Sample adding mechanism and sample adding system comprising same

Abstract

The application provides a sample adding mechanism and a sample adding system comprising the same. The sample adding mechanism comprises: a conveying channel having a first conveying channel opening in communication with an external container to allow a reagent in the container to enter the conveying channel, and a second conveying channel opening in communication with the outside of the conveying channel to allow the reagent to exit the conveying channel; and a conveying mechanism arranged in the conveying channel and adapted to be driven to move to convey the reagent in the conveying channel to the second conveying channel opening, and to control the mass flow of the reagent exiting through the second conveying channel opening by adjusting the speed of its own movement. With the application, not only the automation of reagent weighing and sampling is achieved, but also the weighing error and reagent contamination caused by manual weighing and sampling are avoided, and accurate weighing and sampling of the reagent, especially the powder reagent, can be realized.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of weighing and sampling technology, and in particular to a sample dispensing mechanism and a sample dispensing system comprising the same. Background Technology

[0002] As is well known, weighing and sampling reagents, especially powdered reagents, is frequently required in biochemical experiments. However, commonly used weighing balances not only require manual operation but also suffer from low accuracy and large errors. Furthermore, due to manual operation, sampling relies on human intuition each time, which may result in difficulty achieving ideal weighing and sampling results even after multiple attempts. In addition, manual operation can cause reagents to be dropped or scattered during sampling, leading to reagent waste and potential contamination. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This invention provides a sample dispensing mechanism and a sample dispensing system including the same, which not only automates reagent weighing and sampling, avoiding weighing errors and reagent contamination caused by manual weighing and sampling, but also enables accurate weighing and sampling of reagents, especially powdered reagents.

[0004] Therefore, the embodiments of the present invention provide the following technical solutions:

[0005] This invention provides a sample dispensing mechanism and a sample dispensing system including the same.

[0006] The sample dispensing mechanism includes: a delivery channel having a first opening communicating with an external container to allow reagents from the container to enter the delivery channel, and a second opening communicating with the outside of the delivery channel to allow the reagents to leave the delivery channel; a delivery mechanism disposed within the delivery channel and adapted to be driven to move to deliver the reagents from the delivery channel to the second opening of the delivery channel, and to control the mass flow rate of the reagents leaving through the second opening of the delivery channel by adjusting the speed of its own movement.

[0007] Optionally, the delivery channel includes a first channel, a first opening of the delivery channel includes a first opening of the first channel, and a second opening of the delivery channel includes a second opening of the first channel; the delivery mechanism includes at least one first screw disposed in the first channel; the first screw is adapted to be driven to rotate in a first direction to deliver the reagent in the first channel to the second opening of the first channel, and to control the mass flow rate of the reagent leaving through the second opening of the first channel by adjusting its own rotation speed.

[0008] Optionally, the sample dispensing mechanism further includes a second channel and at least one second screw disposed within the second channel: the second channel has a first opening communicating with a second opening of the first channel to allow reagents in the first channel to enter the second channel, a second opening communicating with the outside to allow the reagents to leave the second channel, and a third opening communicating with the container to allow the reagents to leave the second channel and return to the container; the second screw is meshed and drivenly connected to the first screw to rotate in a second direction under the drive of the first screw to deliver the reagents in the second channel to the second opening and the third opening of the second channel; wherein, the second direction is opposite to the first direction.

[0009] Optionally, the first opening of the first channel is located in the middle of the first channel; the second opening of the first channel is located in the lower part of the first channel; the first opening of the second channel is located in the lower part of the second channel; the second opening of the second channel is located at the bottom of the second channel; and the third opening of the second channel is located in the upper part of the second channel.

[0010] Optionally, the top end of the first screw extends outside the first channel; the top end of the second screw extends outside the second channel; the sample feeding mechanism includes an end face cam coaxially connected to the top end of the first screw and a first gear coaxially connected to the top end of the second screw; the end face cam is meshed and driven by the first gear, and is adapted to rotate along the first direction under the drive of the first screw, and to drive the first gear to drive the second screw to rotate along the second direction.

[0011] Optionally, the sample feeding mechanism further includes a top cover disposed above the first channel and the second channel, and an elastic element and a cam engagement element sequentially located between the top cover and the end face cam and adapted only to move along the axial direction of the first screw; the cam engagement element is adapted to reciprocate along the axial direction of the first screw under the drive of the end face cam when the end face cam rotates along the first direction, and to restrict the rotation of the end face cam along the second direction when the end face cam rotates along the second direction; the elastic element is adapted to compress and release the compression under the action of the cam engagement element when the end face cam rotates along the first direction.

[0012] Optionally, the end face cam facing the cam mating member has a pair of first inclined surfaces and a pair of first vertical surfaces at one end; the end face cam mating member facing the end face cam has a pair of second inclined surfaces and a pair of second vertical surfaces at one end; wherein the first inclined surfaces engage with the second inclined surfaces, and the first vertical surfaces engage with the second vertical surfaces; when the end face cam rotates along the first direction, the first vertical surfaces move away from the second vertical surfaces with which they engage, and the first inclined surfaces rotate relative to the second inclined surfaces with which they engage and push the cam mating member to reciprocate along the axial direction of the first screw; when the end face cam rotates along the second direction, the second vertical surfaces block the rotation of the first vertical surfaces with which they engage to limit the rotation of the end face cam along the second direction.

[0013] Optionally, the cam engagement member includes a guide block disposed on its side; the side of the top cover has a guide groove extending along the axial direction of the first screw to receive the guide block and allow the guide block to reciprocate therein along the axial direction of the first screw.

[0014] Optionally, the top end of the first screw passes sequentially through the end face cam and the cam engagement member and extends above the cam engagement member; the cam engagement member has a support edge with its inner ring disposed thereon; the elastic element includes a spring; the spring is sleeved outside the top end of the first screw and its two ends abut against the inner end face of the top cover and the support edge, respectively, and is adapted to compress and release the compression when the cam engagement member moves upward along the axial direction of the first screw, so that the cam engagement member moves downward along the axial direction of the first screw, thereby adapting the cam engagement member to reciprocate along the axial direction of the first screw.

[0015] Optionally, the sample dispensing mechanism further includes an outlet valve adapted to close and open the second opening of the second channel; the outlet valve is rotatably connected to one end of the second channel near the second opening of the second channel, and is adapted to be driven to rotate in a third direction to close the second opening of the second channel, and to rotate in a fourth direction to open the second opening of the second channel; wherein the fourth direction is opposite to the third direction.

[0016] Optionally, the outlet valve includes a closing portion; the closing portion includes a seal adapted to be disposed facing the second opening of the second channel; the seal is adapted to gradually approach and face the second opening of the second channel as the outlet valve rotates in the third direction to be fitted into the second opening of the second channel to close it, and to disengage from and move away from the second opening of the second channel as the outlet valve rotates in the fourth direction to open the outlet valve.

[0017] Optionally, the sample dispensing mechanism further includes a hook block disposed on the outside of the second channel; the outlet valve includes a hook portion connected to the closure portion and bent relative to the closure portion to be disposed on a side facing the second channel; the hook portion includes a hook groove disposed toward the hook block; the hook groove is adapted to move toward the hook block when the outlet valve rotates in the third direction and be limited by the hook block when moving to the hook block so that the seal is disposed facing the second opening of the second channel, and to move away from the hook block when the outlet valve rotates in the fourth direction.

[0018] Optionally, when the latch groove is limited by the latch block, the latch groove abuts against the bottom of the latch block to restrict the upward movement of the outlet valve.

[0019] Optionally, the conveying channel includes a third channel, the first opening of the conveying channel includes a first opening of the third channel, and the second opening of the conveying channel includes a second opening of the third channel; the conveying mechanism includes a conveyor belt disposed within the third channel; the conveyor belt is adapted to be driven for transmission, and to receive reagents from the first opening of the third channel and convey the reagents to the second opening of the third channel during transmission.

[0020] Optionally, the conveyor belt includes a first conveying section and a second conveying section that change continuously during transmission; the first conveying section is adapted to transport the reagent to the second opening of the third channel; the second conveying section is adapted to return reagents that do not leave through the second opening of the third channel to the third channel.

[0021] Optionally, the third channel includes a third opening communicating with the container to allow reagents that did not leave through the second opening of the third channel to return to the container.

[0022] The sample dispensing system includes: a sample dispensing mechanism provided in this embodiment of the invention, which is adapted to deliver the reagent in the container to a reagent bottle outside the container; a balance disposed below the reagent bottle, which is adapted to weigh the mass of the reagent delivered to the reagent bottle; and a controller connected to the balance and the sample dispensing mechanism respectively, which is adapted to adjust the speed of the conveying mechanism based on the mass.

[0023] Compared with the prior art, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention have beneficial effects.

[0024] For example, by setting up a conveying channel and a conveying mechanism within the conveying channel in the sample dispensing mechanism, on the one hand, the reagent weighing and sampling is automated, thereby avoiding weighing errors and reagent contamination caused by manual weighing and sampling; on the other hand, the mass flow rate of the sampled reagent can be controlled by adjusting the movement speed of the conveying mechanism, thereby enabling accurate weighing and sampling of reagents, especially powdered reagents.

[0025] For example, the volume of the delivery channel and the size of each opening can be customized, and the movement speed of the delivery mechanism in the delivery channel can also be adjusted. Therefore, this sample dispensing mechanism is suitable for sampling reagents of both large and small doses. In particular, it can achieve automatic sampling and high sampling accuracy for reagents with doses of 0.1 mg to 100 mg or even 2 mg and below.

[0026] For example, by setting a first channel and a first screw in the sample dispensing mechanism, the mass flow rate of the sampling reagent can be controlled by adjusting the rotation speed of the first screw, thereby accurately weighing and sampling the reagent, especially the powdered reagent; at the same time, it can avoid the weighing error and reagent contamination caused by manual weighing and sampling.

[0027] For example, by setting a second channel and a second screw in the sample dispensing mechanism, excess reagent in the first channel can enter the second channel and be returned to the container through the second screw in the second channel. This avoids the accumulation and clumping of reagent in the first channel, as well as the impact of reagent accumulation and clumping on the rotation and speed of the first screw, thus enabling the reagent to be output smoothly.

[0028] For example, by setting the first screw and the second screw to be parallel to each other and meshing transmission connection, the first screw can drive the second screw to rotate in the second direction when rotating in the first direction. This not only realizes the synchronous operation of sample feeding (i.e., reagent output) and sample return (i.e., reagent return to container), but also saves product space and cost.

[0029] For example, two or more first screws and / or second screws can be set in the sample dispensing mechanism to meet the weighing and sampling of different types of reagents and reagents with different target masses.

[0030] For example, the sample dispensing mechanism can also be equipped with an outlet valve suitable for opening and closing the second opening of the second channel, so as to effectively prevent the leakage of reagents in the sample dispensing mechanism when not in use and the entry of external moisture, especially reagent leakage when encountering air flow, vibration, shaking or static electricity.

[0031] For example, a conveyor belt can be used to transport reagents, and the mass flow rate of the sampled reagents can be controlled by adjusting the transmission speed of the conveyor belt. This not only facilitates reagent transport but is also simple and easy to operate.

[0032] For example, a balance can be used to weigh the mass of the output reagent, and the speed of the conveying mechanism can be adjusted based on the mass to precisely control the mass flow rate of the output reagent, thereby achieving accurate weighing and sampling of the reagent.

[0033] For example, the sample dispensing mechanism provided in this embodiment of the invention has a compact structure and occupies little space, which helps to save space and reduce costs. Attached Figure Description

[0034] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional view of the sample dispensing mechanism in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 2 This is a partial schematic diagram of the sample addition mechanism in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 3 This is another partial schematic diagram of the sample addition mechanism in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 4 This is a partial cross-sectional view of the sample dispensing mechanism in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0038] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of one structure of the end face cam in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0039] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of a cam mating component in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0040] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of an outlet valve in an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the outlet valve is in a closed state;

[0041] Figure 8 This is another schematic diagram of the outlet valve in an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the outlet valve is in the open state;

[0042] Figure 9 This is a partial schematic diagram of the sample addition device in an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the outlet valve is in a closed state;

[0043] Figure 10 This is another partial schematic diagram of the sampling device in an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the outlet valve is in the open state;

[0044] Figure 11 This is a third partial schematic diagram of the sample addition mechanism in an embodiment of the present invention. For the third channel, only the lower part is shown, and the upper part is not shown.

[0045] Figure 12 This is a cross-sectional view of the sampler in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0046] Figure 13This is a partial cross-sectional view of the sampler in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0047] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of a sample addition device in one embodiment of the present invention;

[0048] Figure 15 This is a third partial schematic diagram of the sample addition device in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0049] Figure 16 This is a schematic diagram of a locking mechanism in an embodiment of the present invention. It only shows the closed state of the locking mechanism and does not show the state in which the locking mechanism locks the sample feeding mechanism.

[0050] Figure 17 This is another schematic diagram of the locking mechanism in an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the locking mechanism is in the open state;

[0051] Figure 18 This is a cross-sectional view of the sample addition device in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0052] Figure 19 This is a schematic diagram of a sample addition device in one embodiment of the present invention;

[0053] Figure 20 This is a schematic diagram of the sample addition system in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0054] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0055] 100 Sample feeding mechanism, 111 First channel, 111a First channel first opening, 111b First channel second opening, 112 First screw, 113 Second channel, 113a Second channel first opening, 113b Second channel second opening, 113c Second channel third opening, 114 Second screw, 115 End face cam, 115a First inclined plane, A High point of the first inclined plane, B Low point of the first inclined plane, 115b First vertical surface, 116 First gear, 117 Top cover, 118 Elastic element, 119 Cam mating part, 119a Second inclined plane, C High point of the second inclined plane, D Low point of the second inclined plane, 119b Second vertical surface, 119c Guide block, 119d Support edge, 120 Outlet valve, 121 Closing part, 122 Hook part, 122a Hook groove, 123 Hook block, 124 Channel housing, 124a Limit 125 Position block, 126 Trigger, 126 Third channel, 126a First opening of third channel, 127 Conveyor belt, 127a First conveyor section, 127b Second conveyor section, 127c Groove, 211 Container, 220 Interface mechanism, 221 Interface, 222 Support member, 223 Bearing member, 224 First sealing ring, 225 Second sealing ring, 310 Drive mechanism, 311 Drive motor, 312 Second gear, 313 Third gear, 314 Fourth gear, 315 Drive housing, 316 Sensing mechanism, 317 Outlet valve motor, 318 Connecting rod, 320 Locking mechanism, 321 Actuating member, 322 Cam, 322a Camshaft, 323 Abutting member, 323a Extension, 323b Opening end, 323c Closing end, 324a First spring, 324b Second spring, 510 Balance, 520 Controller. Detailed Implementation

[0056] To make the objectives, features, and beneficial effects of the present invention more apparent and understandable, specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It is to be understood that the specific embodiments described below are merely for explaining the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. Furthermore, descriptions of identical or similar components in different embodiments, as well as descriptions of components, features, effects, etc., belonging to the prior art, may be omitted.

[0057] Furthermore, for ease of description, the accompanying drawings may show only the parts relevant to the invention, rather than the entire structure. Also, the same or similar reference numerals may be used in the drawings to refer to the same or similar components in different embodiments.

[0058] Reference Figures 1 to 20 The present invention provides a sample dispensing mechanism 100, a sampler 200, a sample dispensing device 300, a sample dispensing equipment 400, and a sample dispensing system 500.

[0059] A first aspect of the present invention is to provide a sample dispensing mechanism 100.

[0060] Specifically, the sample dispensing mechanism 100 includes delivery channels 111 and 126 and a delivery mechanism. Delivery channels 111 and 126 have first openings 111a and 126a communicating with an external container 211 to allow reagents from the container 211 to enter the delivery channels 111 and 126, and second openings 111b communicating with the outside of the delivery channels 111 and 126 to allow reagents to leave the delivery channels 111 and 126. The delivery mechanism is disposed within the delivery channels 111 and 126 and is adapted to be driven to move and deliver reagents from the delivery channels 111 and 126 to the second opening 111b, and to control the mass flow rate of reagents leaving through the second opening 111b by adjusting its own speed of movement.

[0061] Reference Figures 1 to 3 In some embodiments, the conveying channels 111 and 126 may include a first channel 111, the first openings 111a and 126a of the conveying channels may include the first openings 111a of the first channel, and the second opening 111b of the conveying channels may include the second opening 111b of the first channel. Accordingly, the conveying mechanism includes at least one first screw 112 disposed within the first channel 111.

[0062] In a specific implementation, each of the at least one first screw 112 is adapted to be driven to rotate in a first direction to deliver the reagent in the first channel 111 to the second opening 111b of the first channel, and to control the mass flow rate of the reagent leaving through the second opening 111b of the first channel by adjusting its own rotation speed.

[0063] It is understandable that by adjusting the rotational speed of the first screw 112, the mass of reagent delivered by the first screw 112 per unit time can be controlled, thereby controlling the mass flow rate of the reagent leaving the first channel 111. The mass flow rate of the reagent leaving the first channel 111 refers to the mass of reagent leaving through the second opening 111b of the first channel 111 per unit time. Furthermore, when the mass flow rate of the output reagent is determined, the mass of the output reagent can be obtained by combining this with the time taken for the output reagent to be delivered.

[0064] By adopting the above technical solution, on the one hand, the reagent sampling is automated, thereby avoiding weighing errors and reagent contamination caused by manual weighing and sampling; on the other hand, the mass flow rate of the sampled reagent can be controlled by adjusting the rotation speed of the first screw 112, thereby enabling accurate weighing and sampling of reagents, especially powdered reagents.

[0065] In some embodiments, the relationship between the mass flow rate of various reagents and the rotational speed of the first screw 112 can be obtained experimentally. That is, the mass flow rate of various reagents can be measured at different rotational speeds of the first screw 112 to obtain the relationship between the mass flow rate of various reagents and the rotational speed of the first screw 112. Specific experimental procedures can be implemented using any conventional techniques known in the art, and will not be elaborated here.

[0066] In some embodiments, the sample feeding mechanism 100 may further include a second channel 113 and at least one second screw 114 disposed within the second channel 113.

[0067] Specifically, the second channel 113 has a second channel first opening 113a communicating with the first channel second opening 111b to allow reagents in the first channel 111 to enter the second channel 113, a second channel second opening 113b communicating with the outside to allow reagents to leave the second channel 113, and a second channel third opening 113c communicating with the container 211 to allow reagents to leave the second channel 113 and return to the container 211.

[0068] In a specific implementation, the second screw 114 is meshed and driven by the first screw 112, so that it rotates in a second direction under the drive of the first screw 112, thereby transporting the reagent in the second channel 113 to the second opening 113b of the second channel and the third opening 113c of the second channel. The second direction is opposite to the first direction.

[0069] It is understandable that by adjusting the rotational speed of the first screw 112, the mass of reagent delivered by the first screw 112 per unit time can be controlled, thereby controlling the mass flow rate of the reagent leaving the first channel 111 and entering the second channel 113, and further controlling the mass flow rate of the reagent leaving the second channel 113. The mass flow rate of the reagent leaving the second channel 113 refers to the mass of reagent leaving the second channel 113 through the second opening 113b of the second channel 113 per unit time.

[0070] By adopting the above technical solution, excess reagent in the first channel 111 can enter the second channel 113 and be sent back to the container 211 through the second screw 114 in the second channel 113. This avoids the accumulation and clumping of reagent in the first channel 111 and the impact of reagent accumulation and clumping on the rotation and speed of the first screw 112, thereby enabling the reagent to be output smoothly.

[0071] In some embodiments, the first opening 111a of the first channel can be disposed in the middle of the first channel 111 and communicate with the container 211; the second opening 111b of the first channel can be disposed in the lower part of the first channel 111. The first opening 113a of the second channel can be disposed in the lower part of the second channel 113 and communicate with the second opening 111b of the first channel; the second opening 113b of the second channel can be disposed at the bottom end of the second channel 113 and communicate with the outside of the sample dispensing mechanism 100; the third opening 113c of the second channel can be disposed in the upper part of the second channel 113 and communicate with the container 211.

[0072] In this way, excess reagents can be returned to container 211 to avoid reagent accumulation in the dispensing mechanism 100, which is conducive to reagent flow and thus facilitates the output of reagents through the dispensing mechanism 100.

[0073] In practical implementation, the pitch, diameter, and rotational speed of the first screw 112 and the second screw 114 can all be customized based on the specific characteristics of the reagent. These specific characteristics may include the type of reagent, its particle size, and the dosage to be delivered.

[0074] In some embodiments, the pitch difference, diameter difference, and rotational speed difference between the first screw 112 and the second screw 114 are all greater than 0. This facilitates the dispensing of reagents through the sample dispensing mechanism 100.

[0075] In some embodiments, the sample dispensing mechanism 100 may include a first screw 112 and a second screw 114. The first screw 112 and the second screw 114 are engaged in a driving connection. Specific examples can be found in [reference needed]. Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown.

[0076] In other embodiments, the sample dispensing mechanism 100 may include at least two first screws 112 and one second screw 114. The second screw 114 is engaged with one of the at least two first screws 112 in a transmission connection. Specific examples can be found in [reference needed]. Figure 3 As shown, in this example, the sample feeding mechanism 100 includes two first screws 112 and one second screw 114.

[0077] In some embodiments, the sample dispensing mechanism 100 may include a first screw 112 and at least two second screws 114. The first screw 112 is engaged with one of the at least two second screws 114. Furthermore, the individual second screws 114 are synchronously rotatably connected, so that the second screw 114 engaged with the first screw 112 drives the other second screws 114 to rotate synchronously.

[0078] In some embodiments, the sample dispensing mechanism 100 may include at least two first screws 112 and at least two second screws 114. One of the at least two second screws 114 is meshed and driven by one of the at least two first screws 112, and the various second screws 114 are synchronously rotatably connected to each other, so that the second screw 114 meshing with the first screw 112 drives the other second screws 114 to rotate synchronously.

[0079] In specific implementations, the synchronously rotating second screws 114 can be connected in any manner known in the art, and no limitation is made here. For example, the synchronously rotating second screws 114 can be connected by planetary gears.

[0080] In some embodiments, the sample feeding mechanism 100 may include at least two synchronously rotating first screws 112.

[0081] In specific implementations, the synchronously rotating first screws 112 can be connected in any manner known in the art, and no limitation is made here. For example, the synchronously rotating first screws 112 can also be connected by planetary gears.

[0082] As previously described, the second screw 114 is meshed and driven by the first screw 112, and is adapted to rotate in a second direction under the drive of the first screw 112. The second direction is opposite to the rotation direction of the first screw 112, i.e., the first direction.

[0083] Reference Figures 1 to 3 In some embodiments, the first screw 112 and the second screw 114, which are engaged in a transmission connection, can be arranged parallel to each other, and the top end of the first screw 112 extends outside the first channel 111, and the top end of the second screw 114 extends outside the second channel 113.

[0084] Accordingly, the sample feeding mechanism 100 may also include an end face cam 115 coaxially rotatably connected to the top end of the first screw 112, and a first gear 116 coaxially rotatably connected to the top end of the second screw 114.

[0085] In a specific implementation, the end face cam 115 is meshed with the first gear 116 for transmission. The first screw 112 is adapted to be driven by the drive mechanism 310 outside the sample feeding mechanism 100 through its bottom end, so that the first screw 112 rotates in a first direction, while driving the end face cam 115 to rotate in the first direction, thereby driving the first gear 116 to rotate in a second direction, and further driving the second screw 114 to rotate in the second direction.

[0086] In some embodiments, the first direction can be either counterclockwise or clockwise. Correspondingly, the second direction can be either clockwise or counterclockwise.

[0087] By adopting the above technical solution, by setting the first screw 112 and the second screw 114 to be parallel to each other and meshing transmission connection, the first screw 112 can drive the second screw 114 to rotate in the second direction when rotating in the first direction. This not only realizes the synchronous operation of sample feeding (i.e., reagent output) and sample return (i.e., reagent return to container 211), but also eliminates the need for an additional drive source to drive the second screw 114, saving product space and cost.

[0088] It is understandable that "sample delivery" refers to the process of dispensing the reagent in container 211 to the outside of container 211 through the sample dispensing mechanism 100, and "sample return" refers to the process of sending the reagent in the first channel 111 back into container 211 through the second screw 114.

[0089] In some embodiments, the sample feeding mechanism 100 provided in this invention may further include a rotation limiting mechanism to limit the first screw 112 and the second screw 114 to rotate in opposite directions.

[0090] Reference Figures 1 to 4 In some embodiments, the sample feeding mechanism 100 further includes a top cover 117 disposed above the first channel 111 and the second channel 113, and an elastic element 118 and a cam engagement element 119 sequentially located between the top cover 117 and the end face cam 115. The elastic element 118 and the cam engagement element 119 are adapted to move only along the axial direction of the first screw 112.

[0091] Specifically, the cam engagement member 119 is adapted to reciprocate along the axis of the first screw 112 under the drive of the end face cam 115 when the end face cam 115 rotates in the first direction, and to restrict the rotation of the end face cam 115 in the second direction when the end face cam 115 rotates in the second direction. The elastic member 118 is adapted to compress and release compression under the action of the cam engagement member 119 when the end face cam 115 rotates in the first direction.

[0092] In some embodiments, the cam engagement member 119 further includes a guide block 119c disposed on its side. Correspondingly, the side of the top cover 117 has a guide groove extending along the axial direction of the first screw 112. The guide groove is adapted to receive the guide block 119c and allow the guide block 119c to reciprocate therein along the axial direction of the first screw 112.

[0093] In some embodiments, the elastic element 118 may include a spring. Accordingly, the tip of the first screw 112 passes sequentially through the end face cam 115 and the cam engagement member 119, and extends above the cam engagement member 119. Furthermore, the cam engagement member 119 has a support edge 119d that provides its inner ring to support the spring.

[0094] In a specific implementation, the spring is sleeved outside the top end of the first screw 112, and its two ends abut against the inner end face of the top cover 117 and the support edge 119d, respectively. This allows the spring to be compressed upwards when the cam engagement member 119 moves upwards along the axial direction of the first screw 112, and to be released downwards when the cam engagement member 119 moves to its highest position, causing the cam engagement member 119 to move downwards along the axial direction of the first screw 112, thereby enabling the cam engagement member 119 to reciprocate along the axial direction of the first screw 112.

[0095] Reference Figure 5 and Figure 6 In some embodiments, the end face cam 115 has a pair of first inclined surfaces 115a and a pair of first vertical surfaces 115b at its end facing the cam mating member 119. Correspondingly, the cam mating member 119 has a pair of second inclined surfaces 119a and a pair of second vertical surfaces 119b at its end facing the end face cam 115. Each of the two first inclined surfaces 115a covers half a circle of the end face cam 115; each of the two second inclined surfaces 119a covers half a circle of the cam mating member 119.

[0096] In some embodiments, a high point A of one of the first inclined planes 115a is adjacent to a low point B of the other first inclined plane 115a and connected by a first facade 115b, while a low point B of one first inclined plane 115a is adjacent to a high point A of the other first inclined plane 115a and connected by another first facade 115b.

[0097] Accordingly, the high point C of one of the second slopes 119a is adjacent to the low point D of the other second slope 119a and connected by a second elevation 119b, while the low point D of one second slope 119a is adjacent to the high point C of the other second slope 119a and connected by another second elevation 119b.

[0098] In the initial state, the first inclined plane 115a and the second inclined plane 119a are opposite to and joined together, and the first vertical plane 115b and the second vertical plane 119b are opposite to and joined together. Furthermore, when the first inclined plane 115a and the second inclined plane 119a are joined together, the high point A of the first inclined plane 115a is joined to the low point D of the second inclined plane 119a, and the low point B of the first inclined plane 115a is joined to the high point C of the second inclined plane 119a.

[0099] When the end face cam 115 rotates in the first direction, the first vertical surface 115b moves away from the second vertical surface 119b it engages with, and the first inclined surface 115a can rotate relative to the second inclined surface 119a it engages with, thus pushing the cam engagement member 119 to reciprocate along the axial direction of the first screw 112. At the same time, the elastic member 118 is compressed and released under the action of the cam engagement member 119.

[0100] In a specific implementation, when the end face cam 115 rotates half a turn in the first direction, the first vertical surface 115b rotates in the direction away from the second vertical surface 119b, the first vertical surface 115b separates from the second vertical surface 119b, the first inclined surface 115a rotates relative to the second inclined surface 119a, and the engagement of the high point A of the first inclined surface 115a and the low point D of the second inclined surface 119a changes to the engagement of the high point A of the first inclined surface 115a and the high point C of the second inclined surface 119a, thereby pushing the cam mating member 119 to move upward along the axial direction of the first screw 112, while the elastic member 18 is compressed upward under the push of the cam mating member 119.

[0101] In specific implementation, when the high point A of the first inclined plane 115a and the low point D of the second inclined plane 119a are connected to change to the high point A of the first inclined plane 115a and the high point C of the second inclined plane 119a, the cam mating part 119 moves from the bottom to the top.

[0102] When the end face cam 115 continues to rotate half a turn in the first direction, the second inclined surface 119a disengages from the first inclined surface 115a, the upward force applied to the elastic member 118 is removed, the elastic member 118 releases its compression downward and pushes the cam mating member 119 downward along the axial direction of the first screw 112 until the second inclined surface 119a engages with the first inclined surface 115a again.

[0103] When the end face cam 115 rotates one revolution in the first direction, the cam mating part 119 completes one reciprocating motion along the axis of the first screw 112, and the elastic element 118 completes one compression and release. When the end face cam 115 rotates more than one revolution in the first direction, the cam mating part 119 completes more than one reciprocating motion along the axis of the first screw 119, and the elastic element 118 completes more than one compression and release.

[0104] Since, in the initial state, the first inclined surface 115a is engaged with the second inclined surface 119a, the first vertical surface 115b is opposite to and engaged with the second vertical surface 119b, and the second vertical surface 119b can only move up and down along the axial direction of the first screw 112, but cannot rotate along the first or second direction, when the end face cam 115 rotates along the second direction, the first vertical surface 115 and the second vertical surface 119b abut against each other, and the second vertical surface 119b blocks the first vertical surface 115b from rotating along the second direction, thereby restricting the end face cam 115 from rotating along the second direction.

[0105] By adopting the above technical solution, the reverse rotation of the first screw 112 and the second screw 114 can be restricted. When the first screw 112 and the second screw 114 are forced to rotate in opposite directions, the first screw 112 and / or the second screw 114 will be damaged due to the restriction of the cam mating part 119, thereby causing the sample dispensing mechanism 100 to be destroyed. In this way, the sample dispensing mechanism 100 cannot be reused, and each sample dispensing mechanism 100 can only be used as a single-use dedicated reagent delivery device, thereby avoiding the reuse of the sample dispensing mechanism 100 and preventing problems such as reagent cross-contamination or reagent misuse caused by the reuse of the sample dispensing mechanism 100.

[0106] It is understandable that when the sample dispensing mechanism 100 does not include a rotation limiting mechanism, the sample dispensing mechanism 100 can be reused.

[0107] Reference Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figures 7 to 10 The sample dispensing mechanism 100 also includes an outlet valve 120 adapted to close and open the second opening 113b of the second channel to effectively prevent reagent leakage from the sample dispensing mechanism 100.

[0108] Specifically, the outlet valve 120 is rotatably connected to one end of the second channel 113 near the second opening 113b of the second channel, and is adapted to be driven to rotate in a third direction to close the second opening 113b of the second channel, and to rotate in a fourth direction to open the second opening 113b of the second channel. The fourth direction is opposite to the third direction.

[0109] In some embodiments, the third direction can be either counterclockwise or clockwise. Correspondingly, the fourth direction can be either clockwise or counterclockwise.

[0110] In some embodiments, the outlet valve 120 includes a closure portion 121. The closure portion 121 includes a seal adapted to be disposed facing the second opening 113b of the second channel. The seal is adapted to gradually approach and face the second opening 113b of the second channel as the outlet valve 120 rotates in a third direction to close the second opening 113b of the second channel, and to disengage from and move away from the second opening 113b of the second channel as the outlet valve 120 rotates in a fourth direction to open the second opening 113b of the second channel.

[0111] In some embodiments, the seal may be a silicone cap that mates with the second opening 113b of the second channel and is adapted to be inserted into the second opening 113b of the second channel to close it.

[0112] In some embodiments, the sample dispensing mechanism 100 further includes a hook block 123 disposed on the outside of the second channel 113. Correspondingly, the outlet valve 120 also includes a hook portion 122 connected to the closure portion 121 and bent relative to the closure portion 121 to be disposed on the side facing the second channel 113.

[0113] Specifically, the latching portion 122 includes a latching groove 122a disposed toward the latching block 123. The latching groove 122a is adapted to move toward the latching block 123 when the outlet valve 120 rotates in a third direction, and to be limited by the latching block 123 when it moves to the latching block 123 so that the seal is disposed facing the second opening 113b of the second channel and is inserted into the second opening 113b of the second channel, and to disengage from the latching block 123 when the outlet valve 120 rotates in a fourth direction.

[0114] In some embodiments, when the latch groove 122a is limited by the latch block 123, the latch groove 122a abuts against the bottom of the latch block 123. This restricts the upward movement of the outlet valve 120, thereby ensuring the seal is stably embedded within the second opening 113b of the second channel.

[0115] Reference Figure 9 and Figure 10 In some embodiments, the sample dispensing mechanism 100 further includes a channel housing 124 adapted to at least partially receive the first channel 111 and the second channel 113. The first channel 111 and the second channel 113 are at least partially fitted within the channel housing 124. Furthermore, the lower side of the channel housing 124 has a trigger portion 125 adapted to be disposed facing the outside of a sensing mechanism 316. The sensing mechanism 316 is connected to an outlet valve 120 and is adapted to trigger the outlet valve 120 to move in a third direction to close the second opening 113b of the second channel when it contacts the trigger portion 125, and to trigger the outlet valve 120 to move in a fourth direction to open the second opening 113b of the second channel when it disengages from the trigger portion 125.

[0116] In some embodiments, the sample dispensing mechanism 100 further includes an outlet valve motor 317 connected to the outlet valve 120 and the sensing mechanism 316, respectively. When the sensing mechanism 316 contacts the triggering part 125, it triggers the outlet valve motor 317 to control the outlet valve 120 to move in a third direction; when the sensing mechanism 316 disengages from the triggering part 125, it triggers the outlet valve motor 317 to control the outlet valve 120 to move in a fourth direction.

[0117] In some embodiments, the sensing mechanism 316 may be a micro switch.

[0118] In some embodiments, the outlet valve motor 317 may be a servo motor.

[0119] In some embodiments, when the sample dispensing mechanism 100 includes both a top cover 117 and a channel housing 124, the top cover 117 may be mounted on the top of the channel housing 124.

[0120] Reference Figure 11 In other embodiments, the conveying channels 111 and 126 include a third channel 126, the first openings 111a and 126a of the conveying channels include the first opening of the third channel 126a, and the second opening 111b of the conveying channels includes the second opening of the third channel.

[0121] Accordingly, the conveying mechanism includes a conveyor belt 127 disposed within the third channel 126; the conveyor belt 127 is adapted to be driven for transmission, and during transmission, to receive reagents from the first opening 126a of the third channel and to convey the reagents to the second opening of the third channel.

[0122] In a specific implementation, the conveyor belt 127 includes a continuously varying first conveyor section 127a and a second conveyor section 127b. The first conveyor section 127a is adapted to transport reagents to the second opening of the third channel; the second conveyor section 127b is adapted to return reagents that have not left through the second opening of the third channel to the third channel 126.

[0123] It is understood that the conveyor belt 127 is annular, and any segment of the conveyor belt 127 continuously undergoes displacement changes during transmission. Therefore, the position of the first conveyor segment 127a, which is suitable for conveying reagents to the second opening of the third channel, on the conveyor belt 127 is continuously changing, and the position of the second conveyor segment 127b, which is suitable for sending reagents that have not left through the second opening of the third channel back to the third channel 126, on the conveyor belt 127 is also continuously changing.

[0124] In some embodiments, the third channel 126 includes a third channel third opening communicating with the container 211 to allow reagents that have not left through the second opening of the third channel to return to the container 211.

[0125] In a specific implementation, the first opening 126a of the third channel can be located in the middle of the third channel 126 and communicate with the container 211 to receive the reagent in the container 211; the second opening of the third channel can be located at the bottom of the third channel and communicate with the outside of the sample dispensing mechanism 100 to output the reagent; the third opening of the third channel can be located in the upper part of the third channel and communicate with the container 211 so that the reagent in the third channel 126 can return to the container 211.

[0126] This facilitates the entry of reagents from container 211 into the third channel 126, and their transport to the outside of container 211 and back into container 211 via conveyor belt 127 located in the third channel 126, thereby facilitating the dispensing and delivery of reagents through sample dispensing mechanism 100.

[0127] In some embodiments, a plurality of grooves 127c may be provided on the conveyor belt 127 to facilitate the receiving and transport of reagents by the conveyor belt 127.

[0128] It should be noted that, in this embodiment of the invention, the volume of the delivery channel and the size of each opening can be customized, and the movement speed of the delivery mechanism in the delivery channel can also be adjusted. Therefore, the sample dispensing mechanism 100 is suitable for both large and small doses of reagent sampling.

[0129] Furthermore, current sampling instruments require multiple small-volume manual operations for sampling doses below 10 mg, and the sampling results are characterized by low accuracy and large errors.

[0130] The sample dispensing mechanism 100 provided in this embodiment of the invention has been tested and found to achieve accurate sampling for reagents with doses of 2 mg or less, with an accuracy of at least 0.1 mg.

[0131] A second aspect of the present invention is to provide a sampler 200.

[0132] Reference Figure 12 The sampler 200 includes a container 211 and a sample dispensing mechanism 100. The container 211 is adapted to contain reagents. The sample dispensing mechanism 100 is at least partially disposed within the container 211 and communicates with the outside of the container 211 to deliver the reagents inside the container 211 to the outside of the container 211.

[0133] In specific implementation, the sample dispensing mechanism 100 may include the sample dispensing mechanism 100 provided in the first aspect of the embodiments of the present invention.

[0134] Reference Figure 12 and Figure 13 In some embodiments, the container 211 and the sample dispensing mechanism 100 can be connected via an interface mechanism 220.

[0135] Specifically, container 211 includes a container opening. Interface mechanism 220 includes an interface 221 extending along the axial direction of the container opening, and a support member 222 and a bearing member 223 sequentially fitted inside the interface 221.

[0136] In practice, the sample feeding mechanism 100 is inserted into the bearing component 223; the interface 221 is detachably fitted onto the outer periphery of the container opening; there is a gap between the interface 221 and the support component 222 to receive the side wall of the container opening.

[0137] Furthermore, a first sealing ring 224 and a second sealing ring 225 are respectively provided between the support member 222 and the bearing member 223, and between the support member 222 and the side wall of the container opening, so that the interface mechanism 220 is sealed and connected to the sample dispensing mechanism 100 and the container opening respectively.

[0138] In some embodiments, the interface 221 may be threadedly connected to the outer periphery of the container opening.

[0139] In some embodiments, the sample dispensing mechanism 100 further includes a channel housing 124 adapted to at least partially receive the first channel 111 and the second channel 113, and a limiting block 124a is provided on the outer side of the channel housing 124 to limit the position of the sample dispensing mechanism 100 passing through the interface mechanism 220, thereby limiting the connection position of the sample dispensing mechanism 100 and the container 211.

[0140] In some embodiments, the upper end face of the bearing member 223 may be recessed downward relative to the upper end face of the support member 222, and is adapted to receive and accommodate the limiting block 124a. Meanwhile, the first sealing ring 224 may be disposed between the limiting block 124a and the upper end face of the bearing member 223.

[0141] In this way, not only can the position of the sample dispensing mechanism 100 passing through the interface mechanism 220 be limited, thereby limiting the connection position between the sample dispensing mechanism 100 and the container 211, but the sample dispensing mechanism 100 can also be stably fixed to the interface mechanism 220, thereby ensuring a stable connection between the sample dispensing mechanism 100 and the container 211.

[0142] In a specific implementation, the limiting block 124a can be set in the middle of the channel shell 124 and located below the first opening 111a of the first channel, so as not to affect the reagent in the container 211 from entering the first channel 111 through the first opening 111a of the first channel.

[0143] In some embodiments, the first screw 112 is adapted to be driven to rotate in a first direction at a first speed. Simultaneously, the container 211 is also adapted to be driven to rotate in the first direction at a second speed, wherein the second speed is less than the first speed.

[0144] In this way, the reagents in container 211 can flow to prevent accumulation, which facilitates the reagents in container 211 to smoothly enter the first channel 111 through the first opening 111a, and further facilitates the smooth output of the reagents through the sample dispensing mechanism 100.

[0145] A third aspect of the present invention is to provide a sample application device 300.

[0146] Reference Figures 14 to 18 In some embodiments, the sampling device 300 may include a sampler 200 and a driving mechanism 310. The sampler 200 includes a container 211 and a sampling mechanism 100; the container 211 is adapted to contain reagents; the sampling mechanism 100 includes a first sampling mechanism and a second sampling mechanism that mesh and drive each other, the first sampling mechanism being adapted to deliver reagents from the container 211 to the second sampling mechanism, and the second sampling mechanism being adapted to deliver reagents to the outside of the container 211; the driving mechanism 310 is connected to the first sampling mechanism and is adapted to drive the first sampling mechanism to rotate in a first direction, while simultaneously driving the second sampling mechanism to rotate in a second direction; the second direction is opposite to the first direction.

[0147] In specific implementation, the first sample feeding mechanism includes at least the first channel 111 and the first screw 112 provided in the first aspect of the present invention, and the second sample feeding mechanism includes at least the second channel 113 and the second screw 114 provided in the first aspect of the present invention.

[0148] In some embodiments, the drive mechanism 310 may include a drive motor 311, a second gear 312 coaxially connected to the drive motor 311, and a third gear 313 meshing and drivingly connected to the second gear 312.

[0149] In a specific implementation, the first screw 112 is coaxially connected to the third gear 313. The second gear 312 is adapted to rotate under the drive of the drive motor 311, and drives the third gear 313 to drive the first screw 112 to rotate at a first speed along a first direction.

[0150] It is understandable that the coaxial connection between the second gear 312 and the drive motor 311 indicates that the second gear 312 and the drive motor 311 are connected to rotate synchronously; the coaxial connection between the first screw 112 and the third gear 313 indicates that the first screw 112 and the third gear 313 are connected to rotate synchronously.

[0151] As mentioned above, in some embodiments, at least two first screws 112 may be provided. In this case, the at least two first screws 112 can be synchronously rotated and connected, for example, by using planetary gears for synchronous rotational connection. One of the at least two first screws 112 is coaxially connected to the third gear 313 so that the first screw 112 can be driven to rotate in the first direction by the drive motor 311, thereby driving the other first screws 112 to rotate in the first direction.

[0152] Furthermore, the first screw 112, which is coaxially connected to the third gear 313, can also mesh with the second screw 114 for transmission.

[0153] As mentioned above, in some embodiments, at least two second screws 114 may be provided. In this case, the at least two second screws 114 can be synchronously rotated and connected, for example, by using planetary gears for synchronous rotation. One of the at least two second screws 114 is meshed and driven by a first screw 112 of a third gear 313 coaxially connected, so that the first screw 112 drives the second screw 114 to rotate in a second direction, thereby driving the other second screws 114 to rotate in the second direction.

[0154] As previously described, in some embodiments, the first screw 112 is adapted to be driven to rotate at a first speed in a first direction. The container 211 is also adapted to be driven to rotate at a second speed in the first direction. The second speed is less than the first speed.

[0155] In this case, the drive mechanism 310 may further include a fourth gear 314 that meshes and drives with the second gear 312. Furthermore, the fourth gear 314 is driven by the container 211. The diameter ratio of the third gear 313 to the fourth gear 314 is equal to the speed ratio of the second speed to the first speed.

[0156] In a specific implementation, the second gear 312 is adapted to rotate under the drive of the drive motor 311 and drive the third gear 313 to drive the first screw 112 to rotate at a first speed along a first direction, and drive the fourth gear 314 to drive the container 211 to rotate at a second speed along the first direction.

[0157] By adopting the above technical solution, the container 211 and the sample dispensing mechanism 100 can be driven to rotate simultaneously through the same driving mechanism 310, which not only saves the driving source, but also saves the product's space and cost.

[0158] In some embodiments, the drive mechanism 310 may further include a drive housing 315 adapted to house the drive motor 311, the second gear 312, the third gear 313, and the fourth gear 314. Furthermore, the drive housing 315 may have an opening that mates with the interface mechanism 220 to connect to the interface mechanism 220, and the container 211, the sample dispensing mechanism 100, and the drive mechanism 310 are connected via the interface mechanism 220.

[0159] In some embodiments, the opening of the drive housing 315 may have a size that matches the outer periphery of the interface 211 to receive the interface 211, thereby connecting the container 211, the sample dispensing mechanism 100 and the drive mechanism 310 via the interface mechanism 220.

[0160] In some embodiments, when the container 211 is driven to rotate simultaneously by the drive mechanism 310, the opening of the drive housing 315 and the outer periphery of the interface 211 are rotatably connected, for example, by a bearing rotatable connection.

[0161] In other embodiments, when the container 211 is not rotating, the opening of the drive housing 315 and the outer periphery of the interface 211 can be fixedly connected, for example, by a threaded connection.

[0162] In this embodiment of the invention, the container 211 and the sample dispensing mechanism 100, as well as the sampler 200 (including the container 211 and the sample dispensing mechanism 100) and the driving mechanism 310, can be conveniently installed and disassembled through the interface mechanism 220. This not only facilitates the quick replacement of the container 211, the sample dispensing mechanism 100, and the sampler 200, so that reagents can be quickly replaced when multiple reagents need to be weighed, saving time and effort, but also avoids the reagent contamination that may occur when multiple reagents are weighed and sampled using the same weighing instrument, as well as the inconvenience of cleaning the weighing instrument.

[0163] It is understood that, using the technical solution provided in the embodiments of the present invention, different types of reagents can be weighed and sampled separately using different containers 211 and sampling mechanisms 100, or they can be weighed and sampled using the same container 211 and sampling mechanism 100. However, when weighing and sampling different reagents using the same container 211 and sampling mechanism 100, different reagents need to be replaced in the container 211, and residual reagents in the container 211 and sampling mechanism 100 need to be cleaned in a timely manner before each reagent replacement.

[0164] In a specific implementation, the lower part of the sample feeding mechanism 100 is adapted to be inserted into the drive housing 315 so that the first screw 112 is coaxially connected with the third gear 313 and the container 211 is connected with the fourth gear 314.

[0165] In some embodiments, the bottom end of the first screw 112 has a plug. Correspondingly, the third gear 313 has a socket that mates with the first plug. The first screw 112 and the third gear 313 are connected by the plug being tightly inserted into the socket.

[0166] In some embodiments, the drive mechanism 310 further includes a connecting rod 318 at least partially housed within the drive housing 315; one end of the connecting rod 318 is coaxially connected to the fourth gear 314, and the other end is adapted to be drive-connected to the container 211 when the sample dispensing mechanism 100 is inserted into the drive housing 315 at its lower part.

[0167] In some embodiments, container 211 also has a container hole. The other end of connecting rod 318 is adapted to be inserted into and engaged in the container hole to connect and is adapted to drive container 211 to rotate.

[0168] In some embodiments, the drive housing 315 also has a through hole through which the connecting rod 318 passes. The other end of the connecting rod 318 passes through the through hole and connects to the container hole.

[0169] In some embodiments, the sample application device 300 further includes a sensing mechanism 316 disposed within a drive housing 315. The sample application mechanism 100 also includes a channel housing 124 adapted to at least partially receive the first channel 111 and the second channel 113. The first channel 111 and the second channel 113 are at least partially fitted within the channel housing 124. Furthermore, the lower side of the channel housing 124 has a trigger portion 125 adapted to face the sensing mechanism 316.

[0170] In a specific implementation, when the lower part of the sample dispensing mechanism 100 is inserted into the drive housing 315, the trigger part 125 contacts the sensing mechanism 316. The sensing mechanism 316 is connected to the outlet valve 120 and is adapted to trigger the outlet valve 120 to move in a third direction to close the second opening 113b of the second channel when it contacts the trigger part 125, and to trigger the outlet valve 120 to move in a fourth direction to open the second opening 113b of the second channel when it disengages from the trigger part 125.

[0171] In some embodiments, the sampling device 300 further includes an outlet valve motor 317 connected to the outlet valve 120 and the sensing mechanism 316, respectively. When the sensing mechanism 316 contacts the triggering part 125, it triggers the outlet valve motor 317 to control the outlet valve 120 to move in a third direction; when the sensing mechanism 316 disengages from the triggering part 125, it triggers the outlet valve motor 317 to control the outlet valve 120 to move in a fourth direction.

[0172] Reference Figure 16 and Figure 17The sample application device 300 also includes a locking mechanism 320 to lock the sample application mechanism 100 when it is inserted into the drive housing 315.

[0173] In some embodiments, the locking mechanism 320 may include an actuating member 321, a cam 322, an abutment member 323, a first spring 324a, and a second spring 324b. The actuating member 321 is located on the outer side of the drive housing 315 and is connected to the cam 322 via its inner sidewall. The cam 322 is rotatably connected to the inner side of the drive housing 315 via a camshaft 322a; and the portion of the cam 322 away from the actuating member 321 is adapted to abut against the outer side of the abutment member 323 and to move along the outer side of the abutment member 323. The inner side of the abutment member 323 has an extension 323a; the first spring 324a and the second spring 324b are respectively disposed on both sides of the extension 323a.

[0174] Accordingly, the locking mechanism 320 also includes a receiving groove disposed on the outside of the sample feeding mechanism 100 and receiving holes located on both sides of the receiving groove, for example, a receiving groove on the outside of the channel housing 124 and receiving holes located on both sides of the receiving groove.

[0175] In some embodiments, the receiving groove and receiving hole may be recessed inward relative to the outer side of the sample dispensing mechanism 100 (e.g., the outer side of the channel housing 124) to make the outer side of the sample dispensing mechanism 100 (e.g., the outer side of the channel housing 124) flat for aesthetic purposes.

[0176] In a specific implementation, the receiving groove is adapted to receive and accommodate the extension 323a of the abutment 323. The two receiving holes on both sides of the receiving groove are adapted to receive the first spring 324a and the second spring 324b, respectively. The two ends of the first spring 324a are respectively connected to the inner side of one end of the abutment 323 and a receiving hole, and the two ends of the second spring 324b are respectively connected to the inner side of the other end of the abutment 323 and another receiving hole.

[0177] In some embodiments, the two ends of the abutment 323 can be referred to as the opening end 323b and the closing end 323c, respectively, and the width of the abutment 323 gradually increases along the direction from the opening end 323b to the closing end 323c.

[0178] In a specific implementation, the first spring 324a is connected to the inside of the opening end 323b, and the second spring 324b is connected to the inside of the closing end 323c.

[0179] When the sample dispensing mechanism 100 is inserted into the drive housing 315, the cam 322 can abut against the outside of the open end 323b of the abutment member 323. When the actuating member 321 is moved in the direction of the closed end 323c of the abutment member 323, the cam 322 rotates around the cam shaft 322a and moves from the outside of the open end 323b of the abutment member 323 to the outside of the closed end 323c of the abutment member 323.

[0180] Since the closing end 323c of the abutment 323 is relatively thick, when the cam 322 moves to the outside of the closing end 323c of the abutment 323 and abuts against it, the cam 322 drives the extension 323a of the abutment 323 to embed into the receiving groove. At the same time, the first spring 324a and the second spring 324b are compressed, thereby locking the sample feeding mechanism 100 to prevent the sample feeding mechanism 100 from shaking inside the drive housing 315.

[0181] When the sample dispensing mechanism 100 is locked, the first spring 324a and the second spring 324b are compressed to the same degree, so that the elastic restoring force of the first spring 324a and the second spring 324b against compression cannot drive the cam 322 to rotate, thereby allowing the sample dispensing mechanism 100 to be locked stably.

[0182] When the actuator 321 is moved toward the opening end 323b of the abutment 323, the cam 322 rotates around the cam shaft 322a and moves from the outside of the closing end 323c of the abutment 323 to the outside of the opening end 323b of the abutment 323.

[0183] Since the opening end 323b of the abutment 323 is relatively thin, when the cam 322 moves to the outside of the opening end 323b of the abutment 323 and abuts against it, the first spring 324a and the second spring 324b extend under the action of elastic restoring force to restore compression, and at the same time drive the extension 323a of the abutment 323 to leave the receiving groove, so as to release the locking of the sample feeding mechanism 100, thereby facilitating the sample feeding mechanism 100 to be smoothly pulled out from the drive housing 315.

[0184] It should be noted that, for the sake of illustrating the structure of the locking mechanism 320, in Figure 16 The diagram only shows the contact state between the cam 322 and the abutment 323 at the closed end 323c of the abutment 323, and does not fully show the actual state of the locking mechanism 320 when locking the sample feeding mechanism 100.

[0185] A fourth aspect of the present invention is to provide a sample dispensing device 400.

[0186] Reference Figure 19The sample dispensing device 400 includes a sampler 200 and a lifting and rotating mechanism 410. The sampler 200 may include a container 211 and a dispensing mechanism 100; the container 211 is adapted to contain reagents; the dispensing mechanism 100 is at least partially disposed within the container 211 and communicates with the outside of the container 211 to at least deliver the reagents within the container 211 to the outside of the container 211; the lifting and rotating mechanism 410 is at least connected to the dispensing mechanism 100 to control the height and angle of the dispensing mechanism 100, so that the dispensing mechanism 100 is adapted to align with the reagent bottle receiving the reagent when dispensing the reagent.

[0187] Understandably, when weighing and sampling reagents, a reagent bottle needs to be placed below the second opening 113b of the second channel 113 to receive the reagent. By setting the lifting and rotating mechanism 410 to control the height and angle of the sample dispensing mechanism 100, the second opening 113b of the second channel can be smoothly aligned with the mouth of the reagent bottle to facilitate the receipt of the reagent.

[0188] In specific implementation, the sampling mechanism 100 in the sampling device 400 may include the sampling mechanism 100 provided in the first aspect of the embodiments of the present invention.

[0189] In a specific implementation, the sampler 200 in the sample application device 400 may include the sampler 200 provided in the second aspect of the present invention.

[0190] In some embodiments, the sample dispensing device 400 further includes a drive mechanism 310. The drive mechanism 310 is connected to the sample dispensing mechanism 100 to drive the sample dispensing mechanism 100 to deliver reagents. For example, the drive mechanism 310 can drive the first screw 112 in the sample dispensing mechanism 100 to rotate in a first direction and drive the second screw 114 to rotate in a second direction.

[0191] In specific implementations, the drive mechanism 310 may include the drive mechanism 310 provided in the third aspect of the embodiments of the present invention.

[0192] In some embodiments, since the container 211 and the sample dispensing mechanism 100 can be connected to the drive housing 315 through the interface mechanism 220, the lifting and rotating mechanism 410 can also be connected to the drive housing 315 and is adapted to adjust the height and angle of the drive housing 315, thereby controlling the height and angle of the sample dispensing mechanism 100.

[0193] In this embodiment of the invention, the lifting and rotating mechanism 410 can be implemented using any known technical means in the art.

[0194] For example, the lifting and rotating mechanism 410 can use pneumatic or hydraulic pressure to control the sample feeding mechanism 100 or the drive housing 315 to lift and lower, as well as the height of the lifting.

[0195] For example, the lifting and rotating mechanism 410 may include a bracket, and the angle of the sample feeding mechanism 100 can be controlled by the installation angle between the sample feeding mechanism 100 or the drive housing 315 and the bracket.

[0196] A fifth aspect of the present invention is to provide a sample dispensing system 500.

[0197] Reference Figure 20 In some embodiments, the sample dispensing system 500 may include a sample dispensing mechanism 100, a balance 510, and a controller 520. The sample dispensing mechanism 100 is adapted to transfer reagents from an external container 211 to a reagent bottle outside the container 211; the balance 510 is disposed below the reagent bottle and is adapted to weigh the mass of the reagent transferred to the reagent bottle; the controller 520 is connected to both the balance 510 and the sample dispensing mechanism 100, and is adapted to adjust the speed of the conveying mechanism based on the mass weighed by the balance 510.

[0198] In specific implementation, the sampling mechanism 100 in the sampling system 500 may include the sampling mechanism 100 provided in the first aspect of the embodiments of the present invention.

[0199] In some embodiments, the conveying mechanism may include a conveyor belt 127. In this case, the controller 520 may be connected to the drive mechanism of the conveyor belt 127 and adjust the transmission speed of the conveyor belt 127 through the drive mechanism.

[0200] In other embodiments, the conveying mechanism may include a first screw 112. In this case, the controller 520 may be connected to the drive mechanism 310 of the first screw 112 and adjust the rotational speed of the first screw 112 through the drive mechanism 310.

[0201] In some embodiments, when the mass of the reagent delivered to the reagent bottle is not yet close to the target mass of the reagent, the first screw 112 can be rotated at a higher speed to quickly deliver the reagent into the reagent bottle. Conversely, when the mass of the reagent delivered to the reagent bottle is close to the target mass of the reagent, the first screw 112 can be rotated at a lower speed to slowly deliver the reagent into the reagent bottle, thus preventing the problem of excessive reagent delivery caused by rapid delivery.

[0202] It is understandable that the target mass of the reagent represents the expected mass of the reagent to be weighed.

[0203] By adopting the above technical solution, and by adjusting the rotation speed of the first screw 112 in the sample dispensing mechanism 100 in combination with weighing feedback, the mass flow rate of the output reagent can be controlled, thereby achieving more accurate weighing and sampling of the reagent.

[0204] Extensive testing has proven that by using the sample dispensing mechanism 100, sampler 200, sample dispensing device 300, sample dispensing equipment 400, and sample dispensing system 500 provided in this embodiment of the invention, the mass flow rate of the output reagent is controllable and remains constant when the sample dispensing speed is constant, thus effectively ensuring the accuracy of sampling.

[0205] Although specific embodiments of the invention have been described above, these embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the invention, even when only a single embodiment is described with respect to a particular feature. The feature examples provided in this disclosure are intended to be illustrative and not limiting, unless otherwise stated. In practice, one or more technical features of the dependent claims may be combined with the technical features of the independent claim, as needed and where technically feasible, and the technical features of the corresponding claims may be combined in any suitable manner rather than solely by the specific combinations listed in the claims.

[0206] While the present invention has been disclosed above, it is not limited thereto. Any person skilled in the art can make various modifications and alterations without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention; therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention should be determined by the scope defined in the claims.

Claims

1. A sample dispensing mechanism (100), characterized in that, include: The delivery channels (111, 126) have a first delivery channel opening (111a, 126a) communicating with an external container (211) to allow reagents in the container (211) to enter the delivery channel (111, 126), and a second delivery channel opening (111b) communicating with the outside of the delivery channels (111, 126) to allow the reagents to leave the delivery channels (111, 126); A conveying mechanism, disposed within the conveying channels (111, 126), is adapted to be driven to move and convey reagents within the conveying channels (111, 126) to a second opening (111b) of the conveying channels, and to control the mass flow rate of the reagents exiting through the second opening (111b) of the conveying channels by adjusting its own speed; wherein, The conveying channels (111, 126) include a first channel (111); the conveying mechanism includes at least one first screw (112) disposed in the first channel (111); the sample feeding mechanism (100) further includes a second channel (113), at least one second screw (114) disposed in the second channel (113), an end face cam (115) coaxially connected to the top end of the first screw (112), a first gear (116) coaxially connected to the top end of the second screw (114), a top cover (117) disposed above the first channel (111) and the second channel (113), and a top cover (117) located on the top cover (117) and the end face cam (115). A cam engagement member (119) is adapted to move only along the axial direction of the first screw (112); the end face cam (115) is meshed and driven by the first gear (116), and is adapted to rotate along a first direction under the drive of the first screw (112), and to drive the first gear (116) to drive the second screw (114) to rotate along a second direction opposite to the first direction; the cam engagement member (119) is adapted to reciprocate along the axial direction of the first screw (112) under the drive of the end face cam (115) when the end face cam (115) rotates along the first direction, and to restrict the rotation of the end face cam (115) along the second direction.

2. The sample dispensing mechanism (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first opening (111a, 126a) of the conveying channel includes a first opening (111a) of the first channel, and the second opening (111b) of the conveying channel includes a second opening (111b) of the first channel; The first screw (112) is adapted to be driven to rotate in a first direction to deliver a reagent in the first channel (111) to the second opening (111b) of the first channel, and to control the mass flow rate of the reagent leaving through the second opening (111b) of the first channel by adjusting its own rotation speed.

3. The sample dispensing mechanism (100) according to claim 2, characterized in that, The second channel (113) has a first opening (113a) communicating with the second opening (111b) of the first channel to allow reagents in the first channel (111) to enter the second channel (113), a second opening (113b) communicating with the outside to allow the reagents to leave the second channel (113), and a third opening (113c) communicating with the container (211) to allow the reagents to leave the second channel (113) and return to the container (211); the second screw (114) is meshed and drivenly connected with the first screw (112) to rotate in a second direction under the drive of the first screw (112) to transport the reagents in the second channel (113) to the second opening (113b) and the third opening (113c) of the second channel.

4. The sample dispensing mechanism (100) according to claim 3, characterized in that, The first opening (111a) of the first channel is located in the middle of the first channel (111); the second opening (111b) of the first channel is located in the lower part of the first channel (111); the first opening (113a) of the second channel is located in the lower part of the second channel (113); the second opening (113b) of the second channel is located in the bottom of the second channel (113); and the third opening (113c) of the second channel is located in the upper part of the second channel (113).

5. The sample dispensing mechanism (100) according to claim 3, characterized in that, The top end of the first screw (112) extends outside the first channel (111); the top end of the second screw (114) extends outside the second channel (113).

6. The sample dispensing mechanism (100) according to claim 5, characterized in that, The sample dispensing mechanism (100) further includes an elastic element (118) located between the top cover (117) and the end face cam (115) and adapted to move only along the axial direction of the first screw (112); the elastic element (118) is adapted to compress and release the compression under the action of the cam engagement member (119) when the end face cam (115) rotates along the first direction.

7. The sample dispensing mechanism (100) according to claim 6, characterized in that, The end face cam (115) facing the cam mating member (119) has a pair of first inclined surfaces (115a) and a pair of first vertical surfaces (115b); the end face cam (119) facing the end face cam (115) has a pair of second inclined surfaces (119a) and a pair of second vertical surfaces (119b); wherein, the first inclined surfaces (115a) engage with the second inclined surfaces (119a), and the first vertical surfaces (115b) engage with the second vertical surfaces (119b); the end face cam (115) along the first direction During rotation, the first facet (115b) moves away from the second facet (119b) it engages with, and the first inclined surface (115a) rotates relative to the second inclined surface (119a) it engages with and pushes the cam engagement member (119) to reciprocate along the axial direction of the first screw (112); when the end face cam (115) rotates along the second direction, the second facet (119b) blocks the rotation of the first facet (115b) it engages with to limit the rotation of the end face cam (115) along the second direction.

8. The sample dispensing mechanism (100) according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that, The cam engagement member (119) includes a guide block (119c) disposed on its side; the side of the top cover (117) has a guide groove extending along the axial direction of the first screw (112) to receive the guide block (119c) and allow the guide block (119c) to reciprocate therein along the axial direction of the first screw (112).

9. The sample dispensing mechanism (100) according to claim 6, characterized in that, The top end of the first screw (112) passes sequentially through the end face cam (115) and the cam mating member (119) and extends above the cam mating member (119); the cam mating member (119) has a support edge (119d) for its inner ring; the elastic member (118) includes a spring; the spring is sleeved outside the top end of the first screw (112) and its two ends abut against the inner end face of the top cover (117) and the support edge (119d) respectively, and is adapted to compress and release the compression when the cam mating member (119) moves upward along the axial direction of the first screw (112) so that the cam mating member (119) moves downward along the axial direction of the first screw (112), thereby adapting the cam mating member (119) to reciprocate along the axial direction of the first screw (112).

10. The sample dispensing mechanism (100) according to claim 3, characterized in that, The sample dispensing mechanism (100) further includes an outlet valve (120) adapted to close and open the second opening (113b) of the second channel; the outlet valve (120) is rotatably connected to one end of the second channel (113) near the second opening (113b), and is adapted to be driven to rotate in a third direction to close the second opening (113b) of the second channel, and to rotate in a fourth direction to open the second opening (113b) of the second channel; wherein the fourth direction is opposite to the third direction.

11. The sample dispensing mechanism (100) according to claim 10, characterized in that, The outlet valve (120) includes a closing portion (121); the closing portion (121) includes a seal adapted to be disposed facing the second opening (113b) of the second channel; the seal is adapted to gradually approach and face the second opening (113b) of the second channel as the outlet valve (120) rotates in the third direction to be adapted to be embedded in the second opening (113b) of the second channel to close it, and to disengage from and move away from the second opening (113b) of the second channel to open the outlet valve (120) as the outlet valve (120) rotates in the fourth direction.

12. The sample dispensing mechanism (100) according to claim 11, characterized in that, The sample dispensing mechanism (100) further includes a hook block (123) disposed on the outside of the second channel (113); the outlet valve (120) includes a hook portion (122) connected to the closure portion (121) and bent relative to the closure portion (121) to be disposed on the side facing the second channel (113); the hook portion (122) includes a hook groove (122a) disposed facing the hook block (123); the hook groove (122a) is adapted to move toward the hook block (123) when the outlet valve (120) rotates in the third direction and be limited by the hook block (123) when moving to the hook block (123) so that the seal faces and is embedded in the second opening (113b) of the second channel, and to move away from the hook block (123) when the outlet valve (120) rotates in the fourth direction.

13. The sample dispensing mechanism (100) according to claim 12, characterized in that, When the latch groove (122a) is limited by the latch block (123), the latch groove (122a) abuts against the bottom of the latch block (123) to restrict the upward movement of the outlet valve (120).

14. The sample dispensing mechanism (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The conveying channels (111, 126) include a third channel (126), the first opening of the conveying channel (111a, 126a) includes a first opening of the third channel (126a), and the second opening of the conveying channel (111b) includes a second opening of the third channel; The conveying mechanism includes a conveyor belt (127) disposed within the third channel (126); the conveyor belt (127) is adapted to be driven for transmission, and during transmission, to receive reagents from the first opening (126a) of the third channel and to convey the reagents to the second opening of the third channel.

15. The sample dispensing mechanism (100) according to claim 14, characterized in that, The conveyor belt (127) includes a first conveyor section (127a) and a second conveyor section (127b) that change continuously during transmission; the first conveyor section (127a) is adapted to convey the reagent to the second opening of the third channel; the second conveyor section (127b) is adapted to return the reagent that has not left through the second opening of the third channel to the third channel (126).

16. The sample dispensing mechanism (100) according to claim 15, characterized in that, The third channel (126) has a third opening communicating with the container (211) to allow reagents that have not left through the second opening of the third channel to return to the container (211).

17. A sample dispensing system (500), characterized in that, include: The sample dispensing mechanism (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 16 is adapted to deliver reagents in the container (211) to a reagent bottle outside the container (211); A balance (510) located below the reagent bottle is adapted to weigh the mass of the reagent delivered into the reagent bottle; A controller (520) connected to the balance (510) and the sample feeding mechanism (100) respectively is adapted to adjust the speed of the conveying mechanism movement based on the mass.

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