A sample rack progressive removal mechanism

Through the sample rack progressive removal mechanism, the primary and secondary push fork units are used in conjunction with the propulsion synchronous belt and single motor drive to solve the problem of complex sample rack removal process in existing equipment, realize the smooth, reliable and stable removal of the sample rack, and simplify the control process.

CN113968479BActive Publication Date: 2025-09-12BEIJING ZHONGCHI WEIYE TECH DEV CO LTD
View PDF 1 Cites 0 Cited by

Patent Information

Application Number
CN202011344033.X
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Patents(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2020-11-25
Publication Date
2025-09-12
Estimated Expiration
2040-11-25

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

In existing automated analysis equipment, the action of pushing the sample rack from the conveyor belt track to the buffer platform requires two independent drive mechanisms, which makes the equipment complex and not stable and reliable enough.

Method used

A sample rack progressive removal mechanism is adopted, which realizes the smooth removal of the sample rack from the conveyor belt to the buffer platform through the cooperation of the primary push fork unit and the secondary push fork unit with the propulsion synchronous belt and the single motor drive, thereby reducing the number of motors and simplifying the control.

Benefits of technology

The sample rack can be removed smoothly, reliably and stably, which simplifies the control process and reduces the complexity of the equipment and the demand for motors.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

Smart Images

  • Figure CN113968479B_ABST
    Figure CN113968479B_ABST
Patent Text Reader

Abstract

The present invention relates to a sample rack progressive moving-in and moving-out mechanism, which solves the technical problem of multiple and complex equipment. The sample rack progressive moving-in and moving-out mechanism comprises a front-stage conveyor belt for conveying the sample rack, a sample rack slide arranged orthogonally to the front-stage conveyor belt, and a sample rack slide provided with a slide rail assembly. The slide rail assembly is provided with a primary pushing fork unit for pushing the sample rack from the front-stage conveyor belt down to the sample rack slide, and a secondary reversible pushing fork unit for pushing the sample rack from the sample rack slide to a distant location. The sample rack progressive moving-in and moving-out mechanism also comprises a propulsion synchronous belt and a driving motor. The propulsion synchronous belt completes the movement of the secondary propulsion mechanism and the reset of the first propulsion mechanism, and a driving motor is used to provide a power source. The technical solution effectively solves the problem and can be used in the fields of automated analysis equipment and laboratory equipment.
Need to check novelty before this filing date? Find Prior Art

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the fields of automated analysis equipment and laboratory equipment, and in particular to a sample rack progressive moving-in and moving-out mechanism. Background Art

[0002] Many automated analytical equipment currently feature automated sample transport management, meaning samples are automatically fed in, sampled, and ultimately delivered through a related workflow. This invention applies to the removal unit that transports sample racks from automated analyzers and laboratory equipment to a buffer area. After the sample has been sampled and tested, it is transported along a prescribed path to the final buffer platform, where it awaits manual retrieval.

[0003] Traditionally, pushing the sample rack from the conveyor belt to the buffering platform involves two steps: one to change the direction of movement and move it off the conveyor belt; the other to continue moving the sample rack along the new trajectory to the relevant storage area. Currently, this process requires two independent drive mechanisms, typically two motors, each performing the corresponding action.

[0004] In view of the problem of needing multiple motors, the present invention adopts a single motor drive; a set of action mechanisms completes all actions of changing direction from the conveying track to pushing to the cache platform. The mechanism has smooth movement, simple control, reliable and stable operation, and is an ideal sample conveying unit. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present invention aims to solve the technical problem of multiple and complex equipment in the prior art and to provide a new sample rack progressive removal mechanism that has the characteristics of smooth movement, simple control, reliable and stable operation and requires a small number of motors.

[0006] In order to solve the above technical problems, the technical solutions adopted are as follows:

[0007] A sample rack progressive movement mechanism, comprising a front-stage conveyor belt for conveying the sample rack, a sample rack slide arranged orthogonally to the front-stage conveyor belt, the sample rack slide being provided with a slide rail assembly, the slide rail assembly being provided with a primary push fork unit for pushing the sample rack from the front-stage conveyor belt down to the sample rack slide, and a secondary reversible push fork unit for pushing the sample rack from the sample rack slide to a distant location; the sample rack progressive movement mechanism also comprises a propulsion synchronous belt and a drive motor, the propulsion synchronous belt completing the movement of the secondary propulsion mechanism and the reset of the primary propulsion mechanism, and a drive motor for providing a power source.

[0008] In the above scheme, further, the primary push fork unit includes a primary push fork seat, and the primary push fork seat cooperatively drives a primary slider and a primary push fork; the secondary push fork unit includes a secondary slider and a secondary reversible push fork; the primary push fork unit and the secondary push fork unit are connected and limited by a primary damping plate, and the primary damping plate is the separation point of the primary push fork and the secondary push fork; the primary push fork unit performs a reciprocating linear motion on the slide rail assembly through a primary propulsion spring.

[0009] Furthermore, a sample rack moving and maintaining slide bar is provided under the sample rack.

[0010] The working principle of the present invention: The primary push fork unit is mainly used to push the sample rack from the front conveyor belt to the pushing device on the sample rack slide. The secondary reversible push fork unit completes the pushing mechanism that continues to push from the proximal end of the slide to the distal end. Sliding support: a supporting structural component for the sliding and bearing of the sample rack. Primary propulsion tension spring: a power source for completing the primary propulsion of the sample rack. Propulsion synchronous belt: a main component for completing the bidirectional power output for the movement of the secondary propulsion mechanism and the reset of the primary propulsion mechanism. Slide rail assembly: a sliding retaining component that maintains the primary and secondary propulsion mechanisms in linear reciprocating motion. Propulsion motor: a power source for completing all propulsion and reset actions.

[0011] The present invention first resets the primary and secondary push fork units to their positions connected to the preceding conveyor belt, awaiting the arrival of a sample rack. Upon arrival, the primary push fork unit then withdraws the sample rack. During this withdrawal process, when the primary push fork unit reaches a limit (i.e., the sample rack reaches the primary position damping plate), the secondary push fork unit switches to continue pushing the rack. Specifically, a propulsion motor drives the synchronous belt, causing the secondary propulsion mechanism to move rightward. At this point, the primary push fork seat, primary slider, and primary push fork synchronously follow the secondary slider from their reset position to the right, simultaneously pushing the sample rack to the right.

[0012] As the primary and secondary push fork units continue to move to the right, the primary push fork engages the mechanism's support plate, preventing further rightward movement. At this point, the sample rack has already crossed the primary damping plate, maintaining its position through static friction. However, the secondary push mechanism can continue to move to the right, effectively separating the primary and secondary push fork units. As the primary and secondary push fork units continue to move to the right, the secondary reversible push fork, pressed by the sample rack's reaction force, overcomes the rebound force of the torsion spring and rotates downward. While sinking, it continues to move to the right until the secondary reversible push fork releases the sample rack's restraint, where it springs upward under the force of the torsion spring, completing the secondary reversible reset. The drive motor drives the synchronous belt, moving the secondary push mechanism to the right. This forces the sample rack to continue rightward, overcoming the friction of the primary damping plate, until it reaches the end of the tabletop, thus completing the single-drive progressive removal process.

[0013] Beneficial effects of the present invention: The present invention completes the separation of the sample rack from the conveyor belt by a tension spring acting on a single propulsion mechanism, completes the progressive removal of the sample rack by a single motor driving two reset actions, and completes the continuous removal of the sample rack by a reversible sample rack push fork. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and examples.

[0015] Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the sample rack progressive removal mechanism in Example 1 Figure 1 .

[0016] Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the sample rack progressive removal mechanism in Example 1 Figure 2 .

[0017] Figure 3 , schematic diagram of the reset state of the first-level pushing fork unit and the second-level pushing fork unit.

[0018] Figure 4 , schematic diagram of the sample rack advancing once.

[0019] Figure 5 , schematic diagram of pushing into place in one go.

[0020] Figure 6 , the secondary reset process is shown Figure 1 .

[0021] Figure 7 , the secondary reset process is shown Figure 2 .

[0022] Figure 8 , the secondary reset process is shown Figure 3 .

[0023] Figure 9 , the schematic diagram of the removal process is completed.

[0024] In the figure, 1. Sliding support platform; 2. Mechanism support plate; 3. One-time damping plate; 4. One-time push fork; 5. One-time push fork seat; 6. One-time slider; 7. Front conveyor belt; 8. One-time push spring; 9. Sample rack; 10. Sample rack travel and holding slide; 11. Push motor; 12. Linear slide rail; 13. Push synchronous belt; 14. Secondary reversible push fork; 15. Secondary slider; 16. Mechanism frame. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] In order to make the purpose, technical solutions and advantages of the present invention more clearly understood, the present invention is further described in detail below in conjunction with the embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only used to explain the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention.

[0026] Example 1

[0027] This embodiment provides a sample rack progressive moving mechanism, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 The sample rack progressive movement mechanism includes a front-stage conveyor belt for conveying the sample rack, a sample rack slide arranged orthogonally to the front-stage conveyor belt, the sample rack slide is provided with a slide rail assembly, the slide rail assembly is provided with a primary push fork unit for pushing the sample rack from the front-stage conveyor belt down to the sample rack slide, and a secondary reversible push fork unit for pushing the sample rack from the sample rack slide to a distant place; the sample rack progressive movement mechanism also includes a propulsion synchronous belt and a drive motor, the propulsion synchronous belt completes the movement of the secondary propulsion mechanism and the reset of the first propulsion mechanism, and a drive motor is used to provide a power source.

[0028] Specifically, if Figure 1 and Figure 2 The primary push fork unit includes a primary push fork seat, which cooperatively drives a primary slider and a primary push fork; the secondary push fork unit includes a secondary slider and a secondary reversible push fork; the primary push fork unit and the secondary push fork unit are connected and limited by a primary damping plate, which is the separation point of the primary push fork and the secondary push fork; the primary push fork unit performs a reciprocating linear motion on the slide rail assembly through a primary propulsion spring.

[0029] Preferably, in order to keep the sample holder in a good posture during the movement, Figure 2 A sample rack walking and maintaining slide bar is provided under the sample rack.

[0030] In this embodiment, the sample rack is separated from the conveyor belt by a tension spring acting on a single propulsion mechanism, the progressive sample rack is removed by a single motor driving two reset actions, and the sample rack is removed in succession by a reversible sample rack push fork.

[0031] like Figure 3 The figure shows the reset of the primary and secondary push fork units. The propulsion motor 11 drives the propulsion timing belt 13, causing the secondary propulsion mechanism to move to the left in the figure. The secondary slider 15 then pushes the primary push fork seat 5, cooperating with the primary slider 6 and the primary push fork 4 to simultaneously overcome the restraining force of the primary propulsion tension spring 8 and move leftward until the primary push fork 4 is completely positioned to the left of the mechanism's support plate 2. The reset is now complete, waiting for the sample rack 9 to enter from the previous conveyor belt 7.

[0032] like Figure 4 As shown, the push fork is pushed forward at the first level. When the push motor 11 drives the push timing belt 13 to move the secondary push mechanism to the right in the figure, the primary push spring 8 pulls the primary push fork seat 5, the primary slider 6, and the primary push fork 4 to move synchronously with the secondary slider 15 from the reset position to the right in the figure, and simultaneously push the sample rack 9 to move to the right.

[0033] like Figure 5 As shown, the primary push fork is in place. As the primary and secondary push fork units continue to move rightward in the diagram, the primary push fork 4 abuts against the mechanism support plate 2, preventing further rightward movement. At this point, the sample holder 9 (partially shown) has already stepped onto both sides of the primary positioning damping plate 3, maintaining its current position through static friction. The secondary push mechanism, however, can continue to move rightward in the diagram, resulting in the separation of the primary and secondary push fork units' points of action.

[0034] like Figure 6 As shown, when the first and second push fork units continue to move to the left in the figure, the secondary reversible push fork 14 is pressed by the reaction force of the sample rack 9 to overcome the rebound force of the torsion spring and rotate and sink. Figure 7 and 8 As shown, continue to move to the left side of the figure while sinking. Figure 8 In the position shown, the secondary reversible push fork 14 is released from the restraint of the sample holder 9 and is then bounced up by the elastic force of the torsion spring to complete the secondary reversible reset action.

[0035] like Figure 9 As shown, when the driving motor 11 drives the driving synchronous belt 13 to move the secondary propulsion mechanism to the right side in the figure, the sample rack 9 is driven to overcome the friction force of the once-in-place damping plate 3 and continue to move to the right until the end of the table, thereby completing the single-drive progressive removal process of the sample rack.

[0036] Although the above describes the illustrative specific embodiments of the present invention so that those skilled in the art can understand the present invention, the present invention is not limited to the scope of the specific embodiments. For those skilled in the art, as long as various changes are within the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined and determined by the appended claims, all inventions and creations based on the concepts of the present invention are protected.

Claims

1. A sample rack progressive removal mechanism, characterized by: The sample rack progressive removal mechanism includes a front-stage conveyor belt for conveying the sample rack, a sample rack slide arranged orthogonally to the front-stage conveyor belt, and the sample rack slide is provided with a slide rail assembly, the slide rail assembly is provided with a primary pushing fork unit for pushing the sample rack from the front-stage conveyor belt down to the sample rack slide, and a secondary reversible pushing fork unit for pushing the sample rack from the sample rack slide to a distant place; the sample rack progressive removal mechanism also includes a pushing synchronous belt and a driving motor, the pushing synchronous belt completes the movement of the secondary pushing mechanism and resets the first pushing mechanism, and a driving motor is used to provide a power source. The primary pushing fork unit includes a primary pushing fork seat, the primary pushing fork seat cooperates to drive the primary slider and the primary pushing fork; the secondary pushing fork unit includes a secondary slider and a secondary reversible pushing fork; the primary pushing fork unit and the secondary pushing fork unit are connected and limited by a once-in-place damping plate, and the once-in-place damping plate is the separation point of the primary pushing fork and the secondary pushing fork; the primary pushing fork unit performs a reciprocating linear motion on the slide rail assembly through a primary pushing tension spring; a sample rack walking maintaining slide bar is provided under the sample rack.

Citation Information

Patent Citations

  • Progressive moving-out mechanism for sample holder

    CN214086544U