Sample injection mechanism, sample analyzer, and sample injection method

Abstract

The present application provides a sample introduction mechanism, which includes a conveyor belt and a driver. The conveyor belt includes a belt body and multiple sets of positioning structures provided on the belt body. The conveyor belt is used to receive a test tube rack when the positioning structures are aligned with the loading position. The driver is used to drive the conveyor belt to rotate to drive the test tube rack from the loading position to the sampling position and the unloading position in sequence. When the first test tube rack is carried to the sampling position, if the second set of positioning structures is aligned with the loading position, the second test tube rack can be directly received. If the second set of positioning structures is misaligned with the loading position, the driver drives the conveyor belt back a predetermined distance when the test tube on the first test tube rack is removed, so that the second set of positioning structures is aligned with the loading position and then receives the second test tube rack. The driver then drives the conveyor belt forward a predetermined distance to complete the reset and then receive the test tube to be placed back. In this way, the sample introduction mechanism provided by the present application has a simple structure and can achieve high-efficiency testing of single-conveyor round-trip transportation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of medical devices, and in particular to a sample injection mechanism, a sample analyzer, and a sample injection method. Background Art

[0002] An autosampler is an intelligent, automated sampling instrument. Simply set the sampling parameters, place the sample to be tested in a test tube, and a conveyor belt automatically transports the sample to the testing instrument, completing the automatic sampling process. Autosamplers can significantly reduce manual operation and improve testing efficiency, and are widely used in the field of medical testing.

[0003] Because automatic sample feeders must support retesting, the test tube racks must be repeatedly transported back and forth on a conveyor belt, significantly reducing overall testing efficiency. To minimize the impact on testing speed, existing automatic sample feeders address this technical challenge by employing dual independent conveyor belts or by employing a reciprocating mechanism at the bottom of the test tube rack. However, these solutions are complex and costly. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The present application provides a sample injection mechanism and a sample analyzer to solve the technical problems of low detection efficiency and complex structure of automatic sample injection mechanisms in the prior art.

[0005] In order to solve the above technical problems, a technical solution adopted in this application is to provide a sample injection mechanism, which includes:

[0006] A conveyor belt, comprising a belt body and a plurality of positioning structures provided on the belt body, wherein the conveyor belt is used to receive a test tube rack when aligned with a loading position through the positioning structures;

[0007] a driver, configured to drive the conveyor belt to rotate so as to drive the test tube rack from the loading position to pass through a sampling position and an unloading position in sequence, wherein the sampling position is used for sampling the test tubes on the test tube rack, and the unloading position is used for unloading the test tube rack;

[0008] Wherein, the test tube rack includes a first test tube rack and a second test tube rack. When the first test tube rack is transported to the sampling position or the unloading position by the first group of positioning structures, if the second group of positioning structures is aligned with the loading position, the second test tube rack can be directly received and loaded. If the second group of positioning structures is misaligned with the loading position, the driver is used to control the conveyor belt to retreat a predetermined distance when the test tube on the first test tube rack is taken away so that the second group of positioning structures is aligned with the loading position and then receives the second test tube rack, and is used to drive the conveyor belt to advance the predetermined distance to complete the reset and then receive the test tube to be put back.

[0009] According to a specific embodiment of the present application, a code scanning position is further provided between the loading position and the sampling position, and the code scanning position is used to set a code scanning mechanism to scan and identify the test tube.

[0010] According to a specific embodiment of the present application, when the first test tube rack is carried to the sampling position by the first set of positioning structures, the second test tube rack enters the code scanning position; or,

[0011] When the first test tube rack is carried to the sampling position by the first set of positioning structures, the second test tube rack is spaced a predetermined distance from the code scanning position; or,

[0012] When the first test tube rack is carried to the sampling position by the first set of positioning structures, the second test tube rack is in the loading position.

[0013] According to a specific embodiment of the present application, when the first test tube rack is transported to the unloading position by the first set of positioning structures, the second test tube rack is in the loading position, so that the second set of positioning structures receives the second test tube rack.

[0014] According to a specific embodiment of the present application, when the first test tube rack is transported to the sampling position by the first group of the positioning structures and the test tube on the first test tube rack is taken away, if the second group of the positioning structures is misaligned with the loading position, then within a predetermined time after the test tube on the first test tube rack is taken away, the driver is used to drive the conveyor belt to retract the predetermined distance so that the second group of the positioning structures is aligned with the loading position and then receives the second test tube rack, and the driver is used to drive the conveyor belt to advance the predetermined distance so that the test tubes on the second test tube rack are scanned and identified at the scanning position.

[0015] According to a specific embodiment of the present application, within a predetermined time after the last test tube on the first test tube rack is removed, the driver is used to drive the conveyor belt to retract the predetermined distance so that the second group of positioning structures is aligned with the loading position and then receives the second test tube rack, and the driver is used to drive the conveyor belt to advance the predetermined distance so that the first two test tubes on the second test tube rack are scanned and identified at the scanning position.

[0016] According to a specific embodiment of the present application, the positioning structure is a stopper protruding from the outer surface of the belt body, and the stopper is used to position and cooperate with both ends of the test tube rack or with the bottom of the test tube rack; or

[0017] The positioning structure is a recessed area sunken into the outer surface of the belt body, and the recessed area is used for positioning and cooperating with the bottom of the test tube rack.

[0018] According to a specific embodiment of the present application, the blocks are distributed at equal intervals, and the length of the conveyor belt = (block width + test tube rack length + preset gap) × N, where N is a natural number.

[0019] According to a specific embodiment of the present application, the blocks are distributed at non-equidistant intervals, and the length of the conveyor belt = (L1+2×L2+L3+L4)×N, where:

[0020] L1 = length of test tube rack;

[0021] L2 = width of the stopper;

[0022] L3 = spacing of the stoppers;

[0023] L4 = distance between the test tube rack and the stopper.

[0024] According to a specific embodiment of the present application, the end of the belt body protrudes from the loading position and / or the unloading position to form a buffer zone, and the buffer zone is used to support the belt body carrying the first test tube rack and the second test tube rack to retreat or advance as a whole.

[0025] According to a specific embodiment of the present application, the injection mechanism further includes a plurality of position sensors, and the plurality of position sensors are used to identify the position of the stopper.

[0026] In order to solve the above technical problems, a technical solution adopted by the present application is to provide a sample analyzer, the sample analyzer comprising:

[0027] a loading mechanism for loading the test tube rack;

[0028] a sampling mechanism, disposed downstream of the loading mechanism, for sampling the test tubes on the test tube rack;

[0029] The unloading mechanism is arranged downstream of the loading mechanism and is used for unloading the test tube rack.

[0030] The above-mentioned sample injection mechanism.

[0031] According to a specific embodiment of the present application, the sample analyzer further includes a code scanning mechanism, which is disposed between the loading mechanism and the sampling mechanism and is used to scan and identify the test tubes one by one.

[0032] In order to solve the above technical problems, a technical solution adopted in this application is to provide a sampling method based on the above sampling mechanism, the sampling method comprising:

[0033] The conveyor belt receives the first test tube rack when aligned with the loading position through the first set of positioning structures;

[0034] A driver drives the conveyor belt to rotate so as to drive the first test tube rack from the loading position to the sampling position and the unloading position in sequence;

[0035] The sampling mechanism samples the test tubes on the first test tube rack;

[0036] If the second set of positioning structures is aligned with the loading position, the second test tube rack can be directly received; if the second set of positioning structures is misaligned with the loading position, the driver is used to drive the conveyor belt to retreat a predetermined distance so that the second set of positioning structures is aligned with the loading position and then receives the second test tube rack, and drives the conveyor belt to advance the predetermined distance to complete the reset.

[0037] According to a specific embodiment of the present application, the step of the driver driving the conveyor belt to rotate so as to drive the first test tube rack from the loading position to pass through the sampling position includes:

[0038] The driver drives the conveyor belt to rotate to drive the first test tube rack to sequentially pass through the code scanning position, the sampling position, and the unloading position. The code scanning position is used to set a code scanning mechanism to scan and identify the test tube.

[0039] According to a specific embodiment of the present application, when the first test tube rack is carried to the sampling position by the first set of positioning structures, the second test tube rack enters the code scanning position; or,

[0040] When the first test tube rack is carried to the sampling position by the first set of positioning structures, the second test tube rack is spaced a predetermined distance from the code scanning position; or,

[0041] When the first test tube rack is carried to the sampling position by the first set of positioning structures, the second test tube rack is in the loading position.

[0042] According to a specific embodiment of the present application, when the first test tube rack is transported to the unloading position by the first set of positioning structures, the second test tube rack is in the loading position, so that the second set of positioning structures receives the second test tube rack.

[0043] According to a specific embodiment of the present application, the sampling mechanism takes the test tube away for sampling and returns it to the first test tube rack after sampling is completed;

[0044] If the second group of positioning structures is misaligned with the loading position, then within a predetermined time after the test tube on the first test tube rack is removed, the driver drives the conveyor belt to retreat a predetermined distance so that the second group of positioning structures is aligned with the loading position and then receives the second test tube rack, and the driver drives the conveyor belt to advance a predetermined distance so that the test tubes on the second test tube rack are scanned and identified at the scanning position.

[0045] According to a specific embodiment of the present application, within a predetermined time after the last test tube on the first test tube rack is removed, the driver drives the conveyor belt to retract a predetermined distance so that the second group of positioning structures is aligned with the loading position and then receives the second test tube rack, and the driver drives the conveyor belt to advance a predetermined distance so that the first two test tubes on the second test tube rack are scanned and identified at the scanning position.

[0046] According to a specific embodiment of the present application, during the rotation of the conveyor belt, the positions of the first group of positioning structures and the second group of positioning structures are identified by a plurality of position sensors.

[0047] The beneficial effects of the present application are as follows: different from the prior art, the sampling mechanism provided by the present application has a simple structure and low cost, and can load and sample the second test tube rack at any time during the sampling process of the first test tube rack. Specifically, the conveyor belt can be driven to retreat a predetermined distance during the idle time when the test tube on the first test tube rack is taken away, so that the second group of positioning structures is aligned with the loading position and then receives the second test tube rack, and the conveyor belt is driven to advance a predetermined distance to complete the reset and then receive the test tube to be put back, thereby realizing the simultaneous transportation of at least two rows of test tube racks, and effectively utilizing the idle time in between to realize the reciprocating transportation of the conveyor belt, thereby improving the sampling rate, thereby improving the overall detection efficiency of the equipment. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0048] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for describing the embodiments. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present application. Those skilled in the art can also derive other drawings based on these drawings without inventive work, among which:

[0049] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the equidistant block structure of the conveyor belt provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0050] Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the unequally spaced stopper structure of the conveyor belt provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0051] Figure 3This is a schematic diagram of the loading position structure of the sample injection mechanism provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0052] Figure 4 Schematic diagram of the structure of the code scanning position and sampling position of the first test tube rack provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0053] Figure 5 1 is a schematic structural diagram of the loading position of the second test tube rack provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0054] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the position structure of the position sensor of the injection mechanism provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0055] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the position structure of the loading position and unloading position buffer of the sample injection mechanism provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0056] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the position structure of the loading position buffer of the sample injection mechanism provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0057] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the position structure of the unloading buffer zone of the sample injection mechanism provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0058] Figure 10 This is a flow chart of the injection method performed by the injection mechanism provided in the embodiment of the present application; DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0059] The following will be combined with the drawings in the embodiments of this application to clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application. Obviously, the embodiments described are only part of the embodiments of this application, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments in this application, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making creative efforts are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0060] It should be noted that if the embodiments of the present application involve directional indications (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, etc.), the directional indications are only used to explain the relative position relationship, movement status, etc. between the various components under a certain specific posture (as shown in the accompanying drawings). If the specific posture changes, the directional indications will also change accordingly.

[0061] In addition, if there are descriptions involving "first", "second", etc. in the embodiments of the present application, the descriptions of "first", "second", etc. are only for descriptive purposes and cannot be understood as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of the indicated technical features. Therefore, the features defined as "first" and "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of such features. In addition, the technical solutions between the various embodiments can be combined with each other, but they must be based on the fact that they can be implemented by ordinary technicians in this field. When the combination of technical solutions is contradictory or cannot be implemented, it should be deemed that such a combination of technical solutions does not exist and is not within the scope of protection required by this application.

[0062] See also Figure 1 The present invention provides a conveyor belt for a sample analyzer. The conveyor belt 10 includes a belt body 11 and a positioning structure 12. The belt body 11 is used to carry and transport a test tube rack or test tube 20. The positioning structure 12 is provided on the surface of the belt body 11 and is used to position the test tube rack or test tube 20 carried on the belt body 11. This prevents relative sliding between the belt body 11 and the test tube rack or test tube 20 during the back-and-forth movement of the belt body 11, thereby accurately positioning the test tube rack or test tube 20.

[0063] The belt body 11 is in an endless loop and can be a flat belt with a smooth inner surface. Alternatively, the belt body 11 can be a synchronous belt with a toothed inner surface, which has higher transmission accuracy and transmission efficiency.

[0064] The positioning structure 12 can be a stopper 12 protruding from the outer surface of the belt body 11. The stopper 12 is used to engage with an end stop of the test tube rack 20 or to slide and engage with the bottom of the test tube rack 20 to thereby position the test tube rack 20 supported on the belt body 11. Of course, the positioning structure 12 can also be a recessed area recessed into the outer surface of the belt body 11, and the recessed area is used to accommodate the bottom of the test tube rack 20 or the bottom of the test tube 20.

[0065] The stopper 12 can be connected to the belt body 11 in a variety of ways. Preferably, the belt body 11 and the stopper 12 are integrally formed from the same material through a stamping process. Alternatively, the belt body 11 includes a first layer and a second layer, wherein the first layer is used to support the test tube rack or test tube 20, and the stopper 12 is integrally formed with the first layer.

[0066] Optionally, the stopper 12 is connected to the belt body 11 by hot melting, and the belt body 11 and the stopper 12 are made of the same material or different materials.

[0067] Optionally, the stopper 12 is connected to the belt body 11 by screws or buckles. In this embodiment, the belt body 11 is provided with a through hole or through slot (not shown), and the stopper 12 is provided with a screw hole (not shown). The conveyor belt 10 of the sample analyzer further includes a screw that passes through the through hole or through slot of the belt body 11 and cooperates with the screw hole of the stopper 12, thereby fixing the belt body 11 and the stopper 12 together. Alternatively, the conveyor belt 10 of the sample analyzer further includes a buckle (not shown), and the stopper 12 is provided with a buckle slot (not shown). The buckle passes through the through hole or through slot of the belt body 11 and cooperates with the buckle slot of the stopper 12, thereby fixing the belt body 11 and the stopper 12 together.

[0068] In this embodiment, the number of the stoppers 12 is not limited and can be multiple. The distance between the stoppers 12 can be set in a variety of ways, such as Figure 1 As shown, the distance between two adjacent stoppers 12 corresponds to the length of the test tube rack 20 to accommodate one test tube rack 20. Six stoppers 12 can be divided into six equal intervals, with the distance between two stoppers 12 exactly matching the length of the test tube rack 20. If the stoppers 12 are evenly spaced, the length of the conveyor belt 10 = (stopper 12 width + test tube rack 20 length + preset gap) × N, where N is a natural number.

[0069] Alternatively, as Figure 2 As shown, a fixed first spacing and a non-fixed second spacing are formed between adjacent blocks 12. The first spacing corresponds to the length of the test tube rack 20 to accommodate one test tube rack 20. The six blocks 12 can be divided into five fixed first spacings and five non-fixed second spacings between each pair of adjacent blocks 12. The five fixed first spacings precisely match the length of the test tube rack 20. If the blocks 12 are distributed unequally, the length of the conveyor belt 10 = (L1 + 2 × L2 + L3 + L4) × N, where L1 = the test tube rack length, L2 = the block width, L3 = the spacing between the blocks, and L4 = the spacing between the test tube racks and the blocks. This solution, through the non-fixed second spacing between adjacent blocks 12, allows two adjacent groups of test tube racks 20 to move simultaneously on the conveyor belt 10 and provides more options for setting the length of the conveyor belt 10. Different from the prior art, the conveyor belt 10 for the sample analyzer of the present application is provided with a positioning structure 12 on the conveyor belt 10. During the back-and-forth movement of the conveyor belt 10, the conveyor belt 10 and the test tube rack or test tube 20 can be prevented from sliding or colliding relative to each other, thereby playing the role of accurately positioning the test tube rack or test tube 20.

[0070] Please also refer to Figures 3 to 5The present application provides a sample introduction mechanism, which includes a conveyor belt 10 and a driver 30. In this embodiment, the conveyor belt 10 is a single conveyor belt, which is used to receive a test tube rack 20 when aligned with a loading position 101 through a positioning structure 12. The driver 30 can be a motor, which rotates to drive the conveyor belt 10 to rotate, thereby driving the test tube rack 20 from the loading position 101 to pass through a code scanning position 102, a sampling position 103, and an unloading position 104 in sequence. The code scanning position 102 is used to set a code scanning mechanism to scan and identify the test tube, the sampling position 103 is used to sample the test tubes on the test tube rack 20, and the unloading position 104 is used to unload the test tube rack 20.

[0071] The test tube racks include a first test tube rack 21 and a second test tube rack 22. When the first test tube rack 21 is carried to the sampling position 103 or the unloading position 104 by the first set of positioning structures 12, if the second set of positioning structures 12 is aligned with the loading position 101, the second test tube rack 22 can be directly loaded. If the second set of positioning structures 12 is misaligned with the loading position 101, the driver 30 drives the conveyor belt 10 to retract a predetermined distance when a test tube on the first test tube rack 21 is removed, so that the second set of positioning structures 12 is aligned with the loading position 101 and the second test tube rack 22 can be loaded. The driver 30 then drives the conveyor belt 10 forward a predetermined distance to complete the reset and receive the test tube to be returned.

[0072] In this embodiment, multiple groups of test tube racks 20 have various possible configurations for the sample loading mechanism. Optionally, when the first test tube rack 21 is transported to the sampling position 103 by the first set of positioning structures 12, the second test tube rack 22 enters the code scanning position 102. Optionally, when the first test tube rack 21 is transported to the sampling position 103 by the first set of positioning structures 12, a predetermined distance separates the second test tube rack 22 from the code scanning position 102. Optionally, when the first test tube rack 21 is transported to the sampling position 103 by the first set of positioning structures 12, the second test tube rack 22 is in the loading position 101. At this point, the second set of positioning structures 12 is aligned with the loading position 101, allowing the second test tube rack 22 to be directly loaded. When the first test tube rack 21 is transported to the unloading position 104 by the first set of positioning structures 12, the second test tube rack 22 is in the loading position 101, allowing the second set of positioning structures 12 to receive the second test tube rack 22.

[0073] Optionally, when the first test tube rack 21 is transported to the sampling position 103 or the unloading position 104 via the first set of positioning structures 12 and a test tube on the first test tube rack 21 is removed, if the second set of positioning structures 12 is misaligned with the loading position 101, the driver 30 drives the conveyor belt 10 to retract within a predetermined time after the test tube on the first test tube rack 21 is removed. This predetermined time can be the time it takes for the test tube to be removed from the first test tube rack 21 after being transported to the sampling position 103, and for the test tube to be removed from the first test tube rack 21, including the addition of reagents and mixing. This can be implemented within the predetermined time after any test tube on the first test tube rack 21 is removed, and is not limited here. In a preferred embodiment, within a predetermined time after the last test tube on the first test tube rack 21 is removed, the motor rotates in the reverse direction to cause the conveyor belt 10 to move in the reverse direction a predetermined distance, so that the second set of positioning structures 12 is aligned with the loading position 101 and then receives the second test tube rack 22. The motor rotates in the forward direction to cause the conveyor belt 10 to move forward in the forward direction a predetermined distance, so that the first two test tubes on the second test tube rack 22 are scanned and identified at the code scanning position 102. For example, there are 10 test tubes on the first test tube rack. Within 10 seconds after the 10th test tube is taken away, the motor rotates in the reverse direction to make the conveyor belt 10 retreat 5 cm. At this time, the second set of positioning structures 12 is just aligned with the loading position 101, and the second test tube rack 22 is sent onto the conveyor belt 10. Then the motor rotates forward to make the conveyor belt 10 advance, so that the multiple test tubes on the second test tube rack 22 enter the scanning position to complete the scanning. For example, it takes 2.5 cm to complete the scanning of one test tube. Then, the first two test tubes on the second test tube rack 22 can just complete the scanning. At this time, it has just advanced 5 cm in total, which takes 10 seconds. The conveyor belt 10 has just completed its reset and returned to its original position, and can just receive the 10th test tube that has completed the sampling operation and put it back on the first test tube rack 21.

[0074] Different from the prior art, the sample feeding mechanism of the present application realizes the back-and-forth transportation of the test tube racks through a single conveyor belt 10, and can load and feed the second test tube rack 22 at any time during the sample feeding process of the first test tube rack 21. Specifically, the conveyor belt 10 can be retracted a predetermined distance by effectively utilizing the predetermined time when the test tubes on the first test tube rack 21 are removed to realize the alignment of the second test tube rack 22 and then receive the second test tube rack 22. At the same time, the conveyor belt 10 is advanced by the same predetermined distance to complete the reset operation and then receive the removed test tubes and put them back. This makes the operation process of each station of the sample feeding mechanism more compact in time, and can effectively utilize the idle time in the middle to realize the reciprocating transportation of the conveyor belt 10, thereby improving the sample feeding rate and thus improving the overall detection efficiency of the equipment. The sample introduction mechanism of the present application has a single conveyor belt 10, which makes the structure simpler and reduces costs. It also supports a re-inspection function. When the test data of a sample on the first test tube rack 21 is detected to be abnormal, the conveyor belt 10 is controlled to retract for re-inspection. At the same time, at least two rows of test tube racks can be transported simultaneously without affecting the overall detection efficiency of the entire sample introduction mechanism.

[0075] See also Figure 6 The sample feeding mechanism further includes a plurality of position sensors 40 for identifying the position of the stopper 12, thereby improving the accuracy of the positions of the loading position 101, the code scanning position 102, the sampling position 103, and the unloading position 104. The plurality of position sensors 40 can be optical coupling sensors or travel switches and can be respectively arranged at the stopper 12 at the loading position 101, the code scanning position 102, the sampling position 103, and the unloading position 104.

[0076] Please also refer to Figures 7 to 9 The sample feeding mechanism also includes a buffer zone 105. The buffer zone 105 can be located at either end of the conveyor belt 11, near the loading position 101 or the unloading position 104. Alternatively, the buffer zone 105 can be located at both ends of the conveyor belt 11, near the loading position 101 and the unloading position 104. The buffer zone 105 supports the overall retraction or advancement of the first and second test tube racks 21, 22 carried on the conveyor belt 11. The provision of the buffer zone 105 enables the first and second test tube racks 21, 22 to move back and forth simultaneously with the conveyor belt 10.

[0077] The present application provides a sample analyzer, which includes a loading mechanism, a code scanning mechanism, a sampling mechanism, an unloading mechanism and the above-mentioned sampling mechanism. The loading mechanism is located at the loading position 101, and is used to load the test tube rack 20. The sampling mechanism is located at the sampling position 102, that is, it is located downstream of the loading mechanism, and is used to sample the test tubes on the test tube rack 20. The code scanning mechanism is located at the code scanning position 102, that is, it is located between the loading mechanism and the sampling mechanism, and is used to scan and identify the test tubes one by one. The unloading mechanism is located at the unloading position 104, that is, it is located downstream of the loading mechanism, and is used to unload the test tube rack 20. The sample analyzer can realize the automatic and intelligent completion of functions such as loading, code scanning, sampling, sampling, detection and unloading.

[0078] See also Figure 10 The present application provides a sampling method based on the above-mentioned sampling mechanism, the specific steps of which include:

[0079] S10: The conveyor belt 10 receives the first test tube rack 21 when it is aligned with the loading position 101 through the first set of positioning structures 12.

[0080] In this step, the first group of positioning structures 12 can be identified by setting a position sensor 40 at the loading position 101. For example, a position sensor 40 can be set at both ends of the loading position 101. If the position sensors 40 at both ends identify the first group of positioning structures 12, it can be considered that the first group of positioning structures 12 is aligned with the loading position 101, and the first group of test tube racks 21 can be loaded onto the conveyor belt 10.

[0081] S20: The driver 30 drives the conveyor belt 10 to rotate so as to drive the first test tube rack 21 from the loading position 101 to pass through the sampling position 102, the sampling position 103, and the unloading position 104 in sequence.

[0082] In this step, the driver 30 can be a motor, which drives the conveyor belt 10 to rotate, thereby driving the first test tube rack 21 to move on the conveyor belt 10. By providing position sensors 40 at the sampling position 102, the sampling position 103, and the unloading position 104, respectively, the first set of positioning structures 12 can be identified, thereby determining the precise position of the first test tube rack 21.

[0083] S30: The sampling mechanism samples the test tubes on the first test tube rack 21.

[0084] In this step, the sampling mechanism samples the test tube on the first test tube rack 21. The sampling method can be to directly sample by inserting a sampling needle into the test tube, or the sampling mechanism can remove the test tube and then perform a series of operations such as sampling, adding reagents, and mixing. This process takes a predetermined time.

[0085] S40: Identify whether the second group of positioning structures 12 is aligned with the loading position 101.

[0086] In this step, the identification and alignment method is the same as that in step S10, and no further explanation is given here.

[0087] If it is recognized that the second group of positioning structures 12 is aligned with the loading position 101, step S41 is executed: directly receiving the second test tube rack 22 to be loaded.

[0088] If it is identified that the second group of positioning structures 12 is misaligned with the loading position 101, step S42 is executed: the driver 30 drives the conveyor belt 10 to retreat a predetermined distance so that the second group of positioning structures 12 is aligned with the loading position 101, and the driver 30 drives the conveyor belt 10 to advance a predetermined distance to complete the reset.

[0089] This step is completed within the predetermined time of step S30. For example, if the predetermined sampling time in step S30 is 10 seconds, the second set of positioning structures 12 is misaligned with the loading position 101 by 5 cm, and the driver 30 can be a motor. The motor reverses and drives the conveyor belt 10 back 5 cm. At this point, the second set of positioning structures 12 is aligned with the loading position 101, and the second test tube rack 22 can be loaded onto the conveyor belt 10. The motor then rotates forward to drive the conveyor belt 10 forward, and the second test tube rack 22 is also driven forward. Some test tubes on the second test tube rack 22 enter the code scanning position, and code recognition can be completed. For example, if the conveyor belt advances 2.5 cm, one test tube can be scanned. This completes the scanning of the first two test tubes on the second test tube rack 22. At this point, the conveyor belt has just advanced 5 cm, and reset is completed. The sampling time of step S30 has just ended, and the removed test tubes can be returned to their original position for reception.

[0090] In this embodiment, other position combinations of the first test tube rack 21 and the second test tube rack 22 are possible. Optionally, when the first test tube rack 21 is transported to the sampling position 103 by the first set of positioning structures 12, the second test tube rack 22 enters the code scanning position 102. Optionally, when the first test tube rack 21 is transported to the sampling position 103 by the first set of positioning structures 12, a predetermined distance is separated from the code scanning position 102. Optionally, when the first test tube rack 21 is transported to the sampling position 103 by the first set of positioning structures 12, the second test tube rack 22 is in the loading position 101. At this time, the second set of positioning structures 12 is aligned with the loading position 101, allowing the second test tube rack 22 to be directly loaded. When the first test tube rack 21 is transported to the unloading position 104 by the first set of positioning structures 12, the second test tube rack 22 is in the loading position 101, allowing the second set of positioning structures 12 to receive the second test tube rack 22.

[0091] In summary, it will be easily understood by those skilled in the art that the conveyor belt 10 for a sample analyzer provided in the present application, by providing a positioning structure 12 on the conveyor belt 10, can prevent the conveyor belt 10 and the test tube rack or test tube 20 from sliding relative to each other during the back-and-forth movement of the conveyor belt 10, thereby playing the role of accurately positioning the test tube rack or test tube 20. The sample introduction mechanism provided in the present application realizes the back-and-forth transportation of the test tube racks by a single conveyor belt 10, and can load and introduce the sample into the second test tube rack 22 at any time during the sample introduction process of the first test tube rack 21. Specifically, the conveyor belt 10 can be retracted a predetermined distance by effectively utilizing the predetermined time when the test tubes on the first test tube rack 21 are removed, thereby realizing the alignment of the second test tube rack 22 and receiving the second test tube rack 22. At the same time, the conveyor belt 10 is advanced by the same predetermined distance to complete the reset operation and then receive and return the removed test tubes. This makes the operation process of each station of the sample introduction mechanism more compact in terms of time, and can effectively utilize the idle time in the middle to realize the reciprocating transportation of the conveyor belt 10, thereby improving the sample introduction rate, thereby improving the overall detection efficiency of the equipment. The sample introduction mechanism of the present application has a single conveyor belt 10, which makes the structure simpler and reduces costs. It also supports a re-inspection function. When the test data of a sample on the first test tube rack 21 is detected to be abnormal, the conveyor belt 10 is controlled to retract for re-inspection. At the same time, at least two rows of test tube racks can be transported simultaneously without affecting the overall detection efficiency of the entire sample introduction mechanism.

[0092] The above is only an implementation method of the present application and does not limit the patent scope of the present application. Any equivalent structure or equivalent process transformation made using the contents of the description and drawings of this application, or directly or indirectly applied in other related technical fields, are also included in the patent protection scope of the present application.

Claims

1. A sample injection mechanism, characterized in that: The sample injection mechanism comprises: A conveyor belt, comprising a belt body and a plurality of positioning structures provided on the belt body, wherein the conveyor belt is used to receive a test tube rack when aligned with a loading position through the positioning structures; a driver, configured to drive the conveyor belt to rotate so as to drive the test tube rack from the loading position to pass through a sampling position and an unloading position in sequence, wherein the sampling position is used for sampling the test tubes on the test tube rack, and the unloading position is used for unloading the test tube rack; Wherein, the test tube rack includes a first test tube rack and a second test tube rack. When the first test tube rack is carried to the sampling position or the unloading position by the first group of the positioning structures, it is identified whether the second group of the positioning structures is aligned with the loading position. If the second group of the positioning structures is just aligned with the loading position, the second test tube rack can be directly received and loaded; if the second group of the positioning structures is misaligned with the loading position, the driver is used to control the conveyor belt to retreat a predetermined distance when the test tube on the first test tube rack is taken away so that the second group of the positioning structures is aligned with the loading position and then receives the second test tube rack to be loaded, and is used to drive the conveyor belt to advance the predetermined distance to complete the reset and then receive the test tube on the first test tube rack to be put back, so that the second test tube rack can be loaded and sampled at any time during the sampling process of the first test tube rack.

2. The sample injection mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that: A code scanning position is further provided between the loading position and the sampling position, and the code scanning position is used to set a code scanning mechanism to scan and identify the test tube.

3. The sample injection mechanism according to claim 2, characterized in that: When the first test tube rack is carried to the sampling position by the first set of positioning structures, the second test tube rack enters the code scanning position; or, When the first test tube rack is carried to the sampling position by the first set of positioning structures, the second test tube rack is spaced a predetermined distance from the code scanning position; or, When the first test tube rack is carried to the sampling position by the first set of positioning structures, the second test tube rack is in the loading position.

4. The sample injection mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that: When the first test tube rack is transported to the unloading position by the first group of positioning structures, the second test tube rack is in the loading position, so that the second group of positioning structures receives the second test tube rack.

5. The sample injection mechanism according to claim 2, characterized in that: When the first test tube rack is transported to the sampling position by the first group of positioning structures and the test tube on the first test tube rack is taken away, if the second group of positioning structures is misaligned with the loading position, then within a predetermined time after the test tube on the first test tube rack is taken away, the driver is used to drive the conveyor belt to retract the predetermined distance so that the second group of positioning structures is aligned with the loading position and then receives the second test tube rack, and the driver is used to drive the conveyor belt to advance the predetermined distance so that the test tubes on the second test tube rack are scanned and identified at the scanning position.

6. The sample injection mechanism according to claim 5, characterized in that: Within a predetermined time after the last test tube on the first test tube rack is removed, the driver is used to drive the conveyor belt to retract the predetermined distance so that the second set of positioning structures is aligned with the loading position to receive the second test tube rack, and the driver is used to drive the conveyor belt to advance the predetermined distance so that the first two test tubes on the second test tube rack are scanned and identified at the scanning position.

7. The sample injection mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that: The positioning structure is a stopper protruding from the outer surface of the belt body, and the stopper is used to position and cooperate with both ends of the test tube rack or with the bottom of the test tube rack; or The positioning structure is a recessed area sunken into the outer surface of the belt body, and the recessed area is used for positioning and cooperating with the bottom of the test tube rack.

8. The sample injection mechanism according to claim 7, characterized in that: The blocks are distributed at equal intervals, and the length of the conveyor belt = (block width + test tube rack length + preset gap) × N, where N is a natural number.

9. The sample injection mechanism according to claim 7, characterized in that: The blocks are distributed at non-equidistant intervals, and the length of the conveyor belt = (L1+2×L2+L3+L4)×N, where: L1 = length of test tube rack; L2 = width of the stopper; L3 = spacing of the stoppers; L4 = distance between the test tube rack and the stopper.

10. The sample injection mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that: The end of the belt body protrudes from the loading position and / or the unloading position to form a buffer zone, and the buffer zone is used to support the belt body carrying the first test tube rack and the second test tube rack to retreat or advance as a whole.

11. The sample injection mechanism according to claim 7, characterized in that: The sample injection mechanism further includes a plurality of position sensors, and the plurality of position sensors are used to identify the position of the stopper.

12. A sample analyzer, characterized in that: The sample analyzer comprises: a loading mechanism for loading the test tube rack; a sampling mechanism, disposed downstream of the loading mechanism, for sampling the test tubes on the test tube rack; an unloading mechanism, disposed downstream of the loading mechanism, for unloading the test tube rack; The sample injection mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. The sample analyzer according to claim 12, wherein: The sample analyzer further comprises a code scanning mechanism, which is arranged between the loading mechanism and the sampling mechanism and is used to scan and identify the test tubes one by one.

14. A sampling method, characterized in that: Based on the injection mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 11, the injection method comprises: The conveyor belt receives the first test tube rack when aligned with the loading position through the first set of positioning structures; A driver drives the conveyor belt to rotate so as to drive the first test tube rack from the loading position to the sampling position and the unloading position in sequence; The sampling mechanism samples the test tubes on the first test tube rack; If the second set of positioning structures is aligned with the loading position, the second test tube rack can be directly received; if the second set of positioning structures is misaligned with the loading position, the driver is used to drive the conveyor belt to retreat a predetermined distance so that the second set of positioning structures is aligned with the loading position and then receives the second test tube rack, and drives the conveyor belt to advance the predetermined distance to complete the reset.

15. The sampling method according to claim 14, characterized in that: The step of the driver driving the conveyor belt to rotate so as to drive the first test tube rack from the loading position to pass through the sampling position includes: The driver drives the conveyor belt to rotate to drive the first test tube rack to sequentially pass through the code scanning position, the sampling position, and the unloading position. The code scanning position is used to set a code scanning mechanism to scan and identify the test tube.

16. The sampling method according to claim 15, characterized in that: When the first test tube rack is carried to the sampling position by the first set of positioning structures, the second test tube rack enters the code scanning position; or, When the first test tube rack is carried to the sampling position by the first set of positioning structures, the second test tube rack is spaced a predetermined distance from the code scanning position; or, When the first test tube rack is carried to the sampling position by the first set of positioning structures, the second test tube rack is in the loading position.

17. The sampling method according to claim 14, characterized in that: When the first test tube rack is transported to the unloading position by the first group of positioning structures, the second test tube rack is in the loading position, so that the second group of positioning structures receives the second test tube rack.

18. The sampling method according to claim 15, characterized in that: The sampling mechanism takes the test tube away for sampling and puts it back into the first test tube rack after sampling is completed; If the second group of positioning structures is misaligned with the loading position, then within a predetermined time after the test tube on the first test tube rack is removed, the driver drives the conveyor belt to retreat a predetermined distance so that the second group of positioning structures is aligned with the loading position and then receives the second test tube rack, and the driver drives the conveyor belt to advance a predetermined distance so that the test tubes on the second test tube rack are scanned and identified at the scanning position.

19. The sampling method according to claim 18, characterized in that: Within a predetermined time after the last test tube on the first test tube rack is removed, the driver drives the conveyor belt to retract a predetermined distance so that the second set of positioning structures is aligned with the loading position to receive the second test tube rack, and the driver drives the conveyor belt to advance a predetermined distance so that the first two test tubes on the second test tube rack are scanned and identified at the scanning position.

20. The sampling method according to claim 14, wherein: During the rotation of the conveyor belt, the positions of the first group of positioning structures and the second group of positioning structures are identified by a plurality of position sensors.

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