Automated loading apparatus and analysis device

Abstract

This invention discloses an automatic loading device and analysis apparatus, including a picking and carrying mechanism, a sliding mechanism, an auxiliary feeding mechanism, and an adjustment mechanism. The picking and carrying mechanism is connected to the outlet of a hopper to pick up reaction containers from the hopper and transport them to a preset position. The sliding mechanism has a chute for the reaction containers to slide along, with an inlet and an outlet positioned opposite each other. The inlet is connected to the preset position of the picking and carrying mechanism, and the outlet is used to connect to a positioning mechanism. The auxiliary feeding mechanism is located near the preset position and can drive the reaction containers transported to the preset position into the inlet. The adjustment mechanism is located between the inlet and the outlet and moves relative to the chute to adjust the posture of the reaction containers located in the chute. The technical solution of this invention aims to reduce the failure rate and improve the success rate of automatic loading equipment.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of analyzers for clinical trials, and particularly to an automated loading device and analytical apparatus. Background Technology

[0002] In clinical laboratories, analyzers are commonly used to detect various analytical indicators in blood, urine, or other bodily fluids. During operation, the analyzer adds the sample to be analyzed and test reagents to a reaction vessel for mixing and incubation. To reduce workload, existing technologies use automated loading devices to replace manual operation, automatically loading reaction vessels to preset positions for standby. In existing automated transport devices, reaction vessels are scattered in a hopper. A picking mechanism picks up the reaction vessels one by one from the hopper, and a transport mechanism transfers the picked-up reaction vessels to a high output port. At the output port, the reaction vessels automatically slide into a chute of a reversing mechanism under gravity. The reversing mechanism adjusts the opening of the reaction vessel to an upward-facing position. After reversing, the reaction vessel continues to slide into a buffer section for temporary storage, and then is transported to a positioning mechanism for positioning and standby.

[0003] Because the reaction vessel slides in the chute entirely under its own weight, this design can cause some of the reaction vessel to become stuck in the chute, resulting in a less smooth descent. Furthermore, the flanged structure of the reaction vessel rests on the chute and rotates along the axis formed by the two sides, easily causing the reaction vessel to be arranged laterally or tip over, further exacerbating the problem of a less smooth descent. In the lower half of the chute, the reaction vessel accelerates its descent due to gravity, causing it to move too fast when passing the reversing mechanism, potentially causing it to break out of the chute and triggering malfunctions in subsequent sliding, positioning, and gripping mechanisms. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The main objective of this invention is to provide an automatic loading device that aims to reduce the failure rate and increase the success rate of the automatic loading device.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides an automatic loading device comprising:

[0006] A picking and carrying mechanism is connected to the outlet of the silo to pick up the reaction vessel in the silo and transport it to a preset position;

[0007] A sliding mechanism, comprising a chute for sliding the reaction vessel, the chute having an inlet and an outlet oppositely arranged, the inlet being connected to a preset position of the pickup and transport mechanism, and the outlet being used to connect to a positioning mechanism; and

[0008] An auxiliary feeding mechanism is located near the preset position and can drive the reaction vessel, which is carried to the preset position, to be fed into the inlet.

[0009] An adjustment mechanism is provided on the sliding mechanism and located between the inlet and the outlet. The adjustment mechanism moves relative to the chute to adjust the posture of the reaction vessel located in the chute.

[0010] In one embodiment of the present invention, the auxiliary feeding mechanism includes:

[0011] Mounting base, the mounting base being located on the side away from the sliding mechanism at the preset position;

[0012] Feed drive component, the feed drive component being fixed to the mounting base; and

[0013] The feeding component is connected to the feeding drive component, which drives the feeding component to move relative to the picking and carrying mechanism, so as to sequentially feed each reaction vessel carried to the preset position into the inlet.

[0014] In one embodiment of the present invention, the feeding component is a push rod, which reciprocates and extends relative to the picking and carrying mechanism, and the push rod abuts against the reaction vessel.

[0015] In one embodiment of the present invention, the push rod includes a rod body and an abutment portion connected together. The rod body is connected to the feed drive member, and the abutment portion is located at the end of the rod body away from the feed drive member. The outer diameter of the abutment portion is larger than the outer diameter of the rod body, and the abutment portion abuts against the reaction vessel.

[0016] In one embodiment of the present invention, the feed element is a fan blade, and the feed drive element drives the fan blade to rotate to generate air pressure to blow the reaction vessel to the feed port.

[0017] In one embodiment of the present invention, the automatic loading device further includes a scraper, and the picking and carrying mechanism is provided with a plurality of picking elements spaced apart. Each picking element picks up a reaction vessel, and the carrying drive unit drives each picking element to move between the outlet of the hopper and the preset position via a conveyor chain. The scraper is located between the outlet of the hopper and the preset position to scrape off excess reaction vessels from the picking elements.

[0018] In one embodiment of the present invention, the chute includes an adjustment section and a buffer section that are connected to each other. The adjustment section is connected to the inlet, the buffer section is connected to the outlet, and the adjustment mechanism is disposed between the adjustment section and the buffer section.

[0019] In one embodiment of the present invention, the adjustment mechanism includes:

[0020] Mounting plate, the mounting plate being located at the bottom of the sliding mechanism;

[0021] Adjustment drive component, the adjustment drive component being fixed to the surface of the mounting plate; and

[0022] An adjustment component is driven to be connected to an adjustment drive component. A portion of the adjustment component extends into the slide groove. The adjustment drive component drives the adjustment component to move up and down relative to the slide groove to adjust the posture of the reaction vessel located within the adjustment section.

[0023] In one embodiment of the present invention, the adjustment drive is a motor, and the adjustment mechanism further includes a transmission assembly, the transmission assembly comprising:

[0024] A synchronization mechanism is provided on the surface of the mounting plate opposite to the adjustment drive component. The synchronization mechanism is connected to the motor drive to convert the rotational motion of the motor into linear motion.

[0025] A linear guide rail is disposed on one side of the synchronization mechanism;

[0026] A clamping mechanism is slidably disposed on the linear slide rail, the clamping mechanism is connected to the synchronization mechanism, and the adjusting member is fixedly connected to the clamping mechanism.

[0027] In one embodiment of the present invention, the synchronization mechanism includes

[0028] The system includes a driving pulley, a driven pulley, and a timing belt. The driving pulley is connected to the output shaft of the motor, the driven pulley is spaced apart from the driving pulley, and the timing belt is connected to both the driving pulley and the driven pulley.

[0029] In one embodiment of the present invention, the clamping mechanism includes a slider and a clamping plate. The slider is slidably connected to the linear guide rail, the clamping plate is disposed on one side of the slide plate, a portion of the synchronous belt is clamped between the clamping plate and the slider, and the adjusting member is fixedly connected to the slider.

[0030] In one embodiment of the present invention, a buffer structure is formed at the end of the adjusting member away from the adjusting drive member, and the buffer structure abuts against the edge of the opening end of the reaction vessel.

[0031] In one embodiment of the present invention, the sliding mechanism includes two sliding members, which extend along the arrangement direction of the picking and carrying mechanism and the positioning mechanism. The two sliding members are opposite to each other and spaced apart to form the groove.

[0032] In one embodiment of the present invention, the slider includes:

[0033] Support plates, two of which are positioned opposite each other and spaced apart to form the groove; and

[0034] A guide limiting plate is connected to the support plate and is set at an angle to the support plate. The two guide limiting plates surround the opening of the slide groove. The opening of the slide groove gradually increases from the side closer to the support plate to the side farther away from the support plate. The outer peripheral surface of the opening end of the reaction vessel abuts against the guide limiting plate.

[0035] In one embodiment of the present invention, an included angle is formed between the two guide limiting plates, and the included angle is between 90° and 180°.

[0036] The present invention also proposes an analysis device, wherein the analysis device is the automatic loading device.

[0037] The automatic loading device of this invention includes a picking and carrying mechanism, a sliding mechanism, an auxiliary feeding mechanism, and an adjustment mechanism. The picking and carrying mechanism sequentially picks up reaction containers from the hopper and transports them to a preset position, which is the position adjacent to the inlet of the sliding mechanism. The auxiliary feeding mechanism is located near the preset position. When the reaction container is transported to the preset position, the auxiliary feeding mechanism feeds the reaction container into the inlet of the sliding mechanism, preventing the reaction container from stopping at the inlet and ensuring that it slides smoothly along the chute after entering the sliding mechanism, reducing the risk of malfunctions during sliding. Simultaneously, an adjustment mechanism is provided in the sliding mechanism. This adjustment mechanism adjusts the sliding speed of the reaction container in the chute to extend the time the reaction container stays in the chute. This allows the reaction container with its opening facing downwards sufficient time to adjust to an upward-facing position, preventing lateral displacement or tipping during sliding and ensuring that the reaction container continues to slide with its opening facing upwards. Compared with existing solutions, the automatic loading device in this invention can effectively avoid malfunctions such as retention and horizontal cups that occur during the process of the reaction vessel entering the sliding mechanism and during the sliding process of the sliding mechanism, thus effectively reducing the failure rate of the automatic loading device and improving the success rate of the automatic loading device. Attached Figure Description

[0038] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the structures shown in these drawings without creative effort.

[0039] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the automatic loading device of the present invention;

[0040] Figure 2 for Figure 1 Schematic diagram of part of the automatic loading equipment;

[0041] Figure 3 for Figure 2 A schematic diagram of another embodiment of the automatic loading device;

[0042] Figure 4 for Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of the automatic loading equipment in China;

[0043] Figure 5 This is a structural view of the sliding mechanism in the automatic loading device of the present invention.

[0044] Explanation of icon numbers:

[0045] label name label name 100 Automatic loading equipment 45 Transmission components 10 silo 451 Synchronization mechanism 20 Pick-up and transport mechanism 4511 drive wheel 21 Transmission chain 4513 Driven wheel 23 Pickup 4515 Synchronous belt 231 Pickup slot 453 linear guide 30 Sliding mechanism 455 Clamping mechanism 31 Slider 4551 slider 311 support plate 4553 plywood 313 Guide limit plate 50 Auxiliary feeding mechanism 33 chute 51 Mounting base 331 Inlet 53 Feed drive 333 discharge port 55 Feed parts 335 Adjustment section 551 rod 337 cache segment 553 Butt part 40 Adjustment agency 60 scraper 41 Mounting plate 70 Positioning mechanism 42 Adjust the drive components 80 detector 43 Adjustment parts 90 reaction vessel 431 Buffer structure 91 Flip-edge

[0046] The realization of the objective, functional features and advantages of the present invention will be further explained in conjunction with the embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings. Detailed Implementation

[0047] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present invention, and not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0048] It should be noted that all directional indications (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, etc.) in the embodiments of the present invention are only used to explain the relative positional relationship and movement of each component in a certain specific posture (as shown in the figure). If the specific posture changes, the directional indication will also change accordingly.

[0049] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connection," "fixed," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, "fixed" can mean a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; it can mean a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can mean a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; it can mean the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise explicitly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0050] Furthermore, in this invention, descriptions involving "first," "second," etc., are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of those features. Additionally, the word "and / or" throughout the text means including three parallel solutions; taking "A and / or B" as an example, it includes solution A, solution B, or a solution that simultaneously satisfies A and B. Furthermore, the technical solutions of the various embodiments can be combined with each other, but this must be based on the ability of those skilled in the art to implement them. When the combination of technical solutions is contradictory or impossible to implement, it should be considered that such a combination of technical solutions does not exist and is not within the scope of protection claimed by this invention.

[0051] The present invention proposes an automatic loading device 100.

[0052] Reference Figures 1 to 5 An embodiment of the automatic loading device 100 of the present invention: The automatic loading device 100 includes:

[0053] Pick-up and transport mechanism 20 is connected to the outlet of silo 10 to pick up reaction container 90 in silo 10 and transport it to a preset position;

[0054] A sliding mechanism 30 is provided with a chute 33 for sliding the reaction vessel 90. The chute 33 has an inlet 331 and an outlet 333 arranged opposite to each other. The inlet 331 is connected to a preset position of the picking and carrying mechanism 20, and the outlet 333 is used to connect to the positioning mechanism 70; and

[0055] An auxiliary feeding mechanism 50 is located near a preset position and can drive the reaction vessel 90, which is carried to the preset position, to be fed into the inlet 331.

[0056] An adjustment mechanism 40 is located between the inlet 331 and the outlet 333. The adjustment mechanism 40 moves relative to the chute 33 to adjust the posture of the reaction vessel 90 located in the chute 33.

[0057] The automatic loading device 100 of this invention includes a picking and carrying mechanism 20, a sliding mechanism 30, an auxiliary feeding mechanism 50, and an adjustment mechanism 40. The picking and carrying mechanism 20 sequentially picks up reaction containers 90 from the hopper 10 and transports them to a preset position, which is a position adjacent to the inlet 31 of the sliding mechanism 30. The auxiliary feeding mechanism 50 is located near the preset position. When the reaction container 90 is transported to the preset position, the auxiliary feeding mechanism 50 can feed the reaction container 90 into the inlet 331 of the sliding mechanism 30, preventing the reaction container 90 from stopping at the inlet 331 of the sliding mechanism 30. This ensures that the reaction container 90 can slide smoothly along the chute 33 after entering the sliding mechanism 30, reducing the risk of malfunctions during the sliding process. Meanwhile, an adjustment mechanism 40 is also provided in the sliding mechanism 30. The adjustment mechanism 40 adjusts the sliding speed of the reaction container 90 in the slide groove 33, extending the time the reaction container 90 stays in the slide groove 33. This allows the reaction container 90, with its opening facing downwards, sufficient time to adjust to an opening-facing posture, preventing the reaction container 90 from becoming lateral or tipping over during sliding. This ensures that the reaction container 90 continues to slide with its opening facing upwards. Compared with existing solutions, the automatic loading device 100 in this invention can effectively avoid malfunctions such as stagnation and horizontal tilting that occur when the reaction container 90 enters the sliding mechanism 30 and during the sliding process of the sliding mechanism 30. This effectively reduces the failure rate of the automatic loading device 100 and improves its success rate.

[0058] In one embodiment of the present invention, the automatic loading device 100 is further provided with a frame, which serves as a carrier for mounting the picking and carrying mechanism 20, the sliding mechanism 30, the auxiliary feeding mechanism 50, the adjusting mechanism 40, the hopper 10, and the positioning mechanism 70. The shape and structure of the frame can be reasonably adjusted according to the arrangement of the various components. For example, the frame can be an integral frame structure, or it can be multiple separate frames. Multiple reaction vessels 90 are arbitrarily placed in the hopper 10, which has an outlet, through which the reaction vessels 90 can flow out of the hopper 10 in sequence. The picking and carrying mechanism 20 includes a carrying drive, a transmission chain 21, and multiple picking components 23. Each picking component 23 is provided with a picking slot 231. The multiple picking components 23 are spaced apart on the transmission chain 21. The carrying drive drives the multiple picking components 23 to move between the outlet of the hopper 10 and a preset position via the transmission chain 21. When the picking component 23 moves to the outlet of the hopper 10, the reaction container 90 can be picked up by the picking component 23 and placed into the picking slot 231, and then transported to the preset position by the picking component 23. The preset position is approximately at the top of the picking and carrying mechanism 20, which corresponds to the inlet 331 of the sliding mechanism 30. The reaction container 90 is fed into the sliding mechanism 30 at this position.

[0059] The reaction vessel 90 can be a reaction cup or a reaction tube. The outer circumferential surface of the reaction vessel 90 is provided with a flange 91 structure. The flange 91 structure can be located near the opening end of the reaction vessel 90, away from the opening end of the reaction vessel 90, or in the middle of the reaction vessel 90, etc. The outer diameter of the flange 91 structure is larger than the outer diameter of the reaction cup or reaction tube. In the sliding mechanism 30, the width of the groove 33 is between the outer diameter of the reaction vessel 90 and the outer diameter of the flange 91; that is, the width of the groove 33 is greater than the outer diameter of the reaction vessel 90 but smaller than the outer diameter of the flange 91. Thus, after the reaction vessel 90 enters the groove 33, the flange 91 structure can slide against the edge of the groove 33.

[0060] After the reaction vessel 90 is transported to the preset position, the auxiliary feeding mechanism 50 can apply external force to the reaction vessel 90 to ensure that the reaction vessel 90 smoothly enters the chute 33. Compared with the existing technology that relies entirely on the weight of the reaction vessel 90, the auxiliary feeding mechanism 50 can prevent the inlet 331 of the chute 33 of the reaction vessel 90 from getting stuck, improve the smoothness of the sliding of the reaction vessel 90 after feeding, and thus effectively reduce the failure rate of the automatic conveying device.

[0061] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 3 In one embodiment of the present invention, the auxiliary feeding mechanism 50 includes:

[0062] Mounting base 51, the mounting base 51 is located on the side away from the sliding mechanism 30 at the preset position;

[0063] Feed drive 53, the feed drive 53 being fixed to the mounting base 51; and

[0064] The feeder 55 is connected to the feed drive 53. The feed drive 53 drives the feeder 55 to move relative to the pick-up and transport mechanism 20 so as to sequentially feed each reaction vessel 90 transported to the preset position into the inlet 331.

[0065] In one embodiment of the present invention, the mounting base 51 provides a fixed carrier for the feeding drive component 53 and the feeding component 55. The mounting base 51 can be fixed to the frame or to other components; the fixing method of the mounting base 51 is not limited here. Furthermore, the mounting base 51 can be plate-shaped, such as an L-shaped plate, a T-shaped plate, etc.

[0066] The feed drive 53 provides a power source for the movement of the feed member 55. The feed drive 53 can also be configured appropriately according to the movement mode of the feed member 55.

[0067] For example, in one embodiment of the present invention, the feeding component 55 is a push rod. The feeding drive component 53 can be a linear module such as a cylinder or linear motor. The feeding drive component 53 can also be a combination of a motor and other transmission components, converting the rotational motion output by the motor into linear motion to drive the push rod to reciprocate relative to the picking and carrying mechanism 20, so that the push rod abuts against the reaction container 90. The pushing force of the push rod sends the reaction container 90 into the slide groove 33. Further, the push rod structure includes a connected rod body 551 and an abutment portion 553. The rod body 551 is connected to the feeding drive component 53, and the abutment portion 553 is located at the end of the rod body 551 away from the feeding drive component 53. The outer diameter of the abutment portion 553 is larger than the outer diameter of the rod body 551, and the abutment portion 553 abuts against the reaction container 90. By setting the outer diameter of the abutment portion 553 to be larger than the outer diameter of the rod body 551, the contact area between the push rod and the reaction vessel 90 is increased, ensuring that the push rod can contact the reaction vessel 90 and smoothly send the reaction vessel 90 into the sliding mechanism 30.

[0068] For example, in one embodiment of the present invention, the feed member 55 is a fan blade, and the feed drive member 53 drives the fan blade to rotate to generate air pressure, thereby blowing the reaction vessel 90 to the inlet 331. When the feed member 55 is a fan blade, the feed drive member 53 is a motor. The motor rotates to drive the fan blade to rotate at high speed and drive the surrounding airflow to generate air pressure, thereby blowing the reaction vessel 90 into the inlet. In this way, the fan blade does not need to contact the reaction vessel 90 to push the reaction vessel 90 into the interactive mechanism, avoiding contamination of the reaction vessel 90. To avoid the wind affecting other reaction vessels 90 that have not been transported to the preset position, a wind guide shroud can also be provided. One end of the wind guide shroud is fitted onto the outside of the fan blade, and the other end extends to the preset position.

[0069] Reference Figure 2 In one embodiment of the present invention, the automatic loading device 100 further includes a scraper 60, and the picking and carrying mechanism 20 is provided with a plurality of picking elements 23 spaced apart. One picking element 23 picks up one reaction vessel 90. The carrying drive unit drives each picking element 23 to move between the outlet of the hopper 10 and the preset position through a conveyor chain. The scraper 60 is provided between the outlet of the hopper 10 and the preset position to scrape off excess reaction vessels 90 from the picking elements 23.

[0070] In one embodiment of the present invention, the scraper 60 may be fixedly connected to the frame. The scraper 60 may be an elastic scraper 60, and the scraper 60 may be positioned between the outlet of the hopper 10 and a preset position. This is the necessary passage for the reaction vessel 90 after it flows out of the outlet of the hopper 10 and passes through the preset position. When a pickup 23 picks up multiple reaction vessels 90 at the same time, the pickup groove 231 cannot accommodate multiple reaction vessels 90 at the same time, and multiple reaction vessels 90 will protrude from the pickup groove 231. When the pickup 23 moves to this position, the scraper 60 contacts the reaction vessel 90 protruding from the pickup groove 231 and scrapes off the excess reaction vessel 90, so that only one reaction vessel 90 is retained in the pickup 23.

[0071] Reference Figures 2 to 5 In one embodiment of the present invention, the chute 33 includes an adjustment section 335 and a buffer section 337 that are connected to each other. The adjustment section 335 is connected to the feed inlet 331, and the buffer section 337 is connected to the discharge outlet 333. The adjustment mechanism 40 is disposed between the adjustment section 335 and the buffer section 337.

[0072] In one embodiment of the present invention, the sliding mechanism 30 includes two sliding members 31. It is understood that the two sliding members 31 can also be connected into one component via a connecting member, meaning that sliding members 31 are formed on both sides of one component. The sliding members 31 extend along the arrangement direction of the picking and carrying mechanism 20 and the positioning mechanism 70. The two sliding members 31 are positioned opposite each other and spaced apart to form a groove 33. The groove 33, which allows the reaction vessel 90 to slide, is formed by the two oppositely positioned and spaced-apart sliding members 31. The width of the groove 33 can be flexibly adjusted according to the outer diameter of the reaction vessel 90, improving the flexibility of the sliding mechanism 30. Further, the sliding member 31 includes a support plate 311, with two support plates 311 positioned opposite each other and spaced apart to form the groove 33; or, the sliding member 31 further includes a guide limiting plate 313, which is connected to the support plate 311 and is angled with the support plate 311. The two sliding members 31 are positioned opposite each other, and the guide limiting plates 313 are also positioned opposite each other, forming the opening of the slide groove 33. The opening of the slide groove 33 gradually increases in size from the side closer to the support plate 311 to the side farther away from the support plate 311. The outer peripheral surface of the opening end of the reaction vessel 90 abuts against the guide limiting plates 313. The two guide limiting plates 313 can guide and limit the reaction vessel 90 in the slide groove 33, preventing the reaction vessel 90 from falling out of the slide groove 33 during sliding, ensuring that the reaction vessel 90 stays in the slide groove 33, thereby improving the smoothness of the sliding of the reaction vessel 90. Specifically, the included angle formed between the two guide limiting plates 313 is between 90° and 180°. For example, the included angle between the two guide limiting plates 313 can be 120°, or the included angle between the two guide limiting plates 313 can be 150°, which can be appropriately adjusted according to the size of the flange 91 of the reaction vessel 90.

[0073] The sliding mechanism 30 features an inclined chute 33, with the inlet 331 higher than the outlet 333, ensuring smooth sliding of the reaction vessel 90 within the chute 33. The chute 33 has an adjustment section 335 near the inlet 331. By adjusting the sliding speed of the reaction vessel 90 within this section, the adjusting mechanism 40 ensures that even reaction vessels with downward-facing openings have sufficient time to adjust to an upward-facing orientation, guaranteeing that all reaction vessels 90 have their openings uniformly facing upwards. Simultaneously, the adjustment mechanism 40 prevents the reaction vessel 90 from sliding too quickly in the chute 33, thus avoiding lateral alignment issues. Lateral alignment of the reaction vessel 90 refers to its length being perpendicular to the extension direction of the chute 33. The adjusting mechanism 40 effectively prevents reaction vessels 90 from becoming stuck or tilted in the chute 33, significantly reducing the failure rate and increasing the success rate of the automatic loading equipment 100.

[0074] In one embodiment of the present invention, the mounting plate 41 is fixed to the frame, or the mounting plate 41 is fixedly connected to the sliding mechanism 30. The mounting plate 41 provides a carrier for the installation of the adjusting mechanism 40 and the adjusting member 43. The adjusting drive member 42 provides a power source for the adjusting movement of the adjusting member 43. The adjusting member 43 can be an adjusting rod or an adjusting plate. The adjusting member 43 is connected to the adjusting drive member 42 so that the adjusting drive member 42 drives the adjusting member 43 to move up or down within the slide groove 33, thereby allowing the adjusting member 43 to adjust the sliding speed of the reaction cup sliding in the slide groove 33. Specifically, when the adjusting member 43 rises relative to the sliding mechanism 30, it can block the reaction container 90 in the slide 33, giving the reaction container 90 enough time to adjust its opening to an upward state. Then, the adjusting member 43 descends relative to the sliding mechanism 30. During the descent, the adjusting member 43 can also disturb the blocked reaction container 90, slowing down the sliding speed of the reaction container 90 in the slide 33, until the adjusting member 43 descends to disengage from the reaction container 90, allowing the reaction container 90 to slowly slide to the buffer section 337.

[0075] Understandably, the adjustment drive component 42 can be a linear module, such as a linear motor, cylinder, motor, and synchronization mechanism 451 working together. For example, the adjustment drive component 42 is a motor, and the adjustment mechanism 40 also includes a transmission assembly 45, which includes a synchronization mechanism 451, a linear guide rail 453, and a clamping mechanism 455.

[0076] The synchronization mechanism 451 is located on the surface of the mounting plate 41 opposite to the adjusting drive component 42. The synchronization mechanism 451 is connected to the motor drive to convert the motor's rotational motion into linear motion. Specifically, the synchronization mechanism 451 includes a driving wheel 4511, a driven wheel 4513, and a timing belt 4515. The driving wheel 4511, driven wheel 4513, and timing belt 4515 are all located on the surface of the mounting plate 41 opposite to the motor. The motor's output shaft passes through the mounting plate 41. The driving wheel 4511 is fixed to the side wall of the motor's output shaft so that the motor drives the driving wheel 4511 to rotate. The driven wheel 4513 is spaced apart from the driving wheel 4511. The timing belt 4515 is connected to both the driving wheel 4511 and the driven wheel 4513 to convert the motor's rotational motion into linear motion. A linear guide rail 453 is disposed on one side of the synchronization mechanism 451, extending in the linear direction. A clamping mechanism 455 is slidably disposed on the linear guide rail and connected to the synchronization mechanism 451 to drive the clamping mechanism 455 to move along the extension direction of the linear guide rail 453. The linear guide rail 453 can reduce the sliding resistance of the clamping mechanism 455 and also provide guidance for the lifting and lowering movement of the clamping mechanism 455, improving the accuracy of the lifting and lowering movement of the clamping mechanism 455. An adjusting member 43 is fixedly connected to the clamping mechanism 455. The lifting and lowering movement of the clamping mechanism 455 drives the adjusting member 43 to move up and down within the slide groove 33, thereby adjusting the downward sliding speed of the reaction container 90, so that the reaction container 90 slides to the buffer section 337 with its opening facing upward.

[0077] Specifically, in one embodiment of the present invention, the clamping mechanism 455 includes a slider 4551 and a clamping plate 4553. The slider 4551 is slidably connected to the linear guide rail 453. The clamping plate 4553 is disposed on one side of the slide plate. A portion of the synchronous belt 4515 is clamped between the clamping plate 4553 and the slider 4551. The adjusting member 43 is fixedly connected to the slider 4551. The clamping plate 4553 fixes the side of the slider 4551 with screws or other connecting members. The clamping plate 4553 and the slider 4551 clamp and fix a portion of the synchronous belt 4515. Thus, when the synchronous belt 4515 moves, it can drive the slider 4551 to move on the linear guide rail 453.

[0078] Reference Figures 2 to 4In one embodiment of the present invention, a buffer structure 431 is formed at the end of the adjusting member 43 away from the adjusting drive member 42, and the buffer structure 431 abuts against the outer wall surface of the reaction vessel 90. The adjusting member 43 can be a rod-shaped structure or a plate-shaped structure, etc. By providing a buffer structure 431 at the end of the adjusting member 43 away from the adjusting drive member 42, the buffer structure 431 can abut against the edge of the opening end of the reaction vessel 90, thereby increasing the contact area between the outer wall surface of the reaction vessel 90 and the adjusting member 43. Furthermore, the buffer structure 431 can also provide a buffering effect when the adjusting member 43 comes into contact with the reaction vessel 90.

[0079] The buffer structure 431 can have various shapes. For example, the buffer structure 431 can be an arc structure formed at the end of the adjusting member 43. The arc structure can increase the contact area between the edge of the reaction vessel 90 and the outer wall of the adjusting member 43, and the arc structure can provide a buffering effect when the adjusting member 43 contacts the reaction vessel 90. Alternatively, the buffer structure 431 can also be triangular. When the adjusting member 43 moves downward, the triangular stop structure will push the blocked reaction vessel 90 upward towards the slide groove 33, thereby disturbing the reaction vessel 90. This prevents the reaction vessel 90 from sliding down from a stationary state after the adjusting member 43 has completely detached downward. The reaction vessel 90 may become stuck and not slide down after it has come to a stop. Therefore, setting the buffer structure to a triangle can also prevent the reaction vessel 90 from becoming stuck and not sliding down after it has detached from the adjusting member 43, thus improving the controllability of the reaction vessel 90 sliding in the slide groove 33.

[0080] Furthermore, in one embodiment of the present invention, a detector 80 is also provided, which is mounted on the mounting base 51, for detecting whether a reaction container 90 has been transported to a preset position. The transport of two adjacent reaction containers 90 to the preset position constitutes one adjustment cycle of the adjustment mechanism 40. First, the adjustment mechanism 40 drives the adjustment member 43 to rise to the top position. After the reaction container 90 is transported to the preset position, the auxiliary feeding mechanism 50 moves to send the reaction container 90 into the sliding mechanism 30. The reaction container 90 is blocked by the adjustment member 43, allowing sufficient time for the reaction container 90 to uniformly align with its opening facing upwards. Then, the adjustment member 43 slowly descends, disturbing the blocked reaction container 90 during its descent, until the adjustment member 43 disengages from the reaction container 90, no longer obstructing it, allowing the reaction container 90 to slide into the buffer section 337 for temporary rest. After the adjustment member 43 disengages from the reaction container 90, it moves upwards, repeating the next adjustment cycle, and so on.

[0081] The present invention also provides an analysis device (not shown) that is an automatic loading device described above. The specific structure of the automatic loading device is as described in the above embodiments. Since this analysis device adopts all the technical solutions of all the above embodiments, it has at least all the beneficial effects brought about by the technical solutions of the above embodiments, which will not be described in detail here.

[0082] The analytical device in this embodiment of the invention further includes a reagent sample needle module (not shown), a reagent tray module (not shown), an incubation module (not shown), and a photometric module (not shown). The reagent sample needle module is used to aspirate reagents and samples and transfer them to a reaction vessel for reaction. The reagent tray module is used to store and refrigerate reagents. The incubation module is used to incubate the analyte to meet the conditions required for biochemical reaction and to perform transport and scheduling. The photometric module is used to detect the analyte and obtain detection results.

[0083] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and does not limit the patent scope of the present invention. Any equivalent structural transformations made using the contents of the present invention's specification and drawings under the inventive concept of the present invention, or direct / indirect applications in other related technical fields, are included within the patent protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An automatic loading apparatus, characterized by comprising: include: The picking and carrying mechanism is connected to the outlet of the silo. The picking and carrying mechanism is provided with multiple picking parts arranged at intervals. Each picking part picks up a reaction vessel. The carrying drive unit drives each picking part to move between the outlet of the silo and a preset position through a conveyor chain, so as to pick up the reaction vessel in the silo and transport it to the preset position. A scraper, positioned between the outlet of the hopper and the preset position, is used to scrape off excess reaction containers from the pickup unit; A sliding mechanism includes two sliding members. Each sliding member includes a connected support plate and a guide limiting plate. The two support plates are spaced apart and arranged opposite each other to form a sliding groove. The two guide limiting plates are spaced apart and arranged opposite each other to form an opening of the sliding groove. The opening gradually increases in size from one end closer to the support plate to the side farther away from the support plate. The included angle between the openings formed by the two guide limiting plates is between 90° and 180°. The sliding groove has an inlet and an outlet arranged opposite each other. The inlet is connected to a preset position of the picking and carrying mechanism, and the outlet is used to connect to a positioning mechanism. as well as An auxiliary feeding mechanism includes a mounting base and a feeding component. The mounting base is located on the side away from the sliding mechanism at the preset position, and the feeding component can drive the reaction vessel carried to the preset position to be fed into the inlet. An adjustment mechanism is provided, located between the inlet and the outlet, and includes a mounting plate located at the bottom of the sliding mechanism. Adjustment drive component, which is fixed to the surface of the mounting plate; And an adjusting component, the adjusting component being driven to be connected to the adjusting drive component, a portion of the adjusting component extending into the slide groove, the adjusting drive component driving the adjusting component to rise and fall relative to the slide groove, the end of the adjusting component away from the adjusting drive component forming a buffer structure, the buffer structure being triangular, the triangular stop structure abutting against the edge of the opening end of the reaction vessel during descent and applying a retraction action and force to the reaction vessel in the direction of the feed inlet; A detector, mounted on the mounting base, is used to detect whether the reaction vessel has been transported to the preset location; The transportation of two adjacent reaction containers to the preset position constitutes one adjustment cycle of the adjustment mechanism. Within one adjustment cycle, the adjustment member of the adjustment mechanism first rises to the top position. When one reaction container is transported to the preset position, the feeder sends the reaction container at the preset position into the chute. The adjustment member blocks the reaction container, giving it sufficient time to adjust its orientation to an upward-facing state. Then, the adjustment member slowly descends, disturbing the blocked reaction container during its descent, until the adjustment member disengages and no longer obstructs the reaction container. After this, the adjustment member rises to the top.

2. The automatic loading apparatus according to claim 1, wherein The auxiliary feeding mechanism also includes: A feeding drive is fixed to the mounting base. The feeding component is connected to the feeding drive in a transmission manner. The feeding drive drives the feeding component to move relative to the picking and carrying mechanism so as to sequentially feed each reaction vessel carried to the preset position into the inlet.

3. The automatic loading device as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The feeding component is a push rod, which reciprocates and extends relative to the picking and carrying mechanism, and the push rod abuts against the reaction vessel.

4. The automatic loading device as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The feed component is a fan blade, and the feed drive component drives the fan blade to rotate to generate air pressure, so as to blow the reaction vessel to the feed port.

5. The automatic loading device as described in any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The chute includes an adjustment section and a buffer section that are connected to each other. The adjustment section is connected to the inlet, and the buffer section is connected to the outlet. The adjustment mechanism is located between the adjustment section and the buffer section.

6. The automatic loading device as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The adjustment drive component is a motor, and the adjustment mechanism further includes a transmission assembly, which includes: A synchronization mechanism is provided on the surface of the mounting plate opposite to the adjusting drive component. The synchronization mechanism is connected to the motor drive to convert the rotational motion of the motor into linear motion. A linear guide rail is disposed on one side of the synchronization mechanism; A clamping mechanism is slidably disposed on the linear guide rail, the clamping mechanism is connected to the synchronization mechanism, and the adjusting member is fixedly connected to the clamping mechanism.

7. An analytical apparatus, characterized in that, The analysis apparatus includes the automatic loading device as described in any one of claims 1 to 6.

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