Sample cupping device and method

Abstract

The application belongs to the technical field of medical examination, and discloses a sample cup dividing device and a cup dividing method. The sample cup dividing device comprises a workbench, a plurality of sample rack assemblies, a tube moving assembly, a bottle clamping assembly, a deep hole plate assembly, a liquid taking assembly and a liquid level detection assembly. The sample rack assembly is provided with a plurality of accommodation cavities for accommodating sample tubes. The tube moving assembly comprises a cap screwing mechanism and a barcode scanner. The cap screwing mechanism can clamp and screw the cap of the tube. The barcode scanner is used for scanning the barcode information of the sample tube. The bottle clamping mechanism is used for clamping the sample tube. The liquid containing groove is used for containing the sample liquid in the sample tube. The liquid taking assembly is slidingly connected to the workbench and comprises a plurality of suction head clamping pincers for clamping the suction head. The suction head is used for sucking the sample liquid. The liquid level camera can take a photo of the suction head to identify the height of the sample liquid. The sample cup dividing device and the cup dividing method can be simultaneously applied to sample tubes of various specifications and sizes, have good adaptability, improve the cup dividing efficiency and reduce the risk of misjudgment.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of medical testing technology, and in particular to a sample dispensing device and method. Background Technology

[0002] A sample dispensing system is an automated auxiliary device used in medical clinical sample analysis and testing. It can perform operations such as transferring large quantities of sample tubes, scanning barcodes, opening and closing sample tubes, and aspirating and transferring sample solutions. It plays a crucial role in accelerating testing speed, reducing operational errors, and saving manpower. Commonly used sample tubes are typically available in 5mL, 10mL, and 30mL sizes. Furthermore, even for the same size sample tube, there can be dimensional variations between different manufacturers or between different batches from the same manufacturer.

[0003] However, existing sample dispensing systems on the market are difficult to adapt to multiple sample tube sizes simultaneously. A sample dispensing system can only be used for one type of sample tube within the same operating cycle. But in actual clinical environments, sample dispensing systems may need to receive multiple types of sample tubes at the same time. Therefore, sample dispensing systems need to undergo a lot of operating cycle adjustments and equipment adjustments according to different sizes and specifications of sample tubes. This results in poor adaptability, reduced dispensing efficiency, and increased risk of misjudgment. Summary of the Invention

[0004] One objective of this invention is to provide a sample dispensing device that is applicable to a variety of sample tubes of different specifications and sizes, has good adaptability, improves dispensing efficiency, and reduces the risk of misjudgment.

[0005] To achieve this objective, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0006] A sample dispensing device is provided, comprising:

[0007] Workbench;

[0008] Multiple sample rack assemblies are disposed on the worktable, and each sample rack assembly is provided with multiple receiving cavities for receiving sample tubes;

[0009] A tube transfer assembly is slidably connected to the worktable. The tube transfer assembly includes multiple capping mechanisms and multiple barcode scanners, with each capping mechanism and barcode scanner corresponding to the other. The capping mechanism can grip the cap of the sample tube and screw on the cap. The barcode scanner is configured to scan the barcode information of the sample tube.

[0010] A bottle clamping assembly, wherein the bottle clamping assembly is provided with multiple bottle clamping mechanisms, the bottle clamping mechanisms being used to clamp the sample tube;

[0011] A deep well plate assembly, the deep well plate assembly including a plurality of liquid reservoirs, the liquid reservoirs being used to contain sample liquid in the sample tube;

[0012] A liquid collection assembly is slidably connected to the worktable. The liquid collection assembly includes a plurality of pipette tip grippers for gripping pipette tips, which are oriented toward the liquid reservoir and are configured to aspirate the sample liquid.

[0013] A liquid level detection component, comprising a liquid level camera facing the liquid collection component, wherein the liquid level camera is capable of taking pictures of the suction tip to identify the height of the sample liquid.

[0014] As a preferred structure of the present invention, the sample holder assembly includes a positioning plate and a base. The receiving cavity is disposed on the base, and the positioning plate is disposed above the base to cover the receiving cavity. The positioning plate is provided with a plurality of cross-shaped positioning holes, and the plurality of cross-shaped positioning holes correspond one-to-one with the receiving cavity. The sample tube is placed in the receiving cavity so that the cross-shaped positioning holes are in an open state, and the center distance between adjacent cross-shaped positioning holes is equal to the center distance between adjacent receiving cavities.

[0015] As a preferred structure of the present invention, the positioning plate further includes a plurality of correction positioning points and a plurality of reinforcing ribs protruding from the positioning plate. The correction positioning points and the reinforcing ribs are respectively disposed on both sides of the positioning plate. The correction positioning points and the reinforcing ribs surround the periphery of the cross-shaped positioning opening so that the axis of the sample tube coincides with the axis of the cross-shaped positioning opening.

[0016] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the tube transfer assembly further includes:

[0017] A movable support, which is capable of reciprocating along a first direction on the worktable;

[0018] Mounting plate, multiple capping mechanisms are arranged side by side on the mounting plate, the mounting plate is slidably connected to the movable bracket, and the center distance between adjacent capping mechanisms is equal to the center distance between adjacent receiving cavities;

[0019] A first driving member is connected to the movable bracket and is configured to drive the mounting plate to reciprocate along a second direction.

[0020] Multiple photoelectric sensors are connected to the movable support, and each of the multiple photoelectric sensors corresponds to one of the multiple capping mechanisms. The photoelectric sensors are configured to sense and detect the height of the sample tube.

[0021] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the bottle clamping assembly further includes:

[0022] A bottle clamping bracket, wherein multiple bottle clamping mechanisms are arranged side by side on the bottle clamping bracket, and the center-to-center distance between adjacent bottle clamping mechanisms is equal to the center-to-center distance between adjacent capping mechanisms;

[0023] Multiple elastic mechanisms are provided, which are disposed between the bottle clamping bracket and the bottle clamping mechanism. The elastic mechanisms always have a tendency to push the bottle clamping mechanism closer to the capping mechanism in a second direction.

[0024] As a preferred structure of the present invention, the bottle clamping mechanism includes:

[0025] Two clamping arms, the two clamping arms being configured to clamp the body of the sample tube, the length of the clamping arms being greater than the length of the sample tube;

[0026] A second drive member is configured to drive the two clamping arms to move closer to or further away from each other simultaneously.

[0027] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the sample cupping device further includes a suction head collection assembly, which includes a suction head placement rack and a suction head storage tube. The suction head placement rack is configured to place the suction head to be used, and the suction head storage tube is configured to store the used suction head.

[0028] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the liquid extraction assembly includes:

[0029] A liquid collection support is provided, which is capable of reciprocating along a first direction on the worktable, and a plurality of suction head grippers are slidably connected to the liquid collection support.

[0030] A plurality of third driving members are configured to drive the suction head grippers to reciprocate along a second direction, and the plurality of third driving members respectively drive the plurality of suction head grippers.

[0031] Another objective of this invention is to provide a cupping method that can simultaneously perform cupping operations on multiple sample tubes of different specifications and sizes, thereby improving cupping efficiency and reducing the risk of misjudgment.

[0032] To achieve this objective, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0033] A sample dispensing method is provided, applied to the sample dispensing device described above, the method comprising the following steps:

[0034] Step S1: Place the sample rack assembly containing the sample tubes on the workbench, and connect the sample dispensing device to the laboratory information system to obtain the quality control information.

[0035] Step S2: The tube transfer assembly moves along the first direction above the sample holder assembly, the capping mechanism clamps the cap of the sample tube and moves along the second direction to remove the sample tube from the receiving cavity, and the barcode scanner reads the barcode information of the sample tube; at the same time, the suction tip gripper of the liquid dispensing assembly picks up the suction tip.

[0036] Step S3: The capping mechanism moves above the bottle clamping assembly along the first direction and places the multiple sample tubes into the multiple bottle clamping mechanisms respectively;

[0037] Step S4: The bottle clamping mechanism clamps the sample tube body, and the capping mechanism screws on the cap to open the sample tube;

[0038] Step S5: The liquid collection component moves above the bottle clamping component along the first direction, the pipette tip draws the sample liquid from the sample tube, and the liquid level detection component takes a picture of the sample liquid in the pipette tip to detect whether the sample liquid is sufficient.

[0039] Step S6: The liquid collection component moves above the deep well plate assembly along the first direction, and the pipette tip adds the sample liquid into the liquid container; at the same time, the capping mechanism screws the tube cap in the opposite direction to close the sample tube, the bottle clamping mechanism releases the sample tube, and the capping mechanism clamps the sample tube and moves it in the opposite direction along the first direction to above the sample holder assembly, and places the sample tube in the receiving cavity;

[0040] Step S7: Repeat steps S1-S6 until all sample tubes in the sample holder assembly have been separated into cups.

[0041] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the quality control position information includes weak positive positions and / or strong positive positions and / or blank control positions.

[0042] The beneficial effects of this invention are:

[0043] The sample dispensing device provided by this invention has a sample rack assembly with a accommodating cavity for accommodating sample tubes of different specifications and sizes; a capping mechanism and a bottle clamping assembly that can clamp and open sample tubes of different specifications and sizes; and a liquid level detection assembly that can take pictures of the pipette tip of the pipette tip clamp to accurately identify the height of the sample liquid. It is applicable to a variety of sample tubes of different specifications and sizes, has good adaptability, improves dispensing efficiency, and reduces the risk of misjudgment.

[0044] The sample separation method provided by this invention is applied to the above-mentioned sample separation device. The sample holder assembly can accommodate sample tubes of different specifications and sizes. The sample tubes are moved and opened by the tube transfer assembly. The liquid slurry assembly slurries and transfers the sample liquid in the sample tube. At the same time, the liquid level detection assembly detects whether there is enough sample liquid in the pipette tip to ensure detection accuracy. Therefore, it is applicable to a variety of sample tubes of different specifications and sizes, has good adaptability, improves separation efficiency, and reduces the risk of misjudgment. Attached Figure Description

[0045] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the sample dispensing device provided in Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0046] Figure 2 This is a structural disassembly diagram of the sample rack assembly provided in Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0047] Figure 3 This is a side view of the positioning plate provided in Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0048] Figure 4 This is a rear view of the positioning plate provided in Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0049] Figure 5 This is a front view of the positioning plate provided in Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0050] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the tube transfer assembly provided in Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0051] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the bottle clamping assembly provided in Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0052] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the liquid extraction component provided in Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0053] In the picture:

[0054] 1. Workbench; 2. Sample rack assembly; 21. Receiving cavity; 22. Positioning plate; 221. Cross-shaped positioning port; 222. Correction positioning point; 223. Reinforcing rib; 23. Base; 24. First adjustment plate; 25. Second adjustment plate; 3. Tube transfer assembly; 31. Capping mechanism; 32. Barcode scanner; 33. Moving bracket; 34. Mounting plate; 35. First drive component; 36. Photoelectric sensor; 4. Bottle clamping assembly; 41. Bottle clamping mechanism; 411. Clamping arm; 412. Second drive component; 42. Bottle clamping bracket; 43. Elastic mechanism; 5. Deep hole plate assembly; 51. Liquid tank; 6. Liquid dispensing assembly; 61. Pipe tip gripper; 62. Liquid dispensing bracket; 63. Third drive component; 7. Liquid level detection assembly; 8. Pipe tip collection assembly; 81. Pipe tip placement rack;

[0055] 100. Sample tube; 101. Tube cap; 102. Tube body; 200. Sample solution; 300. Pipe tip. Detailed Implementation

[0056] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the invention and not intended to limit it. Furthermore, it should be noted that, for ease of description, the accompanying drawings show only the parts relevant to the present invention, and not all of the structures.

[0057] In the description of this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connected," "linked," and "fixed" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0058] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature includes the first feature directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature includes the first feature directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0059] In the description of this embodiment, the terms "upper," "lower," "left," and "right," etc., refer to the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for ease of description and simplification of operation, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the present invention. In addition, the terms "first" and "second" are used only for distinction in description and have no special meaning.

[0060] Example 1

[0061] like Figures 1-8As shown, this embodiment of the invention provides a sample dispensing device, which includes a worktable 1, multiple sample rack assemblies 2, a tube transfer assembly 3, a bottle clamping assembly 4, a deep-hole plate assembly 5, a liquid dispensing assembly 6, and a liquid level detection assembly 7. Multiple sample rack assemblies 2 are disposed on the worktable 1, and each sample rack assembly 2 has multiple receiving cavities 21 for accommodating sample tubes 100 of different specifications and sizes. The tube transfer assembly 3 is slidably connected to the worktable 1, and includes multiple capping mechanisms 31 and multiple barcode scanners 32. Each capping mechanism 31 and barcode scanner 32 corresponds one-to-one. The capping mechanism 31 can clamp the cap 101 of the sample tube 100, and the capping mechanism 31 screws on the cap 101, thereby opening the sample tube 100. The capping mechanism 31 has a built-in drive (not shown in the figure) to clamp and rotate the tube cap 101. Its specific structure is the prior art in this field and will not be described in detail here. The capping mechanism 31 can control the torque according to the change of current of the drive, and the torque of the capping mechanism 31 can be preset to adapt to sample tubes 100 of different specifications and sizes.

[0062] The barcode scanner 32 is configured to scan the barcode information of the sample tube 100. The bottle clamping assembly 4 is provided with multiple bottle clamping mechanisms 41 for clamping the sample tube 100. The deep-well plate assembly 5 includes multiple liquid-containing tanks 51 for containing sample liquid 200 in the sample tube 100. The liquid-taking assembly 6 is slidably connected to the worktable 1 and includes multiple pipette tip grippers 61 for gripping pipette tips 300. The pipette tips 300 are aligned with the liquid-containing tanks 51 and are configured to aspirate the sample liquid 200 from the liquid-containing tanks 51. A pressure sensor (not shown in the figure) is installed inside the pipette tip 300. The pressure sensor can detect whether sample liquid 200 is drawn into the pipette tip 300. When no sample liquid 200 is drawn into the pipette tip 300, the air pressure inside the pipette tip 300 does not change, and the difference between the air pressure inside the pipette tip 300 and the ambient air pressure is small. When sample liquid 200 is drawn into the pipette tip 300, the difference between the air pressure inside the pipette tip 300 and the ambient air pressure is large.

[0063] The liquid level detection component 7 includes a liquid level camera facing the liquid collection component 6, capable of taking pictures of the pipette tip 300. The liquid level detection component 7 also includes detection software that analyzes the images taken by the liquid level camera. Due to variations in the viscosity of the sample liquid 200, batch differences in the sample liquid 200, and interference from swabs within the sample tube 100, the pressure within the pipette tip 300 is not linearly related to the liquid level of the sample liquid 200. It is difficult to accurately calculate the liquid level using pressure values, but an accurate liquid level is crucial to ensure a sufficient amount of sample liquid 200 for detection, thereby guaranteeing the accuracy of subsequent nucleic acid extraction and detection. Therefore, after the pressure sensor determines that sample liquid 200 has been drawn into the pipette tip 300, the liquid level camera takes a picture of the sample liquid 200 to identify whether the height of the sample liquid 200 is within the set range. Specifically, the liquid level camera employs a dual-angle light source multi-frame noise reduction method. First, the camera uses an upper light source to capture two images of the upper part of the sample liquid 200, then uses a lower light source to capture two images of the lower part of the sample liquid 200. These four images are then averaged for noise reduction to form a single image for recognition. The recognition method uses binarization, statistically analyzing black pixels through row scanning to create a line graph. The peak of the line graph represents the highest point of the liquid level within the pipette tip 300. This detection method avoids interference from the viscosity of the sample liquid 200 and the presence of swabs within the sample tube 100, which could lead to inaccurate judgments about the sampling results and thus affect subsequent nucleic acid extraction and detection.

[0064] As a preferred embodiment, the sample holder assembly 2 includes a positioning plate 22 and a base 23. The base 23 is made of a flexible EVA material with slightly higher rigidity. A receiving cavity 21 is disposed on the base 23. The depth of the receiving cavity 21 is greater than the length of a commonly used sample tube 100, and its inner diameter is also greater than the diameter of a commonly used sample tube 100, thus accommodating various sample tubes 100 of different specifications and sizes. The positioning plate 22 is connected above the base 23 to cover the receiving cavity 21. The positioning plate 22 is also made of a flexible elastic material and has multiple cross-shaped positioning openings 221. Each cross-shaped positioning opening 221 corresponds one-to-one with a receiving cavity 21. The length and width of each cross-shaped positioning opening 221 do not exceed the diameter of a commonly used sample tube 100. The center-to-center distance between adjacent cross-shaped positioning openings 221 is equal to the center-to-center distance between adjacent receiving cavities 21, facilitating the capping mechanism 31 to grasp the sample tube 100 within the cross-shaped positioning opening 221. The sample tube 100 is placed in the receiving cavity 21 so that the cross-shaped positioning port 221 is in an open state. Due to the flexibility and elasticity of the positioning plate 22, sample tubes 100 of different specifications and sizes can be adjusted to the center position of the cross-shaped positioning port 221, which is convenient for picking and placing and the positioning is accurate.

[0065] Specifically, the positioning plate 22 also includes multiple correction positioning points 222 and multiple reinforcing ribs 223 protruding from the positioning plate 22. The correction positioning points 222 and reinforcing ribs 223 are respectively disposed on both sides of the positioning plate 22, surrounding the periphery of the cross-shaped positioning opening 221. The correction positioning points 222 serve to correct the centering of the sample tube 100 within the cross-shaped positioning opening 221. In this embodiment, four correction positioning points 222 are provided, located around the cross-shaped positioning opening 221, thereby enhancing the strength around the cross-shaped positioning opening 221 and evenly adjusting the centering position of the sample tube 100. Furthermore, the multiple reinforcing ribs 223 are arranged in a cross shape, with intervals between adjacent reinforcing ribs 223. The cross-shaped reinforcing ribs 223 surround the cross-shaped positioning opening 221, forming a star-shaped arrangement together with the cross-shaped positioning opening 221. This arrangement increases the support of the reinforcing ribs 223 for the cross-shaped positioning port 221. When the sample tube 100 with a smaller diameter opens the cross-shaped positioning port 221, the spaced reinforcing ribs 223 can bend at the intervals to effectively support the sample tube 100 and prevent the sample tube 100 from falling into the receiving cavity 21 and affecting the subsequent cupping operation.

[0066] Furthermore, the sample rack assembly 2 also includes a first adjustment plate 24 and a second adjustment plate 25. The first adjustment plate 24 is an elastic plate and the second adjustment plate 25 is a rigid plate, which are respectively arranged around the base 23 to ensure the positional stability of the base 23 and facilitate the accurate clamping of the sample tube 100 by the bottle clamping mechanism 41.

[0067] As a preferred embodiment, the tube transfer assembly 3 further includes a movable support 33, a mounting plate 34, a first driving member 35, and multiple photoelectric sensors 36. The movable support 33 is capable of reciprocating along a first direction on the worktable 1. Multiple capping mechanisms 31 are arranged side by side on the mounting plate 34, which is slidably connected to the movable support 33. The center-to-center distance between adjacent capping mechanisms 31 is equal to the center-to-center distance between adjacent receiving cavities 21. The first driving member 35 is connected to the movable support 33 and is configured to drive the mounting plate 34 to reciprocate along a second direction. The photoelectric sensors 36 are connected to the movable support 33, and the multiple photoelectric sensors 36 correspond one-to-one with the multiple capping mechanisms 31. The photoelectric sensors 36 are configured to sense and detect the height of the sample tube 100. This embodiment of the invention does not limit the specific structure of the first driving member 35; it can be a motor, cylinder, etc.

[0068] Specifically, after the capping mechanism 31 grips the sample tube 100, the first driving member 35 records the current position S1. During the process of the first driving member 35 driving the mounting plate 34 to move multiple capping mechanisms 31 upwards in the second direction, multiple photoelectric sensors 36 can sense the sample tube 100 gripped by the corresponding capping mechanism 31. When the sample tube 100 leaves the detection range of the photoelectric sensor 36, the output information of the photoelectric sensor 36 changes. This embodiment of the invention uses a tube transfer assembly 3 with four capping mechanisms 31, which can simultaneously grip four sample tubes 100. At this time, the current positions S2, S3, S4, and S5 of the four sample tubes 100 are recorded respectively. Therefore, the lengths of the four sample tubes 100 are S2-S1=S5. Δ1 S3-S1=S Δ2 S4-S1=S Δ3 S5-S1=S Δ4 Using the above method, combining one first driving element 35 with four photoelectric sensors 36, the length of four sample tubes 100 can be identified. Accurate identification of the length of the sample tubes 100 provides reference information for subsequent cupping operations.

[0069] As a preferred embodiment, the bottle clamping assembly 4 further includes a bottle clamping bracket 42 and multiple elastic mechanisms 43. Multiple bottle clamping mechanisms 41 are arranged side-by-side on the bottle clamping bracket 42, and the center-to-center distance between adjacent bottle clamping mechanisms 41 is equal to the center-to-center distance between adjacent capping mechanisms 31. The elastic mechanisms 43 are positioned between the bottle clamping bracket 42 and the bottle clamping mechanisms 41, and the elastic mechanisms 43 always have a tendency to push the bottle clamping mechanisms 41 towards the capping mechanism 31 along the second direction. When the capping mechanism 31 screws on the tube cap 101, the bottle clamping mechanism 41 compresses the elastic mechanism 43, thereby moving downwards along the second direction. This eliminates the need for a separate motor to adjust the height of the sample tube 100, making it more convenient to use.

[0070] As a preferred embodiment, the bottle clamping mechanism 41 includes two clamping arms 411 and a second driving member 412. The two clamping arms 411 are configured to clamp the tube body 102 of the sample tube 100, and the length of the clamping arms 411 is greater than the length of the sample tube 100. The second driving member 412 is configured to drive the two clamping arms 411 to move closer or further apart simultaneously. The bottle clamping mechanism 41 has a torque detection function. The torque of the two clamping arms 411 can be detected by the current change of the second driving member 412, thereby controlling the torque of the bottle clamping mechanism 41 to avoid clamping the sample tube 100 too loosely or too tightly. Moreover, the current change of the second driving member 412 can also be used to determine whether the bottle clamping mechanism 41 accurately clamps the sample tube 100, thus adapting to sample tubes 100 of different specifications and sizes. The length of the sample tube 100 entering the two clamping arms 411 is controlled by the first driving member 35, and is calculated based on the length of the sample tube 100 detected by the first driving member 35 in conjunction with the four photoelectric sensors 36. As the first driving component 35 moves the sample tube 100 into the two clamping arms 411, the elastic mechanism 43 will also be compressed slightly. As the capping mechanism 31 screws on the tube cap 101, the elastic mechanism 43 is further compressed to adapt to sample tubes 100 of different lengths, demonstrating strong self-adaptability.

[0071] As a preferred embodiment, the sample dispensing device further includes a pipette tip collection assembly 8, which includes a pipette tip placement rack 81 and a pipette tip storage container (not shown in the figure). The pipette tip placement rack 81 is configured to hold pipette tips 300 to be used, and the pipette tip storage container is configured to store used pipette tips 300. The pipette tip gripper 61 can grip the pipette tip 300 to be used from the pipette tip placement rack 81 and place the used pipette tip 300 in the pipette tip storage container after liquid aspiration is completed, thus avoiding cross-contamination.

[0072] As a preferred embodiment, the liquid collection assembly 6 includes a liquid collection bracket 62 and multiple third driving components 63. The liquid collection bracket 62 is capable of reciprocating along a first direction on the worktable 1, and multiple pipette tip grippers 61 are slidably connected to the liquid collection bracket 62. The third driving components 63 are configured to drive the pipette tip grippers 61 to reciprocate along a second direction. The multiple third driving components 63 drive the multiple pipette tip grippers 61 respectively. Based on the different lengths of the sample tube 100 detected by the first driving component 35 in conjunction with the four photoelectric sensors 36, different pipette tip grippers 61 can lower different pipette tips 300 to different heights, which is suitable for sample tubes 100 of different specifications and sizes, thereby accurately collecting the sample liquid 200 in the sample tube 100 and avoiding empty aspiration.

[0073] Example 2

[0074] Embodiment 2 of the present invention provides a sample dispensing method, applied to the sample dispensing device in Embodiment 1. The dispensing method includes the following steps:

[0075] Step S1: Place the sample rack assembly 2 containing the sample tubes 100 on the workbench 1. Connect the sample dispensing device to the laboratory information system (LIS system) to obtain the quality control information.

[0076] Step S2: The tube transfer assembly 3 moves along the first direction to the top of the sample holder assembly 2, the capping mechanism 31 clamps the cap 101 of the sample tube 100 and moves along the second direction to remove the sample tube 100 from the receiving cavity 21, and the barcode scanner 32 reads the barcode information of the sample tube 100; at the same time, the suction tip gripper 61 of the liquid collection assembly 6 clamps the suction tip 300.

[0077] Step S3: The capping mechanism 31 moves above the bottle clamping assembly 4 along the first direction and places the multiple sample tubes 100 into the multiple bottle clamping mechanisms 41 respectively.

[0078] Step S4: The bottle clamping mechanism 41 clamps the tube body 102 of the sample tube 100, and the capping mechanism 31 screws the tube cap 101 to open the sample tube 100.

[0079] Step S5: The liquid taking component 6 moves above the bottle clamping component 4 along the first direction, the pipette tip 300 draws the sample liquid 200 from the sample tube 100, and the liquid level detection component 7 takes a picture of the sample liquid 200 in the pipette tip 300 to detect whether the sample liquid 200 is sufficient.

[0080] Step S6: The liquid collection component 6 moves above the deep well plate component 5 along the first direction, and the pipette tip 300 adds the sample liquid 200 into the liquid container 51; at the same time, the capping mechanism 31 screws the tube cap 101 in the opposite direction to close the sample tube 100, the bottle clamping mechanism 41 releases the sample tube 100, and the capping mechanism 31 clamps the sample tube 100 and moves it in the opposite direction along the first direction to above the sample rack component 2, and places the sample tube 100 in the receiving cavity 21;

[0081] Step S7: Repeat steps S1-S6 until all sample tubes 100 of sample rack assembly 2 have been divided into cups.

[0082] The sample separation method of Embodiment 2 of the present invention is applied to the sample separation device in Embodiment 1. The sample rack assembly 2 can accommodate sample tubes 100 of different specifications and sizes. The sample tube 100 is moved and opened by the tube transfer assembly 3. The liquid retrieval assembly 6 retrievals and transfers the sample liquid 200 in the sample tube 1. At the same time, the liquid level detection assembly 7 detects whether the sample liquid 200 in the pipette tip 300 is sufficient to ensure the accuracy of the detection. Thus, it is applicable to a variety of sample tubes of different specifications and sizes, has good adaptability, improves separation efficiency, and reduces the risk of misjudgment.

[0083] In step S7 above, the sample tubes 100 on the sample rack assembly 2 are sequentially divided into cups. Since the cup-dividing operation forms a continuous process, the sample tubes 100 that have been divided are placed back into their original receiving cavities 21 by the capping mechanism 31, awaiting the completion of subsequent testing results before being removed. Therefore, a large number of sample rack assemblies 2 accumulate on the workbench 1, making it difficult to trace the source of sample tubes 100 with abnormal test results. Therefore, this problem can be solved by adding a traceability system. Specifically, in step S1, when the sample rack assembly 2 containing the sample tubes 100 is placed on the workbench 1, the laboratory information system generates a batch number and prints multiple copies of the batch number to form batch number labels. The batch number is defined by time, such as 202201011200 representing 12:00 PM on January 1, 2022. The batch number labels are affixed to both the sample rack assembly 2 and the deep-hole plate assembly 5. During the cup dispensing operation, the barcode scanner 32 scans the barcode information of the sample tube 100 and uploads the barcode information of each sample tube 100 and the corresponding batch number of the sample rack assembly 2 to the laboratory information system, ultimately forming a tabular database. Each barcode information can be located by batch number and serial number, thereby corresponding to the row and column information of each sample tube 100 on the sample rack assembly 2.

[0084] Furthermore, during nucleic acid extraction and fluorescence detection of the sample solution 200 in the liquid container 51, the corresponding barcode information and batch number will be uploaded to the laboratory information system. After the test, if the sample solution 200 in the sample tube 100 of the same sample rack assembly 2 is positive or requires other verification, it can be queried in the laboratory information system. By entering the corresponding batch number and barcode information, the laboratory information system will indicate the row and column of the capped sample tube 100 in the sample rack assembly 2, making it easy to quickly and accurately find the corresponding sample tube 100 in the stacked sample rack assembly 2, increasing the convenience and accuracy of traceability.

[0085] As a preferred embodiment, the quality control position information includes weak positive positions and / or strong positive positions and / or blank control positions. The LIS system randomly generates quality control position information, which includes any one or more of weak positive positions, strong positive positions, and blank control positions. Specifically, taking the sample rack assembly 2 of Embodiment 2 of the present invention with 96 accommodating cavities 21 as an example, weak positive positions, strong positive positions, and blank control positions are randomly set in the 96 accommodating cavities 21 of the two sample rack assemblies 2, and the positions of the weak positive positions, strong positive positions, and blank control positions are recorded. During the cupping process, the sample cupping device will skip the quality control positions and will not perform any operation on the sample tubes 100 at the quality control positions. After subsequent nucleic acid extraction and analysis, if there is an abnormality in the information of the sample tubes 100 at the quality control positions, it indicates that there are problems such as cross-contamination of the sample solution 200 during the cupping process. The quality control position information can be traced through the traceability system and further testing can be performed to improve the quality control of the test results.

[0086] Obviously, the above embodiments of the present invention are merely examples for clearly illustrating the present invention, and are not intended to limit the implementation of the present invention. Those skilled in the art will be able to make various obvious changes, readjustments, and substitutions without departing from the scope of protection of the present invention. It is neither necessary nor possible to exhaustively describe all embodiments here. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A sample dispensing device, characterized in that, include: Workbench (1); Multiple sample rack assemblies (2) are disposed on the workbench (1). Each sample rack assembly (2) is provided with multiple receiving cavities (21) for receiving sample tubes (100). The tube transfer assembly (3) is slidably connected to the worktable (1). The tube transfer assembly (3) includes multiple capping mechanisms (31) and multiple barcode scanners (32). The multiple capping mechanisms (31) and the multiple barcode scanners (32) correspond one-to-one. The capping mechanism (31) can clamp the cap (101) of the sample tube (100) and screw the cap (101). The barcode scanner (32) is configured to scan the barcode information of the sample tube (100). Bottle clamping assembly (4), the bottle clamping assembly (4) is provided with multiple bottle clamping mechanisms (41), the bottle clamping mechanisms (41) are used to clamp the sample tube (100). A deep well plate assembly (5) includes a plurality of liquid reservoirs (51) for containing sample liquid (200) in the sample tube (100). Liquid collection assembly (6) is slidably connected to the worktable (1). The liquid collection assembly (6) includes a plurality of pipette tip grippers (61) for gripping pipette tips (300). The pipette tips (300) are oriented toward the liquid reservoir (51) and are configured to aspirate the sample liquid (200). Liquid level detection component (7), the liquid level detection component (7) includes a liquid level camera, the liquid level camera is facing the liquid collection component (6), the liquid level camera can take pictures of the suction head (300) to identify the height of the sample liquid (200); The sample holder assembly (2) includes a positioning plate (22) and a base (23). The accommodating cavity (21) is disposed on the base (23). The positioning plate (22) is disposed above the base (23) to cover the accommodating cavity (21). The positioning plate (22) is provided with a plurality of cross-shaped positioning ports (221). The plurality of cross-shaped positioning ports (221) correspond one-to-one with the accommodating cavity (21). The sample tube (100) is placed in the accommodating cavity (21) so that the cross-shaped positioning ports (221) are in an open state. The center distance between adjacent cross-shaped positioning ports (221) is equal to the center distance between adjacent accommodating cavities (21). The base (23) is made of EVA flexible material, and the positioning plate (22) is made of flexible elastic material. The bottle clamping mechanism (41) includes: Two clamping arms (411) are configured to clamp the tube body (102) of the sample tube (100), and the length of the clamping arms (411) is greater than the length of the sample tube (100). The second drive member (412) is configured to drive the two clamping arms (411) to move closer to each other or further away from each other simultaneously; The bottle clamping mechanism (41) has a torque detection function. The torque of the two clamping arms (411) can be detected by the change in current of the second driving member (412), and the torque of the bottle clamping mechanism (41) can be controlled.

2. The sample dispensing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The positioning plate (22) further includes a plurality of corrective positioning points (222) and a plurality of reinforcing ribs (223) protruding from the positioning plate (22). The corrective positioning points (222) and the reinforcing ribs (223) are respectively disposed on both sides of the positioning plate (22). The corrective positioning points (222) and the reinforcing ribs (223) surround the periphery of the cross positioning opening (221) so that the axis of the sample tube (100) coincides with the axis of the cross positioning opening (221).

3. The sample dispensing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The transfer assembly (3) also includes: A movable support (33) is capable of reciprocating along a first direction on the worktable (1); Mounting plate (34), multiple capping mechanisms (31) are arranged side by side on mounting plate (34), mounting plate (34) is slidably connected to the movable bracket (33), the center distance between adjacent capping mechanisms (31) is equal to the center distance between adjacent receiving cavities (21); A first drive member (35) is connected to the movable bracket (33) and is configured to drive the mounting plate (34) to reciprocate along a second direction. Multiple photoelectric sensors (36) are connected to the movable support (33), and the multiple photoelectric sensors (36) correspond one-to-one with the multiple capping mechanisms (31). The photoelectric sensors (36) are configured to sense and detect the height of the sample tube (100).

4. The sample dispensing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The bottle clamping assembly (4) also includes: Bottle clamping bracket (42), multiple bottle clamping mechanisms (41) are arranged side by side on the bottle clamping bracket (42), and the center distance between adjacent bottle clamping mechanisms (41) is equal to the center distance between adjacent capping mechanisms (31); Multiple elastic mechanisms (43) are disposed between the bottle clamping bracket (42) and the bottle clamping mechanism (41). The elastic mechanisms (43) always have a tendency to push the bottle clamping mechanism (41) closer to the capping mechanism (31) in a second direction.

5. The sample dispensing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sample dispensing device also includes a suction head collection assembly (8), which includes a suction head placement rack (81) and a suction head storage tube. The suction head placement rack (81) is configured to place the suction head (300) to be used, and the suction head storage tube is configured to store the used suction head (300).

6. The sample dispensing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The liquid collection component (6) includes: Liquid collection bracket (62) is capable of reciprocating along a first direction on the workbench (1), and a plurality of suction head grippers (61) are slidably connected to the liquid collection bracket (62). Multiple third drive members (63) are configured to drive the suction head gripper (61) to reciprocate along a second direction, and the multiple third drive members (63) drive the multiple suction head grippers (61) respectively.

7. A method for dividing cups, characterized in that, Applied to the sample dispensing apparatus as described in any one of claims 1-6, the dispensing method includes the following steps: Step S1: Place the sample rack assembly (2) containing the sample tubes (100) on the workbench (1), and connect the sample dispensing device to the laboratory information system to obtain the quality control information of the test. Step S2: The tube transfer assembly (3) moves along the first direction above the sample holder assembly (2), the capping mechanism (31) clamps the cap (101) of the sample tube (100) and moves along the second direction to remove the sample tube (100) from the receiving cavity (21), and the barcode scanner (32) reads the barcode information of the sample tube (100); at the same time, the suction claw (61) of the liquid dispensing assembly (6) clamps the suction tip (300). Step S3: The capping mechanism (31) moves above the bottle clamping assembly (4) along the first direction and places the multiple sample tubes (100) into the multiple bottle clamping mechanisms (41) respectively; Step S4: The bottle clamping mechanism (41) clamps the tube body (102) of the sample tube (100), and the capping mechanism (31) screws the cap (101) to open the sample tube (100). Step S5: The liquid taking component (6) moves above the bottle clamping component (4) along the first direction, the pipette tip (300) draws the sample liquid (200) in the sample tube (100), and the liquid level detection component (7) takes a picture of the sample liquid (200) in the pipette tip (300) to detect whether the sample liquid (200) is sufficient. Step S6: The liquid collection component (6) moves above the deep well plate component (5) along the first direction, and the pipette tip (300) adds the sample liquid (200) into the liquid container (51); at the same time, the capping mechanism (31) screws the tube cap (101) in the opposite direction to close the sample tube (100), the bottle clamping mechanism (41) releases the sample tube (100), and the capping mechanism (31) clamps the sample tube (100) and moves it in the opposite direction along the first direction to above the sample rack component (2), and places the sample tube (100) in the receiving cavity (21); Step S7: Repeat steps S1-S6 until all sample tubes (100) of the sample holder assembly (2) are divided into cups.

8. The cup-dividing method according to claim 7, characterized in that, The quality control position information includes weak positive positions and / or strong positive positions and / or blank control positions.

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