application can simplify the structure while ensuring the transport efficiency of the sample rack 300 .

[0145] The technical features of the above-mentioned embodiments can be combined arbitrarily. In order to make the description concise, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above-mentioned 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.

[0146] The above-described embodiments merely illustrate several implementations of the present invention, and while their descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the patent. It should be noted that a person skilled in the art would be able to make numerous variations and improvements without departing from the spirit of the present invention, all of which fall within the scope of protection of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of the patent for this invention shall be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A sample scheduling method, applied to a sample analysis device, the sample analysis device comprising a sample analyzer and a sample rack transport device, the sample rack transport device comprising a bidirectional transport track for bidirectionally transporting sample racks without passing through the sample analyzer, a feed channel arranged parallel to the bidirectional transport track, a loading buffer, a loading mechanism, an unloading buffer, and an unloading mechanism; the sample scheduling method comprising the following steps: The unloading mechanism transports the sample rack that has completed testing to the bidirectional transport track via the unloading buffer area, wherein the sample rack that has completed testing is the sample rack that has been transported from the loading buffer area to the feed channel by the loading mechanism and then transported to the sample analyzer via the feed channel for testing; The loading mechanism transports the sample rack located on the bidirectional transmission track to the feed channel through the loading buffer area; The feeding mechanism on the feeding channel transports the sample rack to the sample analyzer for re-inspection.

2. The sample scheduling method according to claim 1, wherein: The unloading mechanism transports the sample rack to the bidirectional transmission track through the unloading buffer area, and further comprises: Determine whether the bidirectional transmission track is idle. If it is idle, the unloading mechanism transports the sample rack to the bidirectional transmission track. If it is not idle, the unloading mechanism transports the sample rack to the unloading buffer area. When the bidirectional transmission track is idle, the unloading mechanism transports the sample rack to the bidirectional transmission track.

3. The sample scheduling method according to claim 1, characterized in that: Before the unloading mechanism transports the sample rack that has completed the test to the bidirectional transmission track through the unloading buffer area, the method further includes the following steps: The loading mechanism transports the sample rack located in the loading buffer area to the feeding channel; The feeding mechanism on the feeding channel transports the sample rack to the sample analyzer for testing.

4. A sample scheduling method, using a sample analysis system, characterized in that: The sample analysis system includes a first sample analyzer, a second sample analyzer, a first sample rack transport device and a second sample rack transport device, the first sample rack transport device including a first bidirectional transport track for bidirectionally transporting the sample rack without passing through the first sample analyzer, a first feed channel parallel to the first bidirectional transport track, a first loading buffer area, a first loading mechanism, a first unloading buffer area and a first unloading mechanism; the second sample rack transport device includes a second bidirectional transport track for bidirectionally transporting the sample rack without passing through the second sample analyzer, a second feed channel parallel to the second bidirectional transport track, a second unloading buffer area and a second unloading mechanism; The sample scheduling method further includes the following steps: The first unloading mechanism transports the sample rack that has completed testing to the first bidirectional transfer track of the first sample rack transport device via the first unloading buffer area, wherein the sample rack that has completed testing is the sample rack that has been transported from the first loading buffer area to the first feed channel by the first loading mechanism and then transported to the first sample analyzer for testing via the first feed channel; The first sample rack transport device transports the sample rack to the first sample analyzer for re-inspection; alternatively, the first bidirectional transmission track transports the sample rack to the second sample rack transport device, and the second sample rack transport device transports the sample rack to the second sample analyzer for re-inspection.

5. The sample scheduling method according to claim 4, characterized in that: The first sample rack transport device further includes a first loading area; The first sample rack transport device transports the sample rack to the first sample analysis for re-inspection, including: The first loading mechanism transports the sample rack located on the first bidirectional transport track to the first feeding channel via the first loading area; The first feeding mechanism of the first feeding channel transports the sample rack to the first sample analyzer for re-inspection.

6. The sample scheduling method according to claim 4, characterized in that: The second sample rack transport device further includes a second loading area and a second loading mechanism; The second sample rack transport device transports the sample rack to the second sample analyzer for re-inspection, including: The second loading mechanism transports the sample rack located on the second bidirectional transport track to the second feed channel via the second loading area; The second feeding mechanism of the second feeding channel transports the sample rack to the second sample analyzer for re-inspection.

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