Sample tube preparation machine and sample tube identification method

Abstract

The present invention provides a sample tube preparation machine and a sample tube identification method, wherein the sample tube preparation machine comprises a transmission unit, a receiving unit and an identification unit, wherein the receiving unit can move back and forth relative to the transmission unit to receive the sample tube that automatically falls in, and transport the sample tube toward the identification unit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to the field of labeling, and in particular to a sample tube preparation machine and a sample tube marking method. Background Art

[0002] In hospitals and other environments, it is usually necessary to take samples from many people, such as using sampling tubes. When there are many people who need to be sampled, in order to minimize the chance of sample confusion, the staff will prepare the tubes in advance using a special device.

[0003] For example, a doctor needs to test a patient's blood lipid concentration and complete the setting of the test items on the computer. When the patient goes to the sampling site to prepare for sampling, the staff responsible for sampling has already obtained the sample tube with the sampling information, and then collects the sample into the corresponding sample tube.

[0004] This method of pre-preparing sample tubes with identity information can reduce the error rate.

[0005] Furthermore, currently, different test items are distinguished by using sample tubes of different colors, such as red, orange, yellow, green, cyan, blue, purple, etc. Patients who need to test the same item correspond to sample tubes of the same color.

[0006] In order to improve work efficiency, the equipment used for pre-preparation usually needs to label sample tubes of multiple test items. The pre-preparation equipment currently on the market usually puts the sample tubes of the corresponding test items into the printing pipeline through a manipulator, and then the printer labels the sample tubes that fall into it.

[0007] The robot has a high degree of automation, but the subsequent maintenance work is complicated, and the robot needs to occupy a large volume, which is not conducive to the promotion and use of pre-preparation equipment. Summary of the invention

[0008] An object of the present invention is to provide a sample tube preparation machine and a sample tube identification method, wherein the sample tube preparation machine receives the sample tube through a receiving unit, thereby eliminating the need for a complex robot.

[0009] Another object of the present invention is to provide a sample tube preparation machine and a sample tube identification method, wherein the receiving unit is movable to receive sample tubes from different tracks.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to provide a sample tube preparation machine and a sample tube identification method, wherein the sample tube can automatically fall into the receiving unit.

[0011] Another object of the present invention is to provide a sample tube preparation machine and a sample tube labeling method, wherein after the sample tube falls into the receiving unit, it can automatically align and fall into a printing unit to wait for labeling.

[0012] Another object of the present invention is to provide a sample tube preparation machine and a sample tube marking method, wherein the sample tube can fall directly into the printing unit without passing through the receiving unit.

[0013] Another object of the present invention is to provide a sample tube preparation machine and a sample tube labeling method, wherein the sample tube preparation machine can label multiple sample tubes.

[0014] According to one aspect of the present invention, the present invention provides a sample tube preparation machine for marking at least one sample tube, comprising:

[0015] A transmission unit, wherein the transmission unit has at least one transmission channel and at least one transmission outlet, wherein the transmission outlet is connected to the transmission channel and the transmission channel is arranged to be inclined, and the sample tube located in the transmission channel can automatically pass through the transmission outlet under the action of gravity to leave the transmission unit;

[0016] a receiving unit, wherein the receiving unit has a receiving channel, a receiving inlet and a receiving outlet, wherein the receiving inlet and the receiving outlet are respectively connected to the receiving channel, the receiving unit is movably held at one side of the transmission outlet relative to the transmission unit, and the receiving inlet of the receiving unit can be aligned with the transmission outlet to receive the sample tube; and

[0017] An identification unit, wherein the identification unit is connected to the receiving unit, and the sample tube from the transmission unit automatically falls into the receiving channel of the receiving unit, passes through the receiving unit to reach the identification unit, and is thus identified.

[0018] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the receiving unit has a top surface, a side surface and a bottom surface, wherein the top surface and the bottom surface are arranged opposite to each other, the side surface extends between the top surface and the bottom surface, and the receiving inlet and the receiving outlet are respectively formed on the side surfaces of the receiving unit.

[0019] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the receiving inlet and the receiving outlet are arranged opposite to each other.

[0020] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the receiving unit has a top surface, a side surface and a bottom surface, wherein the top surface and the bottom surface are arranged opposite to each other, the side surface extends between the top surface and the bottom surface, the receiving inlet is formed on the top surface of the receiving unit, and the receiving outlet is formed on the bottom surface of the receiving unit, or the receiving inlet is formed on the top surface of the receiving unit, and the receiving outlet is formed on the side surface of the receiving unit.

[0021] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the sample tube preparation machine further includes a limit member, wherein the limit member has a limit opening, wherein the limit opening is connected to the identification unit and can be connected to the receiving outlet, the limit member blocks the sample tube from leaving the receiving unit from the receiving outlet to moving to the receiving unit until the limit opening is aligned with the receiving outlet, and after the limit opening is aligned with the receiving opening, the sample tube leaves the receiving unit to move to the identification unit.

[0022] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the receiving unit has a receiving surface, and the receiving surface is inclined. The sample tube located in the receiving channel is supported on the receiving surface and can move automatically under the action of gravity.

[0023] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the sample tube preparation machine further includes a transmission member, wherein the transmission member has a transmission cavity, and the transmission cavity is respectively connected to the limiting opening of the limiting member and the identification unit, and the sample tube can automatically enter the transmission cavity after leaving the limiting opening, and then reach the identification unit.

[0024] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the transmission member includes a front wall and two side walls, wherein the two side walls are located on both sides of the front wall, the front wall blocks the sample tube from the receiving unit from moving forward to fall into the transmission chamber, and the front wall and the side walls surround and form the transmission chamber.

[0025] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the transmission member is formed with a guide wall, wherein the guide wall is respectively arranged at the top end of the two side walls, and the guide wall is arranged to be inclined downward, and the sample tube from the receiving unit is supported by the guide wall and can automatically fall under the action of gravity.

[0026] According to some embodiments of the present invention, a top end of the front wall of the transmission member is higher than a top end of the side wall.

[0027] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the sample tube preparation machine further includes a blocking unit, wherein the blocking unit is arranged on the transmission unit, and the blocking unit has an open state and a blocking state. In the open state, the sample tube located in the transmission channel can automatically leave the transmission channel and move to the receiving unit. In the blocking state, the sample tube located in the transmission channel is blocked by the blocking unit and cannot leave the transmission channel.

[0028] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the sample tube preparation machine further comprises an operating unit, wherein the blocking unit is connected to the operating unit so as to be operable to switch from the blocking state to the open state.

[0029] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the operating unit is connected to the receiving unit in a manner that allows for synchronous movement.

[0030] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the blocking unit includes a movable blocking member, wherein the movable blocking member is pivotably connected to the transmission unit to switch between the open state and the blocking state.

[0031] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the movable blocking member includes a front blocking arm and a rear blocking arm, the front blocking arm and the rear blocking arm are connected to each other in a synchronously movably manner, and the rear blocking arm is located behind the front blocking arm. During the process of transforming from the blocking state to the open state, the front blocking arm moves in a direction away from the transmission channel so that the sample tube can pass through the front blocking arm, and the rear blocking arm synchronously moves in a direction close to the transmission channel to block the latter sample tube.

[0032] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the blocking unit further includes an elastic member, wherein the elastic member is respectively connected to the transmission unit and the movable blocking member, and when the movable blocking member is in the open state, the elastic member is formed so that the movable component has a tendency to return to the blocking state.

[0033] According to another aspect of the present invention, the present invention provides a sample tube identification method, which comprises the following steps:

[0034] Receiving the sample tube that automatically falls in through a movable receiving unit, wherein the sample tube comes from a transmission unit and the sample tube can leave the receiving unit to move toward the identification unit; and

[0035] The sample tube is identified by the identification unit.

[0036] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the sample tube identification method further comprises the following steps:

[0037] A receiving outlet of the receiving unit is aligned with a limiting opening to transfer the sample tube dropped into the receiving unit to the marking unit through the receiving outlet and the limiting opening.

[0038] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the sample tube identification method further comprises the following steps:

[0039] The receiving unit is moved until the receiving outlet of the receiving unit is aligned with the limiting opening. Before the alignment, the sample tube dropped into the receiving unit is held in the receiving unit.

[0040] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the sample tube identification method further comprises the following steps:

[0041] A blocking unit is transformed into an open state so that the sample tube located in the transmission unit automatically falls into the receiving unit. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0042] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a sample tube preparation machine according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] Figure 2 It is a partial schematic diagram of the sample tube preparation machine according to the above preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] Figure 3A It is a partial schematic diagram of the sample tube preparation machine according to the above preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0045] Figure 3B It is a partial schematic diagram of the sample tube preparation machine according to the above preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] Figure 4A To Attachment Figure 4B Schematic diagram of the application process of the sample tube preparation machine according to the above preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0047] Figure 5 Schematic diagram of another application of the sample tube preparation machine according to the above preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0048] Figure 6 Schematic diagram of another application of the sample tube preparation machine according to the above preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0049] Figure 7 It is a partial schematic diagram of another implementation of the sample tube preparation machine according to the above preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0050] Figure 8 It is a partial schematic diagram of another implementation of the sample tube preparation machine according to the above preferred embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0051] The following description is used to disclose the present invention so that those skilled in the art can implement the present invention. The preferred embodiments described below are only examples, and those skilled in the art can think of other obvious variations. The basic principles of the present invention defined in the following description can be applied to other embodiments, variations, improvements, equivalents, and other technical solutions that do not deviate from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0052] Those skilled in the art should understand that, in the disclosure of the present invention, the terms "longitudinal", "lateral", "up", "down", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inside", "outside" and the like indicating the orientation or position relationship are based on the orientation or position relationship shown in the drawings, which are only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operate in a specific orientation. Therefore, the above terms should not be understood as limiting the present invention.

[0053] It is to be understood that the term "one" should be understood as "at least one" or "one or more", that is, in one embodiment, the number of an element may be one, while in another embodiment, the number of the element may be multiple, and the term "one" should not be understood as a limitation on the quantity.

[0054] Reference Figure 1 To Attachment Figure 4B As shown, a sample tube preparation machine 1 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown, wherein the sample tube preparation machine 1 has a simple structure and is easy to use, and can automatically perform pre-operations such as labeling on the sample tube S so that the sample tube S can be identified.

[0055] The sample tube preparation machine 1 includes a transmission unit 10, a receiving unit 20 and an identification unit 30, wherein the transmission unit 10 has at least one transmission channel 100, wherein the sample tube S can be placed in the transmission channel 100 to be transmitted through the transmission channel 100, wherein the receiving unit 20 is used to automatically receive the sample tube S from the transmission channel 100, and then the sample tube S enters the identification unit 30 after passing through the receiving unit 20.

[0056] The identification unit 30 can identify the sample tube S, for example, by labeling the sample tube S or marking the sample tube S, so that the sample tube S can be identified in subsequent processes.

[0057] It is worth mentioning that when the transmission unit 10 has multiple transmission channels 100 , each transmission channel 100 can be placed with sample tubes S of different or same types, and the receiving unit 20 can move to receive the sample tubes S located in different transmission channels 100 .

[0058] Specifically, the transmission unit 10 includes at least two support rods 11, wherein two adjacent support rods 11 maintain a certain distance to form the transmission channel 100. The transmission channel 100 has a preset width so that the sample tube S is supported by the support rods 11 and can be held in the transmission channel 100.

[0059] The sample tube S includes a tube body and a tube cap, wherein the tube cap is disposed at one end of the tube body and can be supported by two supporting rods 11 corresponding to the transmission channel 100, and the tube body passes through the transmission channel 100 and at least a portion of the tube body is exposed to the outside. In other words, the sample tube S can be hung on the transmission unit 10.

[0060] Furthermore, the transmission channel 100 has a high end and a low end, wherein the high end of the transmission channel 100 is higher than the low end, and the receiving unit 20 is located near the low end of the transmission channel 100 .

[0061] In other words, the support rod 11 is configured to be inclined, and when the sample tube S is placed on the transmission unit 10 , the sample tube S can automatically move from the high end to the low end along the support rod 11 under the action of gravity to approach the receiving unit 20 .

[0062] Furthermore, the sample tube preparation machine 1 includes a blocking unit 40, wherein the blocking unit 40 is disposed at the transmission unit 10. With the help of the blocking unit 40, the sample tube S located at the transmission unit 10 can be controllably dropped into the receiving unit 20.

[0063] Specifically, the blocking unit 40 is disposed on the transmission unit 10 and is close to the lower end. The blocking unit 40 has an open state and a blocking state. In the open state, the blocking unit 40 does not hinder the transmission channel 100, and the sample tube S located in the transmission channel 100 can move freely along the support rod 11, so that the sample tube S automatically falls into the receiving unit 20 under the action of gravity. In the blocking state, the blocking unit 40 is located in the transmission channel 100 and hinders the sample tube S located in the transmission channel 100, so that the sample tube S cannot automatically fall into the receiving unit 20 under the action of gravity.

[0064] The receiving unit 20 has a receiving channel 200 , a receiving inlet 201 and a receiving outlet 202 , wherein the receiving inlet 201 and the receiving outlet 202 are respectively connected to the receiving channel 200 .

[0065] The sample tube S enters the receiving channel 200 from the receiving inlet 201 , and then leaves the receiving unit 20 through the receiving outlet 202 .

[0066] The receiving unit 20 has a top surface 22 , a bottom surface 23 , and a side surface 24 , wherein the top surface 22 is located higher than the bottom surface 23 , and the side surface 24 extends between the top surface 22 and the bottom surface 23 .

[0067] The receiving inlet 201 may be located on the top surface 22 of the receiving unit 20, that is, the sample tube S enters the receiving channel 200 from the top of the receiving unit 20. The receiving inlet 201 may also be located on the side surface 24 of the receiving unit 20, that is, the sample tube S may enter the receiving channel 200 from the side of the receiving unit 20.

[0068] In this embodiment, the receiving inlet 201 is located at the side surface 24 of the receiving unit 20 , and the sample tube S enters into the receiving channel 200 from the side of the receiving unit 20 .

[0069] In other embodiments of the present invention, for example, referring to the attached Figure 7 As shown, the receiving inlet 201 is located on the top surface 22 of the receiving unit 20, and the receiving outlet 202 is located on the side surface 24 of the receiving unit 22. The sample tube S enters the receiving channel 200 from the top of the receiving unit 20, and then leaves the receiving channel 200 from the side of the receiving unit 20. The limiting opening of the limiting member 51 of the limiting unit 50 is located on the side of the receiving unit 20.

[0070] In other embodiments of the present invention, for example, referring to the attached Figure 8 As shown, the receiving inlet 201 is located on the top surface 22 of the receiving unit 20, and the receiving outlet 202 is located on the bottom surface 23 of the receiving unit 20. The sample tube enters the receiving channel 200 from the top of the receiving unit 20, and then leaves the receiving channel 200 from the bottom of the receiving unit 20. The limiting opening 510 of the limiting member 51 of the limiting unit 50 is located below the receiving unit 20.

[0071] The transmission unit 10 has a transmission inlet 101 and a transmission outlet 102, wherein the transmission inlet 101 allows the sample tube S to enter the transmission channel 100, and the transmission outlet 102 allows the sample tube S to leave the transmission channel 100, wherein the transmission outlet 102 may be located at the side of the support rod 11 or at the bottom of the support rod 11. In other words, the sample tube S may leave the transmission channel 100 from the side of the support rod 11 or from the bottom of the support rod 11.

[0072] In this embodiment, the transmission inlet 101 of the transmission unit 10 is located at a side of the support rod 11. The transmission inlet 101 of the transmission unit 10 is aligned with the receiving inlet 201 of the receiving unit 20.

[0073] Further, the receiving outlet 202 of the receiving unit 20 may be located at the side surface 24 of the receiving unit 20 or the bottom surface 23 of the receiving unit 20. In other words, the sample tube S entering the receiving channel 200 may leave the receiving unit 20 from the side surface 24 of the receiving unit 20 or leave the receiving unit 20 from the bottom surface 23 of the receiving unit 20.

[0074] In this embodiment, the sample tube S leaves the receiving unit 20 from the side surface 24 of the receiving unit 20 .

[0075] The receiving unit 20 is configured to be movable. The number of the transmission channels 100 of the transmission unit 10 is multiple, and the receiving unit 20 can be moved to align with the transmission outlet 102 corresponding to each transmission channel 100 to receive the sample tubes S located in different transmission channels 100 .

[0076] It is worth noting that when the receiving unit 20 moves to receive the sample tube S from different transmission channels 100, the identification unit 30 remains fixed. After receiving the sample tube S, the receiving unit 20 moves back to the original position to align with the identification unit 30, and then the sample tube S can enter the identification unit 30.

[0077] In this process, the receiving unit 20 plays a role of transfer, transferring the sample tube S from the transmission unit 10 to the identification unit 30 .

[0078] Specifically, the sample tube preparation machine 1 further includes a limiting unit 50, wherein the limiting unit 50 includes a limiting member 51, wherein the limiting member 51 can limit the sample tube S in the receiving unit 20 so that the sample tube S in the receiving unit 20 can accurately fall into the identification unit 30.

[0079] The limiting member 51 is disposed at one side of the receiving unit 20 . The receiving unit 20 is located between the limiting member 51 and the transmission unit 10 , and can move back and forth between the limiting member 51 and the transmission unit 10 .

[0080] When a sample tube S is located in the receiving channel 200 of the receiving unit 20 , the limiting member 51 limits the sample tube S in the receiving unit 20 from moving out of the receiving unit 20 until the receiving unit 20 moves to a suitable position.

[0081] With the aid of the limiting member 51 , the receiving unit 20 can carry the sample tube S to move, and after moving to a preset position, the sample tube S automatically leaves the receiving unit 20 and enters the marking unit 30 .

[0082] In detail, the limiting member 51 has a limiting opening 510 , wherein the limiting opening 510 is aligned with the identification unit 30 , and after passing through the limiting opening 510 , the sample tube S can enter the identification unit 30 .

[0083] The positions of the limiting opening 510 of the limiting member 51 and the identification unit 30 remain relatively fixed. The receiving unit 20 can be moved to align with the limiting opening 510, and then the sample tube S automatically leaves the receiving unit 20 to pass through the limiting opening 510 and enter the identification unit 30.

[0084] In more detail, the limiting member 51 is located at one side of the receiving unit 20, and prevents the sample tube S located in the receiving channel 200 from leaving the receiving unit 20 from the side of the receiving unit 20. When the receiving unit 20 moves to the position of the limiting opening 510, the receiving outlet 202 of the receiving unit 20 is connected to the limiting opening 510, and the sample tube S located in the receiving channel 200 can leave the receiving unit 20 to pass through the limiting opening 510.

[0085] It is worth mentioning that the sample tube S can automatically leave the receiving unit 20 and then automatically enter the marking unit 30 .

[0086] Specifically, the receiving unit 20 is formed with an inclined receiving surface 21 , and the receiving surface 21 is formed on the top surface 22 of the receiving unit 20 . The receiving surface 21 is configured to be inclined downward from the receiving inlet 201 toward the receiving outlet 202 .

[0087] The receiving surface 21 is not higher than a supporting surface 111 of the transmission channel 100 . The supporting surface 111 is formed on the upper surface of the supporting rod 11 and forms a horizontal angle with the horizontal plane.

[0088] The sample tube S is supported on the receiving surface 21 of the receiving unit 20 and has a tendency to move downward along the receiving surface 21 . Due to the blocking effect of the limiting member 51 , the sample tube S cannot move along the receiving surface 21 toward the marking unit 30 .

[0089] As the receiving unit 20 moves, the receiving outlet 202 of the receiving unit 20 moves to align with the limiting opening 510 of the limiting member 51, and the sample tube S located in the receiving unit 20 will not be blocked by the limiting member 51, so it can automatically move toward the identification unit 30 under the action of gravity.

[0090] Furthermore, the limiting unit 50 further includes a transmission member 52 , wherein the transmission member 52 is disposed near the limiting opening 510 of the limiting member 51 .

[0091] The transmission member 52 is used to transmit the sample tube S to the identification unit 30. The transmission member 52 has a transmission cavity 520, wherein the transmission cavity 520 is connected to the limiting opening 510 of the limiting member 51 and the transmission cavity 520 is aligned with the limiting opening 510 of the limiting member 51, so that the sample tube S can automatically enter the transmission cavity 520 of the transmission member 52 after passing through the limiting opening 510.

[0092] Specifically, the transmission member 52 includes a surrounding wall 521, wherein the surrounding wall 521 is located at one side of the limiting opening 510 and is connected to the limiting member 51. The surrounding wall 521 surrounds and forms the transmission cavity 520.

[0093] The transmission cavity 520 of the transmission member 52 can be connected to the receiving channel 200 of the receiving unit 20, and when the receiving unit 20 is aligned with the limiting opening 510, the receiving channel 200 of the receiving unit 20 is aligned with and connected to the transmission cavity 520 of the transmission member 52, and the sample tube S can automatically fall into the transmission cavity 520 of the transmission member 52 under the action of gravity. The transmission cavity 520 of the transmission member 52 is connected to the identification unit 30, and the sample tube S reaches the identification unit 30 through the transmission cavity 520.

[0094] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the transmission member 52 is located at one side of the receiving unit 20 , and when the sample tube S is located in the receiving channel 200 of the receiving unit 20 , the sample tube S has a tendency to move downward and forward.

[0095] In detail, the receiving unit 20 has a receiving high end and a receiving low end, wherein the receiving high end is located higher than the receiving low end, the receiving high end is close to the transmission unit 10, and the receiving low end is close to the limiting member 51 and the transmission member 52.

[0096] In other words, the transmission member 52 is located at the lower receiving end of the receiving unit 20. Due to the inclined receiving surface 21, the sample tube S can automatically move from the upper receiving end to the lower receiving end without being blocked, and has a tendency to continue moving downward.

[0097] It is worth noting that the sample tube S has a tendency to move not only downward but also forward when in the receiving channel 200 of the receiving unit 20. In other words, the sample tube S has a tendency to move not only vertically but also horizontally.

[0098] The surrounding wall 521 of the transmission member 52 located in front of the sample tube S can play a certain blocking role in the horizontal movement of the sample tube S, so that the sample tube S can move forward or downward a certain distance and then enter the transmission cavity 520 of the transmission member 52.

[0099] Further, the surrounding wall 521 of the transmission member 52 includes a front wall 5211 and two side walls 5212, wherein the front wall 5211 and the two side walls 5212 surround and form the transmission cavity 520, wherein the front wall 5211 is located in the direction in which the sample tube S moves forward, and the two front walls 5211 are arranged face to face and are located on both sides of the front wall 5211. The two side walls 5212 are not closed so that the transmission cavity 520 can be connected to the limiting opening 510 of the limiting member 51.

[0100] The front wall 5211 can block the sample tube S from continuing to move forward, so that the sample tube S can fall into the transmission cavity 520 of the transmission member 52 and move downward along the transmission cavity 520 to the identification unit 30 under the action of gravity.

[0101] The transmission member 52 may be formed with a guide wall 522, wherein the guide wall 522 is configured to extend upward and outward from the side wall 5212. When the sample tube S moves from the receiving channel 200 of the receiving unit 20 toward the transmission member 52, the sample tube S may collide with the transmission member 52 during the movement, and the guide wall 522 may support the sample tube S, so that the sample tube S can smoothly enter the transmission cavity 520 of the transmission member 52.

[0102] In detail, when the sample tube S is supported by the guide wall 522 , due to the inclination of the guide wall 522 , the sample tube S naturally moves along the guide wall 522 toward the transmission chamber 520 and does not remain at the position of the transmission member 52 .

[0103] The position of the guide wall 522 is lower than the position of the receiving surface 21 of the receiving unit 20 , so that the sample tube S can fall into the transmission cavity 520 of the transmission member 52 .

[0104] The front wall 5211 of the surrounding wall 521 of the transmission member 52 is higher than the guide wall 522 , so as to block the sample tube S and prevent the sample tube S from being hung on the front wall 5211 .

[0105] It should be noted that, in the present embodiment, the transmission member 52 is located at one side of the receiving unit 20 , and the identification unit 30 is located below the transmission member 52 .

[0106] In other embodiments of the present invention, the transmission member 52 may be located below the receiving unit 20, and the identification unit 30 may be located on one side of the transmission member 52, or the transmission member 52 is not required, and the sample tube S directly enters the identification unit 30 from the receiving unit 20.

[0107] Furthermore, the limit member 51 has a certain length. For example, the length of the limit member 51 matches the number of the transmission channels 100 of the transmission unit 10, so that when the receiving unit 20 is aligned with each of the transmission channels 100 to receive the sample tube S, the limit member 51 can block the sample tube S in the receiving unit 20 until the receiving unit 20 moves to the receiving channel 200 and is aligned with the limit opening 510 of the limit member 51.

[0108] The stopper 51 may also form an observation port, wherein the observation port extends along the length direction of the stopper 51. Through the observation port, the user can observe the shape of the sample tube S in the receiving unit 20 blocked by the stopper 51.

[0109] Focus on the attached Figure 4A and attached Figure 4B As shown, the working process of the sample tube preparation machine 1 is explained. The sample tube preparation machine 1 further comprises an operation unit 60, wherein the blocking unit 40 is operably connected to the operation unit 60. The operation unit 60 can operate the blocking unit 40 to switch between the open state and the blocking state.

[0110] Specifically, the blocking unit 40 includes at least one movable blocking member 41, wherein the movable blocking member 41 is disposed at the transmission unit 10. The movable blocking member 41 can be moved under the operation of the operating unit 60 to switch between the open state and the blocking state.

[0111] The movable blocking member 41 is rotatably connected to the transmission unit 10 , for example, the movable blocking member 41 is pivotally connected to the transmission unit 10 .

[0112] In the blocking state, the movable blocking member 41 extends out of the transfer channel 100 to block the sample tube S located in the transfer channel 100 from falling. In the opening state, at least part of the movable blocking member 41 leaves the transfer channel 100 or at least part of the movable blocking member 41 becomes close to the support rod 11 to reduce the occupancy of the transfer channel 100, thereby allowing the sample tube S to pass through the transfer channel 100.

[0113] In this embodiment, since the movable blocking member 41 is pivotally connected to the support rod 11 of the transmission unit 10, during the process of the blocking state being switched to the open state, the movable blocking member 41 can be rotated toward the support rod 11 around the first axis A to avoid the sample tube S, so that the sample tube S can move forward to leave the transmission channel 100.

[0114] It is worth noting that after the movable blocking member 41 is switched to the open state, the sample tube S directly blocked by the movable blocking member 41 can automatically leave the transmission channel 100, while the latter sample tube S is still blocked by the movable blocking member 41 in the open state and cannot leave the transmission channel 100.

[0115] In other words, in this embodiment, the movable blocking member 41 can control the sample tubes S to pass through the transmission channel 100 one by one. The movable blocking member 41 can control the frequency at which the sample tubes S pass through the transmission channel 100.

[0116] Specifically, the movable blocking member 41 includes a front blocking arm 411 and a rear blocking arm 412, wherein the front blocking arm 411 is connected to the rear blocking arm 412, and the front blocking arm 411 and the rear blocking arm 412 are synchronously pivotably connected to the support rod 11 of the transmission unit 10.

[0117] For example, the support rod 11 is provided with a connecting shaft 111 , wherein the movable blocking member 41 is rotatably connected to the connecting shaft 111 , and the front blocking arm 411 and the rear blocking arm 412 are synchronously and pivotally connected to the support rod 11 .

[0118] In this embodiment, the first axis A passes through the movable blocking member 41 and the support rod 11 from top to bottom.

[0119] There is a certain angle between the front blocking arm 411 and the rear blocking arm 412. When in the blocking state, the front blocking arm 411 extends out of the transmission channel 100 to block the sample tube S, and the rear blocking arm 412 is located behind the front blocking arm 411. The rear blocking arm 412 is close to the support rod 11 and does not block the latter sample tube S. It is worth noting that the front and back here are relative to the movement direction of the sample tube S.

[0120] When in the open state, the front blocking arm 411 rotates around the first axis A toward the support rod 11 to avoid the sample tube S, and the rear blocking arm 412 rotates away from the support rod 11 to block the next sample tube. In other words, when the movable blocking member 41 rotates around the first axis A to switch states, the front blocking arm 411 and the rear blocking arm 412 of the movable blocking member 41 move in opposite directions.

[0121] When the front blocking arm 411 does not block the previous sample tube S, the rear blocking arm 412 can still block the next sample tube S.

[0122] When the front blocking arm 411 blocks the previous sample tube S, the rear blocking arm 412 does not block the next sample tube S.

[0123] It is worth noting that the operating unit 60 can drive the blocking unit 40 to switch from the blocking state to the opening state.

[0124] The blocking unit 40 may automatically switch from the open state to the blocking state.

[0125] Specifically, the blocking unit 40 further includes an elastic member 42, wherein the elastic member 42 is respectively connected to the transmission unit 10 and the movable blocking member 41, and when the movable blocking member 41 is in the open state, the elastic member 42 is deformed so that the movable blocking member 41 has a tendency to return to the blocking state.

[0126] Therefore, when the operating unit 60 applies a force to the movable blocking member 41 so that the movable blocking member 41 is in the open state from the blocking state, the elastic member 42 is deformed. When the operating unit 60 withdraws the force applied to the movable blocking member 41, the movable blocking member 41 automatically returns to the blocking state under the action of the elastic member 42. In this process, the latter sample tube S blocked by the movable blocking member 41 in the open state moves to the position where the former sample tube S is located to be blocked by the movable blocking member 41 in the blocking state. The former sample tube S falls into the receiving unit 20.

[0127] In this embodiment, the operating unit 60 is connected to the receiving unit 20 in a linkage manner. That is, the receiving unit 20 and the operating unit 60 move together to align with different transmission channels 100 .

[0128] Specifically, the sample tube preparation machine 1 may further include a track unit 70 and a driving unit 80, wherein the track unit 70 includes a track 71 and a slider 72, wherein the receiving unit 20 and the operating unit 60 are respectively installed on the slider 72, and the slider 72 supports the receiving unit 20 and the operating unit 60 to move along the track 71 to move relative to the respective transmission channels 100 of the transmission unit 10, and the receiving unit 20 and / or the operating unit 60 are drivably connected to the driving unit 80 to move along the track 71.

[0129] The number of the movable blocking members 41 can be multiple. For example, for one transmission channel 100, one movable blocking member 41 can be set on one support rod 11, and another movable blocking member 41 can be set on another adjacent support rod 11.

[0130] For one of the support rods 11 , the support rod 11 may be installed with two of the movable blocking members 41 , wherein the movable blocking members 41 are installed on the same connecting shaft 111 and may share one of the elastic members 42 .

[0131] For a sample tube S, the sample tube S is blocked by a movable blocking member 41 on both sides. When the sample tube S needs to leave the transmission channel 100, the operating unit 60 moves to the transmission channel 100 and pushes the two movable blocking members 41 backwards, so that the blocking unit 40 switches from the blocking state to the open state.

[0132] It is noteworthy that the front blocking arm 411 of the movable blocking member 41 has a certain height, so that at least a portion of the front blocking arm 411 is higher than the sample tube S, thereby providing an area for the operating unit 60 to apply force.

[0133] The operating unit 60 is located higher than the sample tube S and higher than the receiving unit 20 , so that the operation of the operating unit 60 will not affect the movement of the sample tube S.

[0134] Optionally, the movable blocking member 41 is symmetrically arranged on both sides of the transmission channel 100 .

[0135] Further, the sample tube preparation machine 1 includes a detection unit 90, wherein the detection unit 90 is used to detect the state of the sample tube S. The detection unit 90 includes an operation detection module 91 and an error detection module 92, wherein the operation detection module 91 is arranged on the operation unit 60 or the receiving unit 20, and the operation detection module 91 is used to detect the position of the sample tube S in the transmission channel 100, so that the receiving unit 20 can move to align with the transmission channel 100 based on the data obtained by the operation detection module 91, so that the operation unit 60 can move to the blocking unit 40 corresponding to the transmission channel 100 based on the data obtained by the operation detection module 91, so as to operate the blocking unit 40 in the subsequent steps.

[0136] The error detection module 92 is disposed on the receiving unit 20 or the limiting member 51 or the transmission member 52 of the limiting unit 50 .

[0137] The error detection module 92 is used to detect whether the sample tube S falls into the receiving unit 20 , or whether the sample tube S leaves the receiving unit 20 and falls into the transmission member 52 .

[0138] It can be understood that the operation detection module 91 and the error detection module 92 can respectively include at least one detector, and the types of the detectors can be various.

[0139] The sample tube preparation machine 1 further includes an error reporting unit 93. When it is found based on the information detected by the error detection module 92 that the sample tube S does not advance to the identification unit 30 as expected, the error reporting unit 93 will issue an error signal to prompt the user.

[0140] In this embodiment, the identification unit 30 is located below the transmission unit 10 , the receiving unit 20 and the limiting unit 50 .

[0141] The identification unit 30 has an identification channel 300. After the sample tube S leaves the transmission cavity 520 of the transmission member 52, it enters the identification channel 300 and can be temporarily held in the identification channel 300. In the identification channel 300, at least a portion of the tube body of the sample tube S is exposed to the outside for identification by the identification unit 30.

[0142] The identification unit 30 can attach a paper label to the sample tube S through a printer. Of course, those skilled in the art should understand that the identification unit 30 can also identify the sample tube S by engraving, coating, etc.

[0143] The label may be in the form of, but is not limited to, a paper label with plain text information, a QR code label, a barcode label, or a chip label.

[0144] When the sample tube S is marked in the marking channel 300, the sample tube S can automatically fall down under the action of gravity to leave the marking unit 30. Before this, the sample tube S can be temporarily retained in the marking channel 300, for example, by setting a movable baffle under the sample tube S.

[0145] When there are multiple sample tubes S of different types, the sample tube preparation machine 1 can work in the following two ways.

[0146] The first working method is to classify the sample tubes S according to the types of sample tubes. For example, the sample tube cap of the sample tube S used to detect item A is red, and the sample tube cap of the sample tube S used to detect item B is green. Then, when placing the sample tubes S, the sample tubes S of the same color are placed in one of the transmission channels 100 according to the different colors of the sample tube caps. The receiving unit 20 can be moved to align with another transmission channel 100 after the sample tubes S in the same transmission channel 100 are transferred. The receiving unit 20 can also be moved to align with another transmission channel 100 after receiving a sample tube S in one transmission channel 100 to receive a sample tube S in another transmission channel 100.

[0147] The second working mode is to directly place different types of sample tubes S arbitrarily in the transmission channel 100. The detection unit 90 can identify the type of the sample tube S, and the identification unit 30 is communicatively connected to the detection unit 90 to identify the sample tube S differently based on the different types of the sample tube S.

[0148] Reference Figure 5 As shown, another application mode of the sample tube preparation machine 1 according to the above preferred embodiment of the present invention is explained.

[0149] The sample tube preparation machine 1 further has a fast channel 400 , wherein the fast channel 400 is directly connected to the identification channel 300 of the identification unit 30 .

[0150] When the user needs to prepare the sample tube S, the user does not need to transfer the sample tube S from the transfer unit 10, but can put the sample tube S from the fast channel 400, so that the sample tube S directly passes through the fast channel 400 and reaches the identification channel 300. Specifically, the fast channel 400 is located above the transfer member 52, and the fast channel 400 is communicatively connected to the transfer channel 520 of the transfer member 52.

[0151] In some other embodiments of the present invention, the identification unit 30 is directly below the fast channel 400. Specifically, in general, the sample tube S needs to pass through the receiving unit 20 from the transmission unit 10 and then enter the identification unit 30. Therefore, the fast channel 400 is generally not aligned with the identification channel 300 of the identification unit 30. When the fast channel 400 is used, the fast channel 400 needs to be aligned with the identification channel 300 of the identification unit 30 first.

[0152] Optionally, in this embodiment, the identification channel 300 of the identification unit 30 is located in a vertical direction, and the express channel 400 is located in a vertical direction and can be aligned with the identification channel 300 .

[0153] Reference Figure 6 FIG. 2 shows another embodiment of the sample tube preparation machine 1 according to the above preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0154] In this embodiment, the number of the receiving unit 20 is one, and the receiving unit 20 can receive the sample tubes S of the two transmission channels 100 respectively.

[0155] The number of the limiting openings 510 of the limiting member 51 may be two, each of which can correspond to one of the receiving channels 200 of the receiving unit 20 .

[0156] The number of the identification units 30 is two, so that the sample tube preparation machine 1 can identify two sample tubes S respectively, so as to improve the working efficiency.

[0157] In some other embodiments of the present invention, the number of the receiving units 20 may be two or more, and one receiving unit 20 may correspond to one identification unit 30 .

[0158] According to another aspect of the present invention, the present invention provides a working method of the sample tube preparation machine 1, which comprises the following steps:

[0159] Receiving the sample tube S from the transmission channel 100 by means of the receiving unit 20;

[0160] driving the receiving unit 20 to move until the sample tube S located in the receiving unit 20 can automatically leave the receiving unit 20 to move toward the marking unit 30; and

[0161] The sample tube S is identified by the identification unit 30 .

[0162] According to some embodiments of the present invention, in the above method, the receiving unit 20 is driven to move until the receiving outlet 202 of the receiving unit 20 is aligned with the limiting opening 510 of the limiting member 51 .

[0163] According to some embodiments of the present invention, after the receiving unit 20 is aligned with the limiting opening 510 , the sample tube S automatically leaves the receiving unit 20 under the action of gravity to move toward the marking unit 30 .

[0164] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the working method further comprises the following steps:

[0165] Determine the position of the sample tube S; and

[0166] The receiving unit 20 is driven to move to align with the transmission channel 100 to receive the sample tube S.

[0167] According to some embodiments of the present invention, after the receiving unit 20 is aligned with the transmission channel 100 , the blocking unit 40 is switched to the open state, so that the sample tube S automatically falls into the receiving unit 20 .

[0168] According to some embodiments of the present invention, during the movement of the receiving unit 20 , the limiting unit 50 blocks the sample tube S located in the receiving unit 20 from leaving the receiving unit 20 until it is aligned with the limiting opening 510 .

[0169] It should be understood by those skilled in the art that the embodiments of the present invention described above and shown in the accompanying drawings are only examples and do not limit the present invention. The purpose of the present invention has been fully and effectively achieved. The functional and structural principles of the present invention have been demonstrated and explained in the embodiments, and the embodiments of the present invention may be deformed or modified in any way without departing from the principles.

Claims

1. A sample tube preparation machine for marking at least one sample tube, characterized in that: include: a receiving unit, wherein the receiving unit is used to receive the sample tube, wherein the receiving unit has a receiving channel, a receiving inlet and a receiving outlet, wherein the receiving inlet and the receiving outlet are respectively connected to the receiving channel, wherein the receiving unit has a top surface, a side surface, a bottom surface and a receiving surface, wherein the top surface and the bottom surface are arranged opposite to each other, wherein the side surface extends between the top surface and the bottom surface, wherein the receiving surface is formed on the top surface and is arranged to be inclined, wherein the sample tube located in the receiving channel is supported by the receiving surface and can automatically move under the action of gravity; an identification unit, wherein the identification unit is connected to the receiving unit, and the sample tube received by the receiving unit is moved to the identification unit to be identified, wherein the identification unit is connected to the receiving outlet and is located below the receiving outlet, so that the sample tube can automatically fall into the identification unit; A transmission unit, wherein the transmission unit has at least one transmission channel and at least one transmission outlet, wherein the transmission outlet is connected to the transmission channel and the transmission channel is arranged to be inclined, and the sample tube located in the transmission channel can automatically pass through the transmission outlet under the action of gravity to leave the transmission unit, wherein the receiving unit is movably held at one side of the transmission outlet relative to the transmission unit; a stopper, wherein the stopper has a stopper opening, wherein the stopper opening is connected to the identification unit and can be connected to the receiving outlet, the stopper blocks the sample tube from leaving the receiving unit from the receiving outlet until the receiving unit moves until the stopper opening is aligned with the receiving outlet, and after the stopper opening is aligned with the receiving outlet, the sample tube leaves the receiving unit to move to the identification unit; and A transmission member, wherein the transmission member has a transmission cavity, and the transmission cavity is respectively connected to the limiting opening of the limiting member and the identification unit, and the sample tube can automatically enter the transmission cavity after leaving the limiting opening, and then reach the identification unit. 2 . The sample tube preparation machine according to claim 1 , wherein the receiving inlet and the receiving outlet are respectively formed on the side surfaces of the receiving unit. 3 . The sample tube preparation machine according to claim 1 , wherein the receiving inlet and the receiving outlet are arranged opposite to each other. 4 . The sample tube preparation machine according to claim 1 , wherein the receiving inlet is formed on the top surface of the receiving unit, and the receiving outlet is formed on the bottom surface of the receiving unit. 5 . The sample tube preparation machine according to claim 1 , wherein the receiving inlet is formed on the top surface of the receiving unit, and the receiving outlet is formed on the side surface of the receiving unit.

6. The sample tube preparation machine according to claim 1, wherein the transmission component comprises a front wall and two side walls, wherein the two side walls are located on both sides of the front wall, the front wall blocks the sample tube from the receiving unit from moving forward to fall into the transmission chamber, and the front wall and the side walls surround and form the transmission chamber.

7. The sample tube preparation machine according to claim 6, wherein the transmission member is formed with a guide wall, wherein the guide wall is respectively arranged at the top end of the two side walls, and the guide wall is arranged to be inclined downward, and the sample tube from the receiving unit is supported by the guide wall and can automatically fall under the action of gravity.

8. The sample tube preparation machine according to claim 1, wherein the sample tube preparation machine further comprises a blocking unit, wherein the blocking unit is arranged on the transmission unit, and the blocking unit has an open state and a blocking state, in which the sample tube located in the transmission channel can automatically leave the transmission channel and move to the receiving unit, and in the blocking state, the sample tube located in the transmission channel is blocked by the blocking unit and cannot leave the transmission channel. 9 . The sample tube preparation machine according to claim 8 , wherein the sample tube preparation machine further comprises an operation unit, wherein the blocking unit is connected to the operation unit so as to be operable to switch from the blocking state to the open state.

10. The sample tube preparation machine according to claim 8, wherein the blocking unit comprises a movable blocking member, wherein the movable blocking member is pivotably connected to the transport unit to switch between the open state and the blocking state.

11. A sample tube preparation machine according to claim 10, wherein the movable blocking member includes a front blocking arm and a rear blocking arm, the front blocking arm and the rear blocking arm are connected to each other so as to be synchronously movably connected, and the rear blocking arm is located behind the front blocking arm, and during the process of the blocking state transforming to the open state, the front blocking arm moves in a direction away from the transmission channel so that the sample tube can pass through the front blocking arm, and the rear blocking arm synchronously moves in a direction close to the transmission channel to block the latter sample tube.

12. The sample tube preparation machine according to claim 10, wherein the blocking unit further comprises an elastic member, wherein the elastic member is respectively connected to the transmission unit and the movable blocking member, and when the movable blocking member is in the open state, the elastic member is deformed so that the movable blocking member has a tendency to return to the blocking state.

13. A sample tube labeling method, characterized in that: The sample tube identification method is to identify a sample tube by using the sample tube preparation machine according to claim 1, wherein the sample tube identification method comprises the following steps: A movable receiving unit of a sample tube preparation machine receives the sample tube that automatically falls in, wherein the sample tube comes from a transmission unit and the sample tube can leave the receiving unit to move toward the marking unit; and Identifying the sample tube by means of the identification unit; The sample tube preparation machine comprises a transmission unit, a stopper and a transmission member, wherein the transmission unit has at least one transmission channel and at least one transmission outlet, wherein the transmission outlet is connected to the transmission channel and the transmission channel is arranged to be inclined, and the sample tube located in the transmission channel can automatically pass through the transmission outlet under the action of gravity to leave the transmission unit, wherein the receiving unit is movably held at one side of the transmission outlet relative to the transmission unit; wherein the stopper has a stopper opening, wherein the stopper opening is connected to the identification unit and can be connected to the receiving outlet, and the stopper blocks the sample tube from leaving the receiving unit from the receiving outlet until the receiving unit moves until the stopper opening is aligned with the receiving outlet, and after the stopper opening is aligned with the receiving outlet, the sample tube leaves the receiving unit to move to the identification unit; wherein the transmission member has a transmission cavity, and the transmission cavity is respectively connected to the stopper opening of the stopper and the identification unit, and the sample tube can automatically enter the transmission cavity after leaving the stopper opening, and then reach the identification unit.

14. The sample tube identification method according to claim 13, wherein the sample tube identification method further comprises the following steps: A blocking unit is transformed into an open state so that the sample tube located in the transmission unit automatically falls into the receiving unit.

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