A sample analysis device

Abstract

A sample analysis device, a reagent carrying component of which has a plurality of positions for carrying reagent containers, the reagent carrying component being capable of rotating and bringing the reagent containers carried thereby to rotate; wherein a first cross beam and a second cross beam are arranged above the reagent carrying component; the first cross beam is provided with a reagent dispensing component capable of moving along the first cross beam, for sucking reagent and discharging into a reaction cup; the second cross beam is provided with a reagent loading component capable of moving along the second cross beam, for carrying a reagent container to be loaded to the reagent carrying component. The first cross beam and the second cross beam are arranged above the reagent carrying component, thereby defining the movement tracks of the reagent dispensing component and the reagent loading component, and this layout design is conducive to the miniaturization of the sample analysis device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a sample analysis device. Background Technology

[0002] Sample analysis devices, such as biochemical analyzers, immunoassay analyzers, coagulation analyzers, and cell analyzers, are instruments used to analyze and measure samples. They generally involve adding reagents to the sample and then measuring the sample's characteristics, chemical composition, and concentration after the reaction with the reagents using certain methods.

[0003] Taking a coagulation analyzer as an example, following the testing procedure, after adding the sample and reagents to the reaction vessel, a reaction solution or sample is prepared. After mixing and incubating the reaction solution, the reaction vessel is placed in the detection unit. The detection unit irradiates the reaction solution in the reaction vessel with light of various wavelengths, such as multi-wavelength light. The coagulation reaction curve is obtained by analyzing the results using methods such as coagulation analysis, immunoturbidimetry, or chromogenic substrate analysis, thereby calculating the coagulation time or other coagulation-related performance parameters. In a coagulation analyzer, to obtain accurate test results, the boundary conditions such as the sample and reagent addition time and incubation time need to be strictly set and controlled during the testing process.

[0004] How to arrange the functional modules of sample analysis devices such as coagulation analyzers in a more compact and smaller form is an area that technicians have been paying attention to and hoping to improve. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This invention provides a sample analysis device with a novel structure and layout, which is described in detail below.

[0006] One embodiment provides a sample analysis device for coagulation testing, comprising:

[0007] Reaction cup loading component, used to supply and transport empty reaction cups;

[0008] A scheduling component used to schedule the reaction cups;

[0009] The sample introduction unit is used to schedule the samples to be introduced.

[0010] The sample dispensing unit is used to aspirate the sample to be injected and dispense it into the reaction vessel;

[0011] A reagent carrier has multiple positions for carrying reagent containers. The reagent carrier is rotatable and can drive the reagent containers it carries to rotate. A first crossbeam and a second crossbeam are provided above the reagent carrier. A reagent dispensing component that can move along the first crossbeam is provided on the first crossbeam for drawing up reagents and discharging them into a reaction cup. A reagent loading component that can move along the second crossbeam is provided on the second crossbeam for transporting the reagent container to be loaded to the reagent carrier.

[0012] Processing unit; the processing unit is used to receive a reaction cup containing a sample prepared from a sample and reagents, which is dispatched by the scheduling unit, and to process the sample in the reaction cup; one processing unit is a reaction component for incubating the sample or test specimen, and another processing unit is a measuring component for measuring the test specimen.

[0013] The number of the first crossbeams is equal to the number of the processing units. There are two reagent dispensing components, with the reaction component corresponding to one of the reagent dispensing components and the measurement component corresponding to the other reagent dispensing component.

[0014] Each reagent dispensing unit has two reagent needles; the reagent needles of the reagent dispensing units corresponding to the reaction unit are used to draw mixed reagents, and the reagent needles of the reagent dispensing units corresponding to the measurement unit are used to draw trigger reagents.

[0015] In one embodiment, the first and second crossbeams are positioned above the reagent-carrying component in such a way that the movement trajectories of the reagent dispensing component and the reagent loading component do not intersect in space.

[0016] In one embodiment, the first crossbeam and the second crossbeam are arranged in parallel above the reagent carrier component.

[0017] In one embodiment, the reagent carrier component has a disc-shaped structure, and the first crossbeam and the second crossbeam are disposed above the reagent carrier component along different radial directions.

[0018] In one embodiment, the first crossbeam and the second crossbeam are positioned at different heights above the reagent-carrying component.

[0019] In one embodiment, the first crossbeam is above the second crossbeam.

[0020] In one embodiment, the reagent dispensing component includes a reagent needle, a guide assembly, and a drive assembly; the guide assembly is arranged along the length direction of the first crossbeam, the reagent needle is movably disposed on the guide assembly, and the drive assembly is used to drive the reagent needle to move along the guide assembly and to move in the vertical direction.

[0021] In one embodiment, a reagent dispensing component is provided on a first crossbeam, and one reagent dispensing component corresponds to one processing unit.

[0022] In one embodiment, the reaction component is rectangular and has multiple reaction cup placement positions; the measuring component is rectangular and has multiple reaction cup placement positions.

[0023] In one embodiment, the reagent loading component includes a reagent container gripping part, a guide, and a driving assembly; the guide is arranged along the length direction of the second crossbeam, the reagent container gripping part is movably disposed on the guide, and the driving assembly is used to drive the reagent container gripping part to move along the guide and move in the vertical direction, and the reagent container gripping part is used to grip and release the reagent container.

[0024] In one embodiment, the sample analysis device further includes a reagent loading and unloading mechanism for carrying a reagent container to be loaded; the reagent loading component is used to transport the reagent container to be loaded from the reagent loading and unloading mechanism to the reagent carrying component.

[0025] In one embodiment, the reagent loading and unloading mechanism is further configured to carry unloaded reagent containers, and the reagent loading component is further configured to transport reagent containers to be unloaded from the reagent carrying component to the reagent loading and unloading mechanism; and / or,

[0026] The reagent loading and unloading mechanism is also used to receive reagent containers to be discarded; the reagent loading component is also used to transport the reagent containers to be discarded from the reagent carrying component to the reagent loading and unloading mechanism.

[0027] In one embodiment, the reagent loading and unloading mechanism includes a base, a driving unit, and a storage unit for carrying or receiving reagent containers; the storage unit and the driving unit are disposed on the base, and the driving unit is used to drive the storage unit to rotate relative to the base; the storage unit has a disc-shaped structure, and the disc-shaped surface of the storage unit is provided with a plurality of container positions, the container positions including storage positions and disposal positions, the storage positions are used to store reagent containers to be loaded or unloaded, and the disposal positions are used to receive reagent containers to be discarded.

[0028] According to the sample analysis device of the above embodiment, a first crossbeam and a second crossbeam are provided on the reagent carrying component, thereby limiting the movement trajectory of the reagent dispensing component and the reagent loading component. This layout design is beneficial to the miniaturization of the sample analysis device. Attached Figure Description

[0029] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a sample analysis device according to one embodiment;

[0030] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the sample analysis device according to another embodiment;

[0031] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the sample analysis device according to another embodiment;

[0032] Figure 4(a) is a schematic diagram of the structure of a reagent carrier component according to one embodiment; Figure 4(b) is another schematic diagram of the structure of a reagent carrier component according to another embodiment;

[0033] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the reagent carrier component according to another embodiment;

[0034] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the sample analysis device according to another embodiment;

[0035] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of the structure of a sample analysis device according to another embodiment;

[0036] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a reagent carrier and two reagent dispensing components according to one embodiment;

[0037] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a reagent dispensing component according to one embodiment;

[0038] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a reagent loading component according to one embodiment;

[0039] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a reagent loading and unloading mechanism according to one embodiment;

[0040] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the reagent loading and unloading mechanism according to another embodiment;

[0041] Figure 13 This is a perspective view of a reagent carrier, reagent loading component, and reagent loading / unloading mechanism according to one embodiment, after removing part of their outer casing.

[0042] Figure 14 This is a top view of the reagent carrier, reagent loading component, and reagent loading / unloading mechanism according to one embodiment after removing part of their outer casing;

[0043] Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a reagent carrier component, a reagent loading component, a reagent loading and unloading mechanism, and an information reader according to one embodiment.

[0044] Figure 16 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a sample analysis device according to another embodiment;

[0045] Figure 17 This is a schematic diagram of the sample analysis device according to another embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0046] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. Similar elements in different embodiments are referred to by associated similar element reference numerals. In the following embodiments, many details are described to facilitate a better understanding of the present application. However, those skilled in the art will readily recognize that some features may be omitted in different situations, or may be replaced by other elements, materials, or methods. In some cases, certain operations related to the present application are not shown or described in the specification. This is to avoid obscuring the core parts of the present application with excessive description. For those skilled in the art, detailed description of these related operations is not necessary; they can fully understand the related operations based on the description in the specification and general technical knowledge in the art.

[0047] Furthermore, the features, operations, or characteristics described in the specification can be combined in any suitable manner to form various embodiments. At the same time, the steps or actions in the method description can be rearranged or adjusted in a manner obvious to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the various orders in the specification and drawings are only for the clear description of a particular embodiment and do not imply a necessary order, unless otherwise stated that a particular order must be followed.

[0048] The serial numbers assigned to components in this document, such as "first" and "second," are used only to distinguish the described objects and have no sequential or technical meaning. Unless otherwise specified, the terms "connection" and "linkage" used in this application include both direct and indirect connections (linkages).

[0049] Some embodiments of the present invention provide a sample analysis device that can be used for coagulation tests, etc. Please refer to... Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of some embodiments of the sample analysis device of the present invention. Some embodiments of the sample analysis device of the present invention may include a housing 1, a reaction vessel loading component 10, a sample injection component 20, a sample dispensing component 30, a reagent carrying component 40, one or more reagent dispensing components 60, a reagent loading component 70, one or more processing units 80, and a scheduling component 2. In some examples, the sample analysis device may also include a reagent loading and unloading mechanism 90 that cooperates with the reagent loading component 70.

[0050] It should be noted that, Figure 1 The illustration shows an example with two reagent dispensing units 60 and two processing units 80, but those skilled in the art will understand that this is merely an example and not intended to limit the number of reagent dispensing units 60 and processing units 80 to two. The components of the sample analysis device are described in detail below.

[0051] The housing 1 is the instrument housing of the sample analysis device. For example, it may have a box shape that is basically rectangular or cubic, and its function may be to house some components of the sample analysis device. For example, in some embodiments, the housing 1 includes a first side 1a along a first direction and a second side 1b along a second direction.

[0052] In some embodiments, the first and second directions mentioned herein can be perpendicular, for example, the first direction is the Y direction in the figure and the second direction is the X direction in the figure.

[0053] The reaction vessel loading component 10 is used to supply and transport empty reaction vessels. During operation, the sample analysis device continuously uses empty reaction vessels to complete various tests. The device prepares, incubates, and measures samples by adding samples and reagents to the empty reaction vessels, thereby obtaining the test results. The reaction vessel loading component 10 can load the empty reaction vessels to a predetermined position, and the sample dispensing component 30 draws samples from the sample injection component 20 and dispenses them into the empty reaction vessels at the predetermined positions.

[0054] The sample introduction component 20 is used to schedule the sample to be introduced. For example, the sample introduction component 20 is used to supply a sample holder carrying the sample to be tested, thereby scheduling the sample to be introduced to a preset position, such as the aspiration position. In some embodiments, the sample introduction component 20 may be disposed within the housing 1. The sample introduction component 20 can be implemented in various ways.

[0055] In one implementation of the sample introduction component 20, the sample introduction component 20 can be a sample introduction component 21, which is used to schedule the sample rack carrying the sample to the sample aspiration position. Figure 2 For example, the sample introduction component 21 may include a loading area 21a, a sample introduction channel 21b, and an unloading area 21c, wherein a sample suction position may be provided on the sample introduction channel 21b. In the figure, the X and Y directions are perpendicular, the X1 and X2 directions are opposite, and the Y1 and Y2 directions are also opposite. The user can place the sample holder carrying the sample to be tested into the loading area 21a. The loading area 21a moves the sample holder in the Y1 direction in the figure to enter the sample introduction channel 21b. The sample holder can move along the X1 direction in the sample introduction channel 21b and pass through the sample suction position. When the sample holder passes through the sample suction position, the sample dispensing component 30 can pick up the sample. The sample holder then enters the unloading area 21c along the Y2 direction from the sample introduction channel 21b. The user can remove the sample holder from the unloading area 21c. The injection component 21 is more suitable for large-scale sample testing. The injection component 21 can be set up independently of the sample analysis device. When the sample analysis device needs to be connected to a pipeline testing system, the injection component 21 can be removed directly.

[0056] In another implementation of the sample injection component 20, the sample injection component 20 can be a sample placement area 22, which is used to place a sample holder carrying the sample to be tested. Figure 3 Here's an example. The sample placement area 22 can have multiple channels 22a, each channel 22a can hold one sample holder. The user can push the sample holder into the channel 22a along the Y1 direction in the figure; the sample dispensing component 30 can sequentially pick up the samples from the sample holders in each channel 22a; after all the samples on the sample holders have been picked up, the user can pull the sample holders out of the channel 22a along the Y2 direction in the figure. The sample placement area 22 does not require the arrangement of sample holders, so it occupies a small volume, which is beneficial for reducing the size of the sample analysis device and is very advantageous for the miniaturization design of the sample analysis device.

[0057] The sample dispensing component 30 is used to aspirate the sample to be injected and dispense it into the reaction cup. For example, the sample dispensing component 20 aspirates the sample from the aspiration position and dispenses it into the reaction cup located at the sample dispensing position. In some embodiments, the sample dispensing component 30 may be disposed within the housing 1. In some embodiments, the sample dispensing mechanism 30 may include a sample needle, which is driven by a two-dimensional or three-dimensional drive mechanism to move in a two-dimensional or three-dimensional direction. In some embodiments, there may be one or more sample needles. To simplify the movement trajectory and reduce the volume and size of the sample analysis device, the aspiration position and the predetermined position to which the empty reaction cup is loaded by the reaction cup loading component 10 can be designed to be on a straight line, for example, on a straight line along a first direction. In this way, the sample needle only needs to reciprocate between the aspiration position and the predetermined position in the first direction, which not only increases the movement speed of the sample needle, but also helps to reduce the size of the sample analysis device, which is very beneficial for the miniaturization design of the sample analysis device.

[0058] The reagent carrier 40 is used to carry reagent containers, which are then drawn into the container. Generally, the reagent carrier 40 provides cooling or similar functions for the carried reagent, for example, maintaining the temperature between 2 and 16 degrees Celsius to ensure the reagent's activity. Specifically, the reagent carrier 40 is used to maintain its internal temperature within the range required by the reagent's instruction manual. To ensure cooling, the reagent carrier 40 can be a closed structure; for example, it can be equipped with a reagent cap for insulation. In some embodiments, the reagent carrier 40 can be housed within the housing 1. In some embodiments, the reagent carrier 40 has multiple positions for carrying reagent containers, and it is rotatable, causing the carried reagent containers to rotate. In specific examples, the reagent carrier 40 has a disc-shaped structure, such as a reagent tray, which may include at least one rotatable reagent track 41. The reagent track includes multiple placement positions 43 for carrying reagent containers, and the reagent track 41 rotates to move the reagent containers on its placement positions 43—Figures 4(a) and 4(b) are two such examples. In some embodiments, the reagent carrier 40 includes multiple reagent tracks 41, each capable of independent rotation. Figure 4(a) shows an example of the reagent carrier 40 having one reagent track 41, and Figure 4(b) shows an example of the reagent carrier 40 having two independently rotatable reagent tracks 41. The reagent tracks 41 can rotate and drive the reagent container they carry to move, thereby rotating the reagent container to the reagent aspiration position for the reagent dispensing component 60 to aspirate the reagent. The reagent carrier 40 will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0059] Referring to Figure 4(a), in some specific embodiments, the reagent carrying component 40 includes a reagent track 41 with a placement position 43 for placing reagent cups 44. Each reagent cup 44 includes one or more cavities for holding reagents required for the test, with one reagent placed in one cavity. The reagent carrying component 40 includes a corresponding driving component for driving the reagent track 41 to rotate, thereby rotating the cavity of the reagent cup 44 containing the reagents required for the test to the corresponding reagent aspiration position. In one example, each reagent cup 44 includes at least a first cavity 44a for carrying a first reagent and a second cavity 44b for carrying a second reagent. For example, each reagent cup 44 includes at least a first cavity 44a for carrying a mixed reagent R1 and a second cavity 44b for carrying a trigger reagent R2. The reagent carrying component 40 includes a first reagent suction position and a second reagent suction position different from the first reagent suction position. The reagent track 41 is driven to rotate, thereby causing the reagent cup 44 to rotate, so that the first cavity 44a of the reagent cup 44 is rotated to the first reagent suction position. The reagent track 41 is driven to rotate, thereby causing the reagent cup 44 to rotate, so that the second cavity 44b is rotated to the second reagent suction position.

[0060] Referring to Figure 4(b), in some specific embodiments, the reagent carrier 40 includes two independently rotatable reagent tracks 41—for example, an inner reagent track 41 and an outer reagent track 41 as shown in the figure. The outer reagent track 41 has a placement position 43 that can be used to carry a first reagent container; the outer reagent track 41 also has a placement position 43 that can be used to carry a second reagent container. The reagent carrier 40 includes a corresponding drive assembly for driving the outer reagent track 41 to rotate, which in turn drives the outer reagent track 41 to rotate and thus rotates the first reagent container to a first reagent suction position. The reagent carrier 40 also includes a corresponding drive assembly for driving the inner reagent track 41 to rotate, which in turn drives the inner reagent track 41 to rotate and thus rotates the second reagent container to a second reagent suction position.

[0061] The above describes the structures of two reagent-carrying components 40. For example, Figure 4(a) shows an example of placing the reagent cup 44, and Figure 4(b) shows an example of implementing the reagent-carrying component 40 using multiple independently rotatable tracks. Those skilled in the art will understand that these two methods can also be combined to implement the reagent-carrying component 40 using multiple independently rotatable tracks, and at least one track or the placement position 43 on each track can be used to place the reagent cup 44. Figure 5In one example, both the inner reagent track 41 and the outer reagent track 41's placement positions 43 can be used to place reagent cups 44. By placing all types of reagents required for a test in the same reagent cup 44, reagent management is facilitated. Of course, in other embodiments, the inner reagent track 41 can hold the needle washing solution and diluent, while the outer reagent track 41 holds the main test reagents, such as the aforementioned mixed reagents and trigger reagents.

[0062] The above is a description of the reagent carrier component 40. During its working cycle, the reagent carrier component 40 can rotate to move and dispatch the corresponding reagents required for the test to the corresponding aspiration positions of the reagent dispensing component 60. For example, the first reagent can be dispatched to the first aspiration position, and the second reagent can be dispatched to the second aspiration position.

[0063] The reagent carrying component 40 of the present invention is provided with a first crossbeam 51 and a second crossbeam 52 above it. A reagent dispensing component 60 movable along the first crossbeam 51 is provided on the first crossbeam 51; a reagent loading component 70 movable along the second crossbeam 52 is provided on the second crossbeam 52. The reagent dispensing component 60 is used to draw reagents and discharge them into a reaction vessel, and the reagent loading component 70 is used to transport the reagent container to be loaded to the reagent carrying component. Therefore, by moving the reagent dispensing component 60 along the first crossbeam 51, reagents can be continuously drawn from the reagent carrying component 40 and discharged into the reaction vessel to prepare a sample. During this process, the reagents on the reagent carrying component 40 are continuously consumed, so the reagents on the reagent carrying component 40 need to be replenished. The reagent loading component 70 is used to transport the reagent container to be loaded to the reagent carrying component 40, thereby achieving automatic reagent loading and replenishment for the reagent carrying component 40. The reagent carrying component 40 is provided with a first crossbeam 51 and a second crossbeam 52, which limits the movement trajectory of the reagent dispensing component 60 and the reagent loading component 70. This layout design is conducive to the miniaturization of the sample analysis device.

[0064] To improve testing speed and ensure that reagent dispensing and loading can operate independently without interference, in some embodiments, the first crossbeam 51 and the second crossbeam 52 are positioned above the reagent carrying component 40 such that the movement trajectories of the reagent dispensing component 60 and the reagent loading component 70 do not intersect spatially. For example, please refer to... Figure 6The first crossbeam 51 and the second crossbeam 52 are arranged parallel above the reagent carrying component 40. Since the reagent dispensing component 60 moves along the first crossbeam 51 and the reagent loading component 70 moves along the second crossbeam 52, when the first crossbeam 51 and the second crossbeam 52 are arranged parallel above the reagent carrying component 40, the movement trajectories of the reagent dispensing component 60 and the reagent loading component 70 do not intersect in space. For example, the first crossbeam 51 and the second crossbeam 52 can be arranged above the reagent carrying component 40 along different radial directions— Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 This is one such example. For example, the first crossbeam 51 and the second crossbeam 52 are positioned at different heights above the reagent carrying component 40. Understandably, technicians can reasonably configure these different heights so that the movement trajectories of the reagent dispensing component 60 and the reagent loading component 70 do not intersect in space. Specifically, for example, the first crossbeam 51 is above the second crossbeam 52, that is, the height of the first crossbeam 51 is higher than the position where the second crossbeam 52 is positioned.

[0065] The above describes the position settings of the reagent dispensing component 60 and the reagent loading component 70. The following is a description of the specific structure of these two components.

[0066] The reagent dispensing unit 60 is used to aspirate reagents and dispense them into a reaction vessel. In some examples, the reaction vessel is then dispatched by the dispatching unit 2 to the processing unit 80 for processing, such as incubation or detection. The processing unit 80 will be described before the reagent dispensing unit 60.

[0067] The processing unit 80 is used to receive reaction cups containing samples prepared from samples and reagents, which are dispatched by the dispatching unit 2, and to process the samples in the reaction cups. Here, the sample refers to a reaction solution composed of samples and reagents. There may be one or more processing units 80.

[0068] Please refer to Figure 7 In some embodiments, at least one of the processing units 80 is a reaction component 81 for incubating samples or specimens. The reaction component 81 is used to hold reaction cups and incubate the samples in the reaction cups. In some embodiments, the reaction component 81 is rectangular and has multiple reaction cup placement positions. Generally, the reaction component 81 can heat the reaction liquid or specimen in the reaction cup at each reaction cup placement position to incubate the specimen, for example, heating the specimen in the reaction cup and maintaining it at 37±0.5°C. The specific heating time and temperature can be determined by the heating parameters corresponding to different test items. In some embodiments, the length direction of the reaction component 81 is arranged along a first direction, for example, along the Y direction in the figure.

[0069] In some embodiments, at least one of the processing units 80 is a measuring component 82 for measuring the sample. The measuring component 82 is used to carry the reaction cup and detect the sample in the reaction cup. In some embodiments, the measuring component 82 is rectangular and has multiple reaction cup placement positions. Generally, the measuring component 82 can be configured with a detection part (not shown in the figure) for each reaction cup placement position, and each detection part is used to detect the sample in the reaction cup at the corresponding reaction cup placement position. In some embodiments, the length direction of the measuring component 82 is arranged along a second direction different from the first direction, for example, along the X direction in the figure.

[0070] In some embodiments, the reaction component 81 and the measuring component 82 are arranged adjacently around the reagent carrier component 40. In some specific embodiments, the reaction component 81 and the measuring component 82 are arranged along a first side 1a and a second side 1b, respectively, and are arranged adjacently around the reagent carrier component 40.

[0071] The rectangular reaction component 81 and the measuring component 82 are arranged along the first side 1a and the second side 1b respectively, and surround the reagent carrier component 40 in an adjacent manner. This can save space and reduce the size of the sample analysis device. It also facilitates the interaction between the reagent carrier component 40 and the reaction component 81 and the measuring component 82 through the reagent dispensing component 60.

[0072] In some embodiments, the sample introduction component 20, such as the sample introduction component 21, the reaction vessel loading component 10, the reaction component 81, and the determination component 82 are arranged around the reagent carrier component 40. This application centers on the reagent carrier component 40 and designs the entire detection process trajectory of the reaction vessel around it, resulting in a novel and space-saving design.

[0073] Each processing unit 80 can be configured with a corresponding reagent transfer station. For example, the reaction component 81 is configured with at least one incubation transfer station 81a for placing a reaction cup. The number of incubation transfer stations 81a can be one or more. When the position for placing a reaction cup at the incubation transfer station 81a is set to one, the incubation transfer station 81a can be configured to be position-adjustable so that the reaction cup placed on the incubation transfer station 81a can be positionally aligned with each reagent needle in its corresponding reagent dispensing component 60 to receive the reagent dispensed by each reagent needle. In some embodiments, the incubation transfer station 81a is located between the reagent carrying component 40 and the reaction component 81. The measuring component 82 is configured with at least one measuring transfer station 82a for placing a reaction cup. The number of measuring transfer stations 82a can be one or more. In some embodiments, the measuring transfer station 82a is located between the reagent carrying component 40 and the measuring component 82. When the position of the reaction cup placed in the measuring transducer 82a is set to one, the measuring transducer 82a can be set to an adjustable position so that the reaction cup placed on the measuring transducer 82a can be positioned to correspond to each reagent needle in the reagent dispensing component 60, so as to receive the reagent dispensed by each reagent needle.

[0074] Figure 7 The diagram shows that there is one incubation transposition 81a, and each incubation transposition 81a has two positions for placing reaction cups, such as the first position and the second position for placing reaction cups; there is one measurement transposition 82a, and each measurement transposition 82a has two positions for placing reaction cups, such as the third position and the fourth position for placing reaction cups.

[0075] The reagent dispensing component 60 is used to draw reagents and discharge them into the reaction vessel. For example, the reagent dispensing component 60 is used to draw reagents from the reagent aspiration position and discharge them into the reaction vessel at the reagent addition position. Specifically, the reagent dispensing component 60 can draw a first reagent from the first reagent aspiration position mentioned herein and discharge it into the reaction vessel; the reagent dispensing component 60 can draw a second reagent from the second reagent position mentioned herein and discharge it into the reaction vessel.

[0076] The reagent dispensing component 60 can be implemented by a reagent needle. Therefore, in some embodiments, the reagent dispensing component 60 includes a reagent needle for drawing reagents from the reagent carrying component 40 and dispensing them into a reaction vessel.

[0077] In terms of the number of reagent needles, in some embodiments, the reagent dispensing component 60 may have multiple reagent needles, each arranged in a manner that allows it to move independently of the others. Specifically, the reagent needles can be configured such that each processing unit 80 is equipped with a set of reagent needles; the reagent needles are used to draw reagents from the reagent carrying component 40 and dispense them into the reaction cup of the corresponding processing unit 80, and each set of reagent needles includes at least two reagent needles. For example, a set of reagent needles can be configured for the reaction component 81, and a set of reagent needles can be configured for the measuring component 82. In some specific embodiments, a first set of reagent needles can be configured for the reaction component 81. The first set of reagent needles is arranged to move linearly between the reagent aspiration position and the incubation transposition position 81a. The first set of reagent needles is used to draw reagent from the reagent aspiration position and discharge it into the reaction cup located at the incubation transposition position 81a. The first set of reagent needles includes at least one reagent needle. Similarly, a second set of reagent needles can be configured for the measuring component 82. The second set of reagent needles is arranged to move linearly between the reagent aspiration position and the measuring transposition position 82a. The second set of reagent needles is used to draw reagent from the reagent aspiration position and discharge it into the reaction cup located at the measuring transposition position 82a. The second set of reagent needles includes at least one reagent needle.

[0078] In terms of the number of reagent dispensing components 60, in some embodiments, the number of reagent dispensing components 60 is equal to the number of processing units 80, and one reagent dispensing component 60 corresponds to one processing unit 80. (As stated above) Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 6 and Figure 7 These are all examples of this. Specifically, there could be two reagent dispensing units 60, with one reagent dispensing unit 60 corresponding to the reaction unit 81 and the other reagent dispensing unit 60 corresponding to the measurement unit 82. By configuring one reagent dispensing unit 60 for each processing unit 80, the reagent addition process for the detection item is broken down. That is, each reagent dispensing unit 60 only needs to add the corresponding reagent to the reaction cup of the corresponding processing unit 80. This allows the addition of the corresponding reagents for the detection item to be completed by division of labor, which helps to improve efficiency.

[0079] The following is combined Figure 8 and Figure 9 The specific structure of the reagent dispensing component 60 is explained.

[0080] Please refer to Figure 8 The reagent dispensing component 60 includes a reagent needle 61, a guide assembly 62, and a drive assembly 63. The guide assembly 62 is arranged along the length direction of the first crossbeam 51. The reagent needle 61 is movably disposed on the guide assembly 62. The drive assembly 63 is used to drive the reagent needle 61 to move along the guide assembly 62 and to move vertically. As described above, there can be multiple reagent needles 61.

[0081] Figure 8 The reagent dispensing component 60 on the left side of the middle has a reagent needle 61 that draws reagent from the reagent aspiration position and discharges it into the reaction cup located at the incubation transposition 81a; Figure 8 The reagent dispensing component 60, located on the right side, has reagent needles 61 that draw reagent from the aspiration position and dispense it into the reaction cup located at the determination intermediate position 82a. In some embodiments, the number of drive components 63 in each reagent dispensing component 60 is equal to the number of reagent needles 61. The independent drive force outputs of multiple drive components 63 act on multiple reagent needles 61, independently driving the multiple reagent needles 61 to move linearly along the guide component 62 between the aspiration position and the reagent dispensing intermediate position. For example... Figure 8 The example shown is an example where each reagent dispensing component 60 includes two reagent needles 61, each of which is independently driven by its own drive assembly 63.

[0082] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the side of the reagent dispensing component 60. In some embodiments, the guide assembly 62 of each reagent dispensing component 60 includes multiple parallel guide members 62a arranged along the length direction of the first crossbeam 51 where the reagent dispensing component 60 is located; the number of guide members 62a is equal to the number of reagent needles 61 of the reagent dispensing component 60, and the multiple reagent needles 61 are slidably connected to the multiple guide members 62a respectively, so that the reagent needles 61 move linearly along the guide members 62a between the reagent aspiration position and the reagent dispensing position. In some embodiments, each reagent dispensing component 60 has two reagent needles 61; each reagent dispensing component 60 has two guide members 62a, and both guide members 62a are linear guides; these two linear guides are respectively arranged on both sides of the first crossbeam 51 along the long axis direction of the first crossbeam 51. Figure 9 The diagram shown is a schematic of one side of the first crossbeam 51, and the structure on the other side exposes a reagent needle 61; the two reagent needles 61 are respectively set on the linear guide rails on both sides of the first crossbeam 51 and are slidably connected to the linear guide rails; the reagent needle 61 moves linearly between the reagent aspiration position and the reagent addition position along the linear guide rails it is located on.

[0083] The reagent dispensing component 60, which uses a beam structure to achieve multi-needle linear motion, ensures that the movement trajectory of the reagent needles 61 does not occupy too much space and minimizes interference with the layout of other components. This allows for a more compact structure of the sample analysis device, which is highly beneficial for the miniaturization design of the sample analysis device.

[0084] In some embodiments, the reagent needles 61 of different reagent dispensing components 60 do not intersect each other along their linear motion trajectories. This prevents the movement of the reagent needles 61 of different reagent dispensing components 60 from interfering with each other, which is beneficial for improving the testing speed.

[0085] In some embodiments, at least one processing unit 80 includes reaction cup placement positions that are the same number of reagent needles 61 as the reagent dispensing component 60 corresponding to that processing unit 80. For example, as described above... Figure 7 In the example, the reagent addition transposition site of the reaction component 81 is the incubation transposition site 81a in the figure, which can hold two reaction cups; the reagent dispensing component 60 corresponding to the reaction component 81 has two reagent needles 61. Figure 7 In this embodiment, the reagent transfer position of the measuring component 82 is the measuring transfer position 82a shown in the figure, which can accommodate two reaction cups; the reagent dispensing component 60 corresponding to the measuring component 82 has two reagent needles 61. In some embodiments, the number of reagent aspiration positions is the same as the number of reagent needles. For example... Figure 7 The test has two reagent dispensing units 60, each with two reagent needles 61, resulting in four reagent aspiration positions. The number of reagent needles is the same as the number of reagent application positions, allowing each needle to clearly define its function and add reagent to the reaction vessel at its respective application position, thus improving testing speed.

[0086] In some embodiments, the reagent needles 61 in the same reagent dispensing component 60 are used to aspirate the same type of reagent. For example, the reagent needles 61 of the reagent dispensing component 60 corresponding to the reaction component 81 are all used to aspirate the first reagent, and the reagent needles 61 of the reagent dispensing component 60 corresponding to the measuring component 82 are all used to aspirate the second reagent. Different reagent dispensing components 60 are used to aspirate different reagents, which makes the division of labor among the reagent dispensing components 60 clear and helps to improve the testing speed.

[0087] In some embodiments, each reagent needle 61 of the reagent dispensing unit 60 is equipped with a heating element (not shown in the figure) for heating the reagent drawn up by the reagent needle. Since each reagent dispensing unit 60 includes multiple reagent needles 61, let's take two reagent needles as an example. Each reagent needle 61 is also equipped with a heating element. Because there are two reagent needles 61, while maintaining the original speed, each reagent needle 61 has sufficient time—for example, twice the time—to heat the drawn-up reagent. This ensures that when the reagent reaches the corresponding processing unit 80, the temperature of the reagent is already close to the predetermined temperature, meaning the reagent has been sufficiently preheated.

[0088] The above is a description of the reagent dispensing component 60. The reagent dispensing component 60 is mounted in the sample analysis device via a beam-type structure. This allows the reagent needle 61 to continuously reciprocate linearly between the reagent aspiration position of the reagent carrying component 40 and the corresponding reagent dispensing position of the processing unit 80, completing the aspiration and dispensing of the corresponding reagent. The movements of the different reagent dispensing components 60 are independent and do not interfere with each other, thus significantly contributing to the miniaturization of the instrument and the improvement of testing speed.

[0089] The reagent loading component 70 is used to transport the reagent container to be loaded to the reagent carrying component 40, for example, from the reagent loading and unloading mechanism 90 to the reagent carrying component 40.

[0090] Please refer to Figure 10 In some embodiments, the reagent loading component 70 includes a reagent container gripping part 71, a guide 72, and a driving assembly 73. The guide 72 is arranged along the length direction of the second crossbeam 52, the reagent container gripping part 71 is movably disposed on the guide 72, and the driving assembly 73 is used to drive the reagent container gripping part 71 to move along the guide 72 and in the vertical direction. The reagent container gripping part 71 is used to grip and release the reagent container. In some examples, the guide 72 can be a linear guide rail.

[0091] The reagent loading / unloading mechanism 90 is used to carry reagent containers to be loaded, and / or to carry unloaded reagent containers, and / or to receive reagent containers to be discarded for disposal. Accordingly, when the reagent loading / unloading mechanism 90 is used to carry reagent containers to be loaded, the reagent loading component 70 can transport the reagent containers to be loaded from the reagent loading / unloading mechanism 90 to the reagent carrying component 40. When the reagent loading / unloading mechanism 90 is used to carry unloaded reagent containers, the reagent loading component 70 is also used to transport reagent containers to be unloaded from the reagent carrying component 40 to the reagent loading / unloading mechanism 90. When the reagent loading / unloading mechanism 90 is used to receive reagent containers to be discarded, the reagent loading component 70 is used to transport the reagent containers to be discarded from the reagent carrying component 40 to the reagent loading / unloading mechanism 90. Therefore, in some examples, the reagent loading / unloading mechanism 90 can interact with the reagent carrying component 40, for example, to perform real-time reagent loading, real-time reagent unloading, real-time reagent discarding, etc. It should be noted that the reagent containers here refer to the reagent cup 44, the first reagent container, the second reagent container, and other reagent-carrying containers mentioned herein. The reagent loading and unloading mechanism 90 has multiple implementation methods, which are explained in detail below.

[0092] Please refer to Figure 11In some embodiments, the reagent loading and unloading mechanism 90 includes a base 91 and a storage section 92. The storage section 92 is used to store or receive reagent containers. In some embodiments, the storage section 92 may be movably disposed on the base 91. For example, the reagent loading and unloading mechanism 90 may also include a drive section 93 for driving the storage section 92 to move relative to the base 91, such as by rotating it.

[0093] In some embodiments, the storage unit 92 has a disk-shaped structure. The disk-shaped surface of the storage unit 92 is provided with multiple container positions, including storage positions 94 and disposal positions 95. Storage positions 94 are used to store reagent containers to be loaded or unloaded, and disposal positions 95 are used to receive reagent containers to be discarded. The number of storage positions 94 is one or more, preferably multiple; similarly, the number of disposal positions 95 is one or more, preferably one—for example... Figure 11 In one example, there are ten storage positions 94 and one discard position 95. In some embodiments, the container positions of the storage unit 92 are arranged in a ring around the disk-shaped center of the storage unit 92. In an example where the storage unit 92 can move (e.g., rotate) relative to the base 91, when the storage unit 92 rotates, the container positions on the storage unit also rotate.

[0094] Users can place reagent containers to be loaded into storage slot 94 of storage unit 92, and can also retrieve unloaded reagent containers from storage slot 94. Disposable reagent containers—such as empty reagent containers that have run out of reagent—are transported from reagent carrying component 40 to disposal slot 95 of storage unit 92 for reagent container disposal. For some specific embodiments, please refer to… Figure 12 The disposal position 95 can be connected to the waste bin 97 via a channel 96. Reagent containers received at the disposal position 95 are disposed of into the waste bin 97 via the channel 96. The waste bin 97 can hold reagent containers such as expired reagents or empty reagent containers. In some embodiments, the channel 96 can move along with the disposal position 95 when the storage unit 92 moves. In embodiments where the channel 96 can move along with the disposal position 95, this facilitates the placement and functional reuse of the waste bin 97 in the sample analysis device; for example, the waste bin 97 can be used to hold discarded reagent containers or used reaction cups.

[0095] Figure 13 This is a perspective view of the reagent carrier 40, reagent loading component 70, and reagent loading / unloading mechanism 90 after removing part of their outer casing. Figure 14 This is a top view of the reagent carrier 40, reagent loading component 70, and reagent loading / unloading mechanism 90 after removing part of their outer casing.

[0096] The sample analysis device of the present invention can load, unload, and discard reagents without interrupting the testing process. For example, when a user places a reagent container to be loaded into storage position 94 on storage unit 92, reagent loading component 70 then transports the reagent container to be loaded from storage position 94 on storage unit 92 to reagent carrying component 40 at an appropriate time, realizing real-time reagent loading without interrupting the testing process. Similarly, when reagent loading component 70 transports a reagent container to be unloaded from reagent carrying component 40 to storage position 94 on storage unit 92 at an appropriate time for user retrieval, this will not affect or interrupt the normal testing process of reagent carrying component 40. Likewise, when reagent loading component 70 transports a reagent container to be discarded from reagent carrying component 40 to discard position 95 on storage unit 92 at an appropriate time, this will not affect or interrupt the normal testing process of reagent carrying component 40.

[0097] As described above, the reagent carrier 40 needs to receive reagents to replenish those consumed during the test, and to unload reagents or discard empty reagent containers. Therefore, in some embodiments, the reagent carrier 40 also includes a reagent container inlet / outlet 45 and an electrically operated door 46 that is closable at the inlet / outlet 45. When the electrically operated door 46 is open, it allows the reagent loading component 70 to transport reagent containers from the reagent loading / unloading mechanism 90 to the reagent carrier 40 via the reagent container inlet / outlet 45, or vice versa. At other times, the electrically operated door 46 can remain closed, thereby ensuring minimal heat loss from the reagent carrier 40 and maintaining its cooling effect. That is, the electrically operated door 46 is open when taking or placing reagent containers from or from the reagent carrier 40, and closed at other times.

[0098] Please refer to Figure 15 In some embodiments, the sample analysis device further includes an information reader 98. The reagent container may be labeled, and the information reader 98 reads the label information by sensing the label on the reagent container. The label on the reagent container stores reagent information for the corresponding reagent. This reagent information, or label information, includes at least the reagent type and remaining quantity, and may also include information such as the reagent container type, production date, shelf life, batch number, serial number, opening date, and several calibration curves. Therefore, in some embodiments, the information reader 98 is used to read the reagent information of the reagent container by sensing the label information on the reagent container in the reagent loading and unloading mechanism 90. In some embodiments, the information reader 98 is also used to write information to the label on the reagent container. The information reader 98 can be an RFID reader, and the label on the reagent container can be an RFID tag. The information reader 98 assists in completing the reagent information management function.

[0099] Some embodiments enable reagent loading without interrupting testing. The user directly places the reagent container to be loaded onto the hollow storage slot 94 in the reagent loading / unloading mechanism 90. The drive unit 93 of the reagent loading / unloading mechanism 90 drives the disk-type storage unit 92 to rotate, moving the reagent container to the position of the information reader 98. The information reader 98 reads reagent information from the label of the reagent container, which may include information such as reagent type, reagent remaining quantity (also referred to as reagent volume), reagent container type, production date, shelf life, batch number, serial number, opening date, and several calibration curves. After completing the reagent information reading, writing, and verification, the reagent loading / unloading mechanism 90 rotates the compliant reagent container to below the reagent container gripping unit 71 of the reagent loading component 70. The reagent container gripping unit 71 grips the reagent container downwards and transports it to the reagent carrying component 40, for example, above the reagent container inlet / outlet 45. The electric door 46 opens, and the reagent container gripping unit 71 then places the reagent container into the reagent carrying component 40 through the reagent container inlet / outlet 45, completing the reagent loading. In the example where the reagent carrying component 40 includes two rings of reagent tracks 41, the reagent container can be placed on either the inner or outer reagent track 41 depending on the reagent type. It should be noted that when the reagent container gripping unit 71 transports the reagent container to the reagent carrying component 40, for example, above the reagent container inlet / outlet 45, a request to load the reagent can be submitted to the testing process. Each working cycle of the reagent carrying component 40 has a fixed time reserved for loading the reagent—for example, 3.4 seconds are fixedly reserved for loading the reagent in an 8-second working cycle. After waiting for this fixed reagent loading time, the reagent carrying component 40 places the hollow placement position 43 in the reagent track 41 below the reagent container inlet / outlet 45, or below the reagent container gripping unit 71. The electric door 46 is open, the reagent container gripping unit 71 descends and places the reagent container down, then rises again. Afterward, the electric door 46 closes, thus completing the reagent loading.

[0100] This invention enables reagent removal from the reagent carrier 40 without interrupting the test. When the reagent is depleted or the user actively chooses to unload the reagent, the reagent container gripper 71 moves above the reagent container inlet / outlet 45. At this time, a reagent removal request can be submitted to the test process. After the aforementioned fixed reagent loading time period, the reagent carrier 40 rotates the reagent track 41 to move the reagent container to be removed (e.g., to be discarded or unloaded) below the reagent container inlet / outlet 45, or below the reagent container gripper 71. The electric door 46 is open, the reagent container gripper 71 descends, grabs the reagent container, lifts it up, and then the electric door 46 closes. The reagent container gripper 71 moves the reagent container above the reagent loading / unloading mechanism 90. If the reagent container is a reagent container to be unloaded, the drive unit 93 of the reagent loading and unloading mechanism 90 drives the disk-type storage unit 92 to rotate, rotating the empty storage position 94 below the reagent container gripping unit 71. The reagent container gripping unit 71 then places the reagent container to be unloaded onto the empty storage position 94 below it, completing the reagent unloading. If the reagent container is a reagent container to be discarded, the drive unit 93 of the reagent loading and unloading mechanism 90 drives the disk-type storage unit 92 to rotate, rotating the discard position 95 below the reagent container gripping unit 71. The reagent container gripping unit 71 then places the reagent container to be discarded onto the discard position 95 below it, and the reagent container will fall into the waste bin 97 along the channel 96.

[0101] As can be seen in some of the embodiments described above, a discard position 95 is provided in the reagent loading and unloading mechanism 90. This design eliminates the need for a separate discard position 95 in the movement direction of the reagent container gripping part 71, ensuring the small and compact size of the sample analysis device. In some of the examples above, the reagent container gripping part 71 only needs one-dimensional movement in the planar direction, rather than two-dimensional movement, to achieve all functions, reducing the size and cost of the sample analysis device.

[0102] As can be seen, some embodiments of the sample analysis device integrate reagent loading, reagent unloading, and reagent disposal functions into the reagent loading / unloading mechanism 90, ensuring a compact instrument size while reducing material costs. During reagent loading, the information reader 98 reads the label information on the reagent container, performs a validity check, and upon successful loading, writes information to the label to set the opening date and reset the number of available tests. During reagent unloading, the information reader 98 writes the actual remaining reagent amount or the number of available tests to the label of the reagent container that has been unloaded onto the reagent loading / unloading mechanism 90.

[0103] In some cases, reagent management processes can also be designed around the detection of reagent balance within the reagent carrier 40, as detailed below.

[0104] In some examples, the sample analysis device can also incorporate components with processing or control functions, such as a controller, to control the timing of the device's operations and the coordination of its internal mechanisms and components. The controller can detect the remaining reagent levels in each reagent container carried by the reagent carrier 40. Specifically, when a reagent container is loaded from the reagent loading / unloading mechanism 90 onto the reagent carrier 40, the information reader 98 reads the label information of the reagent container, thereby obtaining the remaining reagent level or capacity, for example, the capacity for 100 tests. The controller can thus know the initial remaining level when the reagent container is loaded onto the reagent carrier 40. Each time a reagent in the container is drawn for testing, its testing capacity is reduced by 1, thus allowing real-time detection of the remaining reagent levels in each container. When it detects that a reagent container in the reagent carrier 40 has insufficient reagent levels, the controller can send a prompt message to remind the user to add the required reagent container; the prompt message includes at least the reagent type information of the container with insufficient reagent levels.

[0105] In some embodiments, when it is detected that the reagent level in a reagent container in the reagent carrying component 40 is insufficient, the reagent type information of that reagent container is obtained, and reagent containers with the same reagent type information in the reagent loading and unloading mechanism 90 are identified as reagent containers to be loaded. When it is detected that the reagent level in multiple reagent containers in the reagent carrying component 40 is insufficient, the reagent type information of at least the reagent container with the lowest reagent level among these multiple reagent containers is obtained, and reagent containers in the reagent loading and unloading mechanism 90 with the same reagent type information as the reagent container with the lowest reagent level are identified as reagent containers to be loaded. When determining the reagent container to be loaded from the reagent loading and unloading mechanism 90, the controller can first query whether there is a reagent container with the same reagent type information in the reagent loading and unloading mechanism 90 based on the reagent type information of the reagent container with insufficient reagent balance. The information reader 98 can read the reagent information of each reagent container on the reagent loading and unloading mechanism 90. As mentioned above, the reagent information includes reagent type information. If a reagent container with the same reagent type information is found in the reagent loading and unloading mechanism 90, the controller determines it as the reagent container to be loaded. Otherwise, the controller sends a prompt message to prompt the user to put in the required reagent container. The prompt message includes at least the reagent type information of the reagent container with insufficient reagent balance. In some embodiments, the controller can also determine the corresponding reagent container in the reagent loading and unloading mechanism 90 as the reagent container to be loaded when it receives a loading command triggered by the user. Regardless of whether it is based on the reagent balance or the loading command triggered by the user, after determining the reagent container to be loaded from the reagent loading and unloading mechanism 90, the controller controls the reagent loading component 70 to transport the reagent container to be loaded from the reagent loading and unloading mechanism 90 to the reagent carrying component 40.To reduce the impact of reagent loading on the normal operation and testing of the reagent carrier component 40, a reagent loading time period can be set for each working cycle of the reagent carrier component 40. This reagent loading time period is used for reagent loading, and the reagent carrier component 40 is only controlled to perform the corresponding action during this reagent loading time period when the reagent loading action needs to be coordinated with the reagent carrier component 40. Specifically: the controller controls the reagent loading component 70 to remove the reagent container to be loaded from the reagent loading and unloading mechanism 90, and the controller controls the reagent loading component 70 to transport the reagent container to be loaded to a preset position above the reagent carrier component 40. These actions can be performed independently of the reagent carrier 40, and the reagent carrier 40 is unaffected during these actions. Then, during the aforementioned reagent loading time period, the controller controls the reagent loading component 70 to place the reagent container to be loaded from above a preset position into the reagent carrier 40. Specifically, during this reagent loading time period: the controller controls the empty placement position in the reagent carrier 40 to be moved to the preset position, controls the opening of the electric door 46, then controls the reagent loading component 70 to place the reagent container to be loaded from above the preset position into the empty placement position within the reagent carrier 40, and then controls the closing of the electric door 46. In some embodiments, before controlling the reagent loading component 70 to transport the reagent container to be loaded from the reagent loading / unloading mechanism 90 to the reagent carrier 40, the controller also controls the information reader 98 to write the stored reagent balance information on the label of the reagent container to be loaded to zero.

[0106] In some embodiments, when the reagent level in a reagent container in the reagent carrying component 40 is detected to be zero, it indicates that the reagent in that container is depleted or empty. The controller then identifies this container as a reagent container to be discarded. The controller then controls the reagent loading component 70 to transport the reagent container to be discarded from the reagent carrying component 40 to the reagent loading / unloading mechanism 90 for disposal. Specifically, each working cycle of the reagent carrying component 40 includes a reagent loading time period. When there is a reagent container to be discarded, the controller controls the reagent loading component 70 to remove the corresponding reagent container from the reagent carrying component 40 during the reagent loading time period. The controller then controls the reagent loading component 70 to transport the reagent container to the reagent loading / unloading mechanism 90, for example, its disposal position 95. It should be noted that the action of "the reagent loading component 70 transporting the reagent container to the reagent loading / unloading mechanism 90, for example, its disposal position 95" can occur either during the reagent loading time period or outside of the reagent loading time period; this application does not limit this.

[0107] The above describes the process of discarding empty reagent containers during testing; the process of unloading reagent containers is similar. After unloading, the reagent container still contains reagent and can be reloaded to the local machine or other machines for testing. Generally, reagent containers are unloaded from the reagent carrier 40—in which case the reagent level in the container is usually not zero, primarily for loading the container onto other machines. In other cases, reagent containers may be unloaded from the reagent carrier 40 for recycling the container itself for reuse; in this case, the reagent level in the container is usually zero. Therefore, if the purpose is to recycle the reagent container itself for reuse, then when the controller detects that the reagent level in the container to be recycled is zero, it identifies that container as the reagent container to be unloaded. More commonly, the user needs to unload reagent containers with non-zero reagent levels and load them onto other machines for testing. In this case, the controller can identify the corresponding reagent container in the reagent carrier 40 as the reagent container to be unloaded based on the unloading command triggered by the user. After identifying a reagent container to be unloaded, the controller then controls the reagent loading component 70 to transport the reagent container from the reagent carrying component 40 to the reagent loading and unloading mechanism 90 for the user to retrieve. Specifically, each working cycle of the reagent carrying component 40 includes a reagent loading time period. When there is a reagent container to be unloaded, the controller controls the reagent loading component 70 to remove the corresponding reagent container from the reagent carrying component 40 during the reagent loading time period. Then, the controller controls the reagent loading component 70 to transport the reagent container to the reagent loading and unloading mechanism 90, such as its storage position 94. It should be noted that the action of "the reagent loading component 70 transporting the reagent container to the reagent loading and unloading mechanism 90, such as its storage position 94" can occur either during the reagent loading time period or outside the reagent loading time period; this application does not limit this. After the reagent loading component 70 transports the reagent container to be unloaded from the reagent carrying component 40 to the reagent loading and unloading mechanism 90, the controller then controls the information reader 98 to write the reagent remaining information of the reagent container into its tag to update the reagent remaining information in the tag. In this way, when the reagent container is reloaded in the machine or other machines, its actual reagent remaining amount can be known through its tag.

[0108] As can be seen, whether discarding or unloading the reagent container, the reagent container is taken out from the reagent carrier component 40. In order not to affect or interrupt the normal testing process of the reagent carrier component 40, this application introduces a fixed reagent loading time period in the working time period when designing the working time period of the reagent carrier component 40. Those skilled in the art will understand that the time of each working time period is the same, and the time period of the reagent loading time period in each working time period is also the same. For example, in an 8-second work sequence cycle, 3.4 seconds are reserved as a fixed reagent loading time period. During the non-reagent loading time period in the work sequence cycle, the reagent carrying component 40 can schedule the reagents required for the current test item to the corresponding reagent aspiration position. When the reagent carrying component 40 has reagent containers to be unloaded or discarded, during the reagent loading time period: the controller controls the corresponding reagent container in the reagent carrying component 40 to be scheduled to a preset position, and controls the electric door 46 to open. The reagent loading component 70 is then controlled to remove the reagent container from the preset position of the reagent carrying component 40, and then the electric door 46 is closed. This series of actions can be designed to be completed within the reagent loading time period, so as not to affect or interrupt the normal testing process of the reagent carrying component 40.

[0109] As can be seen, the reagent carrying component 40 has a fixed reagent loading time period in its working cycle. This reagent loading time period can be used for reagent loading, reagent unloading, and reagent disposal. If there is no reagent to be loaded, unloaded, or disposed of, then no corresponding action needs to be performed during this reagent loading time period. In order to reduce interference with the reagent carrying component 40, only one of the three tasks of reagent loading, unloading, and disposal can be performed during the reagent loading time period of each working cycle. When there are at least two of the tasks of reagent loading, unloading, and disposal at the same time, reagent loading can generally be performed first, followed by reagent unloading, and then reagent disposal. Of course, if the reagent carrying component 40 does not have an empty placement position 43 for placing the reagent container to be loaded, then obviously, the reagent unloading or disposal should be performed first.

[0110] The above is an explanation of reagent loading, unloading, and disposal in the sample analysis device.

[0111] The scheduling component 2 is used to schedule reaction cups. For example, the scheduling component 2 schedules reaction cups that have completed sample addition at the sample addition position to each processing unit 80 according to the detection process. For example, the scheduling component 2 schedules reaction cups that have had reagent, such as the first reagent, added at the transposition position 81a during incubation to the reaction unit 81, and schedules reaction cups that have had reagent, such as the second reagent, added at the transposition position 82a during measurement to the measurement unit 82. The specific structure of the scheduling component 2 will be described below.

[0112] Please refer to Figure 16In some embodiments, the scheduling component 2 includes a first transfer component 271, a second transfer component 273, and a third transfer component 275. To coordinate with these three transfer components 271, 273, and 275, in some embodiments, the sample analysis device also includes a first buffer transfer position 277 and a second buffer transfer position 278. In some embodiments, the first buffer transfer position 277 can adopt a fixed buffer position design, having only one reaction cup placement position, i.e., it can only hold one reaction cup, which helps to reduce the volume and size of the sample analysis device. Similarly, the first buffer transfer position 278 can adopt a fixed buffer position design, having only one reaction cup placement position, i.e., it can only hold one reaction cup, which helps to reduce the volume and size of the sample analysis device. Of course, in some embodiments, when the first buffer transfer position 277 and the second buffer transfer position 278 adopt a fixed buffer position design, they can also be designed to have multiple reaction cup placement positions, thereby providing more reaction cup placement positions for scheduling. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the first buffer transfer position 277 can be designed as a movable or rotatable buffer position. For example, the first buffer transfer position 277 may include a reaction cup placement position that can be driven to move or rotate. Thus, during the process of the first transfer member 271 transferring the reaction cup to the first buffer transfer position 277, the first buffer transfer position 277 can also be controlled to move or rotate to a predetermined position to receive the reaction cup transferred by the first transfer member 271. Additionally, when the second transfer member 273 needs to transfer the reaction cup from the first buffer transfer position 277, the first buffer transfer position 277 can also be controlled to move or rotate to a predetermined position so that the second transfer member 73 can more quickly grasp the reaction cup from the first buffer transfer position 277. Similarly, the second buffer... The transfer station 278 may include a reaction cup placement position that can be driven to move or rotate. Thus, during the process of the second transfer component 273 transferring the reaction cup to the second buffer transfer station 278, the second buffer transfer station 278 can also be controlled to move or rotate to a predetermined position to receive the reaction cup transferred by the second transfer component 273. In addition, when the third transfer component 273 needs to transfer the reaction cup on the second buffer transfer station 278, the second buffer transfer station 278 can also be controlled to move or rotate to a predetermined position so that the third transfer component 75 can more quickly grab the reaction cup on the second buffer transfer station 278. Through this design, the entire transfer process of the reaction cup can be made faster and less time-consuming, improving the efficiency and testing speed of the sample analysis device.

[0113] There are various ways to implement the first transfer component 271, the second transfer component 273, and the third transfer component 275. For example, a guide rail type transfer component can be used, where the reaction cup is placed on a guide rail to transfer the reaction cup; another example is a turntable type transfer component, where the reaction cup is placed on a turntable structure and the turntable itself is used to transfer the reaction cup to the corresponding position; for example, the first transfer component 271, the second transfer component 273, and the third transfer component 275 can be implemented by using a two-dimensional or three-dimensional drive mechanism to drive the cup gripper. The cup gripper grasps the reaction cup, and then the two-dimensional or three-dimensional drive mechanism drives the cup gripper to move, thereby transferring the reaction cup to the corresponding position. The following will describe the method of implementing the transfer component using a cup gripper.

[0114] The following describes each transfer component and its function.

[0115] The first transfer component 271 is used to transport the sample-added reaction cup to the first buffer transfer position 277. In some embodiments, the first transfer component 271 moves linearly along a first direction, such as the Y direction in the figure, to transport the sample-added reaction cup to the first buffer transfer position 277. Since the first transfer component 271 moves the reaction cup in a linear motion, the volume of the sample analysis device occupied during the transport of the reaction cup is relatively reduced, which is beneficial to the miniaturization design of the sample analysis device.

[0116] Please refer to Figure 17 In some embodiments, the sample analysis device may also include a sample loading position 10a, a pre-dilution position 10b, a first cup-discarding position 10c, and a second cup-discarding position 10d. In some embodiments, the first transfer component 271 may move along a first direction, such as the Y direction in the figure, between the sample loading position 10a, the pre-dilution position 10b, the first cup-discarding position 10c, and the first buffer transfer position 277. The sample loading position 10a may be a predetermined position where the reaction cup loading component 10 mentioned above loads an empty reaction cup. Generally, the sample dispensing component 30 draws a sample from the aspiration position and dispenses it into the reaction cup located at the sample loading position 10a to complete the sample loading. In some cases, samples need to be pre-diluted. In such cases, the first transfer unit 271 first transfers the empty reaction cup on the sample loading position 10a to the pre-dilution position 10b. The sample dispensing unit 30 draws the sample from the aspiration position and dispenses it into the reaction cup located in the pre-dilution position 10b. Then, the sample in the reaction cup of the pre-dilution position 10b is diluted. During this process, the reaction cup loading unit 10 loads a new empty reaction cup onto the sample loading position 10a. Then, the sample dispensing unit 30 draws the pre-diluted sample from the reaction cup on the pre-dilution position 10b and dispenses it into the sample loading position 10a, thus completing the sample loading. The first transfer unit 271 then performs a cup-discarding process on the reaction cup on the pre-dilution position 10b, for example, by transferring it to the first cup-discarding position 10c for cup-discarding.

[0117] As described above, in some embodiments, the first transfer component 271 only needs to move along the first direction. Therefore, the driving component of the first transfer component 271 can be a two-dimensional driving component used to drive the cup-grabbing hand of the first transfer component 271 to move along the first direction and the vertical direction. The first direction can be the Y direction in the figure, and the vertical direction is the direction perpendicular to the plane of the paper in the figure. In some embodiments, the cup-grabbing hand of the first transfer component 271 grasps the reaction cup, for example, on the sample dispensing position 10a, along the second direction, such as the X direction in the figure. In this way, when the first transfer component 271 grasps the reaction cup, it will not affect the sample dispensing component 30 to dispense the sample into the reaction cup. Thus, the sample dispensing component 30 can complete the sample dispensing of the reaction cup while the first transfer component 271 grasps the reaction cup, saving time and improving measurement speed and efficiency.

[0118] The above is a brief description of the first transfer component 271.

[0119] The second transfer component 273 is used to transport the reaction cups in the first buffer transfer position 277 to the reaction unit 81, and to transport the reaction cups in the reaction unit 81 after sample incubation to the second buffer transfer position 278. In some embodiments, the second transfer component 273 transports the reaction cups in the first buffer transfer position 277 to the reaction unit 81 and the reaction cups in the reaction unit 81 after sample incubation to the second buffer transfer position 278 by linear movement along a first direction, such as the direction shown in the figure, and a second direction, such as the X direction shown in the figure. Since the second transfer component 273 moves the reaction cups in a linear motion, the volume of the sample analysis device occupied during the transport of the reaction cups is relatively reduced, which is beneficial to the miniaturization design of the sample analysis device.

[0120] In the specific transfer process, the second transfer component 273 can first transport the reaction cup in the first buffer transfer position 277 to the incubation transfer position 81a. The reagent dispensing component 60 absorbs the reagent and discharges it into the reaction cup located in the incubation transfer position 81a. The second transfer component 273 then transports the reaction cup in the incubation transfer position 81a to the reaction component 81.

[0121] In some embodiments, the second transfer component 273 can move along a first direction (e.g., the Y direction in the figure), a second direction (e.g., the X direction in the figure), and a vertical direction (e.g., the direction perpendicular to the drawing). Therefore, the driving component of the second transfer component 273 can be a three-dimensional driving component for driving the cup-grabbing hand of the second transfer component 273 to move along the first direction, the second direction, and the vertical direction.

[0122] In some embodiments, the gripper of the second transfer component 273 grips the reaction cup along a second direction, such as direction X in the figure. This ensures that the second transfer component 273's gripping of the reaction cup does not interfere with the reagent dispensing component 60 (e.g., the first reagent dispensing component) adding reagent to the reaction cup. This allows the reagent dispensing component 60 to complete the reagent addition to the reaction cup simultaneously with the second transfer component 273's gripping, saving time and improving measurement speed and efficiency. In some embodiments, the direction in which the second transfer component 273 grips the reaction cup is greater than 90 degrees from the direction of linear movement of the first set of reagent needles. This further reduces the likelihood of conflict between the second transfer component 273's gripping of the reaction cup and the reagent addition action of the first set of reagent needles, allowing them to perform their respective actions independently and in parallel in a very reasonable manner.

[0123] In some embodiments, the second transfer component 273 mixes the sample in the reaction cup while transporting it from the incubation transfer position 81a to the reaction component 81. For example, after the second transfer component 273 transfers the reaction cup with sample added from the first buffer transfer position 277 and places it in the incubation transfer position 81a, the reagent dispensing component 60 adds reagent, such as the first reagent, to the reaction cup on the incubation transfer position 81a. The second transfer component 273 then picks up the reaction cup with reagent added, mixes it, and then transfers it to the reaction component 81. Specifically, the second transfer component 273 can drive the cup-grabbing hand to shake rapidly through its driving component to mix the sample in the reaction cup grasped by the cup-grabbing hand. The second transfer component 273 also has a mixing function, so that the sample analysis device does not need to set up a separate mixing mechanism, making the sample analysis device more compact and reducing costs. In addition, the second transfer component 273 mixes the sample while grasping the reaction cup for transfer, which also saves time, as it is not necessary to specially arrange the reaction cup to the corresponding mixing mechanism for mixing first.

[0124] The above is a description of the second transfer component 273. The second transfer component 273 can transfer the reaction cup between the first buffer transfer position 277, the incubation transfer position 81a, the reaction component 81, and the second buffer transfer position 278 by moving linearly along the first and second directions.

[0125] The third transfer component 275 is used to transport the reaction cup from the second buffer transfer position 278 to the measurement component 82. In some embodiments, the third transfer component 275 transports the reaction cup from the second buffer transfer position 278 to the measurement component 82 by linear movement along a first direction, such as the direction shown in the figure, and a second direction, such as the X direction shown in the figure. Since the third transfer component 275 moves the reaction cup in a linear motion, the volume of the sample analysis device occupied during the transport of the reaction cup is relatively reduced, which is beneficial to the miniaturization design of the sample analysis device.

[0126] In the specific transfer process, the third transfer component 275 can first transport the reaction cup from the second buffer transfer position 278 to the measurement transfer position 82a. The reagent dispensing component 60 aspirates the reagent and dispenses it into the reaction cup located in the measurement transfer position 82a. The third transfer component 275 then transports the reaction cup from the measurement transfer position 82a to the measurement component 82. In some embodiments, when the third transfer component 275 transfers the reaction cup from the second buffer transfer position 278 to the measurement transfer position 82a, the third transfer component 275 may not place the reaction cup in the measurement transfer position 82a, but may still hold the reaction cup. In this case, the reagent dispensing component 60 aspirates the reagent and dispenses it into the reaction cup. This reduces the time it takes for the reaction cup to finally enter the measurement component 82 from the second buffer transfer position 278, thus improving the testing speed. In some embodiments, the third transfer component 275 can move along a first direction (e.g., the Y direction in the figure), a second direction (e.g., the X direction in the figure), and a vertical direction (e.g., the direction perpendicular to the drawing). Therefore, the driving component of the third transfer component 275 can be a three-dimensional driving component for driving the cup-grabbing hand of the third transfer component 275 to move along the first direction, the second direction, and the vertical direction.

[0127] In some embodiments, the gripper of the third transfer component 275 grips the reaction cup along a first direction, such as the Y direction in the figure. This ensures that while the third transfer component 275 is gripping the reaction cup—even if it does so throughout the entire reagent addition process—it does not interfere with the reagent dispensing component 60 (e.g., the second reagent dispensing component) adding reagent to the reaction cup. This allows the reagent dispensing component 60 to complete reagent addition to the reaction cup simultaneously with the gripping action of the third transfer component 275, saving time and improving measurement speed and efficiency. In some embodiments, the direction in which the third transfer component 275 grips the reaction cup is greater than 90 degrees from the direction of linear movement of the second set of reagent needles. This further reduces the likelihood of conflict between the gripping action of the third transfer component 275 and the reagent addition action of the second set of reagent needles, allowing them to perform their respective actions independently and in parallel in a very reasonable manner.

[0128] In some embodiments, the third transfer component 275 mixes the sample in the reaction cup during the process of transporting the reaction cup from the measurement transfer position 82a to the measurement unit 82. For example, when the third transfer component 275 transfers the reaction cup from the second buffer transfer position 278 to the measurement transfer position 82a—in some embodiments, the third transfer component 275 may not put down the reaction cup while still holding it; the reagent dispensing component 60 then adds reagent, such as a second reagent, to the reaction cup at the measurement transfer position 82a, and the third transfer component 275 then mixes the sample in the held reaction cup again before transferring it to the measurement unit 82; specifically, the third transfer component 275 can achieve the mixing of the sample in the reaction cup held by the cup holder by driving the cup holder to shake rapidly through its driving component. The third transfer component 275 also has a mixing function, which eliminates the need for a separate mixing mechanism in the sample analysis device, making the structure of the sample analysis device more compact and reducing costs. In addition, the third transfer component 275 mixes the reaction cup along the original transfer path, such as at the intermediate position 82a, which saves time and eliminates the need to specially arrange the reaction cup to the corresponding mixing mechanism for mixing.

[0129] In some examples, after the third transfer component 275 dispatches the reaction cup to the measuring component 82, it can also grab the reaction cup that has been measured in the measuring component 82 and then transfer it to the second cup-discarding position 10d for cup-discarding. In some embodiments, the second cup-discarding position 10d can be set near the second buffer transfer position 278, or set between the measuring component 82 and the second buffer transfer position 278. In this way, when the third transfer component 275 transfers the reaction cups on the second buffer transfer position 278 from the measuring component 82 to the second buffer transfer position 278, it can also perform cup-discarding on the measured reaction cups on the measuring component 82, thereby saving time and improving testing efficiency.

[0130] The above is a description of the third transfer component 275. The third transfer component 275 can transfer the reaction cup between the second buffer transfer position 278, the measuring transfer position 82a, the measuring component 82, and even the second cup-throwing position 10d by moving linearly along the first and second directions.

[0131] The above is a description of the scheduling component 2 in some embodiments of the present invention. This application uses three transfer components, namely the first transfer component 271, the second transfer component 273 and the third transfer component 275, to complete the rapid transfer of reaction cups. The scheduling path of the reaction cups is simple and direct, which is beneficial to the speed-up of the sample analysis device. In addition, two buffer transfer positions, namely the first buffer transfer position 277 and the second buffer transfer position 278, are used to complete the transition between the three transfer components, which is also simple and compact in structure.

[0132] The following describes some specific workflows of the sample analysis device.

[0133] In some embodiments, the sample analysis apparatus may operate in the following manner.

[0134] The reaction vessel loading component 10 supplies and transports empty reaction vessels. For example, the reaction vessel loading component 10 can load empty reaction vessels into a predetermined position, which can be used as a sample dispensing position. The sample injection component 20, such as sample injection component 21, dispatches the sample holder carrying the sample to the aspiration position. The sample dispensing component 30 aspirates the sample from the aspiration position and dispenses it into the reaction vessel, for example, the sample dispensing component aspirates the sample from the aspiration position and dispenses it into the reaction vessel located at the sample dispensing position to complete the sample dispensing.

[0135] The reagent carrier 40 rotates so that the reagent container holding the first reagent is positioned at the first reagent aspiration position. At least one of the two reagent needles 61 on the reagent dispensing component 60 corresponding to the reaction component 81 draws the first reagent from the reagent container through the first reagent aspiration position and moves linearly between the first reagent aspiration position and the reagent addition position of the reaction component 81 to dispense the first reagent into the reaction cup at the reagent addition position of the reaction component 81. The reagent addition position of the reaction component 81 may be the incubation position 81a mentioned herein. In some embodiments, the two reagent needles 61 of the first reagent dispensing component 60 move linearly independently between the first reagent aspiration position and the reagent addition position of the reaction component 81. In this way, the two reagent needles 61 of the reagent dispensing component 60 corresponding to the reaction component 81 can independently—for example, alternately—perform the operation of adding the first reagent to the reaction cup at the reagent addition position of the reaction component 81, improving the testing speed and efficiency. In some specific embodiments, each reagent needle 61 in the reagent dispensing component 60 corresponding to the reaction component 81 sequentially performs multiple preset actions to complete the addition of the first reagent. Among the multiple preset actions between any two reagent needles 61, at least one corresponding preset action does not overlap in timing. In this way, the two reagent needles 61 of the reagent dispensing component 60 corresponding to the reaction component 81 can minimize the use of shared resources, reducing the number of components providing the corresponding shared resources, thus making the sample analysis device more compact. Furthermore, this arrangement of the action timing of the two reagent needles 61 also minimizes mutual interference between them, which is highly beneficial for accelerating the sample analysis device.

[0136] Dispatch unit 2 dispatches the reaction cup that has completed the first reagent dispensing to reaction unit 81 for incubation, and then dispatches the incubated reaction cup to the reagent addition transposition site of assay unit 82. The reagent addition transposition site of assay unit 82 can be assay transposition site 82a mentioned herein.

[0137] The reagent carrier 40 rotates so that the reagent container carrying the second reagent is positioned at the second reagent aspiration position. At least one of the two reagent needles on the reagent dispensing component 60 corresponding to the measuring component 82 draws the second reagent from the reagent container through the second reagent aspiration position and moves linearly between the second reagent aspiration position and the reagent addition position of the measuring component to dispense the second reagent into the reaction cup at the reagent addition position of the measuring component 82. In some embodiments, the two reagent needles 61 of the reagent dispensing component 60 corresponding to the measuring component 82 move linearly independently between the second reagent aspiration position and the reagent addition position of the measuring component 82. In this way, the two reagent needles 61 of the reagent dispensing component 60 corresponding to the measuring component 82 can independently—for example, alternately—perform the operation of adding the second reagent to the reaction cup at the reagent addition position of the measuring component 82, improving the testing speed and efficiency. In some specific embodiments, each reagent needle 61 in the reagent dispensing component 60 corresponding to the measuring component 82 sequentially performs multiple preset actions to complete the addition of the second reagent. Among the multiple preset actions between any two reagent needles 61, at least one corresponding preset action does not overlap in timing. In this way, the two reagent needles 61 of the reagent dispensing component 60 corresponding to the measuring component 82 can minimize the use of shared resources, reducing the number of components providing the corresponding shared resources, thus making the sample analysis device more compact. Furthermore, this arrangement of the timing of the two second reagent needles' actions also minimizes mutual interference between them, which is highly beneficial for increasing the speed of the sample analysis device.

[0138] The scheduling unit 2 schedules the reaction cups that have completed the second reagent dispensing to the measuring unit 82 for project testing, and schedules the reaction cups that have completed the testing to the waste recycling device—for example, the second discarding cup position mentioned in this article.

[0139] This document describes various exemplary embodiments with reference to them. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that changes and modifications can be made to the exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of this document. For example, various operational steps and components for performing operational steps can be implemented in different ways depending on the specific application or considering any number of cost functions associated with the operation of the system (e.g., one or more steps can be deleted, modified, or combined with other steps).

[0140] While the principles herein have been illustrated in various embodiments, numerous modifications to the structure, arrangement, proportions, elements, materials, and components, particularly suited to specific environmental and operational requirements, may be used without departing from the principles and scope of this disclosure. These modifications and other alterations or alterations will be included within the scope of this document.

[0141] The foregoing specific descriptions have been described with reference to various embodiments. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Therefore, considerations for this disclosure are to be illustrative rather than restrictive, and all such modifications are to be included within its scope. Similarly, advantages, other advantages, and solutions to problems with respect to various embodiments have been described above. However, benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any elements that produce these, or make them more explicit, should not be construed as critical, essential, or necessary. The term “comprising” and any other variations thereof as used herein are non-exclusive inclusion, meaning that a process, method, article, or apparatus that includes a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed or not part of the process, method, system, article, or apparatus. Furthermore, the term “coupled” and any other variations thereof as used herein refer to physical connections, electrical connections, magnetic connections, optical connections, communication connections, functional connections, and / or any other connections.

[0142] Those skilled in the art will recognize that many changes can be made to the details of the above embodiments without departing from the basic principles of the invention. Therefore, the scope of the invention should be determined only by the claims.

Claims

1. A sample analysis device, characterized in that, This sample analysis device is used for coagulation testing and includes: The sample introduction unit is used to schedule the samples to be introduced. The reaction vessel loading component is used to supply and load empty reaction vessels into the sample loading position; The sample dispensing component is used to aspirate the sample to be injected and dispense it into the empty reaction cup at the sample dispensing position; The scheduling component is used to schedule the reaction cups that have completed sample addition at the sample addition position to each processing unit according to the detection process. The processing unit and the scheduling component are independent of each other. A reagent carrier has multiple positions for carrying reagent containers. The reagent carrier is rotatable and can drive the reagent containers it carries to rotate. A first crossbeam and a second crossbeam are provided above the reagent carrier. A reagent dispensing component that can move along the first crossbeam is provided on the first crossbeam for drawing up reagents and discharging them into a reaction cup. The second crossbeam is equipped with a reagent loading component that can move along the second crossbeam, used to transport the reagent container to be loaded to the reagent carrying component; The processing unit is used to receive a reaction cup containing a sample prepared from a sample and reagents, which is dispatched by the scheduling component, and to process the sample in the reaction cup. One processing unit is a reaction component for incubating the sample or test specimen, and another processing unit is a measuring component for measuring the test specimen. The number of the first crossbeams is equal to the number of the processing units. There are two reagent dispensing components, with the reaction component corresponding to one of the reagent dispensing components and the measurement component corresponding to the other reagent dispensing component. Each reagent dispensing unit has two reagent needles; the reagent needles of the reagent dispensing units corresponding to the reaction unit are used to draw mixed reagents, and the reagent needles of the reagent dispensing units corresponding to the measurement unit are used to draw trigger reagents.

2. The sample analysis apparatus as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The first and second crossbeams are positioned above the reagent-carrying component in such a way that the movement trajectories of the reagent dispensing component and the reagent loading component do not intersect in space.

3. The sample analysis device as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The first and second crossbeams are arranged in parallel above the reagent carrier component.

4. The sample analysis device as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The reagent carrier component has a disc-shaped structure, and the first crossbeam and the second crossbeam are arranged above the reagent carrier component along different radial directions.

5. The sample analysis apparatus as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The first crossbeam and the second crossbeam are positioned at different heights above the reagent-carrying component.

6. The sample analysis apparatus as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The first crossbeam is above the second crossbeam.

7. The sample analysis apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The reagent dispensing component includes a reagent needle, a guide assembly, and a drive assembly; the guide assembly is arranged along the length direction of the first crossbeam, the reagent needle is movably disposed on the guide assembly, and the drive assembly is used to drive the reagent needle to move along the guide assembly and move in the up and down directions.

8. The sample analysis apparatus as described in claim 7, characterized in that, A reagent dispensing component is installed on a first crossbeam, and one reagent dispensing component corresponds to one processing unit.

9. The sample analysis apparatus as described in claim 8, characterized in that, The reaction component is rectangular and has multiple reaction cup placement positions; the measuring component is rectangular and has multiple reaction cup placement positions.

10. The sample analysis apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The reagent loading component includes a reagent container gripping part, a guide, and a driving assembly; the guide is arranged along the length direction of the second crossbeam, the reagent container gripping part is movably arranged on the guide, and the driving assembly is used to drive the reagent container gripping part to move along the guide and move in the vertical direction, and the reagent container gripping part is used to grip and put down the reagent container.

11. The sample analysis apparatus as described in claim 10, characterized in that, It also includes a reagent loading and unloading mechanism for carrying the reagent container to be loaded; the reagent loading component is used to transport the reagent container to be loaded from the reagent loading and unloading mechanism to the reagent carrying component.

12. The sample analysis apparatus as described in claim 11, characterized in that, The reagent loading and unloading mechanism is also used to carry unloaded reagent containers, and the reagent loading component is also used to transport reagent containers to be unloaded from the reagent carrying component to the reagent loading and unloading mechanism; and / or, The reagent loading and unloading mechanism is also used to receive reagent containers to be discarded; the reagent loading component is also used to transport the reagent containers to be discarded from the reagent carrying component to the reagent loading and unloading mechanism.

13. The sample analysis apparatus as described in claim 11 or 12, characterized in that, The reagent loading and unloading mechanism includes a base, a driving unit, and a storage unit for carrying or receiving reagent containers; the storage unit and the driving unit are disposed on the base, and the driving unit is used to drive the storage unit to rotate relative to the base; the storage unit has a disc-shaped structure, and the disc-shaped surface of the storage unit is provided with multiple container positions, each container position including a storage position and a discard position, the storage position being used to store reagent containers to be loaded or unloaded, and the discard position being used to receive reagent containers to be discarded.

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