Sample rack transport method and computer readable storage medium and analyzer

Abstract

The application discloses a sample rack transportation method, wherein a tray position on a sample rack transportation system is preset as a sample feeding tray position or a recycling tray position by an operating system, at least one sample feeding tray position and at least one recycling tray position are respectively preset, a sample feeding tray is placed in the sample feeding tray position, a recycling tray is placed in the recycling tray position, a sample feeding sample position is arranged in the sample feeding tray, and a recycling sample position is arranged in the recycling tray; a rack transportation device is used to transport a sample rack to be detected placed in the sample feeding sample position to an analyzer for detection and to place a detected sample rack detected by the analyzer into the recycling sample position. The application further provides a computer readable storage medium and an analyzer. The sample rack transportation method, the computer readable storage medium and the sample rack transportation system can flexibly and randomly set any tray position as a sample feeding tray position or a recycling tray position according to actual detection requirements and operation habits of an operator.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of in vitro diagnostic equipment technology, specifically a sample rack transportation method, a computer-readable storage medium, and an analyzer. Background Technology

[0002] To meet the requirements of automated analysis, sample rack transport systems are widely used in biochemical analyzers, immunoassay analyzers, and laboratory automated analysis systems. A sample rack transport system includes a workbench containing sample racks, which hold the samples to be tested. During testing, the transport unit transfers the sample racks to the testing equipment for analysis. After testing, the transport unit returns the sample racks to the sample rack transport system.

[0003] While existing sample rack transport systems can meet the requirements to a certain extent, they still have the following shortcomings:

[0004] 1) The existing sample rack transport system has separate sample placement area and sample return area. The sample racks in the sample placement area need to enter the sample transport channel in sequence, and the sample racks in the sample return channel need to return to the sample return area in sequence. Since the number of sample positions in the sample placement area and the sample return area is equal, that is, the number of sample positions in the sample placement area and the sample return area is greater than or equal to twice the number of sample racks, the area occupied by the sample placement area and the return area is greatly increased.

[0005] 2) The number of emergency sample positions in the sample rack transport system is relatively small, and after the emergency sample rack is tested, it needs to be returned to its original emergency sample position. This results in excess emergency sample racks not being sent into the sample rack transport system in a timely manner. Operators need to remove the tested emergency sample racks before they can be put into the untested emergency sample racks, which is not only a waste of manpower but also inefficient. Summary of the Invention

[0006] In view of this, the purpose of the present invention is to provide a sample rack transportation method, a computer-readable storage medium and an analyzer, which can flexibly and arbitrarily set the tray position as a sample loading tray position or a retrieval tray position according to actual testing needs and the operating habits of operators.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution:

[0008] This invention first proposes a sample rack transportation method, which is applied to a sample rack transportation system. The sample rack transportation system includes a workbench and a host computer. The workbench is provided with a tray position and a rack transportation device. The host computer is provided with an operating system for marking the tray position. The rack transportation device is used to transport the sample rack to be tested to the analyzer for testing and to retrieve the tested sample rack after testing by the analyzer.

[0009] The sample rack transportation method is as follows: the operating system presets the tray positions on the sample rack transportation system as either sample inlet tray positions or retrieval tray positions, with at least one sample inlet tray position and at least one retrieval tray position preset. The sample inlet tray is placed in the sample inlet tray position, and the retrieval tray is placed in the retrieval tray position. The sample inlet tray has a sample inlet position, and the retrieval tray has a sample retrieval position. The sample rack to be tested, placed in the sample inlet tray position, is transported to the analyzer for testing using the rack transportation device, and the tested sample rack, after being tested by the analyzer, is placed in the retrieval tray position.

[0010] When a sample tray is placed in the sample tray position and a detection command is issued, the position and quantity of the sample racks to be tested in the sample tray's sample position are detected, and the sample racks to be tested are transported to the analyzer for detection in sequence according to the set sorting rules.

[0011] Before transporting the tested sample rack to the recycling tray, it is determined whether there is an empty recycling sample position. If so, the tested sample rack is transported to the empty recycling sample position. If not, an alarm is issued, and the tested sample rack is transported to the empty recycling sample position only after a new empty recycling sample position becomes available.

[0012] Furthermore, the sample rack transport system is equipped with emergency sample positions. When an emergency sample rack is placed in an emergency sample position and an emergency testing command is issued, it is determined whether the transport device has a transport task at present. If not, all emergency sample racks are transported to the analyzer for testing first; if so, the current transport task is completed, and then the emergency sample racks are transported to the analyzer for testing first.

[0013] Furthermore, when the number of emergency sample racks exceeds the number of emergency sample positions, it is determined whether there are empty sample inlet tray positions and retrieval tray positions. If so, the empty sample inlet tray positions and / or retrieval tray positions are marked as emergency tray positions through the operating system, and the sample positions in the emergency tray positions are marked as emergency sample positions.

[0014] When an emergency tray is placed in the emergency tray position and an emergency testing command is issued, the placement and quantity of emergency sample racks in the emergency sample position of the emergency tray are detected, and the emergency sample racks are transported to the analyzer for testing in sequence according to the set sorting rules.

[0015] Furthermore, after the emergency tray is placed in the emergency tray position, the emergency tray is locked in the emergency sample position until there is no emergency sample holder in the emergency tray, at which point the emergency tray is unlocked.

[0016] Furthermore, when the emergency tray is removed from the emergency tray position, the emergency tray position becomes an empty tray position; if there are still untested emergency sample racks, the operating system re-marks the tray position as an emergency tray position; if there are no untested emergency sample racks, the sample position is marked as a sample injection tray position or a retrieval tray position.

[0017] Furthermore, before transporting the tested sample rack to the recycling tray, if it is determined that there are no empty recycling sample positions, the recycling tray that is already full of tested sample racks is removed and replaced with a recycling tray with empty recycling sample positions; or, if there are empty recycling tray positions, a recycling tray with empty recycling sample positions is placed in the empty recycling tray position.

[0018] Furthermore, after the sample tray is placed in the sample tray position, the sample tray is locked in the sample tray position until there are no samples to be tested in the sample tray, at which point the sample tray is unlocked.

[0019] Furthermore, after the recycling tray is placed in the recycling tray position, the recycling tray is locked in the recycling tray position until the recycling tray is full of tested sample racks, at which point the recycling tray is unlocked.

[0020] The present invention also proposes a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program that, when executed by a processor, implements the steps of the sample rack transportation method described above.

[0021] The present invention also proposes an analyzer, characterized in that it includes a sample rack transport system for performing the sample rack transport method described above.

[0022] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows:

[0023] The sample rack transportation method of the present invention allows any tray position to be marked as a sample loading tray position or a retrieval tray position through the operating system. Thus, during use, the number of sample loading tray positions and retrieval tray positions can be flexibly set according to the needs of the testing task, meaning the number of sample loading tray positions and retrieval tray positions can be unequal. Furthermore, the corresponding tray position can be set as a sample loading tray position or a retrieval tray position according to the operator's operating habits, thereby adapting to different operators. Upon receiving a testing instruction, the number and position of the sample racks to be tested can be recorded at any time, enabling the sample racks to be transported to the analyzer for testing according to the set sorting rules. When retrieving a tested sample rack, the tested sample rack is transported to the corresponding retrieval tray position according to the number and position of the vacant retrieval tray positions, thus meeting the transportation requirements of the sample racks during the testing and retrieval processes.

[0024] By setting up emergency sample stations, the requirements for emergency testing can be met. When the number of emergency sample stations is insufficient, empty sample inlet or return trays can be marked as emergency sample stations, thereby increasing the number of emergency sample stations to meet the requirements for large-scale emergency testing. Attached Figure Description

[0025] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and beneficial effects of this invention clearer, the following figures are provided for illustration:

[0026] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the sample rack transport system;

[0027] Figure 2 This is a structural schematic diagram of the transport unit;

[0028] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the basket locking mechanism.

[0029] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0030] 10-Workbench; 11-Sample rack; 12-Sample position; 13-Transportation channel; 14-Transportation unit; 15-Splitting unit; 16-First detection sensor; 17-First sample rack placement position; 18-Second sample rack placement position; 19-Basket locking mechanism; 20-Tray; 21-Second detection sensor; 22-Third detection sensor; 23-Detection indicator button; 24-Slot; 25-Locking block; 26-Rotation motor; 27-Motor bracket; 28-Detection optocoupler; 29-Light shield; 30-Emergency storage area; 31-Emergency sample position; 32-Emergency tray; 33-Fourth detection sensor; 34-Emergency indicator button; 35-Online channel area; 36-Online tray; 37-Online sample position; 38-Online tray; 39-Main button; 40-Obstruction detection sensor; 41-Fifth detection sensor; 42-Push unit; 43-Emergency sample channel; 44-Regular sample channel; 45-Return channel; 46-First arrival detection sensor. Detailed Implementation

[0031] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments, so that those skilled in the art can better understand and implement the present invention. However, the embodiments described are not intended to limit the present invention.

[0032] The sample rack transportation method of this embodiment is applied to a sample rack transportation system, which includes a workbench 10 and a host computer. The workbench 10 is equipped with tray positions and a rack transportation device. The host computer has an operating system for marking the tray positions. The rack transportation device is used to transport the sample racks to be tested to the analyzer for testing and to retrieve the tested sample racks after testing by the analyzer. Specifically, the sample rack transportation method of this embodiment is as follows: the operating system presets the tray positions on the sample rack transportation system as either sample inlet tray positions or retrieval tray positions, with at least one sample inlet tray position and at least one retrieval tray position preset. During operation, the sample inlet tray is placed in the sample inlet tray position and locked in the sample inlet tray position; the retrieval tray is placed in the retrieval tray position and locked in the retrieval tray position. Specifically, the sample inlet tray has a sample inlet position, and the retrieval tray has a sample retrieval position; the rack transportation device is used to transport the sample racks to be tested placed in the sample inlet position to the analyzer for testing and to place the tested sample racks after testing by the analyzer into the retrieval sample position.

[0033] Specifically, after a sample tray is placed in the sample loading position and a detection command is issued, the system detects the position and quantity of the sample racks to be tested within the sample loading position of that tray. The sample racks are then transported to the analyzer for testing according to a pre-defined sorting rule. When there are no sample racks to be tested in the sample loading tray, the tray is unlocked, and an unlocking instruction (either audible or visual) is issued. After the operator removes the tray, a new sample loading tray containing sample racks to be tested can be placed in it. Upon placing the new tray, a detection command is issued. At this point, the transport device detects and records the position and quantity of the sample racks to be tested within the current tray, and adds the detected racks to the sorting sequence, awaiting transport to the analyzer for testing.

[0034] Before transporting the tested sample rack to the recycling tray, it is determined whether there is an empty recycling sample position. If so, the tested sample rack is transported to an empty recycling sample position. When the recycling tray is full of tested sample racks, the recycling tray is unlocked, and an unlocking instruction is issued simultaneously. The unlocking instruction can be audible and visual. The operator can then remove the recycling tray according to the unlocking instruction and place it into a new recycling tray with an empty recycling sample position. If not, an alarm is sounded, and the tested sample rack is transported to an empty recycling sample position only after a new empty recycling sample position becomes available. Specifically, when there are no empty recycling sample positions, they can be updated in the following two ways: First, if it is determined that there are no empty recycling sample positions before transporting the tested sample rack to the recycling tray, the recycling tray that is already full of tested sample racks is removed and replaced with a recycling tray with an empty recycling sample position; Second, if there is an empty recycling tray position, a recycling tray with an empty recycling sample position is placed in that empty recycling tray position.

[0035] Specifically, for emergency cases, the sample rack transport system has emergency sample positions. When an emergency sample rack is placed in an emergency sample position and an emergency testing command is issued, the system determines whether the transport device has a current transport task. If not, all emergency sample racks are transported to the analyzer for testing first; if so, the current transport task is completed before the emergency sample racks are transported to the analyzer for testing. In other words, the transport task of emergency sample racks has priority; all emergency sample racks must be transported before the sample racks to be tested in the sample tray are transported according to the set order. Emergency testing tasks are generally few, therefore the number of emergency sample positions in the sample rack transport system is generally limited, typically one or two. However, in some testing tasks, the number of emergency sample racks may be excessive, making it impossible to meet the testing requirements with the available emergency sample positions. In such cases, empty sample inlet or return tray positions can be marked as emergency tray positions, and the sample positions within those emergency tray positions can also be marked as emergency sample positions. This allows the emergency sample racks to be stored together with one or two existing emergency sample positions on the sample rack transport system, increasing the storage capacity and meeting the needs of numerous emergency testing tasks. Specifically, when the number of emergency sample racks exceeds the number of emergency sample positions, the system checks for empty sample inlet and return tray positions. If so, the operating system marks the empty sample inlet and / or return tray positions as emergency tray positions, and the sample positions within those emergency tray positions are also marked as emergency sample positions. After an emergency tray is placed in an emergency tray position and an emergency testing command is issued, the system checks the placement and quantity of emergency sample racks within those emergency sample positions and transports them to the analyzer for testing according to a pre-defined sorting rule. Furthermore, after the emergency tray is placed in the emergency tray slot, it is locked within the emergency sample slot until there are no more emergency sample racks in the tray. Then, the tray is unlocked, and an unlocking instruction is issued, which can be audible or visual. The operator can then remove the tray. After removal, the operating system re-marks the empty tray slot as an empty tray slot. This allows for subsequent testing as needed; if there are still untested emergency sample racks, the operating system can re-mark the tray slot as an emergency tray slot; if there are no untested emergency sample racks, the tray slot can be marked as a sample loading tray slot or a retrieval tray slot.

[0036] Specifically, this embodiment also proposes a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program, which, when executed by a processor, implements the steps of the sample rack transportation method described above in this embodiment.

[0037] Specifically, this embodiment also proposes an analyzer, including a sample rack transport system for performing, for example, the sample rack transport method described above. Figure 1As shown, the sample rack transport system of this embodiment includes a workbench 10, on which a sample rack storage area, a sample rack transfer area and a transport channel are provided.

[0038] Specifically, the sample rack storage area is equipped with sample slots 12 for storing sample racks 11. For example... Figure 1 As shown, the sample rack storage area in this embodiment includes a regular storage area, which contains tray positions for placing trays 20. Each tray 20 contains sample positions 12 for placing sample racks 11. Specifically, when a tray position is marked as a sample injection tray position, the tray 20 placed in that position is a sample injection tray, and the sample positions 12 within it are also sample injection tray positions. Similarly, when a tray position is marked as a recovery tray position, the tray 20 placed in that position is a recovery tray, and the sample positions 12 within it are also recovery tray positions. When a tray position is marked as an emergency tray position, the tray 20 placed in that position is an emergency tray, and the sample positions 12 within it are also emergency tray positions. Each tray 20 in this embodiment contains 10 sample positions 12. Of course, the number of sample positions 12 in each tray 20 can be set according to actual needs, and will not be elaborated further. The regular storage area is equipped with a third detection sensor 22 for detecting whether a tray 20 is placed in a tray position. The third detection sensor 22 is set up one-to-one with a tray position. In a preferred embodiment, the regular storage area also includes a detection indicator button 23, which is set up one-to-one with a tray position. When the third detection sensor 22 detects that a tray is placed in the corresponding tray position, pressing the corresponding detection indicator button 23 can trigger a detection command to detect the sample rack 11 placed in the tray 20. Of course, the detection command can also be issued by the operating system of the host computer, which will not be elaborated further. In a preferred embodiment, the regular storage area also includes a detection status indicator light, which is set up one-to-one with a tray position and is used to indicate the detection status of the sample rack in the corresponding tray position. In this embodiment, the detection status indicator light and the detection indicator button 23 are integrated together. The detection status indicator light can display the detection status of the sample rack in the corresponding tray position through different colors or different flashing frequencies. The detection status includes not started testing, sampling in progress, waiting for results, and testing completed.

[0039] like Figure 1As shown, the sample rack storage area in this embodiment includes an emergency storage area 30, and the sample positions 11 located within the emergency storage area 30 are emergency sample positions 31. In some embodiments, the emergency sample positions 31 can be directly placed on the workbench of the emergency storage area 30. In other embodiments, an emergency tray position for placing an emergency tray 32 can be provided within the emergency storage area 30, and the emergency sample positions 31 can be placed within the emergency tray 32. Specifically, in this embodiment, the emergency storage area 30 includes an emergency tray position for placing an emergency tray 32, and the emergency sample positions 31 are placed within the emergency tray 32. In a preferred embodiment, the emergency storage area 30 includes a fourth detection sensor 33 for detecting whether a sample rack 11 is stored in the emergency sample position 31, and the fourth detection sensor 33 is configured in a one-to-one correspondence with the emergency sample positions 31. In a preferred embodiment, the emergency storage area 30 further includes an emergency indicator button 34, which is configured one-to-one with the emergency sample positions 31. When the fourth detection sensor 33 detects that a sample rack 11 is placed on the emergency sample position 31, pressing the emergency indicator button 34 triggers an emergency detection command, allowing detection of the sample rack 11 placed on the emergency sample position 31. In a preferred embodiment, the emergency storage area 30 also includes an emergency status indicator light, which is configured one-to-one with the emergency sample positions 31 and indicates the detection status of the sample rack 11 within the emergency sample position 31. In this embodiment, the emergency status indicator light and the emergency indicator button 34 are integrated together. The emergency status indicator light can display the detection status of the sample rack 11 within the emergency sample position using different colors or different flashing frequencies. The detection status includes not started testing, sampling in progress, waiting for results, and testing completed. Of course, in some other embodiments, a separate emergency storage area 30 may not be provided. At this point, a specific tray position within the regular storage area can be set up as an emergency workstation. The sample position 12 within the tray 20 placed in this tray position can serve as an emergency sample position 31, achieving the same technical effect as the emergency storage area 30. Of course, if the number of emergency sample positions 31 in the emergency storage area 30 is insufficient during use, a specific tray position within the regular storage area can also be set up as an emergency workstation to increase the number of emergency sample positions 31.

[0040] like Figure 1As shown, the sample rack storage area in this embodiment is provided with a connection channel area 35, and the sample position 12 set in the connection channel area 35 is the connection sample position 37. In some embodiments, the connection sample position 37 can be directly set on the workbench 10 of the connection channel area. In other embodiments, a connection tray position for placing the connection tray 36 can be set in the connection channel area 35, and the connection sample position 37 is set in the connection tray 38. The connection channel area 35 is used to connect the production line, transfer the samples on the production line to the sample analyzer for testing, and return the tested samples to the production line. The connection channel area 35 has two directions of movement: the sample rack stop bar rotates in the R direction and the stop bar moves left and right in the X direction. The R direction rotation of the stop bar controls the stop bar to rotate away from or block the channel, driven by a stepper motor, and the step control position is specified by a zero-position sensor and the stepper motor movement; the X direction movement of the stop bar is driven by a stepper motor, and the movement distance is controlled by position sensors set on the left and right. When sample rack 11 on the production line is ready to enter, the R-axis motor rotates the stop lever away from the connection channel. Then, the production line hook pushes the sample rack to the connection sample position. The R-axis motor rotates the stop lever to block the left and right sides of the sample rack. The X-axis motor moves the stop lever to the right, driving the sample rack to the right to the hook position of the transport unit. The R-axis motor drives the stop lever to rotate away from the channel, so that the transport unit can hook the sample rack. After testing, the production line sample rack moves in reverse order to transport the sample rack back to the production line.

[0041] In a preferred embodiment, a master button 39 is also provided in the sample rack storage area to enable one-button operation, making operation more convenient. Figure 1 As shown. Specifically, when the main button 39 is pressed, the third detection sensor 22 detects whether a tray 20 is stored in the corresponding tray position. If so, a detection command for that tray position is triggered; otherwise, no detection command is triggered. When the detection command for the corresponding tray position is triggered, the detection status indicator light in the detection indicator button 23 begins to indicate the detection status of that tray position. Specifically, when there is an emergency storage area in the sample rack storage area, when the main start button is pressed, the fourth detection sensor 33 detects whether a sample rack 11 is stored in the corresponding emergency sample position. If so, an emergency detection command for that emergency sample position 31 is triggered; otherwise, no emergency detection command is triggered. When the emergency detection command for the corresponding emergency sample position 31 is triggered, the emergency status indicator light in the emergency indicator button 34 begins to indicate the detection status of that emergency sample position 31.

[0042] like Figure 1As shown, the transport channel 13 of this embodiment is provided with a transport unit 14. The transport unit 14 is used to transport the sample rack 11 to be tested stored in the sample rack storage area to the sample rack transfer area, or to transport the sample rack 11 that has been tested by the sample analyzer from the sample rack transfer area to the corresponding sample position 12. In a preferred embodiment, the workbench 10 also includes obstacle detection sensors 40 for detecting whether there are obstacles on both sides of the transport channel 13, such as... Figure 1 As shown. Before the transport unit moves along the transport channel, it is determined whether there is an obstacle in the transport channel 13: if so, an alarm is triggered; if not, the transport unit 14 is driven to move along the transport channel 13, thereby ensuring the safe operation of the transport unit 14 and avoiding collisions and interference with other structures.

[0043] like Figure 1 As shown, the sample rack transfer area in this embodiment is used to transport the sample rack 11 to be tested to the sample analyzer and to receive the sample rack 11 that has been tested by the sample analyzer. The sample rack transfer area in this embodiment includes an interface unit and a rack-splitting unit 15; the rack-splitting unit 15 is used to transport the sample rack 11 to be tested on the rack-transporting unit 14 to the sample analyzer through the interface unit, or to transfer the tested sample rack 11 that has been tested and input through the interface unit to the rack-transporting unit 14. The rack-splitting unit 15 in this embodiment is provided with a direction adjustment mechanism for adjusting the direction of the sample rack to be tested. The direction adjustment mechanism is used to drive the sample rack 11 to rotate 180° to achieve the purpose of changing the direction. Thus, the direction adjustment mechanism can be implemented in various existing ways. For example, the upper part of the rack-splitting unit 15 can be mounted on a vertical rotating shaft, and the vertical rotating shaft can be driven by a motor to rotate to change the direction of the upper part of the rack-splitting unit 15; or the direction of the traveling wheels at the bottom of the rack-splitting unit 15 can be controlled to drive the rack-splitting unit 15 to change the direction by traveling in an arc. These will not be elaborated further. Of course, in some other embodiments, the orientation adjustment mechanism can also be set on the workbench 10, that is, on the workbench 10 located in the sample rack transfer area. In this case, the orientation adjustment mechanism can use a turntable-like mechanism to drive the rack unit 15 to rotate 180° as a whole.

[0044] In a preferred embodiment, a fifth detection sensor 41 is provided in the sample rack transfer area to detect whether the racking unit 15 has reached a set position, such as... Figure 1As shown. The sub-shelf unit 15 realizes sample shelf transfer interaction with the transport unit or interface unit at the set position to ensure smooth sample shelf transfer between the sub-shelf unit 15 and the transport unit 14, and between the sub-shelf unit 15 and the interface unit. In a preferred embodiment, a pushing unit 42 is also provided in the sample shelf transfer area. The pushing unit 42 is used to push the sample shelf 11 placed on the sub-shelf unit 15 to the interface unit or the transport unit, or to push the sample shelf input by the interface unit to the sub-shelf unit. In this way, a power mechanism for driving the sample shelf 11 to move is not required on the sub-shelf unit 15, which simplifies the structure of the sub-shelf unit 15.

[0045] Specifically, such as Figure 1 As shown, the sample rack storage area in this embodiment includes a regular storage area and an emergency storage area 30. The interface unit includes an emergency sample channel 43, a regular sample channel 44, and a return channel 45. The sample rack 11 in the emergency storage area 30 is output to external testing equipment through the emergency sample channel 43 and then retrieved through the return channel 45; the sample rack 11 in the regular storage area is output to external testing equipment through the regular sample channel 44 and then retrieved through the return channel 45.

[0046] like Figure 2 As shown, the transport unit 14 of this embodiment is equipped with a direction detection mechanism for identifying the direction of the sample rack 11 to be detected. Specifically, the direction detection mechanism of this embodiment includes a first detection sensor 16 for detecting the direction of the sample rack 11. The first detection sensor 16 is used to identify the direction markings set on the sample rack 11. In this embodiment, each sample rack 11 has a barcode on its side wall for indicating the direction of the sample rack 11. The first detection sensor 16 scans the barcodes using a barcode scanner. The barcodes can be set only on one side of the sample rack 11, or they can be set on both sides of the sample rack 11. When the barcodes are set on both sides of the sample rack 11, the barcodes on both sides are different. The direction of the sample rack 11 can be obtained by scanning the barcodes with two barcode scanners. The transport unit 14 of this embodiment is equipped with a first sample rack placement position 17 for placing sample racks, and the first detection sensor 16 is respectively set on both sides of the first sample rack placement position 17. Of course, in some other embodiments, the orientation detection mechanism can also be set on the shelf unit 15, which has a second sample shelf placement position 18 for placing the sample shelf. In this case, the first detection sensor 16 can be set on both sides of the second sample shelf placement position 18.

[0047] In a preferred embodiment, the transport unit 14 is provided with a first positioning detection sensor 46 for detecting whether the sample rack 11 on the first sample rack placement position 17 has reached the set position, such as... Figure 2As shown. During the process of transferring the sample rack 11 from sample position 12 to transport unit 14, transport unit 14 stops at the position corresponding to sample position 12. Only after the first positioning detection sensor detects that the sample rack 11 has reached the set position of the first sample rack placement position 17 can transport unit 14 be controlled to proceed to the next action, so as to avoid collision interference between transport unit 14 and other structures during the movement, and to prevent the sample rack 11 from falling off transport unit 14. Similarly, during the process of transferring the sample rack 11 from split unit 15 to transport unit 14, transport unit 14 stops at the set position. Only after the first positioning detection sensor detects that the sample rack 11 has reached the set position of the first sample rack placement position 17 can transport unit 14 be controlled to proceed to the next action. Similarly, in a preferred embodiment, a second positioning detection sensor (not shown in the figure) can also be provided on split unit 15 to detect whether the sample rack 11 in the second sample rack placement position 18 has reached the set position. During the process of transferring the sample rack 11 from the transport unit 14 to the distribution unit 15 and from the interface unit to the distribution unit 15, the distribution unit 15 can only be controlled to proceed to the next step after the second positioning detection sensor detects that the sample rack 11 has reached the set position of the second sample rack placement position 18. This is to prevent the sample rack 11 that is not in position on the second sample rack placement position 18 from colliding and interfering with other structures or falling off the distribution unit 15.

[0048] In a preferred embodiment, the transport unit 14 is equipped with a second detection sensor 21 for detecting whether a sample rack 11 is placed on the sample position 12 within the tray 20. Upon receiving a detection command, the transport unit 14 moves to the corresponding position on the tray 20, uses the second detection sensor 21 to detect whether a sample rack 11 is placed on each sample position 12 within the tray 20, and uploads the detection results to the host computer. Upon receiving an emergency detection command, the transport unit 14 moves to the corresponding emergency sample position 31, detects whether a sample rack 11 is placed in that emergency sample position 31, and uploads the detection results to the host computer.

[0049] like Figure 3As shown, the sample rack storage area is equipped with a basket locking mechanism 19 for locking the tray 20 in the tray position. In this embodiment, the basket locking mechanism includes a slot 24 disposed on the tray 20, a locking block 25 cooperating with the slot 24, and a basket locking control mechanism for driving the locking block 25 into the slot 24 to lock the tray 20 or out of the slot 24 to release the tray 20. The basket locking control mechanism can be implemented in various ways. In some embodiments, the basket locking control mechanism can be a rotational drive mechanism including a mechanism for driving the locking block 25 to rotate and enter or exit the slot 24. In other embodiments, the basket locking drive mechanism can be a linear drive mechanism including a mechanism for driving the locking block 25 to move linearly and enter or exit the slot 24. The linear drive mechanism can also be implemented in various existing ways, which will not be elaborated further. In this embodiment, the basket locking control mechanism uses a rotational drive mechanism, which can be a rotational motor 26 and a motor bracket 27 for mounting the rotational motor 26. Preferably, the basket locking mechanism of this embodiment further includes a zero-position detection sensor, which includes a detection optocoupler 28 and a light-blocking plate 29 disposed on the locking block 25 and cooperating with the detection optocoupler 28, so as to accurately control the rotation position of the locking block 25.

[0050] Specifically, in the analyzer of this embodiment, the transport channel 13, the transport unit 14, the sample rack transfer area, and the interface unit and the split rack unit 15 disposed in the sample rack transfer area together constitute the transport device described in the sample rack transport method of this embodiment.

[0051] The above-described embodiments are merely preferred embodiments provided to fully illustrate the present invention, and the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited thereto. Equivalent substitutions or modifications made by those skilled in the art based on the present invention are all within the scope of protection of the present invention. The scope of protection of the present invention is defined by the claims.

Claims

1. A method for transporting a sample rack, characterized in that: The sample rack transportation method is applied to a sample rack transportation system, which includes a workbench and a host computer. The workbench is equipped with a tray position and a rack transportation device. The host computer is equipped with an operating system for marking the tray position. The rack transportation device is used to transport the sample rack to be tested to the analyzer for testing and to retrieve the tested sample rack after it has been tested by the analyzer. The sample rack transportation method is as follows: the operating system presets the tray positions on the sample rack transportation system as either sample inlet tray positions or retrieval tray positions, with at least one sample inlet tray position and at least one retrieval tray position preset. The sample inlet tray is placed in the sample inlet tray position, and the retrieval tray is placed in the retrieval tray position. The sample inlet tray has a sample inlet position, and the retrieval tray has a sample retrieval position. The sample rack to be tested, placed in the sample inlet tray position, is transported to the analyzer for testing using the rack transportation device, and the tested sample rack, after being tested by the analyzer, is placed in the retrieval tray position. When a sample tray is placed in the sample tray position and a detection command is issued, the position and quantity of the sample racks to be tested in the sample tray's sample position are detected, and the sample racks to be tested are transported to the analyzer for detection in sequence according to the set sorting rules. Before transporting the tested sample rack to the recycling tray, check if there is an empty recycling sample position. If so, transport the tested sample rack to the empty recycling sample position. If not, issue an alarm and wait for a new empty recycling sample position before transporting the tested sample rack to the empty recycling sample position. The sample rack transport system is equipped with emergency sample positions. When an emergency sample rack is placed in an emergency sample position and an emergency testing command is issued, it is determined whether the transport device has a transport task at present. If not, all emergency sample racks are transported to the analyzer for testing first; if so, the current transport task is completed, and then the emergency sample racks are transported to the analyzer for testing first. When the number of emergency sample racks exceeds the number of emergency sample positions, determine whether there are empty sample inlet tray positions and retrieval tray positions. If so, mark the empty sample inlet tray positions and / or retrieval tray positions as emergency tray positions through the operating system, and mark the sample positions in the emergency tray positions as emergency sample positions. When an emergency tray is placed in the emergency tray position and an emergency testing command is issued, the placement and quantity of emergency sample racks in the emergency sample position of the emergency tray are detected, and the emergency sample racks are transported to the analyzer for testing in sequence according to the set sorting rules. Once the emergency tray is placed in the emergency tray position, the emergency tray is locked in the emergency sample position until there are no emergency sample holders in the emergency tray, at which point the emergency tray is unlocked. Once the emergency tray is removed from the emergency tray slot, the emergency tray slot becomes an empty tray slot. If there are still untested emergency sample racks, the operating system will re-mark the tray slot as an emergency tray slot. If there are no untested emergency sample racks, the sample slot will be marked as a sample injection tray slot or a retrieval tray slot.

2. The sample rack transportation method according to claim 1, characterized in that: Before transporting the tested sample rack to the recycling tray, if it is determined that there are no empty recycling sample positions, remove the recycling tray that is already full of tested sample racks and replace it with a recycling tray with empty recycling sample positions; or, if there are empty recycling tray positions, place a recycling tray with empty recycling sample positions in those empty recycling tray positions.

3. The sample rack transportation method according to claim 1, characterized in that: Once the sample tray is placed in the sample tray position, lock the sample tray in the position until there are no more samples to be tested in the sample tray, then unlock the sample tray.

4. The sample rack transportation method according to claim 1, characterized in that: Once the recycling tray is placed in the recycling tray position, lock the recycling tray in the recycling tray position until the recycling tray is full of tested sample racks, then unlock the recycling tray.

5. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that: The computer-readable storage medium stores a computer program that, when executed by a processor, implements the steps of the sample rack transportation method as described in any one of claims 1-4.

6. An analyzer, characterized in that: Includes a sample rack transport system for performing the sample rack transport method as described in any one of claims 1-4.

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