A mixing device and a blood analyzer

Abstract

A mixing device and a blood analyzer, the mixing device comprising: a sample container bearing part provided with a mounting groove, an opening end of the mounting groove being larger than a bottom end of the groove, the mounting groove being used for bearing a sample container; a limiting part, the sample container being in a vertical state when the limiting part is in a first position, the sample container being in an inclined state when the limiting part is in a second position; and a first power part, the first power part being used for driving the sample container bearing part to rotate. Since the sample container can be in the vertical state and the inclined state in the mounting groove, the sample container can be mixed in the inclined state, a good mixing effect is realized, the sample container can be in the vertical state, which is beneficial to sample suction, the sample container can be directly switched between the two states on the sample container bearing part, the user does not need to put the sample container right after the sample container is mixed in the inclined state, manual operation is simplified, the automation of mixing and sample suction is improved, and finally the detection efficiency is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of in vitro detection technology, specifically to a mixing device and a blood analyzer. Background Technology

[0002] Blood analyzers can generally be divided into automated and open (non-automated) models. Automated models can automatically complete sample identification, mixing, and aspiration. Open models can only perform the aspiration action, requiring the user to manually mix the sample. Manually mixing the sample requires certain skills in terms of operator technique, force, and time, which can easily lead to poor mixing consistency and affect the instrument's analysis results.

[0003] Currently, there are two types of automated instruments on the market. Each type has a mixing device. One type uses oscillation mixing, which relies on the operator holding the blood sample to assist in mixing, wasting manpower. The other type uses rotation mixing, which uses an inclined sample container to ensure mixing effect and avoid excessive blood adhering to the sample container wall. However, with the sample container in an inclined state, it is impossible to place the device under the aspiration needle for aspiration. The user needs to remove the sample container for the instrument to aspirate, increasing unnecessary actions for the user. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In one embodiment, a mixing apparatus is provided, comprising:

[0005] A sample container carrying component is provided with a mounting groove, the mounting groove having an open end and a bottom end, the open end being larger than the bottom end, and the mounting groove being used to carry the sample container;

[0006] A limiting component is movably disposed at the upper end of the sample container carrying component. The limiting component is used to connect with the sample container within the mounting groove. The limiting component is movable to a first position and a second position. When the limiting component is in the first position, the sample container is in a vertical state; when the limiting component is in the second position, the sample container is in an inclined state.

[0007] A first power component is connected to the sample container carrying component, and the first power component is used to drive the sample container carrying component to rotate.

[0008] In one embodiment, the sample container carrying component is provided with a second power component, which is connected to the limiting component; the first power component is used to drive the sample container to switch from a vertical state to an inclined state, and at the same time drive the limiting component to move; the second power component is used to drive the limiting component to reset, so as to drive the sample container to switch from an inclined state to a vertical state.

[0009] In one embodiment, the second power component is a spring.

[0010] In one embodiment, the limiting component is provided with a limiting hole for fitting a sample container.

[0011] In one embodiment, the limiting component is a sliding plate, and the upper end of the sample container carrying component is provided with a radial groove, and the sliding plate is installed in the groove.

[0012] In one embodiment, the limiting component is further provided with a slot, the radial length of the slot being greater than the sliding stroke of the limiting component, and the spring being located within the slot.

[0013] In one embodiment, the sample container carrying component is further provided with a positioning component, the positioning component is located in the slot, one end of the spring is connected to the positioning component, and the other end of the spring is connected to the limiting component.

[0014] In one embodiment, the sample container carrying component is provided with a second power component, which is connected to the limiting component; the second power component is used to drive the limiting component to move, so as to switch the sample container from a vertical state to an inclined state; the second power component is also used to drive the limiting component to reset, so as to switch the sample container from an inclined state to a vertical state.

[0015] In one embodiment, the axial cross-section of the mounting groove is trapezoidal, sector-shaped, or conical.

[0016] In one embodiment, the mixing device further includes a mounting base, on which the sample container carrying component is rotatably mounted, and the first power component is fixed to the mounting base.

[0017] In one embodiment, the mixing device further includes a height adjustment component, the mounting base being mounted on the height adjustment component, and the height adjustment component being used to adjust the height position of the mounting base and the sample container carrying component.

[0018] In one embodiment, the height adjustment assembly includes a fixed plate, a lifting plate, a guide rod, and a third power component. The lifting plate is mounted on the fixed plate in a height-adjustable manner via the guide rod. The mounting base is mounted on the lifting plate. The third power component is mounted on the fixed plate and connected to the lifting plate for driving the lifting plate to rise or fall.

[0019] In one embodiment, the height adjustment component includes a plurality of support frames, which are detachably stacked. The mounting base is mounted on the uppermost support frame, and the height position of the mounting base and the sample container carrying component is adjusted by adjusting the number of stacked support frames.

[0020] In one embodiment, a blood analyzer is provided, comprising:

[0021] An analytical device used to analyze the components of a blood sample;

[0022] The aforementioned mixing device is used to mix blood samples; and

[0023] A sampling device is used to aspirate a blood sample that has been mixed on the mixing device and to transfer the aspirated blood sample into the analysis device.

[0024] According to the mixing device and blood analyzer of the above embodiments, since the sample container carrying component has a mounting groove with an opening end larger than the bottom end, the sample container can be in a vertical or tilted state within the mounting groove. This allows the sample container to be mixed in a tilted state, achieving a good mixing effect, and the sample container can be in a vertical state, which is beneficial for sample aspiration. The sample container can directly switch between the two states on the sample container carrying component, eliminating the need for the user to straighten the sample container after tilting and mixing. This simplifies manual operation, improves the automation of mixing and sample aspiration, and ultimately improves detection efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0025] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the mixing device in one embodiment;

[0026] Figure 2 This is a side view of the mixing device in one embodiment;

[0027] Figure 3 This is an axial sectional view of the mixing device in one embodiment;

[0028] Figure 4 for Figure 1 A magnified view of the upper part;

[0029] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the mixing device in one embodiment;

[0030] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a blood analyzer in one embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0031] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to specific embodiments and accompanying drawings. Similar elements in different embodiments are referred to by associated similar element reference numerals. In the following embodiments, many details are described to facilitate a better understanding of this application. However, those skilled in the art will readily recognize that some features may be omitted in different situations, or may be replaced by other elements, materials, or methods. In some cases, certain operations related to this application are not shown or described in the specification. This is to avoid obscuring the core parts of this application with excessive description. For those skilled in the art, detailed description of these related operations is not necessary; they can fully understand the related operations based on the description in the specification and general technical knowledge in the art.

[0032] Furthermore, the features, operations, or characteristics described in the specification can be combined in any suitable manner to form various embodiments. At the same time, the steps or actions in the method description can be rearranged or adjusted in a manner obvious to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the various orders in the specification and drawings are only for the clear description of a particular embodiment and do not imply a necessary order, unless otherwise stated that a particular order must be followed.

[0033] The serial numbers assigned to components in this document, such as "first" and "second," are used only to distinguish the described objects and have no sequential or technical meaning. The terms "connection" and "linkage" used in this application, unless otherwise specified, include both direct and indirect connections (linkages).

[0034] In one embodiment, a mixing device is provided. This mixing device is used to tilt and mix samples in a sample container to achieve the desired mixing effect. It also allows the sample container to be adjusted to a vertical position, facilitating automatic sample aspiration via vertical lifting and lowering of the sampling needle. In this document, radial direction refers to the direction perpendicular to the length of the sample container when it is vertical in the mixing device, and axial direction refers to the direction parallel to the length of the sample container. Centripetal movement refers to movement radially from the outside to the inside (center of rotation), and centrifugal movement refers to movement radially from the inside (center of rotation) to the outside.

[0035] Please refer to Figures 1 to 4The mixing device in this embodiment mainly includes a sample container carrying component 1, a first power component 2, and a mounting base 3. Both the sample container carrying component 1 and the first power component 2 are mounted on the mounting base 3. The sample container carrying component 1 carries a sample container 8, which is a test tube. The first power component 2 is connected to the sample container carrying component 1 and drives the sample container carrying component 1 to rotate, thereby causing the sample container 8 to rotate and mix. The sample container carrying component 1 and the first power component 2 can also be directly mounted on other platforms or equipment, such as the tabletop of a blood analyzer or other supporting structures. Alternatively, the sample container carrying component 1 can be mounted on the first power component 2, indirectly mounted on the mounting base 3.

[0036] Specifically, the sample container supporting component 1 is a cylindrical structure. The upper surface of the sample container supporting component 1 has a downward-extending mounting groove 11. The upper end of the mounting groove 11 is an open end, and the lower end is a bottom end, with the open end being larger than the bottom end. Specifically, the axial cross-section of the mounting groove 11 is trapezoidal, but it can also be a fan-shaped or conical structure, with a larger upper section and a smaller lower section. The mounting groove 11 has a vertical axial surface and an inclined surface. The inclination angle of the inclined surface is between 45° and 80°, and the specific inclination angle can be set as needed. The trapezoidal mounting groove 11 can be used to place the sample container 8 in a vertical position and in an inclined position, and also allows the sample container 8 to swing between vertical and inclined positions by swinging its upper end. For ease of description, the position where the sample container 8 is placed vertically within the mounting groove 11 is defined as the first supporting position, and the position where the sample container 8 is placed inclined is defined as the second supporting position. When the sample container 8 is in the first bearing position, it is in a vertical state, which facilitates the vertical raising and lowering of the sampling needle to aspirate samples; when the sample container 8 is in the second bearing position, it is in an inclined state, which allows for tilting and rotating mixing, resulting in a better mixing effect.

[0037] The first power component 2 is a motor. The first power component 2 is installed below the mounting base 3. The output end of the first power component 2 is set vertically upward. The output end of the first power component 2 is connected to the sample container carrying component 1. The first power component 2 directly drives the sample container carrying component 1 to rotate.

[0038] In this embodiment, the first power component 2 is directly connected to the sample container carrying component 1, resulting in a more compact structure and facilitating the miniaturization of the mixing device. In other embodiments, the motor can also be connected to the sample container carrying component 1 via a transmission mechanism, such as a transmission mechanism including a transmission belt and a transmission wheel, or a transmission mechanism including a gear set. The rotation of the sample container carrying component 1 can also be achieved through this transmission mechanism.

[0039] In this embodiment, a limiting component 4 is installed at the upper end of the sample container carrying component 1. The limiting component 4 is used to position the sample container 8 at the first carrying position and the second carrying position respectively, so as to avoid unnecessary swinging of the sample container 8.

[0040] The limiting component 4 is a sliding plate or slider structure. The upper end of the sample container carrying component 1 is provided with a radial groove 14. A stacked annular block 12 and a C-shaped plate 13 are installed on the upper end of the sample container carrying component 1, forming the groove 14 between them. The C-shaped plate 13 has a radial opening to prevent the sample container 8 from tilting. The groove 14 can also be an integral structure with the sample container carrying component 1. The limiting component 4 is slidably installed within the groove 14. The limiting component 4 has two extreme positions within the groove 14: a first position and a second position. When the limiting component 4 is in the first position, the sample container 8 is in a vertical state; when the limiting component 4 is in the second position, the sample container 8 is in a tilted state. The limiting component 4 is provided with a limiting hole 41, which is preferably a round hole with an inner diameter slightly larger than the outer diameter of the sample container 8. The limiting hole 41 can also be a square opening, as long as it can limit the sample container 8. When the sample container 8 is installed in the mounting slot 11, the upper end of the sample container 8 passes through the limiting hole 41, that is, the limiting component 4 is fitted onto the upper end of the sample container 8. The friction between the limiting component 4 and the sliding groove 14 is low. During the rotation of the sample container bearing component 1, the centrifugal force of the sample container 8 can drive the limiting component 4 to slide outward, that is, the sample container 8 will change from the first bearing position to the second bearing position under the action of centrifugal force.

[0041] The sample container carrying component 1 is also provided with a positioning component 5. The positioning component 5 is a pin or protrusion structure set near the inclined surface of the mounting groove 11. The positioning component 5 is used to position the limiting component 4 at the second position. The limiting component 4 is provided with a slot 42. The slot 42 is a square hole with a certain radial length. The positioning component 5 is located in the slot 42. The positioning component 5 is set on the sliding path of the limiting component 4. When the limiting component 4 is driven by the sample container 8 to slide outward, the positioning component 5 is used to locate the extreme position of the limiting component 4 sliding outward, that is, the positioning component 5 is used to locate the sample container 8 in the second carrying position. In other embodiments, a groove is provided on the bottom or side of the limiting component 4. The limiting component 4 is correspondingly set on the bottom or side of the limiting component 4, which can also realize the positioning of the limiting component 4, and thus the positioning of the sample container 8. Alternatively, the limiting component 4 is provided with a protrusion structure, and a corresponding groove is provided on the sample container carrying component 1, which can also realize the positioning of the sample container 8.

[0042] In this embodiment, a second power component 6 is also provided on the sample container carrying component 1. The second power component 6 is a straight spring and is installed in the slot 42 of the limiting component 4. One end of the second power component 6 is connected to the positioning component 5, and the other end is connected to the limiting component 4. The straight spring is always in a compressed state and provides the limiting component 4 with the power to reset. When the sample container carrying component 1 stops rotating, the limiting component 4 is driven by the straight spring to reset the sample container 8 to the first carrying position. The straight spring has a suitable elastic force so that the centrifugal force of the sample container 8 can overcome the elastic force of the straight spring and tilt. When the sample container 8 loses the centrifugal force, the straight spring can drive the sample container 8 to reset.

[0043] In other embodiments, the second power component 6 may also be a spring sheet or other elastic structure instead of a straight spring. The second power component 6 may also be an active drive structure, such as a cylinder or a linear motor, which can realize the reset drive of the sample container 8.

[0044] In other embodiments, the limiting component 4 can also be directly installed on the sample container carrying component 1. A corresponding sliding groove is provided on the sample container carrying component 1. During the rotation of the sample container carrying component 1, the limiting component 4 can also switch the sample container 8 from the first carrying position to the second carrying position under the action of the centrifugal force of the sample container 8.

[0045] In this embodiment, the working principle of the mixing device is as follows:

[0046] In the default state, the motor does not start. Under the action of the second power component 6 (straight spring), the first power component 2 pushes the limiting component 4 to move centripetally to the first position.

[0047] Place the sample container 8 of the sample to be mixed into the mounting slot 11 of the mixing device. At this time, the sample container 8 is in the first bearing position and the sample container 8 is in a vertical state.

[0048] Start the first power component 2 (motor), the first power component 2 drives the sample container carrying component 1 to rotate. As the rotation speeds up, under the action of centrifugal force, the upper end of the sample container 8 moves centrifugally until the limiting component 4 is blocked by the positioning component 5. At this time, the sample container 8 is in the second carrying position, the sample container 8 is in an inclined state and continues to rotate, and the inclined state is used for mixing.

[0049] After mixing is complete, the first power unit 2 is turned off. After the sample container 8 loses centrifugal force, under the action of the second power unit 6, the second power unit 6 pushes the sample container 8 back to the first bearing position through the limiting component 4. At this time, the sample container 8 is in a vertical state. In this state, the sampling needle can directly sample the mixed sample.

[0050] The mixing device in this embodiment has a first support position that keeps the sample container 8 in a vertical state and a second support position that keeps the sample container 8 in an inclined state. This allows the sample container 8 to be mixed in an inclined state, resulting in a good mixing effect. At the same time, it also takes into account the sample aspiration in a vertical state. The user does not need to straighten the sample container 8 after tilting and mixing it, which simplifies manual operation, improves the automation of mixing and sample aspiration, and ultimately improves the detection efficiency.

[0051] In one embodiment, the limiting component 4 is a swing arm, and the second power component 6 is a torsion spring. One end of the swing arm is rotatably mounted on the sample container support component 1 via a rotating shaft, and the other end of the swing arm is a free end. The swing arm has an upper limiting hole with a certain length, extending along the length direction of the swing arm, allowing the sample container to slide within the limiting hole along its length. The torsion spring is mounted on the rotating shaft connected to the swing arm. The torsion spring always provides a driving force to the swing arm, enabling it to move centripetally, i.e., the torsion spring can drive the swing arm to move the sample container 8 from an inclined state to a vertical state. The torsion spring has a suitable elastic force so that the centrifugal force of the sample container 8 can overcome the elastic force of the torsion spring and cause it to tilt. Furthermore, when the sample container 8 loses its centrifugal force, the torsion spring can drive the sample container 8 to return to its original position.

[0052] Please refer to Figure 5 In one embodiment, the mixing device further includes a height adjustment component 7 based on the above embodiment. The mounting base 3 is mounted on the height adjustment component 7. The height adjustment component 7 is used to drive the mounting base 3 and the components mounted on the mounting base 3 to rise and fall together to adjust the height position of the sample container 8.

[0053] The height adjustment assembly 7 includes a fixed plate 71, a lifting plate 72, a screw 73, guide rods 74, and a third power component (not shown in the figure). Multiple guide rods 74 are provided, such as four, and are vertically mounted at the four corners of the fixed plate 71. The screw 73 is rotatably mounted on the fixed plate 71. Preferably, the screw 73 is connected to the fixed plate 71 via bearings and is parallel to the guide rods 74. The lifting plate 72 has four through holes and one threaded hole. Each through hole is connected to a guide rod 74, and the threaded hole is threadedly connected to the screw 73. The rotation of the screw 73 drives the lifting plate 72 to move up and down. The four guide rods 74 serve as guides for the lifting motion. Preferably, the upper ends of the four guide rods 74 are connected together by multiple connecting rods 75 to improve the stability of the four guide rods 74.

[0054] The third power component is a motor, which is directly or via a gear set connected to the screw 73, driving the screw 73 to rotate. The mounting base 3 is mounted on the lifting plate 72, which can move the mounting base 3 and the sample container carrying component 1 on the mounting base 3 up and down together. The third power component is connected to the lifting plate 72 via the screw 73, driving the lifting plate 72 to move up and down. Alternatively, the third power component can be a cylinder, with its output end directly connected to the lifting plate 72, also driving the lifting plate 72 to move up and down.

[0055] The height adjustment component 7 enables the sample container 8 to be raised or lowered to adjust its height, so that the mixing device can be adapted to different sampling mechanisms and sample containers 8 of different lengths can be adapted to the sampling mechanism to achieve a more accurate sampling effect.

[0056] In one embodiment, the height adjustment component 7 does not include a third power component. The height of the lifting plate 72 can be adjusted manually, which also allows the mixing device to be adapted to different sampling mechanisms and different sample containers 8.

[0057] In one embodiment, the height adjustment assembly 7 includes several support frames, which are either a frame structure or a cylindrical structure. The upper and lower ends of each support frame are respectively provided with matching buckles and slots, allowing multiple support frames to be connected together via these buckles and slots. The mounting base 3 is installed on the uppermost support frame via a snap-fit ​​or screw connection. Depending on the needs, the height adjustment assembly 7 can adjust the height of the mounting base 3 and the sample container carrying component 1 by stacking the support frames, thus adapting to different adopting mechanisms and different sample containers 8.

[0058] In one embodiment, the mixing device does not have a second power component 6. The sample container 8 can be reset from the second bearing position to the first bearing position by manually moving the limiting component 4. Alternatively, the limiting component 4 can be moved from the first position to the second position by manually moving it, thus moving the sample container 8 from the first bearing position to the second bearing position. Although a manual operation step is added, it only requires a simple moving operation. Compared with existing mixing devices that require removing the sample container 8 and placing it in another device to adjust its posture, this solution still has certain advantages due to its simple moving operation.

[0059] Please refer to Figure 6In one embodiment, a blood analyzer is provided, which mainly includes an analysis device 100, a sampling device 200, and a mixing device 300 as described in any of the above embodiments. The analysis device 100 is the main structure of the blood analyzer, and is used to analyze the components of a blood sample and output the analysis results. One end of the sampling device 200 is connected to the analysis device 100, and the other end of the sampling device 200 is a sampling needle. The sampling device 200 draws the mixed blood sample from the mixing device 300 by raising and lowering the sampling needle, and then transfers the drawn blood sample into the analysis device 100.

[0060] The blood analyzer also includes a display and other structures. The display is connected to the analysis device 100 and is used to display the analysis results.

[0061] This blood analyzer is equipped with the mixing device 300 as described in any of the above embodiments. This allows the blood sample to be mixed at an angle in the sample container 8 without needing to be transferred to another device. The mixing device 300 can switch the sample container 8 to a vertical position for the aspiration device 200 to draw the sample. While achieving the desired mixing at an angle, this simplifies the operation of switching the sample container 8's position, thereby ensuring the accuracy of blood testing while improving testing efficiency.

[0062] The above examples illustrate the present invention only to aid in understanding it and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Those skilled in the art can make various simple deductions, modifications, or substitutions based on the principles of this invention.

Claims

1. A mixing device, characterized in that, include: A sample container carrying component is provided with a mounting groove, the mounting groove having an open end and a bottom end, the open end being larger than the bottom end, and the mounting groove being used to carry the sample container; A limiting component is movably disposed at the upper end of the sample container carrying component. The limiting component is used to connect with the sample container in the mounting groove. The limiting component can be moved to a first position and a second position. When the limiting component is in the first position, the sample container is in a vertical state. When the limiting component is in the second position, the sample container is in an inclined state. as well as A first power component is connected to the sample container carrying component, and the first power component is used to drive the sample container carrying component to rotate. The sample container carrying component is provided with a second power component, which is connected to the limiting component; the first power component is used to drive the sample container to switch from a vertical state to an inclined state, and at the same time drive the limiting component to move; the second power component is used to drive the limiting component to reset, so as to drive the sample container to switch from an inclined state to a vertical state.

2. The mixing apparatus as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The second power component is a spring.

3. The mixing apparatus as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The limiting component is provided with a limiting hole for fitting a sample container.

4. The mixing apparatus as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The limiting component is a sliding plate, and the upper end of the sample container carrying component is provided with a radial groove, and the sliding plate is installed in the groove.

5. The mixing apparatus as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The limiting component is also provided with a slot, the radial length of which is greater than the sliding stroke of the limiting component, and the spring is located inside the slot.

6. The mixing apparatus as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The sample container carrying component is also provided with a positioning component, which is located in the slot. One end of the spring is connected to the positioning component, and the other end of the spring is connected to the limiting component.

7. The mixing apparatus as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The sample container carrying component is provided with a second power component, which is connected to the limiting component. The second power component is used to drive the limiting component to move, so as to switch the sample container from a vertical state to an inclined state. The second power component is also used to drive the limiting component to reset, so as to switch the sample container from an inclined state to a vertical state.

8. The mixing apparatus as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The axial cross-section of the mounting groove is trapezoidal, sector-shaped, or conical.

9. The mixing apparatus as described in claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a mounting base, on which the sample container carrying component is rotatably mounted, and the first power component is fixed to the mounting base.

10. The mixing apparatus as described in claim 9, characterized in that, It also includes a height adjustment component, on which the mounting base is mounted, and the height adjustment component is used to adjust the height position of the mounting base and the sample container carrying component.

11. The mixing apparatus as described in claim 10, characterized in that, The height adjustment assembly includes a fixed plate, a lifting plate, a guide rod, and a third power component. The lifting plate is mounted on the fixed plate in a height-adjustable manner via the guide rod. The mounting base is mounted on the lifting plate. The third power component is mounted on the fixed plate and connected to the lifting plate for driving the lifting plate to rise or fall.

12. The mixing apparatus as described in claim 10, characterized in that, The height adjustment assembly includes several support frames, which are detachably stacked. The mounting base is installed on the uppermost support frame. The height position of the mounting base and the sample container bearing component can be adjusted by adjusting the number of stacked support frames.

13. A blood analyzer, comprising: An analytical device used to analyze the components of a blood sample; The mixing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 12 is used for mixing blood samples; as well as A sampling device is used to aspirate a blood sample that has been mixed on the mixing device and to transfer the aspirated blood sample into the analysis device.

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