Sample transfer device

Abstract

The application provides a sample transfer device, which comprises a workbench, a buffer sample rack installed on the workbench, a sample rack transmission and recovery mechanism for automatically transmitting a first sample rack loaded with test tubes to a test tube unloading station, and the sample rack transmission and recovery mechanism is used for recovering the empty first sample rack after the unloading is completed, a sample rack transmission mechanism for transmitting an empty second sample rack from a second feeding end of the workbench to a test tube loading station, a test tube transfer mechanism for transferring the test tubes on the first sample rack to the buffer sample rack and transferring the test tubes in the buffer sample rack to the second sample rack, and a sample output and rail changing mechanism for driving the second sample rack to pass through a conventional channel or an emergency channel for sample delivery and detection. The sample transfer device provided by the application serves as a transfer station of sample test tubes, realizes conversion of sample racks of different specifications, can be connected with multiple pipelines of different specifications, improves the automation degree, reduces the labor intensity, and improves the detection efficiency.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of medical detection equipment, in particular to a sample transfer equipment. BACKGROUND

[0002] At present, in vitro diagnosis is a widely used diagnostic method in the medical field, which analyzes the chemical composition or chemical reaction by collecting body fluids, excreta and secretions of the human body, so as to judge the body disease. When facing a large number of sample detection, medical staff not only have a huge workload, but also are prone to errors, so it is necessary to improve the transfer efficiency of sample detection.

[0003] In addition, the analyzer in the hospital generally needs to use a sample rack to carry and transfer a sample test tube when working. In the existing detection and analysis equipment, the sample rack loaded with the test tube is transferred to the test tube unloading position, and the sample rack after the test tube is unloaded is usually recycled through manual operation of the medical staff to realize the position transfer of the test tube rack. Not only is the workload large, but also the degree of automation is not high, the detection efficiency is low, and errors are prone to occur in the manual transfer process.

[0004] In addition, different manufacturers' in vitro diagnostic equipment adopts five-hole sample racks, ten-hole sample racks or single-tube sample racks for sample test tube carrying. The existing sample test tube transfer equipment is generally only for the same specification test tube rack, which leads to the trouble of switching between different specifications of sample racks and low efficiency. Therefore, it is necessary to provide a sample transfer equipment which can support connection of multiple different specifications of sample racks, has good universality in sample transmission, wide adaptability and high degree of automation. SUMMARY

[0005] The problem solved by the present application is to overcome the defects in the prior art and provide a sample transfer equipment which serves as a transfer station for sample test tubes, realizes conversion of sample racks of different specifications, can be connected to multiple different specifications of assembly lines, improves the degree of automation, reduces the labor intensity and improves the detection efficiency.

[0006] To solve the above problems, the present application provides a sample transfer equipment, which comprises a workbench, wherein the workbench is provided with

[0007] a buffer sample rack for temporarily storing test tubes;

[0008] a sample rack transmission and recovery mechanism for transmitting the first sample rack loaded with test tubes from the first feeding end of the workbench to the test tube unloading station, and after the test tubes on the first sample rack are unloaded and transferred to the buffer sample rack, the sample rack transmission and recovery mechanism is used for recovering the empty first sample rack;

[0009] A sample rack transmission mechanism is arranged on the workbench and used for transmitting the empty second sample rack from the second feeding end of the workbench to the tube loading station;

[0010] A tube moving mechanism is arranged on the workbench and used for moving the test tube on the first sample rack to the buffer sample rack and moving the test tube in the buffer sample rack to the second sample rack;

[0011] An outlet rail changing mechanism is arranged on the outlet rail changing mechanism and provided with a regular channel, an emergency channel and an outlet driving assembly, the outlet driving assembly is used for driving the second sample rack loaded with the test tube to move out of the workbench from the regular channel or the emergency channel into the next detection station.

[0012] Compared with the prior art, the sample transfer device has the following advantages:

[0013] The sample transfer device is a transfer station of a sample test tube, different specifications of sample racks are automatically and quickly converted through the mechanism arranged on the workbench for transmitting different specifications of sample racks and the automatic tube moving structure, so that a plurality of different specifications of flow lines can be connected, the universality is improved, the first sample rack loaded with the test tube in the transfer device can be automatically recycled after the test tube is moved, the automatic degree is further improved, the uninterrupted work in the detection process is ensured, and the work efficiency is improved.

[0014] Further, the sample rack transmission and recycling mechanism comprises a first mounting rack mounted on the workbench, a channel extending along the length direction of the first mounting rack is arranged on the first mounting rack, and a driving mechanism is arranged on the first mounting rack and used for driving the first sample rack to reciprocate in the channel to realize the transmission and recycling of the first sample rack; at least one recycling tray for accommodating the first sample rack and a recycling mechanism for driving the empty first sample rack to move to the recycling tray are further connected to the first mounting rack.

[0015] As an improvement, a pressing mechanism is further connected to the position corresponding to the tube unloading station on any side of the width direction of the mounting rack; the pressing mechanism comprises a first supporting seat connected to the side wall of the first mounting rack, a pressing motor and a pressing plate slidable toward the width direction of the channel are connected to the first supporting seat, the pressing plate is provided with a first waist-shaped hole perpendicular to the sliding direction of the pressing plate, a first eccentric wheel is connected to the output shaft of the pressing motor, a first positioning shaft is connected to the radial end of the first eccentric wheel, and the first positioning shaft is matched in the first waist-shaped hole. In the above improved structure, the setting of the pressing mechanism makes the sample rack have better stability during the test tube unloading, and improves the test tube unloading efficiency; and the reciprocating movement of the pressing plate in the pressing mechanism is realized through the rotation of the motor and the eccentric wheel, so that the structure is simple, the operation is convenient, and the driving force is stable.

[0016] Further, the recycling mechanism comprises a second supporting base connected to the first mounting frame, a horizontal push plate slidingly connected to the second supporting base, and a recycling drive assembly for driving the horizontal push plate to move horizontally, thereby pushing the first sample frame from the channel back to the recycling tray.

[0017] Further, the sample frame transmission mechanism comprises a second mounting frame for placing a second sample frame, one end of the second mounting frame being connected to a positioning mechanism, and the other end of the second mounting frame being connected to a pushing mechanism for pushing the second sample frame on the second mounting frame to the positioning mechanism until the second sample frame is clamped and limited between the positioning mechanism and the pushing mechanism; the end of the second mounting frame near the positioning mechanism is further connected to a discharging mechanism for driving the second sample frame loaded with samples to be separated from the second mounting frame and enter the discharging channel of the sample discharging and rail changing mechanism.

[0018] Further, the discharging mechanism comprises a shifting fork and a discharging drive assembly connected to the second mounting frame, the end of the second mounting frame near the positioning mechanism is provided with a discharging port, and the bottom wall of the second mounting frame is provided with an avoiding sliding groove extending in the discharging direction at a position corresponding to the discharging port, and the upper end of the shifting fork is slidingly fitted in the avoiding sliding groove; the discharging drive assembly is used to drive the shifting fork to slide in the avoiding sliding groove, so that the second sample frame is separated from the second mounting frame and enters the sample discharging and rail changing mechanism.

[0019] Further, the pushing mechanism comprises at least one pushing claw, the pushing claw being slidingly arranged on the side wall of the second mounting frame, and the lower end of the second mounting frame being connected to a pushing claw drive assembly for driving the pushing claw to move back and forth along the length direction of the second mounting frame, thereby continuously pushing the idle second sample frame to the position abutting against the positioning mechanism.

[0020] Further, the tube moving mechanism comprises a supporting frame and a test tube chuck, the supporting frame being connected with an X-axis moving assembly for driving the test tube chuck to move along the X-axis direction, a Y-axis moving assembly for driving the test tube chuck to move along the Y-axis direction, and a Z-axis moving assembly for driving the test tube chuck to move along the Z-axis direction.

[0021] Further, the sample-out track-changing mechanism comprises a third mounting frame, one end of the third mounting frame is provided with a regular channel and an emergency channel along the X-axis direction, and the third mounting frame is provided with a conveying belt assembly for driving the second sample frame to move in the regular channel or the emergency channel respectively; the other end of the third mounting frame is connected with a track-changing base for limiting the sample frame and a track-changing driving assembly for driving the track-changing base to move along the Y-axis direction, so as to drive the track-changing base to move the corresponding sample frame to the position corresponding to the regular channel or the emergency channel for sample feeding.

[0022] Further, the workbench is further connected with a drawer mechanism and a rotating code scanning mechanism, the drawer mechanism is provided with a tray for placing test tubes, when the sample transfer equipment is in a single machine working mode, the test tube in the tray is transferred to the rotating code scanning mechanism by the test tube transfer mechanism, and when the code scanning of the rotating code scanning mechanism is completed, the test tube in the rotating code scanning mechanism is transferred to the corresponding second sample frame by the test tube transfer mechanism.

[0023] The beneficial effects of the above structure in the application are shown in the specific embodiment part. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0024] Figure 1 It is a perspective view of the sample transfer equipment of the application;

[0025] Figure 2 It is a top view of the sample transfer equipment of the application;

[0026] Figure 3 It is a perspective view of the sample frame transmission and recovery mechanism in the application;

[0027] Figure 4 It is another angle view of the sample frame transmission and recovery mechanism in the application;

[0028] Figure 5 It is a structural view of the pressing mechanism in the application;

[0029] Figure 6 It is another angle structural view of the pressing mechanism in the application;

[0030] Figure 7 It is an enlarged structural view of X in the application; Figure 4

[0031] It is a perspective view of the sample frame transmission mechanism in the application; Figure 8

[0032] It is a top view of the sample frame transmission mechanism in the application; Figure 9

[0033] Figure 10 ​Structure schematic view of positioning mechanism in the application;

[0034] Figure 11 Structure schematic view of blanking mechanism in the application;

[0035] Figure 12 Structure schematic view of pushing mechanism in the application;

[0036] Figure 13 Structure schematic view of pushing mechanism in the application from another angle;

[0037] Figure 14 Structure schematic view of tube moving mechanism in the application;

[0038] Figure 15 Structure schematic view of sample output rail changing mechanism in the application;

[0039] Figure 16 Structure schematic view of rail changing driving assembly in the application;

[0040] Figure 17 Structure schematic view of rail changing driving assembly in the application from another angle;

[0041] Figure 18 Structure schematic view of sample rack buffer in the application;

[0042] Figure 19 Structure schematic view of drawer mechanism in the application;

[0043] Figure 20 Front view of rotating code scanning mechanism in the application.

[0044] Explanation of reference signs:

[0045] 1, mounting frame; 1.1, channel; 2, recycling tray; 3, pushing mechanism; 3.1, second support seat; 3.2, horizontal push plate; 3.2.1, second waist-shaped hole; 4, test tube unloading station; 5, driving motor; 6, driving wheel; 7, driven wheel; 8, transmission belt; 9, pressing mechanism; 9.1, first support seat; 9.2, pressing motor; 9.3, pressing plate; 9.3.1, first waist-shaped hole; 9.4, first eccentric wheel; 9.5, first positioning shaft; 10, blocking mechanism; 10.1, blocking fork; 10.2, blocking motor; 11, code scanner; 12, pushing motor; 13, second eccentric wheel; 14, second positioning shaft; 15, second mounting frame; 15.1, positioning sliding groove; 15.2, discharge port; 15.3, avoidance sliding groove; 16, shifting fork; 17, rail changing driving component; 18, support frame; 19, positioning seat; 20, positioning block; 21, pulley assembly; 22, shifting fork motor; 23, transmission belt; 24, pushing claw; 25, pushing claw motor; 26, first pulley; 27, second pulley; 28, third pulley; 29, first belt; 30, second belt; 31, connecting plate; 32, sliding frame; 33, Y-axis moving motor; 34, first synchronous belt; 35, sliding seat; 36, X-axis moving motor; 37, second synchronous belt; 38, Z-axis moving motor; 39, third synchronous belt; 40, third mounting frame; 41, rail changing base; 42, stopping motor; 43, rotating disc; 44, shifting rod; 45, stopping rod; 46, fourth mounting frame; 47, tray; 48, tray bottom plate; 49, handle;

[0046] 100, workbench; 101, sample rack buffer; 101.1, bottom plate; 101.2, upper support plate; 101.3, lower support plate; 102, sample rack transmission and recycling mechanism; 103, sample rack transmission mechanism; 104, tube moving mechanism; 105, sample changing rail mechanism; 105.1, regular channel; 105.2, emergency channel; 105.3, follow-up channel; 106, drawer mechanism; 107, rotating code scanning mechanism;

[0047] 110, first sample rack; 120, second sample rack. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0048] In order to make the above objectives, characteristics and advantages of the present application more obvious and easy to understand, the specific embodiments of the present application are described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0049] In the description of the present application, it should be noted that the terms "front, rear", "left, right", "X-axis direction", "Y-axis direction", "Z-axis direction" and the like indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the present application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the devices or elements referred to must have a particular orientation, be constructed and operated in a particular orientation, and therefore cannot be understood as a limitation on the present application.

[0050] In the description of the present application, it should be noted that unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the term "connection" should be understood broadly, for example, it can be a fixed connection, or a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be directly connected, or indirectly connected through an intermediate medium, or it can be the internal communication of two elements. For those skilled in the art, the specific meaning of the above-mentioned terms in the present application can be understood according to the specific circumstances.

[0051] As shown in Figure 1 , 2 The present application provides a sample transfer device, which comprises a workbench 100, a first sample rack 110 and a second sample rack 120 are respectively installed on the workbench 100.

[0052] The first sample rack 110 is used for temporarily storing the test tubes in transit, and the second sample rack 120 is used for temporarily storing the test tubes in transit.

[0053] The sample rack transmission and recovery mechanism 102 is used for transmitting the first sample rack 110 loaded with the test tubes from the first feeding end of the workbench 100 to the test tube unloading station 4, and after the test tubes on the second sample rack 120 are unloaded and transferred to the buffer sample rack 101, the sample rack transmission and recovery mechanism 102 is used for recovering the empty second sample rack 120.

[0054] The sample rack transmission mechanism 103 is used for transmitting the empty second sample rack 120 from the second feeding end of the workbench 100 to the test tube loading station in sequence.

[0055] The test tube transfer mechanism 104 is used for transferring the test tubes on the second sample rack 120 to the buffer sample rack 101, and transferring the test tubes in the buffer sample rack 101 to the second sample rack 120.

[0056] The sample output and rail changing mechanism 105 is provided with a regular channel 105.1, an emergency channel 105.2 and a sample output driving assembly, the sample output driving assembly is used for driving the second sample rack 120 loaded with the test tubes to move out of the workbench 100 from the regular channel 105.1 or the emergency channel 105.2, and then enter the next detection station (analyzer).

[0057] In the above device, automatic transfer between sample racks of different standards is achieved. Different in-vitro diagnostic devices of different manufacturers have different sample tube carrying methods, some use five-hole sample racks, some use ten-hole sample racks, and some use single-tube sample racks. The sample transfer device of the embodiment realizes automatic conversion between sample racks of different specifications, and different specifications of sample racks are also automatically transported and recycled, effectively reducing labor costs and improving detection efficiency.

[0058] As shown in Figure 18 , the cache sample rack 101 in the embodiment includes a bottom plate 101.1, a plurality of vertical columns are installed on the bottom plate 101.1, the upper ends of the plurality of vertical columns are connected with a plurality of upper support plates 101.2 and a plurality of lower support plates 101.3 arranged at intervals, and a plurality of through holes for the test tubes to pass through are arranged on the upper support plates 101.2, and a plurality of counterbores corresponding to the through holes are arranged on the upper end surface of the lower support plates 101.3, and the vertically corresponding through holes and counterbores form insertion hole positions for accommodating test tubes.

[0059] As shown in Figure 3 , 4 , the sample rack transmission and recovery mechanism 102 includes a first mounting rack 1, a channel 1.1 extending along the length direction of the first mounting rack 1 is arranged on the first mounting rack 1, and a driving mechanism is arranged on the first mounting rack 1, and the driving mechanism is used to drive the sample rack to reciprocate in the channel 1.1; specifically, the driving mechanism includes a driving motor 5, a driving wheel 6, a driven wheel 7, and a transmission belt 8, the driving wheel 6 and the driven wheel 7 are arranged at intervals along the length direction of the channel 1.1, and the transmission belt 8 is connected outside the driving wheel 6 and the driven wheel 7 to form a belt wheel transmission structure, and the transmission belt 8 is located in the channel 1.1, and the driving motor 5 is in transmission connection with the driving wheel 6. By forward and reverse operation of the driving motor 5, the transmission belt 8 can run in clockwise or counterclockwise direction, as shown in Figure 1The structure shown, when the transmission belt 8 operates in the counterclockwise direction (forward direction), the sample rack located on the right side of the transmission belt 8 can realize sliding from right to left, so that the sample rack loaded with test tubes slides from the feed port position on the right side of the first mounting rack 1 to the left side; and in this embodiment, a test tube unloading station 4 is arranged on the left side of the first mounting rack 1, when the sample rack loaded with test tubes moves to this position, the test tubes on the sample rack are unloaded by a special mechanical hand. In addition, in this embodiment, at least one recycling tray 2 for accommodating the sample rack and a recycling mechanism 3 are also connected to the first mounting rack 1; more specifically, when the sample rack loaded with test tubes moves from the feed end of the channel 1.1 to the test tube unloading station 4 for unloading under the action of the driving mechanism, and until the test tube unloading is completed, the driving mechanism moves in the clockwise direction (reverse direction), thereby driving the empty sample rack to move to the recycling station, which refers to the position corresponding to the recycling tray, and the recycling mechanism 3 is used to push the empty sample rack into the recycling tray 2, realizing automatic recycling of the sample rack.

[0060] In the above structure, in order to further improve the automation efficiency of sample detection, a two-dimensional code with corresponding information is preset on each sample rack; in this embodiment, a first code scanner 11 for identifying the information of the sample rack is also connected to the first mounting rack 1 near the test tube unloading station 4. As shown in Figure 3 、 4 When the sample rack moves to the test tube unloading station 4 in the channel 1.1, the first code scanner 11 scans and identifies the specific information of the sample rack, thereby controlling the action of the special mechanical hand, and transferring the test tube to the corresponding position according to the information preset on the sample rack, ensuring that there is no error in the sample detection process; further improving the automation degree of sample detection and improving the detection efficiency.

[0061] As shown in Figure 3 A pressing mechanism 9 is also connected to the position corresponding to the test tube unloading station 4 on any side of the first mounting rack 1 in the width direction, for realizing the pressing and limiting of the sample rack, so as to ensure that the sample rack loaded with test tubes has better stability when moving to this position for test tube unloading, facilitating stable unloading of the test tubes. More specifically, as shown in Figure 5 、 6As shown, the pressing device 9 comprises a first support base 9.1 connected to the rear side wall of the first mounting frame 1, a vertical pressing motor 9.2 and a pressing plate 9.3 slidably arranged towards the width direction of the channel 1.1 are connected to the first support base 9.1, and a first waist-shaped hole 9.3.1 perpendicular to the sliding direction of the pressing plate 9.3 is arranged on the pressing plate 9.3, a first eccentric wheel 9.4 is connected to the output shaft of the pressing motor 9.2, a first positioning shaft 9.5 is connected to the radial end of the first eccentric wheel 9.4, and the first positioning shaft 9.5 is fitted in the first waist-shaped hole 9.3.1. In this structure, when the pressing motor 9.2 operates, the first positioning shaft 9.5 is driven to rotate by the first eccentric wheel 9.4, and the pressing plate 9.3 reciprocates along the width direction of the first mounting frame 1, thereby driving the pressing plate 9.3 to move towards the sample holder in the channel 1.1 or away from the sample holder alternately, so as to realize the pressing limiting or releasing of the sample holder.

[0062] In another aspect, in the embodiment, as shown in Figure 3 , the length direction of the recovery tray 2 is arranged perpendicular to the length direction of the channel 1.1, and the end of the recovery tray 2 close to the first mounting frame 1 is communicated with the channel 1.1, specifically, the end of the recovery tray 2 close to the first mounting frame 1 is opened, and a through hole is arranged on the side wall of the first mounting frame 1 close to the opening position, thereby forming a passageway hole for sliding the sample holder from the channel 1.1 to the recovery tray 2. More specifically, the recovery mechanism 3 is connected to the side of the first mounting frame 1 opposite to the recovery tray 2, as shown in Figure 1 , the recovery tray 2 is located at the front side of the first mounting frame 1, and the recovery mechanism 3 is installed at the position of the rear side of the first mounting frame 1 corresponding to the recovery tray 2. In this structure, when the empty sample holder unloaded from the test tube moves to the position corresponding to the recovery tray 2, the recovery mechanism 3 drives the sample holder in the channel 1.1 to slide at an angle perpendicular to the movement direction of the conveying belt 8, until the sample holder slides into the recovery tray 2, thereby realizing the convenient recovery of the sample holder, and the form of this structure does not affect the normal operation of the conveying belt 8.

[0063] In the above structure, as shown in Figure 3 , 4As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the recovery mechanism 3 comprises a second support base 3.1, a horizontal push plate 3.2 is slidingly connected to the second support base 3.1, and a recovery drive assembly is arranged on the second support base 3.1, and the recovery drive assembly is used to drive the horizontal push plate 3.2 to push the sample rack from the channel 1.1 to the recovery tray 2. More specifically, the recovery drive assembly comprises a recovery motor 12, the horizontal push plate 3.2 is provided with a second waist-shaped hole 3.2.1 which is perpendicular to the sliding direction of the horizontal push plate 3.2, a second eccentric wheel 13 is connected to the output shaft of the recovery motor 12, one end of the second eccentric wheel 13 is connected to a second positioning shaft 14, and the second positioning shaft 14 is fitted in the second waist-shaped hole 3.2.1. In this structure, the rotation of the recovery motor 12 realizes the forward and backward sliding of the horizontal push plate 3.2 in the direction perpendicular to the movement direction of the conveying belt 8, and in turn realizes the pushing of the sample rack on the conveying belt 8 to the recovery tray 2.

[0064] In another aspect, as shown in FIG. 9, Figure 3 a blocking mechanism 10 is arranged on the first mounting rack 1 at a position away from the pipe unloading station 4 and close to the recovery mechanism 3. When the sample rack is reversely moved to abut against the blocking mechanism 10 under the drive of the drive mechanism, the sample rack corresponds to the open end of the recovery tray 2, thereby limiting the position of the sample rack. Then the recovery mechanism 3 performs the pushing action, so that the recovery mechanism 3 can accurately push the sample rack on the conveying belt 8 into the recovery tray 2 for recovery every time, and the sample rack recovery efficiency is effectively improved. More specifically, in the above structure, the blocking mechanism 10 comprises a blocking fork 10.1 and a blocking motor 10.2 for horizontal movement of the blocking fork 10.1; and when the drive mechanism drives the sample rack to start the reverse movement, the blocking motor 10.2 drives the blocking fork 10.1 to move horizontally into the channel 1.1, so as to block and limit the sample rack, and ensure that the sample rack is accurately positioned with the passage hole on the first mounting rack 1 when the sample rack is reversely moved to the recovery station under the drive of the conveying belt 8, so that the sample rack can quickly and accurately enter the recovery tray 2 when the recovery mechanism 3 performs the pushing action.

[0065] In addition, as shown in FIG. 10, Figure 3 in the embodiment, two recovery trays 2 are arranged side by side on the front side of the first mounting rack 1, and each recovery tray 2 corresponds to one recovery mechanism 3 and one blocking mechanism 10. When one recovery tray 2 is full of sample racks, the other recovery tray 2 starts to recover the sample racks. Of course, in other embodiments, according to the actual use conditions, the number of recovery trays 2 and the number of recovery mechanisms 3 and blocking mechanisms 10 can also be three or more than three.

[0066] In another aspect, as shown in FIG. 11, Figure 8 , 9As shown, the sample rack conveying mechanism 103 in the embodiment includes a second mounting rack 15 for placing the second sample rack 120, one end of the second mounting rack 15 is connected with a positioning mechanism, the other end of the second mounting rack 15 is connected with a pushing mechanism for pushing the second sample rack 120 on the second mounting rack 15 towards the positioning mechanism until the second sample rack 120 is clamped and limited between the positioning mechanism and the pushing mechanism; in addition, the end of the second mounting rack 15 near the positioning mechanism is also connected with a discharging mechanism for driving the second sample rack 120 to separate from the second mounting rack 15 and enter the next station, so as to realize automatic conveying of the second sample rack 120 loaded with samples to the next station without manual operation, thereby improving the efficiency.

[0067] In the above structure, in order to further improve the automation efficiency of sample detection, a two-dimensional code with corresponding information is preset on each second sample rack 120; in the embodiment, a second code scanner 18 is also arranged at the end of the second mounting rack 15 near the positioning mechanism, as shown in Figure 8 、 9 When the second sample rack 120 moves to the corresponding position on the second mounting rack 15, the second code scanner 18 scans and identifies the specific information of the second sample rack 120, so as to control the tube conveying mechanism 104 to transfer the test tubes buffered in the buffer sample rack 101 to the second sample rack 120 according to the information preset on the sample rack 2, so as to ensure that there is no error in the sample transfer process; on the other hand, the automation degree of the detection process is also improved, and the detection efficiency is improved.

[0068] More specifically, as shown in Figure 9 , a positioning sliding groove 15.1 extending along the length of the second mounting rack 15 and used for horizontal movement of the second sample rack 120 is arranged at the upper end of the second mounting rack 15, and one side wall of the positioning sliding groove 15.1 near the positioning mechanism is provided with a discharge port 15.2 for discharging the second sample rack 120, so as to form a discharge channel perpendicular to the sliding direction of the second sample rack 120 at the position of the discharge port 15.2; on the other hand, in the above structure, the positioning mechanism is movable along the sliding direction of the second sample rack 120, so as to change the positioning position of the second sample rack 120 in the positioning sliding groove 15.1; that is, by moving the position of the positioning mechanism, the second sample rack 120 is controlled to be located at the position corresponding to the discharge port 15.2 or before reaching the discharge port 15.2. When the second sample rack 120 is located before reaching the discharge port 15.2, the test tubes are placed in the hole position on the second sample rack 120 through the operation of the corresponding mechanical hand; when the second sample rack 120 is located at the position corresponding to the discharge port 15.2, the second sample rack 120 is driven by the discharging mechanism to separate from the second mounting rack 15 and enter the next station.

[0069] As shown in Figure 8 ,10 As shown, the positioning mechanism in the embodiment includes a positioning seat 19, a positioning block 20 slidingly arranged at the upper end of the positioning seat 19, and a positioning drive assembly for driving the positioning block 20 to move towards the second sample rack 120. After the second sample rack 120 is placed into the positioning sliding groove 15.1, the positioning drive assembly drives the positioning block 20 to move towards the position where the second sample rack 120 is located, until the positioning block 20 extends to a set positioning position, and then the pushing mechanism pushes the second sample rack 120 to move towards the position where the positioning mechanism is located, until the second sample rack 120 is clamped and positioned between the positioning block 20 and the pushing mechanism, so that the next stage of inserting and placing the test tube can be performed. The positioning drive assembly in this structure is the same as the above-mentioned recycling drive assembly structure, both of which are driven by the driving motor to rotate the eccentric wheel, so as to realize the reciprocating movement of the positioning block 20, which will not be described here. On the other hand, in order to further improve the stability of the movement of the positioning block 20, a straight-line sliding rail is connected between the upper end of the positioning seat 19 and the positioning block 20, so as to ensure that the positioning block 20 will not be inclined during sliding.

[0070] In addition, as shown in Figure 11 As shown, the unloading mechanism includes a shift fork 16 connected to the positioning seat 19 and an unloading drive assembly, and the bottom of the positioning sliding groove 15.1 is provided with an avoiding sliding groove 15.3 extending in the direction of the discharge port 15.2 corresponding to the position of the discharge port 15.2, and the upper end of the shift fork 16 is slidingly fitted in the avoiding sliding groove 15.3; the unloading drive assembly is used for driving the shift fork 16 to reciprocate in the avoiding sliding groove 15.3, so as to realize the automatic unloading of the second sample rack 120. More specifically, the unloading drive assembly includes a belt pulley assembly 21 and a shift fork motor 22 for driving the belt pulley assembly 21 to move, and the shift fork 16 is connected to the transmission belt 23 of the belt pulley assembly 21, so as to realize the reciprocating movement of the shift fork 16 along the direction of the avoiding sliding groove 15.3 through the reciprocating movement of the belt pulley assembly 21.

[0071] More specifically, the pushing mechanism comprises at least one pushing pawl 24, which is slidably arranged on the side wall of the positioning chute 15.1 and extends into the cavity of the positioning chute 15.1 at one end; and the lower end of the second mounting frame 15 is connected with a pushing pawl driving assembly for driving the pushing pawl 24 to move back and forth along the positioning chute 15.1. In the embodiment, preferably, there are two pushing pawls 24, which are symmetrically arranged on the two sides of the positioning chute 15.1. When the second sample rack 120 is placed in the positioning chute 15.1, the pushing pawl driving assembly drives the two pushing pawls 24 to push the second sample rack 120 to move towards the end where the positioning mechanism is located, until the second sample rack 120 is tightly positioned between the positioning block 20 and the pushing pawl 24, and when the second sample rack 120 is in the limiting position, the second sample rack 120 has not reached the position of the discharge port 15.2. At this time, the tube moving mechanism 104 picks up the test tube on the buffer sample rack 101 and places it in the corresponding empty position of the second sample rack 120. When the test tube is placed, the positioning block 20 is reset away from the second sample rack 120, the pushing pawl driving assembly continues to drive the two pushing pawls 24 to push the second sample rack 120 to move forward by one rack position distance of the second sample rack 120, then the fork driving assembly drives the fork 16 to move, and then the fork 16 pushes the second sample rack 120 to move away from the discharge port 15.2 and move to the next station. In the above structure, the pushing pawl driving assembly also adopts a belt wheel driving structure, as shown in Figure 12 、 13 The lower end of the second mounting frame 15 is connected with a pushing pawl motor 25, the output shaft of the pushing pawl motor 25 is connected with a first belt wheel 26, the lower end of the second mounting frame 15 is rotatably connected with a second belt wheel 27 near the first belt wheel 26, and the lower end of the second mounting frame 15 is also rotatably connected with a third belt wheel 28; and the first belt wheel 26 and the second belt wheel 27 are connected through a first belt 29, and the second belt wheel 27 and the third belt wheel 28 are connected through a second belt 30; in addition, the lower end of the second mounting frame 15 is slidably connected with a connecting plate 31 extending along the width direction of the second mounting frame 15, the connecting plate 31 is connected with the second belt 30, and the two pushing pawls 24 are connected at the two ends of the connecting plate 31. The pushing pawl motor 25 drives the first belt wheel 26 to rotate, then drives the second belt wheel 27 to rotate, and then drives the connecting plate 31 to move through the second belt 30, so as to realize the pushing movement of the two pushing pawls 24.

[0072] In another aspect, as shown in Figure 1 、 2As shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, the tube transfer mechanism 104 in this embodiment includes a support frame 18 mounted on the upper end of the workbench 100, a sliding frame 32 slidably connected to the upper end of the support frame 18 along the Y-axis direction, and a Y-axis moving assembly for driving the sliding frame 32 to move. Specifically, the Y-axis moving assembly includes a Y-axis moving motor 33 and a first synchronous belt 34 moving along the Y-axis direction of the support frame 18. The rotation of the Y-axis moving motor 33 drives the first synchronous belt 34 to rotate and drive the sliding frame 32 to move along the Y-axis direction. On the other hand, a sliding seat 35 capable of moving along the X-axis direction is slidably connected to the sliding frame 32, and an X-axis moving assembly for driving the sliding seat 35 to move. Specifically, the X-axis moving assembly includes an X-axis moving motor 36 and a second synchronous belt 37 moving along the X-axis direction of the support frame 18. In this structure, the rotation of the X-axis moving motor 36 drives the second synchronous belt 37 to rotate in parallel, and drives the sliding seat 35 to move horizontally along the X-axis direction on the sliding frame 32. In addition, a test tube chuck capable of sliding along the Z-axis direction is connected to the sliding seat 35, and a Z-axis moving assembly for driving the test tube chuck to move. Specifically, the Z-axis moving assembly includes a Z-axis moving motor 38 and a third synchronous belt 39 moving along the Z-axis direction of the support frame 18. The rotation of the Z-axis moving motor 38 drives the third synchronous belt 39 to rotate, and drives the test tube chuck 19 to move up and down along the Z-axis direction on the sliding seat 35. In this structure, the movement of the X-axis moving assembly, the Y-axis moving assembly, and the Z-axis moving assembly can realize the movement of the test tube chuck at any position in the XYZ coordinate system, and realize the automatic transfer of the test tubes in the first sample rack 110, the buffer sample rack 101, and the second sample rack 120, which is very convenient. More specifically, the test tube chuck in this structure is an electric cylinder gripper, i.e., the clamping gap of the gripper is controlled by an electric cylinder, which can realize flexible and stable grabbing of test tubes with different diameters.

[0073] As Figure 15As shown, the sample-out track switching mechanism 105 includes a third mounting frame 40, a regular channel 105.1 and an emergency channel 105.2 are arranged at one end of the upper part of the third mounting frame 40, and three conveying belt assemblies are arranged on the third mounting frame 40 in the X-axis direction, and three sample delivery channels, i.e., the regular channel 105.1, the emergency channel 105.2 and the recheck channel 105.3, are arranged at one end of the third mounting frame 40 along the X-axis and correspond to the three conveying belt assemblies respectively; a track switching base 41 for placing the sample rack is also connected to the third mounting frame 40, and a track switching driving assembly is arranged to drive the track switching base 41 to reciprocate along the Y-axis direction by a certain distance, and in this structure, the track switching base 41 is essentially a limiting baffle, and an avoiding channel for the second sample rack 120 is arranged on the track switching base 41, and specifically, the movement of the track switching base 41 in the Y-axis direction driven by the track switching driving assembly can realize that the track switching base 41 corresponds to the positions of the regular channel 105.1, the emergency channel 105.2 or the recheck channel 105.3 respectively, and the operation of the corresponding conveying belt assembly can realize that the second sample rack 120 is out of the regular channel 105.1 or the emergency channel 105.2 and is sent to the analyzer of the next station. In addition, the recheck channel 105.3 in this structure refers to that when the sample sent from the regular channel 105.1 or the emergency channel 105.2 needs to be rechecked, the track switching base 41 moves to the position corresponding to the recheck channel 105.3, the sample rack is transported reversely from the channel to the avoiding channel on the track switching base 41, and then the rechecked sample rack is switched to the regular channel 105.1 or the emergency channel 105.2 for detection again according to the requirement. For example Figure 15 As shown, the track switching driving assembly 17 in this structure is also composed of a driving motor, a conveying belt and the like, and the movement of the track switching base 41 is driven by the motor driving the conveying belt to operate, and details are not expanded.

[0074] The structure of the sample-out track-changing mechanism 105 described above, in order to realize the correct selection of the corresponding sample-out channel for the second sample rack 120 on the track-changing base 41, a stop mechanism is further arranged on the third mounting rack 40, which comprises a stop motor 42, a rotating disc 43 connected to the output shaft of the stop motor 42, and the center position of the rotating disc 43 is connected with the output shaft of the stop motor 42, and a push rod 44 is connected to the radial outer end of the rotating disc 43, and a stop rod 45 is rotatably connected to the third mounting rack 40, and the lower end of the stop rod 45 abuts against the push rod 44, when the stop motor 42 drives the rotating disc 43 to rotate forward and reverse, the stop rod 45 rotates around the connecting point with the third mounting rack 40, so that the upper end of the stop rod 45 moves to the position where the regular channel 105.1 is located or away from the position where the regular channel 105.1 is located. In this structure, a reset element is arranged at the connecting point of the stop rod 45 and the third mounting rack 40, that is, the upper end of the stop rod 45 is located away from the regular channel 105.1 in the initial position, at this time the stop rod 45 cannot stop the sample rack in the regular channel 105.1, when the sample rack needs to be sampled out from the emergency channel 105.2, the stop motor 42 drives the stop rod 45 to rotate, so that the upper end of the stop rod 45 moves to the corresponding position of the regular channel 105.1 to realize the stop of the sample rack, when the subsequent sample rack needs to be sampled again from the regular channel 105.1, the stop motor 42 reverses to rotate, and under the action of the reset element, the stop rod 45 resets to rotate to the initial position.

[0075] Specifically, the three sample-out channels and the track-changing mechanism are all motor and transmission belt transmission structures. The second sample rack 120 is pushed into the track-changing base 41 under the action of the fork 16 of the unloading mechanism, and in the initial position, the track-changing base 41 corresponds to the regular channel 105.1, if it is regular detection, it can be directly passed through; if it is emergency detection, the upper end of the stop rod 45 is driven by the stop motor 42 to move to the position where the regular channel 105.1 is located to block the second sample rack 120, then under the action of the track-changing driving assembly, the track-changing base 41 moves along the Y-axis direction to drive the corresponding second sample rack 120 into the position corresponding to the emergency channel 105.2, and under the action of the transmission belt of the emergency channel 105.2, the second sample rack 120 is sampled out from the emergency channel 105.2.

[0076] As Figure 2 , 19As shown, the workbench 100 is also provided with a drawer mechanism 106. Specifically, the drawer mechanism 106 mainly includes a fourth mounting frame 46 and a tray 47. The fourth mounting frame 46 is provided with a sliding rail for sliding of the tray 47. A tray bottom plate 48 is arranged on the sliding rail. Four trays 47 are placed on the tray bottom plate 48. The four trays 47 can be functionally divided as needed, such as storage of emergency samples, regular samples, calibrators, etc. Each tray 47 can store 50 sample tubes 50. Specifically, a handle 49 is connected to the tray bottom plate 48. The tray 47 can be pulled out by pulling the handle 49, and then the tray 47 is taken out or placed. The drawer mechanism 106 in this structure is mainly arranged to enable the sample transfer device in this embodiment to work in a single machine mode. The detection steps are as follows:

[0077] First, the calibrators, quality control samples, and sample tubes are placed in the trays 47 of the drawer mechanism 106. The empty second sample rack 120 is transported to the positioning mechanism. The tube transfer mechanism 104 transfers the tubes in the drawer mechanism 106 to the rotating code scanning mechanism 107 for code scanning. After the code scanning is completed, the tube transfer mechanism 104 transfers the tubes to the second sample rack 120. The unloading mechanism drives the second sample rack 120 into the sample discharge rail changing mechanism 105, and selects the corresponding channel to discharge the sample for detection according to the required detection mode.

[0078] The rotating code scanning mechanism 107 in the single machine operation mode described above is a structure known in the art, which is mainly used for clamping the tubes and scanning and identifying the bar code on the side wall by rotating the tubes. For details, please refer to the authorized patent CN214278957U applied by the same applicant as this application. The specific structure will not be described here.

[0079] In another aspect, the transfer device of this embodiment can also work in an online mode in addition to the single machine mode described above.

[0080] The specific working process is as follows

[0081] The first sample rack 110 loaded with tubes is unloaded from the front processing pipeline and enters the sample rack transmission and recovery mechanism 102 on the workbench 100. The tube transfer mechanism 104 transfers the tubes on the first sample rack 110 to the buffer sample rack 101. Then, the empty first sample rack 110 is recovered to the recovery tray 2.

[0082] The second sample rack 120 is transported to the tube placement station. The second code scanner 18 scans the second sample rack 120. The tube transfer mechanism 104 transfers the tubes on the buffer sample rack 101 to the second sample rack 120.

[0083] The unloading mechanism drives the second sample rack 120 into the sample discharge rail changing mechanism 105, and selects the corresponding channel to discharge the sample for detection according to the required detection mode.

[0084] In the online working mode, the first sample rack 110 and the second sample rack 120 are different in specification, and the automatic transfer of the test tube between the sample racks of different specifications is realized through the above operation, manual sorting is replaced, work efficiency is improved, and the transfer error rate is reduced.

[0085] Although the present disclosure is disclosed as above, the protection scope of the present disclosure is not limited to this. Those skilled in the art can make various changes and modifications without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure, and these changes and modifications will fall within the protection scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A sample transfer device, characterized in that: comprising a workbench (100) on which are installed a buffer sample rack (101) for temporarily storing test tubes; a sample rack transmission and recovery mechanism (102) for transmitting a first sample rack (110) loaded with test tubes from a first feeding end of the workbench (100) to a test tube unloading station (4), and after the test tubes on the first sample rack (110) are unloaded and transferred to the buffer sample rack (101), the sample rack transmission and recovery mechanism (102) is used for recovering the empty first sample rack (110); a sample rack transmission mechanism (103) for transmitting an empty second sample rack (120) from a second feeding end of the workbench (100) to a test tube loading station; a test tube transfer mechanism (104) for transferring the test tubes on the first sample rack (110) to the buffer sample rack (101), and transferring the test tubes in the buffer sample rack (101) to the second sample rack (120); an outlet track switching mechanism (105) provided with a regular channel (105.1), an emergency channel (105.2) and an outlet driving assembly, the outlet driving assembly is used for driving the second sample rack (120) loaded with test tubes to move out of the workbench (100) from the regular channel (105.1) or the emergency channel (105.2) into a next detection station. ​ The sample rack transmission mechanism (103) comprises a second mounting rack (15) for placing a second sample rack (120), one end of the second mounting rack (15) is connected with a positioning mechanism, the other end of the second mounting rack (15) is connected with a pushing mechanism for pushing the second sample rack (120) to move towards the positioning mechanism until the second sample rack (120) is clamped and limited between the positioning mechanism and the pushing mechanism; the end of the second mounting rack (15) near the positioning mechanism is also connected with a discharging mechanism for driving the second sample rack (120) loaded with samples to leave the second mounting rack (15) and enter the feeding channel of the sample discharging and rail changing mechanism (105); the second mounting rack (15) is provided with a discharging port (15.2) near the positioning mechanism, the positioning mechanism comprises a positioning seat, the upper end of the positioning seat is slidably provided with a positioning block (20) and a positioning driving assembly for driving the positioning block (20) to move towards the second sample rack (120), the position of the positioning block (20) is moved for controlling the second sample rack (120) to be located at a position corresponding to the discharging port (15.2) or a position before reaching the discharging port (15.2); and when the second sample rack (120) is located at the position before reaching the discharging port (15.2), the tube moving mechanism (104) is used for placing a test tube in the buffer sample rack (101) into a hole position on the second sample rack (120); when the second sample rack (120) is located at the position corresponding to the discharging port (15.2), the discharging mechanism is used for driving the second sample rack (120) to leave the second mounting rack (15) and enter the next station; the first sample rack (110) and the second sample rack (120) are different in specification, the sample transfer device realizes automatic transfer of test tubes between sample racks of different specifications, and the sample racks of different specifications are also automatically transmitted and recycled.

2. The sample transfer apparatus of claim 1, wherein: The sample rack transmission and recovery mechanism (102) comprises a first mounting rack (1) mounted on a workbench (100), the first mounting rack (1) is provided with a channel (1.1) extending along the length direction thereof and a driving mechanism, the driving mechanism is used for driving the first sample rack (110) to slide back and forth in the channel (1.1) to realize transmission and recovery of the first sample rack; the first mounting rack (1) is also connected with at least one recovery tray (2) for accommodating the first sample rack (110) and a recovery mechanism (3) for driving the empty first sample rack (110) to move to the recovery tray.

3. The sample transfer apparatus of claim 2, wherein: The first mounting frame (1) is connected with a pressing mechanism (9) at a position corresponding to the unloading station (4) on any side in the width direction; the pressing mechanism (9) comprises a first support seat (9.1) connected to the side wall of the first mounting frame (1), a pressing motor (9.2) and a pressing plate (9.3) slidable in the width direction of the channel (1.1) are connected to the first support seat (9.1), the pressing plate (9.3) is provided with a first waist-shaped hole (9.3.1) perpendicular to the sliding direction thereof, a first eccentric wheel (9.4) is connected to the output shaft of the pressing motor (9.2), and a first positioning shaft (9.5) is connected to one end of the first eccentric wheel (9.4) in the radial direction, and the first positioning shaft (9.5) is fitted in the first waist-shaped hole (9.3.1).

4. The sample transfer apparatus according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that: The recovery mechanism (3) comprises a second support seat (3.1) connected to the first mounting frame (1), a horizontal push plate (3.2) and a recovery driving assembly are slidably connected to the second support seat (3.1), the recovery driving assembly is used for driving the horizontal push plate (3.2) to move horizontally, so as to push the first sample rack (110) from the channel (1.1) to the recovery tray (2).

5. The sample transfer apparatus of claim 4, wherein: The unloading mechanism comprises a shift fork (16) and an unloading driving assembly connected to the second mounting frame (15), the bottom wall of the second mounting frame (15) is provided with an avoiding sliding groove (15.3) extending in the discharging direction at a position corresponding to the discharge port (15.2), and the upper end of the shift fork (16) is slidably fitted in the avoiding sliding groove (15.3); the unloading driving assembly is used for driving the shift fork (16) to slide in the avoiding sliding groove (15.3), so that the second sample rack (120) is separated from the second mounting frame (15) and enters the sample rail changing mechanism (105).

6. The sample transfer apparatus of claim 4, wherein: The pushing mechanism comprises at least one pusher (17) which is slidably arranged on the side wall of the second mounting frame (15), and a pusher driving assembly is connected to the lower end of the second mounting frame (15) and used for driving the pusher (17) to move back and forth along the length direction of the second mounting frame (15), so as to continuously push the idle second sample rack (120) to the position abutting against the positioning mechanism.

7. The sample transfer apparatus of claim 1, wherein: The tube moving mechanism (104) comprises a support frame (18) and a test tube chuck, the support frame (18) is connected with an X-axis moving assembly used for driving the test tube chuck to move along the X-axis direction, a Y-axis moving assembly used for driving the test tube chuck to move along the Y-axis direction, and a Z-axis moving assembly used for driving the test tube chuck to move along the Z-axis direction.

8. The sample transfer apparatus of claim 1, wherein: The sample-out track changing mechanism (105) comprises a third mounting frame (40), one end of the third mounting frame (40) is provided with a regular channel (105.1) and an emergency channel (105.2) along the X-axis direction, and the third mounting frame (40) is provided with a conveyor belt assembly for driving the second sample rack (120) to move in the regular channel (105.1) or the emergency channel (105.2) respectively; the other end of the third mounting frame (40) is connected with a track base (41) for limiting the sample rack and a track driving assembly for driving the track base (41) to move along the Y-axis direction, so as to drive the track base (41) to move the corresponding sample rack to the position corresponding to the regular channel (105.1) or the emergency channel (105.2) for sample feeding.

9. The sample transfer apparatus of claim 1, wherein: The workbench (100) is further connected with a drawer mechanism (106) and a rotating code scanning mechanism (107), the drawer mechanism (106) is provided with a tray (47) for placing test tubes, when the sample transfer equipment works in a single machine mode, the test tube in the tray (47) is transferred to the rotating code scanning mechanism (107) by the test tube transfer mechanism (104), and after the code scanning of the rotating code scanning mechanism (107) is completed, the test tube in the rotating code scanning mechanism (107) is transferred to the corresponding second sample rack (120) by the test tube transfer mechanism (104).

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