Sample Tube Dispensing Device and Dispensing Method

Abstract

The present invention provides a sample tube dispensing device and a dispensing method. The sample tube dispensing device includes at least one transmission unit, at least two receivers, and at least one dispenser. The transmission unit has a transmission channel, and the sample tube located in the transmission channel can automatically fall along the transmission channel to leave the transmission unit. The dispenser is arranged to be movable relative to the transmission unit. The sample tube dispensing device has an open state and a blocking state. In the open state, the dispenser is connected to the receiver to form a dispensing channel, so that the sample tube can pass through the receiver. In the blocking state, the dispensing channel formed by the dispenser and the receiver is closed, and the sample tube cannot pass through the receiver from the dispenser.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of sample tube transmission, and particularly to a sample tube distribution device and a distribution method. Background Art

[0002] For institutions such as hospitals that require high-frequency detections, a large number of sample tubes need to be used. Before use, the sample tubes are bundled together, and then a bundle or a box of sample tubes is separated by manual labor, and then the sample tubes are carried to a preset location as needed. For example

[0003] In other scenarios, different types of sample tubes may be mixed together. For example, sample tubes of different models may be mixed together, or sample tubes for loading different samples may be mixed together. For example, sample tubes for loading blood samples and sample tubes for loading urine samples. It can also be sample tubes for loading the same sample but for different test items that are mixed together. For example, multiple sample tubes contain blood samples, but the blood sample in one sample tube is used for lipid detection, and the blood sample in another sample tube is used for hepatitis B detection.

[0004] In the case of a large number of sample tubes, it is very time-consuming and laborious to complete the distribution and transportation of such sample tubes manually, and errors may also occur, thus affecting the accuracy of the final test results. Summary of the Invention

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a sample tube distribution device and a distribution method, wherein the sample tube distribution device can automatically distribute sample tubes.

[0006] Another object of the present invention is to provide a sample tube distribution device and a distribution method, wherein the sample tube distribution device can distribute different sample tubes in an orderly manner.

[0007] Another object of the present invention is to provide a sample tube distribution device and a distribution method, wherein the sample tube distribution device can receive sample tubes from multiple transmission channels and then transport the sample tubes to a preset position to complete the distribution.

[0008] Another object of the present invention is to provide a sample tube distribution device and a distribution method, wherein the sample tube distribution device receives sample tubes from the transmission channels by means of at least one receiving unit, and then transports the sample tubes to different positions by moving the receiving unit.

[0009] Another object of the present invention is to provide a sample tube distribution device and a distribution method, wherein when the receiving unit of the sample tube distribution device automatically aligns with a preset position, the sample tube can automatically leave the receiving unit and move towards the preset position.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to provide a sample tube dispensing device and a dispensing method, wherein the sample tube dispensing device can identify the sample tubes and then dispense the sample tubes according to the identification results.

[0011] Another object of the present invention is to provide a sample tube dispensing device and a dispensing method, wherein when the receiving unit of the sample tube dispensing device is aligned with the transmission channel, the sample tubes located in the transmission channel can automatically fall into the receiving unit to be received.

[0012] Another object of the present invention is to provide a sample tube dispensing device and a dispensing method, wherein the sample tube dispensing device has a simple structure and is convenient to use.

[0013] According to one aspect of the present invention, the present invention provides a sample tube dispensing device, wherein the sample tube dispensing device includes:

[0014] At least one transmission unit, wherein the transmission unit has a transmission channel, and the sample tubes located in the transmission channel can automatically fall along the transmission channel to leave the transmission unit;

[0015] At least two receivers; and

[0016] At least one dispenser, wherein the dispenser is arranged to be movable relative to the transmission unit, and the sample tube dispensing device has an open state and a blocking state. In the open state, the dispenser is connected to the receiver to form a dispensing channel, so that the sample tubes can pass through the receiver. In the blocking state, the dispensing channel formed by the dispenser and the receiver is closed, and the sample tubes cannot pass through the receiver from the dispenser.

[0017] According to at least one embodiment of the present invention, the dispenser and the receiver are independent of each other. When the dispenser is in the open state, the sample tube dispensing device is aligned with one of the receivers, and the sample tubes located in the dispenser pass through the receiver. When the sample tube dispensing device is in the blocking state, the sample tubes located in the dispenser cannot leave the dispenser to go to the receiver.

[0018] According to at least one embodiment of the present invention, the receiver is formed in the dispenser, and the dispenser has an open state and a blocking state. When the sample tube dispensing device is in the open state, the sample tubes fall into the dispenser and pass through the receiver. When the sample tube dispensing device is in the blocking state, the sample tubes cannot fall into the dispenser to pass through the receiver.

[0019] According to at least one embodiment of the present invention, the receiving support arm has a receiving top surface, wherein a tube cap of the sample tube is supported on the receiving top surface, and at least a part of a tube body of the sample tube is received in the receiving cavity, and the receiving top surface is arranged to incline downward.

[0020] According to at least one embodiment of the present invention, the dispenser further includes a receiving baffle, wherein the receiving baffle is located between the two support arms, and the whole sample tube is supported on the receiving baffle, and the receiving baffle has a support bottom surface, wherein the support bottom surface is arranged to incline downward.

[0021] According to at least one embodiment of the present invention, the dispenser has a receiving inlet and a receiving cavity, the receiving inlet is communicated with the receiving cavity, wherein the receiving inlet is lower than the transmission outlet of the transmission unit, and the sample tube automatically enters the receiving cavity of the dispenser from the transmission outlet after leaving the transmission unit.

[0022] According to at least one embodiment of the present invention, the dispenser includes two receiving support arms, wherein the receiving cavity is located between the two receiving support arms, and the receiving support arm has a receiving top surface, wherein the receiving top surface is arranged to incline downward so that the sample tube supported on the receiving top surface can automatically fall along the receiving support arm.

[0023] According to at least one embodiment of the present invention, the receiving top surface of the dispenser is not higher than the support surface of the transmission unit.

[0024] According to at least one embodiment of the present invention, the sample tube dispensing device further includes a receiving blocking unit, wherein the receiving blocking unit is arranged on the dispenser, and the receiving blocking unit includes a receiving blocking member and a receiving blocking driving member, wherein the receiving blocking member is movably connected to the receiving blocking driving member in a drivable manner so that the dispenser can switch between the open state and the blocking state.

[0025] According to at least one embodiment of the present invention, the sample tube dispensing device further includes at least one transmission blocking unit, wherein the transmission blocking unit is arranged on the transmission unit and has an open state and a blocking state. In the blocking state, the transmission blocking unit blocks the sample tube located in the transmission channel from automatically falling, and in the open state, the sample tube located in the transmission channel can automatically leave the transmission channel and move to the dispenser.

[0026] According to at least one embodiment of the present invention, the sample tube dispensing device further includes an operating unit, wherein the transmission blocking unit is operable to be connected to the operating unit when switching from the blocking state to the open state.

[0027] According to at least one embodiment of the present invention, the operating unit is connected to the dispenser so as to be movable in synchronization with the dispenser.

[0028] According to at least one embodiment of the present invention, the transmission blocking unit includes a transmission blocking member, wherein the transmission blocking member is pivotally connected to the transmission unit to switch between the open state and the blocking state.

[0029] According to at least one embodiment of the present invention, the transmission blocking member includes a blocking front wing and a blocking rear wing, the blocking front wing and the blocking rear wing are synchronously movably connected to each other, and the blocking rear wing is located behind the blocking front wing. During the process of transforming from the blocking state to the open state, the blocking front wing moves in a direction away from the transmission channel so that the sample tube can pass through the blocking front wing, and the blocking rear wing synchronously moves in a direction close to the transmission channel to block the next sample tube.

[0030] According to at least one embodiment of the present invention, the transmission blocking unit further includes an elastic member, wherein the elastic member is respectively connected to the transmission unit and the transmission blocking member, and when the transmission blocking member is in the open state, the elastic member is deformed so as to have a tendency to return to the blocking state. According to at least one embodiment of the present invention, the sample tube dispensing device further includes at least one receiving blocking unit, wherein the receiving blocking unit is arranged at the position of the receiver to switch the receiver between a blocking state and an open state. In the blocking state, the transmission blocking unit blocks the sample tube located in the transmission channel from passing through the receiver. In the open state, the sample tube located in the transmission channel can pass through the receiver. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a sample tube dispensing device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 2 FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a transmission unit of the sample tube distributing device according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 3 FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a receiving unit of the sample tube dispensing device according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] Figure 4AIt is a schematic diagram of a transmission blocking unit of the sample tube dispensing device according to the above-mentioned preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 4B It is a schematic diagram of the transmission blocking unit of the sample tube dispensing device according to the above-mentioned preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] Figure 5A It is an application schematic diagram of the sample tube dispensing device according to the above-mentioned preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] Figure 5B It is an application schematic diagram of the sample tube dispensing device according to the above-mentioned preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] Figure 5C It is an application schematic diagram of the sample tube dispensing device according to the above-mentioned preferred embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5D It is an application schematic diagram of the sample tube dispensing device according to the above-mentioned preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] Figure 5E It is an application schematic diagram of the sample tube dispensing device according to the above-mentioned preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] Figure 6A It is an application schematic diagram of the sample tube dispensing device from a top view according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] Figure 6B It is an application schematic diagram of the sample tube dispensing device from a top view according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] Figure 7 It is a schematic diagram of the application process of the sample tube dispensing device from a top view according to the above-mentioned preferred embodiment of the present invention. Detailed implementation manners

[0043] 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 defined in the following description can be applied to other implementation schemes, variation schemes, improvement schemes, equivalent schemes, and other technical schemes that do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0044] Those skilled in the art should understand that in the disclosure of the present invention, the orientation or positional relationships indicated by the terms "vertical", "horizontal", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", etc. are based on the orientation or positional relationships shown in the drawings. These are only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, rather than indicating or implying that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, the above terms should not be construed as limitations on the present invention.

[0045] It can be understood that the term "a" should be understood as "at least one" or "one or more". That is, in one embodiment, the number of one element can be one, while in other embodiments, the number of this element can be multiple. The term "a" should not be construed as a limitation on the quantity.

[0046] The present invention provides a sample tube dispensing device, wherein the sample tube dispensing device can dispense a plurality of sample tubes. The sample tubes can be empty sample tubes or sample tubes filled with samples. The sample tubes can remain stable during the dispensing process of the sample tube dispensing device, which is beneficial for the transmission of the sample tubes. The structure of the sample tube dispensing device is simple and convenient to use. Generally, the shape of the sample tube is circular, and there are also some special-shaped tubes, such as triangular or rectangular sample tubes, and the sample tube dispensing device can transmit and dispense these sample tubes.

[0047] Specifically, referring to Figure 1 to Figure 5D shown, the sample tube dispensing device 1 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention is illustrated, wherein Figure 5A , Figure 5B , Figure 5C and Figure 5D show the process of the sample tube dispensing device 1 dispensing the sample tubes.

[0048] The sample tube dispensing device 1 includes at least one transmission unit 10, a dispenser 20, and includes at least one receiver 800. The transmission unit 10 is used to transmit the sample tubes to the dispenser 20, and the dispenser 20 can receive the sample tubes and then transport the sample tubes to the corresponding receiver 800.

[0049] The receiver 800 can be connected to different devices, such as a detection device or a labeling device. For example, when the sample tube dispensed by the sample tube dispensing device 1 is an empty sample tube, the receiver 800 can be connected to a labeling device, and then the empty sample tube can be transported to the labeling device for labeling or other types of identification steps so that the sample tubes can be distinguished. When the sample tube dispensed by the sample tube dispensing device 1 is a sample tube loaded with a sample, each receiver 800 can be connected to a different detection device, and the sample tube loaded with the sample can be transported to the corresponding receiver 800 and then enter the detection device for detection.

[0050] Those skilled in the art can understand that the application scenarios of the sample tubes dispensed by the sample tube dispensing device 1 are not limited to the above examples. That is to say, the above are only examples, and the devices that cooperate with the sample tube dispensing device 1 in subsequent steps are not limited to the above examples.

[0051] Furthermore, the transmission unit 10 has a transmission channel 100, a transmission input port 101 and a transmission output port 102, wherein the transmission input port 101 and the transmission output port 102 are respectively connected to the transmission channel 100. The sample tube entering the transmission unit 10 through the transmission input port 101 is transmitted a certain distance in the transmission channel 100 and then leaves the transmission unit 10 through the transmission output port 102.

[0052] The dispenser 20 has a receiving cavity 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 cavity 200. After the sample tube entering the receiving cavity 200 through the receiving inlet 201 moves in the dispenser 20 and the receiving outlet 202 of the dispenser 20 is aligned with at least one receiver 800, the sample tube located in the receiving cavity 200 can leave the dispenser 20 through the receiving outlet 202 and then enter the receiver 800.

[0053] It should be noted that the transmission unit 10 can accommodate multiple sample tubes at the same time, and the sample tubes can enter the receiving cavity 200 of the dispenser 20 in an orderly manner.

[0054] Specifically, the transmission unit 10 includes at least two transmission support arms 11, and the transmission channel 100 is formed between the transmission support arms 11. The transmission input port 101 and the transmission output port 102 are respectively located at two ends of the transmission support arms 11. The transmission support arms 11 are arranged to be inclined and inclined downward from the position of the transmission input port 101 towards the position of the transmission output port 102. That is to say, the position of the transmission input port 101 is higher than the position of the transmission output port 102.

[0055] The sample tube includes a tube body and a tube cap, where the tube cap is located at the high end of the tube body, and when the sample tube enters the transmission channel 100 from the transmission input port 101, the tube cap of the sample tube can be supported by the transmission support arms 11.

[0056] The transmission support arms 11 are held suspended at a certain height, and the tube body of the sample tube is also held at a certain height. When the sample tube is supported by the transmission support arms 11, under the action of gravity, the sample tube can automatically move towards the position of the transmission output port 102. That is to say, when the number of the sample tubes is multiple, the sample tubes can automatically gather along the transmission channel 100 towards the position of the transmission output port 102.

[0057] Further, the transmission support arm 11 has a support high end 111 and a support low end 112, where the support high end 111 is higher than the support low end 112, the transmission input port 101 is located at the support high end 111, and the transmission output port 102 is located at the support low end 112.

[0058] The transmission support arm 11 has a support surface 113, where the support surface 113 is arranged to be inclined downward from the position of the transmission input port 101 towards the position of the transmission output port 102.

[0059] The receiving port 201 of the dispenser 20 can be aligned with the transmission output port 102. That is to say, the receiving port 201 is located on the expected movement track of the sample tube leaving the transmission unit 10 so that the sample tube can enter the receiving cavity 200 of the dispenser 20.

[0060] The sample tube dispensing device 1 further includes a transmission blocking unit 30, where the transmission blocking unit 30 is arranged on the transmission unit 10 so that the transmission unit 10 has a blocking state and an open state. In the open state, the transmission track is unobstructed so that the sample tube can leave the transmission track under the action of gravity. In the blocking state, the transmission track is blocked so that the sample tube cannot automatically leave the transmission track.

[0061] The transmission blocking unit 30 is operably switched between the blocking state and the open state, so that the frequency of the sample tube leaving the transmission unit 10 can be controlled by the conversion frequency between the blocking state and the open state.

[0062] When the transmission blocking unit 30 changes from the blocking state to the open state, the sample tube closest to the transmission outlet 102 among the multiple sample tubes in the transmission channel 100 of the transmission unit 10 will leave the transmission unit 10 and can automatically fall into the receiving cavity 200 of the dispenser 20.

[0063] The position of the receiving inlet 201 of the dispenser 20 is set not to be higher than the position of the transmission outlet 102 of the transmission unit 10, so that the sample tube falling under the action of gravity can automatically enter the receiving cavity 200 of the dispenser 20.

[0064] Reference can be made to the appendix Figure 3 Specifically, the dispenser 20 has two opposite receiving sides 21, wherein the receiving inlet 201 is formed on one of the receiving sides 21, and the receiving outlet 202 is formed on the other receiving side 21.

[0065] The dispenser 20 has a receiving top surface 22, wherein the receiving top surface 22 is set to be inclined and slopes downward from the position of the receiving inlet 201 towards the position of the receiving outlet 202. Optionally, the receiving top surface 22 of the dispenser 20 is set to extend from the inclined surface where the support surface 113 of the transmission support arm 11 of the transmission unit 10 is located, so that when the sample tube leaves the transmission unit 10 along the support surface 113, it can continue to move to the dispenser 20 under the action of inertia and the tube cap of the sample tube is supported on the receiving top surface 22.

[0066] The dispenser 20 includes two receiving support arms 23, wherein the receiving top surface 22 is the top surface of the receiving support arms 23, and the receiving sides 21 are the sides of the receiving support arms 23 respectively. The receiving cavity 200 is formed between the two receiving support arms 23.

[0067] The dispenser 20 can be provided with at least one connecting arm, and the connecting arm can hold the dispenser 20 at a certain height. The connecting arm can be located above or below the dispenser 20. In this embodiment, the connecting arms respectively extend upward at least partially from the top surfaces of the two receiving connecting arms to hold the dispenser 20 at a preset height. Of course, those skilled in the art should understand that this is only an example, and the holding manner of the dispenser 20 of the present invention is not limited to the above example manner.

[0068] Since the receiving top surface 22 is set to be inclined, the sample tube can automatically leave the dispenser 20 under the action of gravity.

[0069] It should be noted that since the transmission unit 10 is suspended, sample tubes of different lengths can be transmitted through the transmission unit 10. The transmission unit 10 can also allow sample tubes within a certain range of thicknesses to be transmitted, so that the transmission unit 10 can adapt to more types of sample tubes. The receiving support arms 23 of the dispenser 20 are set to be of a longer length, so that the receiving cavity 200 between the two receiving support arms 23 can accommodate a variety of sample tubes with a relatively large range of length variations.

[0070] It is worth mentioning that the dispenser 20 further includes a receiving baffle 24. The receiving support arm 23 has a support high end and a support low end, and the support high end of the receiving support arm 23 is higher than its support low end. The receiving baffle 24 is arranged at the support low end of the receiving support arm 23. When the length of the sample tube entering the receiving cavity 200 of the dispenser 20 is too long, the receiving baffle 24 can support the sample tube. The receiving baffle 24 has a support bottom surface 241, and the support bottom surface 241 is set to be inclined downward from the position of the receiving inlet 201 towards the position of the receiving outlet 202.

[0071] For example, when the length of the sample tube is relatively long, especially when the length of the tube body of the sample tube is relatively long, the tube cap may not be supported on the receiving top surface 22 of the dispenser 20, but is higher than the receiving top surface 22 by a certain distance. The bottom end of the sample tube is supported on the support bottom surface 241 of the receiving baffle 24.

[0072] When the receiving outlet 202 of the dispenser 20 is aligned with a receiver 800, the sample tube can automatically leave the dispenser 20 along the inclined support bottom surface 241 of the receiving baffle 24.

[0073] In this way, the adaptability of the dispenser 20 to different sample tubes is expanded, so that a variety of the sample tubes can automatically leave the dispenser 20 and move towards the receiver 800. Further, the dispenser 20 has a blocking state and an open state. In the blocking state, the sample tubes located in the receiving cavity 200 are blocked and thus cannot automatically leave the dispenser 20. In the open state, the sample tubes located in the receiving cavity 200 can automatically leave the dispenser 20.

[0074] The sample tube dispensing device 1 further includes a receiving blocking unit 40, where the receiving blocking unit 40 can be disposed on or near the dispenser 20 for blocking the sample tubes from automatically leaving the dispenser 20 from the receiving outlet 202.

[0075] In other words, the sample tubes can leave the dispenser 20 at a specified moment according to the expected demand and then go to the receiver 800.

[0076] For the sample tube dispensing device 1, when the sample tubes are transmitted and dispensed through the sample tube dispensing device 1, the control of the sample tube transmission rhythm can be performed at the position of the transmission unit 10, and another control of the sample tube transmission rhythm can be performed at the position of the dispenser 20, so as to achieve accurate control of the sample tubes during the transmission process.

[0077] For the sample tubes, when being transmitted and dispensed through the sample tube dispensing device 1, they are blocked by the transmission blocking unit 30 at the position of the transmission unit 10, and then automatically enter the receiving unit 20 after being released at the position of the transmission unit 10. They are blocked by the receiving blocking unit 40 at the position of the dispenser 20, and then pass through the receiver 800 after being released at the dispenser 20 to perform subsequent steps.

[0078] Reference can be made to Appendix Figure 4A 、Appendix Figure 4B 、 Figure 5C And Figure 5D , specifically, in this embodiment, each transmission blocking unit 30 includes two transmission blocking members 31 and has a blocking channel 300 formed between the two transmission blocking members 31. The two transmission blocking members 31 can move to expand or narrow the blocking channel 300. When the two transmission blocking members 31 move away from each other, the blocking channel 300 is expanded, and the sample tubes can pass through the blocking channel 300 and automatically fall. When the two transmission blocking members 31 move towards each other, the blocking channel 300 is narrowed, and the sample tubes cannot pass through the blocking channel 300 and thus cannot automatically fall.

[0079] The blocking channel 300 may be located in the transmission channel 100 of the transmission unit 10, or may be located above or below the transmission channel 100 to block the tube cap, the tube body or certain positions of the sample tube.

[0080] Furthermore, it is worth noting that the receiving blocking unit 40 may be arranged at the position of the receiver 800.

[0081] The receiving blocking unit 40 has a blocking state and an open state. In the blocking state, the sample tube from the dispenser 20 cannot pass through the receiver 800. In the open state, the sample tube from the dispenser 20 can pass through the receiver 800.

[0082] In terms of the sample tube dispensing device 1, the sample tube dispensing device 1 has an open state and a blocking state. In the open state, the sample tube can pass through the dispenser 20 and fall into the receiver 800, and the dispensing channel 400 formed by the dispenser 20 and the receiver 800 is unobstructed. In the blocking state, the sample tube cannot pass through the dispenser 20 and fall into the receiver 800, and the dispensing channel 400 formed by the dispenser 20 and the receiver 800 is closed.

[0083] Furthermore, the transmission blocking unit 30 includes a connecting rod 32 and an elastic member 33. The connecting rod 32 is arranged on the transmission support arm 11 of the transmission unit 10. The transmission blocking member 31 is connected to the connecting rod 32 to hold the transmission blocking member 31 on the transmission support arm 11 of the transmission unit 10.

[0084] It can be understood that the transmission blocking unit 30 can be independent of the transmission unit 10. That is to say, the transmission blocking unit 30 can be held near the transmission channel 100 of the transmission unit 10 by other holding mechanisms to block the sample tube.

[0085] In this embodiment, the connecting rod 32 is supported by the transmission support arm 11, and each transmission support arm 11 is provided with a connecting rod 32. The connecting rod 32 is fixed to the transmission support arm 11 and the transmission blocking member 31 is connected to the connecting rod 32 so as to be rotatable relative to the connecting rod 32.

[0086] The elastic member 33 is disposed between the connecting rod 32 and the transmission blocking member 31. When the transmission blocking member 31 rotates relative to the connecting rod 32, the elastic member 33 is deformed, so that the elastic member 33 has a tendency to drive the transmission blocking member 31 to return to its original position.

[0087] The transmission blocking member 31 forms a blocking front wing 311 and a blocking rear wing 312. When the transmission blocking unit 30 is in the blocking state, the blocking front wing 311 can block the sample tube located in the transmission channel 100 from advancing. When the transmission blocking unit 30 is in the open state, the blocking rear wing 312 can block another sample tube located in the transmission channel 100 from advancing.

[0088] Specifically, an included angle is formed between the blocking front wing 311 and the blocking rear wing 312, and the blocking front wing 311 and the blocking rear wing 312 can respectively rotate around the connecting rod 32. When the blocking front wing 311 rotates to the position where it blocks the sample tube located in the transmission channel 100, the blocking unit is in the blocking state. At this time, the blocking rear wing 312 approaches the connecting rod 32 to move away from the sample tube. The blocking rear wing 312 is located behind the blocking front wing 311.

[0089] More specifically, when the two blocking front wings 311 respectively rotate towards each other around their corresponding connecting rods 32, the distance between the two blocking front wings 311 is reduced, and the sample tube is blocked by the blocking front wing 311 of the transmission blocking member 31, so that it cannot pass through the transmission channel 100. At this time, the two blocking rear wings 312 respectively rotate away from each other around their corresponding connecting rods 32.

[0090] It should be noted that the front and rear here are divided according to the moving direction of the sample tube, and the sample tube moves forward under the action of gravity.

[0091] Furthermore, when the blocking front wings 311 of the two transmission blocking units 30 respectively rotate away from each other around their corresponding connecting rods 32, the distance between the two blocking front wings 311 is increased, so that the sample tube originally blocked by the blocking front wing 311 can continue to advance. At the same time, the two blocking rear wings 312 that move synchronously with the blocking front wing 311 move towards each other, so that the distance between the two blocking rear wings 312 is reduced, so that at least one sample tube is blocked by the blocking rear wing 312. In other words, if there are two sample tubes in the transmission unit 10 currently, one sample tube A and another sample tube B, the sample tube A is located in front of the sample tube B.

[0092] When the transmission blocking unit 30 is in the blocking state, the sample tube A is blocked by the blocking front wing 311 of the transmission blocking member 31 of the transmission blocking unit 30, and thus cannot move forward automatically. Since the sample tube A is blocked, the sample tube B is also held in the transmission channel 100 of the transmission unit 10 and cannot move forward automatically.

[0093] When the two blocking front wings 311 rotate away from each other to increase the distance between the two blocking front wings 311, the sample tube A can move forward automatically to leave the transmission unit 10. The blocking rear wing 312 behind the blocking front wing 311 blocks the forward movement of the sample tube B, so that the number of sample tubes falling through the transmission unit 10 can be controlled.

[0094] In this embodiment, when the transmission blocking unit 30 switches from the blocking state to the open state, the number of sample tubes falling once is one. In other embodiments of the present invention, by designing the distance between the blocking front wing 311 and the blocking rear wing 312, multiple sample tubes falling through the transmission unit 10 can be enabled.

[0095] It should be noted that when the transmission blocking unit 30 switches from the blocking state to the open state, the elastic member 33 of the transmission blocking unit 30 is squeezed and deformed, so that the transmission blocking member 31 has a tendency to return to its original state.

[0096] Furthermore, when the transmission blocking unit 30 in the open state switches to the blocking state, the blocking front wing 311 of the transmission blocking member 31 returns to the blocking position, and the blocking rear wing 312 returns to the non-blocking position. The sample tube B can move forward a certain distance, so that the position of the blocking rear wing 312 advances to the position of the blocking front wing 311.

[0097] In other words, when the transmission blocking unit 30 switches from the blocking state to the open state, the sample tube A moves forward to leave the transmission unit 10. The sample tube B is blocked by the transmission blocking unit 30 and thus held in the transmission unit 10. When the transmission blocking unit 30 switches from the open state to the blocking state, the sample tube B advances to the original position of the sample tube A, and then the above steps are repeated to achieve the sequential falling of the sample tubes located in the transmission unit 10.

[0098] The sample tube dispensing device 1 further includes an operation unit 50, wherein the transmission blocking unit 30 can be driven by the operation unit 50 to switch from the blocking state to the open state.

[0099] The transfer blocking member 31 of the transfer blocking unit 30 is arranged to be higher than the transfer unit 10. That is to say, at least part of the transfer blocking member 31 of the transfer blocking unit 30 protrudes from the transfer unit 10. The operating unit 50 can push the transfer blocking member 31 of the transfer blocking unit 30 above the transfer unit 10, so that the transfer blocking member 31 moves forward, so that the two blocking front wings 311 can move away from each other forward, and further the distance between the two blocking front wings 311 is enlarged to leave the transfer channel 100 of the transfer unit 10.

[0100] The operating unit 50 is held at a certain height so as not to affect the movement of the sample tube.

[0101] It should be noted that after the operating unit 50 leaves the transfer blocking member 31 of the transfer blocking unit 30, the transfer blocking member 31 automatically returns to its original state under the action of the elastic member 33 and remains in its original state, so as to prevent the next sample tube from falling out of the transfer unit 10.

[0102] Furthermore, the sample tube dispensing device 1 includes a transfer track 60, where the transfer track 60 is located at one end of the transfer outlet 102 of the transfer unit 10. The dispenser 20 is arranged to be slidable back and forth along the transfer track 60, so that the dispenser 20 can move back and forth relative to the plurality of transfer outlets 102 of the transfer track 60.

[0103] The operating unit 50 is arranged to be movable back and forth along the transfer track 60, so that the operating unit 50 can move back and forth relative to the plurality of transfer channels 100 of the transfer track 60.

[0104] Optionally, the operating unit 50 and the dispenser 20 are arranged to be synchronously movable along the transfer track 60, and after the dispenser 20 is aligned with one transfer channel 100, the operating unit 50 can be driven to operate the corresponding transfer blocking unit 30 to switch from the blocking state to the open state.

[0105] The sample tube dispensing device 1 further includes the receiving blocking unit 40. In this embodiment, the receiving blocking unit 40 is arranged on the dispenser 20. In some other embodiments of the present invention, the receiving blocking unit 40 can be arranged near the receiving outlet 202 of the dispenser 20 to block the sample tube entering the dispenser 20 from leaving the dispenser 20.

[0106] Further, the receiving blocking unit 40 includes a receiving blocking member 41 and a receiving blocking driving member 42, wherein at least a part of the receiving blocking member 41 is located around the receiving cavity 200. When the sample tube is received by the dispenser 20 to be located in the receiving cavity 200 of the dispenser 20, the sample tube has a tendency to move towards the receiving outlet 202 of the dispenser 20.

[0107] In the blocking state, the receiving blocking unit 40 blocks the sample tube from leaving the dispenser 20 until the dispenser 20 moving along the transfer track 60 moves to align with one of the receivers 800. After the dispenser 20 moves to align with one of the receivers 800, the receiving blocking unit 40 switches or transforms from the blocking state to the open state, so that the sample tube located in the dispenser 20 can leave the receiving cavity 200 of the dispenser 20.

[0108] The receiving blocking member 41 is drivably connected to the receiving blocking driving member 42 so that the receiving blocking member 41 can extend or retract, whereby the receiving blocking unit 40 can switch between the blocking state and the open state.

[0109] Those skilled in the art can understand that the manner of switching of the receiving blocking unit 40 between the blocking state and the open state includes but is not limited to the state transformation of the receiving blocking unit 40 caused by the position change of the receiving blocking member 41. It can also be the change in the shape of the receiving blocking member 41 itself, for example, the receiving blocking member 41 can shrink or expand, so as to cause the state transformation of the receiving blocking unit 40.

[0110] The receiving blocking driving member 42 can be but is not limited to being implemented as a motor.

[0111] Further, the sample tube dispensing device 1 includes a detection unit 70, wherein the detection unit 70 can include a plurality of detectors, and the detectors can be arranged on the transfer unit 10, the dispenser 20 or the operation unit 50.

[0112] Based on the data detected by the detection unit 70, the dispenser 20 can move to the transfer track 60 of the corresponding transfer unit 10. Based on the data detected by the detection unit 70, the operation unit 50 can move to the transfer blocking unit 30 corresponding to the dispenser 20 to switch the transfer blocking unit 30 in the blocking state to the open state.

[0113] That is to say, the dispenser 20 and the operation unit 50 can be communicatively connected to the detection unit 70 respectively.

[0114] Based on the data detected by the detection unit 70, the dispenser 20 can move to the position of the corresponding receiver 800 and then stop moving. Based on the data detected by the detection unit 70, after the receiving outlet 202 of the dispenser 20 is aligned with the receiver 800, the receiving blocking unit 40 can switch from the blocking state to the open state.

[0115] Furthermore, the detection unit 70 can also play a role in identification. The detection unit 70 can identify the sample tube located in the transfer unit 10. Then, based on the identification result, the dispenser 20 moves to the corresponding receiver 800 to transfer the sample tube.

[0116] For example, the sample tube with a blue cap is used for test item A, and the sample tube with a red cap is used for test item B. There are multiple sample tubes in one transfer channel 100 of the transfer unit 10. Some of the sample tubes have blue caps, and some have red caps. When the detection unit 70 detects that the cap color of the next sample tube about to leave the transfer channel 100 is blue, the transfer blocking unit 30 switches to the open state, and the sample tube automatically falls into the dispenser 20. The dispenser 20 moves to the receiver 800 corresponding to item A based on the identification result, and then the receiving blocking unit 40 switches to the open state so that the sample tube can enter the receiver 800.

[0117] In this way, the sample tubes can be distributed based on different types of the sample tubes.

[0118] It should be noted that the detector of the detection unit 70 that plays the role of identification can be set not only in the transfer unit 10 but also in the dispenser 20.

[0119] For example, the sample tube with a blue cap is used for test item A, and the sample tube with a red cap is used for test item B. When the dispenser 20 receives a sample tube from the transfer unit 10, the detection unit 70 located in the dispenser 20 detects and identifies the sample tube. Based on the data detected by the detection unit 70, the dispenser 20 moves to the corresponding receiver 800.

[0120] When the dispenser 20 is aligned with the receiver 800, the receiving blocking unit 40 switches from the blocking state to the open state, and the sample tube falls into the corresponding receiver 800.

[0121] It should be noted that in some other embodiments of the present invention, the number of the dispensers 20 can be multiple, for example, two dispensers 20. One dispenser 20 can be responsible for one transfer channel 100, and the other dispenser 20 can be responsible for another transfer channel 100.

[0122] Different dispensers 20 can sequentially transport the same type of sample tubes to the same receiver 800. Different dispensers 20 can also separately and simultaneously transport different sample tubes to different receivers 800.

[0123] Refer to Appendix Figure 6A 、 Figure 6B and Appendix Figure 7 As shown, another implementation manner of the sample tube dispensing device 1 according to the above preferred embodiment of the present invention is illustrated.

[0124] In this embodiment, the receiver 800 in the sample tube dispensing device 1 is formed on the dispenser 20. The receiver 800 can move relative to the transfer unit 10.

[0125] Multiple dispensers 20 are interlocked. When one dispenser 20 moves relative to the transfer unit 10, the other dispensers 20 also synchronously move relative to the transfer unit 10.

[0126] The receiving blocking unit 40 is located at the receiving inlet 201 position of the dispenser 20. When the dispenser 20 moves to be aligned with the transfer unit 10, by operating the receiving blocking unit 40, the dispenser 20 can be switched between the open state and the blocking state.

[0127] When the dispenser 20 is in the open state, the sample tube can fall into the dispenser 20 through the receiving inlet 201 and be dispensed through the receiving outlet 202, that is, the receiver 800. When the dispenser 20 is in the blocking state, the sample tube cannot enter the dispenser 20 through the receiving inlet 201.

[0128] In this embodiment, the receiving blocking unit 40 is arranged at the receiving inlet 201 position of the dispenser 20. In some other embodiments of the present invention, the receiving blocking unit 40 is arranged at the receiving outlet 202 position of the dispenser 20.

[0129] According to another aspect of the present invention, the present invention provides a method for allocating sample tubes, wherein the method for allocating sample tubes includes the following steps:

[0130] Receiving the sample tubes that automatically fall by means of the movable dispenser 20, wherein the sample tubes come from the transfer unit 10;

[0131] Aligning the dispenser 20 with the receiver 800; and

[0132] Changing the dispenser 20 from the blocking state to the open state so that the sample tubes can leave the dispenser 20 and move to the receiver 800.

[0133] According to at least one embodiment of the present invention, the method for allocating sample tubes further includes the following step: moving the dispenser 20 so that the dispenser 20 is aligned with the receiver 800.

[0134] According to at least one embodiment of the present invention, the method for allocating sample tubes further includes the following steps:

[0135] Changing the transfer unit 10 from the blocking state to the open state so that the sample tubes can leave the transfer unit 10.

[0136] According to at least one embodiment of the present invention, the method for allocating sample tubes further includes the following steps:

[0137] Moving the operation unit 50 to be aligned with the transfer channel 100 of the transfer unit 10; and

[0138] Pushing the transfer blocking member 31 of the transfer blocking unit 30 to rotate, so that the transfer unit 10 is switched from the blocking state to the open state.

[0139] According to at least one embodiment of the present invention, the method for allocating sample tubes further includes the following steps:

[0140] Moving the dispenser 20 until the receiving inlet 201 is aligned with the transfer outlet 102 of the transfer unit 10 to receive the sample tubes from the transfer unit 10.

[0141] According to at least one embodiment of the present invention, in the above method, under the action of gravity, the sample tubes automatically move to the transfer outlet 101 of the transfer unit 10 to leave the transfer unit 10.

[0142] According to at least one embodiment of the present invention, in the above method, under the action of gravity, the sample tubes automatically move to the receiving outlet 202 of the dispenser 20 to leave the dispenser 20.

[0143] Those skilled in the art should understand 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 object of the present invention has been fully and effectively achieved. The functions and structural principles of the present invention have been demonstrated and explained in the embodiments, and the embodiments of the present invention may have any deformation or modification without departing from the above principles.

Claims

1. A sample tube dispensing device for dispensing at least one sample tube, characterized in that: include: At least one transmission unit, wherein the transmission unit comprises two transmission support arms and has a transmission channel and a transmission inlet and a transmission outlet respectively connected to the transmission channel, the transmission inlet and the transmission outlet are respectively located at two ends of the transmission support arms, and the two transmission support arms form one transmission channel; A distributor, wherein the distributor has a receiving chamber and a receiving inlet and a receiving outlet respectively connected to the receiving chamber; at least one receiver, wherein the distributor is configured to move relative to the receiver, and when the receiving inlet of the distributor is aligned with the transmission outlet of the transmission unit, the sample tube enters the receiving chamber from the transmission outlet of the transmission unit through the receiving inlet of the distributor. After the distributor moves until the receiving outlet is aligned with the receiver, the sample tube located in the receiving chamber leaves the distributor through the receiving outlet and enters the receiver, and the distributor distributes at least one sample tube to the set receiver; At least one transmission blocking unit, wherein the transmission blocking unit includes two transmission blocking members, a connecting rod and an elastic member and has a blocking channel, the connecting rod is arranged at the outlet end of the transmission support arm, the transmission blocking member is connected to the connecting rod to keep the transmission blocking member on the transmission support arm, the elastic member is arranged on the connecting rod and the transmission blocking member, when the transmission blocking member rotates relative to the connecting rod, the elastic member is deformed so that it has a tendency to drive the transmission blocking member to return to its original position, the blocking channel is formed between the two transmission blocking members, and the two transmission blocking members can expand or shrink the blocking channel after movement to allow or prevent the sample tube from passing through the transmission outlet.

2. The sample tube dispensing device according to claim 1, wherein the dispenser has an open state and a blocked state and is operatively switched between the open state and the blocked state, wherein when the dispenser is in the open state, the sample tube can pass through the dispenser to move toward the receiver.

3. The sample tube dispensing device according to claim 1, wherein the transfer support arm has a support surface, and the support surface is configured to be inclined downward so that the transfer outlet is lower than the transfer inlet, and the sample tube supported on the support surface can automatically fall along the transfer support arm under the action of gravity to fall into the dispenser.

4. The sample tube dispensing device according to claim 2, wherein the dispenser comprises two receiving support arms, wherein the receiving chamber is located between the two receiving support arms, and the receiving inlet and the receiving outlet are located on opposite sides, respectively; the sample tube is supported by the dispenser and located in the receiving chamber; when the dispenser is in the open state, the sample tube automatically falls under the action of gravity to leave the dispenser.

5. The sample tube dispensing device according to claim 4, wherein the receiving support arm has a receiving top surface, wherein a tube cap of the sample tube is supported on the receiving top surface, at least a portion of a tube body of the sample tube is accommodated in the receiving cavity, and the receiving top surface is configured to be inclined downward.

6. The sample tube dispensing device according to claim 4, wherein the dispenser further comprises a receiving baffle, wherein the receiving baffle is located between the two support arms, the entire sample tube is supported by the receiving baffle, and the receiving baffle has a supporting bottom surface, wherein the supporting bottom surface is configured to be inclined downward. 7 . The sample tube dispensing device according to claim 3 , wherein the receiving inlet is lower than the transmission outlet of the transmission unit, and the sample tube automatically enters the receiving chamber of the dispenser through the receiving inlet after leaving the transmission unit through the transmission outlet.

8. The sample tube dispensing device according to claim 7, wherein the dispenser comprises two receiving support arms, wherein the receiving chamber is located between the two receiving support arms, and the receiving support arm has a receiving top surface, wherein the receiving top surface is configured to be tilted downward so that the sample tube supported on the receiving top surface can automatically fall along the receiving support arm. 9 . The sample tube distributing device according to claim 8 , wherein the receiving top surface of the distributor is not higher than the supporting surface of the transport support arm of the transport unit.

10. The sample tube dispensing device according to claim 2, wherein the sample tube dispensing device further comprises a receiving blocking unit, wherein the receiving blocking unit is provided on the dispenser, and the receiving blocking unit comprises a receiving blocking member and a receiving blocking driving member, wherein the receiving blocking member is driven to be movably connected to the receiving blocking driving member so that the dispenser switches between the open state and the blocking state.

11. The sample tube dispensing device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the transmission blocking member forms a blocking front wing and a blocking rear wing, the blocking front wing and the blocking rear wing are respectively capable of rotating around the connecting rod, and an angle is formed between the blocking front wing and the blocking rear wing, when the transmission blocking unit is in a blocking state, the blocking front wing blocks the sample tube located in the transmission channel from moving forward, and when the transmission blocking unit is in an open state, the blocking rear wing blocks the other sample tube located in the transmission channel from moving forward.

12. The sample tube dispensing device according to claim 11, wherein when the blocking front wings of the two transmission blocking units rotate away from each other around their corresponding connecting rods, the distance between the two blocking front wings is expanded, so that the sample tube originally blocked by the blocking front wings can continue to move forward; at the same time, the two blocking rear wings that move synchronously with the blocking front wings move toward each other, so that the distance between the two blocking rear wings is reduced, so that at least one sample tube is blocked by the blocking rear wings. 13 . The sample tube dispensing device according to claim 1 , further comprising an operating unit, wherein the operating unit is linked to the dispenser.

14. A sample tube distribution method, characterized in that: The sample tube distributing method distributes sample tubes by using the sample tube distributing device according to claim 1, wherein the sample tube distributing method comprises the following steps: receiving the sample tubes by a movable dispenser; and The dispenser changes from a blocking state to an open state to enable the sample tube to exit the dispenser to proceed to the receiver.

15. The sample tube distribution method according to claim 14, wherein the sample tube distribution method further comprises the following steps: The transport unit is transformed from a blocking state to an open state to enable the sample tube to leave the transport unit.

16. The sample tube distribution method according to claim 14, wherein the sample tube distribution method further comprises the following steps: The distributor is moved until a receiving outlet is aligned with one of the receivers, so that the sample tube located in the distributor goes to the receiver.

17. The sample tube dispensing method according to claim 14, wherein in the method, the receiver is formed in the dispenser.

18. The sample tube dispensing method according to claim 14, wherein in the method, under the action of gravity, the sample tube automatically moves to a receiving outlet of the dispenser to leave the dispenser.

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