Sample scheduling system suitable for single molecule POCT device and sample scheduling method using the same

Abstract

The application relates to a sample scheduling system suitable for a single-molecule POCT device and a sample scheduling method using the same. The sample scheduling system comprises a sample bin assembly, a sample scheduling trolley assembly and a sampling assembly. The sample bin assembly comprises an X-axis movement mechanism, a sample bin chamber and a vertical plate provided with a sample rack judgment sensor. The sample scheduling trolley assembly comprises a sample rack gripper, a Z-axis movement mechanism, a Y-axis movement mechanism, a test tube judgment optical coupler, a sample rack judgment optical coupler and a code scanner. The Z-axis movement mechanism is an eccentric wheel-based movement mechanism. The sampling assembly comprises a sampling needle and a Y-axis driving mechanism. The sample scheduling system and the sample scheduling method are designed for single-molecule automatic POCT devices, can fully meet the automatic, portable and rapid diagnosis requirements of the automatic POCT device, and better meet the single-molecule detection principle of "good imaging and counting of labeled molecules".

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to the field of sample scheduling, in particular to a sample scheduling system suitable for single-molecule POCT devices and a sample scheduling method using the same. BACKGROUND

[0002] Point of care testing (POCT), also known as point-of-care testing or bedside testing, has the characteristics of convenient use and wide application range with the development of immunological technology and molecular biological technology, and is a new field in laboratory medicine that has attracted attention and attention. In recent years, in order to meet the needs of hypersensitive detection, a single-molecule immunodetection method has been developed (see Patent Literature 1). However, there is no POCT device for single-molecule immunodetection.

[0003] The sample transmission method in the current automatic analysis device is commonly known as sample disc sampling and sample rack track sampling. The sample disc is widely used in low-end models due to its simple structure and low cost. However, it is not convenient for users to load samples at any time after testing starts or unload samples after sampling is completed. The sample rack track sampling transmission scheme in the prior art generally has the characteristics of complex structure, large space occupation, and high cost, but it can support loading samples at any time or removing samples after sampling is completed, ensuring continuous and efficient testing in large sample application mode. Therefore, it is widely used in high-end analysis devices. The field urgently needs a sample rack track sampling transmission device with simple structure, small space occupation, and low cost.

[0004] Patent Literature 2 discloses a sample analysis device comprising a sample storage area, a transport mechanism, and a sampling channel. The transport mechanism comprises a first movement mechanism for driving the clamping groove and the poking mechanism to move in a first direction, a second movement mechanism for driving the poking mechanism to move in a second direction parallel to the storage channel axis, and a third movement mechanism for driving the poking mechanism to move up and down. The power source is more, and needs to occupy a larger space, in addition, the third movement mechanism needs to set a complex gear structure. Therefore, the above-mentioned sample analysis device cannot be properly used in POCT devices.

[0005] Regarding the sample scheduling method and scheduling system, in the chemical luminescence-based diagnosis in biochemical diagnosis and immunodiagnosis, some scheduling methods and systems suitable for respective application scenarios are proposed. For example, Patent Literature 3 relates to a scheduling system and a scheduling method suitable for blood cell analysis devices, which comprises a sampling device, a grabbing device, a transfer mechanism, and a mixing device for mixing micro test tubes. The scheduling system disclosed in Patent Literature 3 has many components, needs to set a mixing device, and the process is complex, which is not suitable for POCT devices.

[0006] Prior Art Documents

[0007] Patent Document 1: CN111771126A;

[0008] Patent Document 2: CN107533074A;

[0009] Patent Document 3: CN114152765B. SUMMARY

[0010] To solve the above problems, the purpose of the present application is to provide a sample scheduling system suitable for a single molecule POCT device, which can effectively reduce the module size, has a simple and compact structure, and a sample scheduling method using the same. The so-called single molecule POCT device refers to an instant diagnostic device suitable for single molecule immunoassay based on the principle of good imaging and counting of labeled molecules to detect the concentration of the test substance. In addition to the portability and rapidity required for conventional instant diagnostic devices, the overall design is required to better meet the principle of "good imaging and counting of labeled molecules". Therefore, higher requirements are placed on each component when designing a single molecule POCT device.

[0011] The present application includes the following technical solutions.

[0012] In a first aspect, the present application relates to a sample scheduling system suitable for a single molecule POCT device, which comprises a sample bin assembly, a sample scheduling trolley assembly, and a sampling assembly,

[0013] The sample bin assembly comprises an X-axis motion mechanism, a sample bin chamber, and a vertical plate provided with a sample rack judgment sensor,

[0014] The sample scheduling trolley assembly comprises a sample rack gripper, a Z-axis motion mechanism, a Y-axis motion mechanism, a test tube judgment optical coupler, a sample rack judgment optical coupler, and a code scanner, wherein the Z-axis motion mechanism is a motion mechanism based on an eccentric wheel,

[0015] The sampling assembly comprises a sampling needle, a Y-axis driving mechanism, a Z-axis driving mechanism, an anti-collision mechanism, and a liquid level detection mechanism.

[0016] In one embodiment, the above-mentioned sample scheduling trolley assembly does not contain an X-axis motion mechanism.

[0017] In one embodiment, the above-mentioned sample bin assembly comprises 2-5 sample bin chambers, and the above-mentioned sample bin chamber is composed of a sample isolation plate and a sample bin bottom plate. The length of each sample bin chamber is 50-100 mm, and the width is 15-25 mm.

[0018] In one embodiment, the above-mentioned X-axis motion mechanism comprises a stepping motor, a synchronous belt, a linear guide rail, a synchronous wheel, and a zero position optical coupler.

[0019] In one embodiment, the sample chamber is connected to the X-axis movement mechanism through a slider and is arranged above the X-axis movement mechanism, and moves in the X-axis direction by means of the X-axis movement mechanism. The vertical plate is arranged at the rear of the sample chamber, i.e., on the side opposite to the X-axis movement mechanism.

[0020] In one embodiment, the sample scheduling trolley assembly is arranged on the side opposite to the X-axis movement mechanism.

[0021] In one embodiment, the sample rack gripper and the Z-axis movement mechanism are arranged inside the sample scheduling trolley assembly. The test tube judgment optical coupler, the sample rack judgment optical coupler, and the code scanner are arranged vertically on the surface of the sample scheduling trolley assembly.

[0022] In one embodiment, the Z-axis movement mechanism is connected to the sample rack gripper through a connecting piece and is arranged at the lower part of the sample rack gripper, for moving the sample rack gripper in the Z-axis direction, and includes a first stepper motor, an eccentric wheel, an eccentric track, an eccentric connecting rod, and a Z-axis linear guide rail. The Y-axis movement mechanism is used for moving the sample rack gripper in the Y-axis direction, and includes a second stepper motor, a synchronous belt, a synchronous wheel, and a Y-axis linear guide rail. The second stepper motor is arranged on the outer side of the sample scheduling trolley assembly.

[0023] In one embodiment, the anti-collision mechanism of the sampling assembly includes an anti-collision optical coupler, a spring, an anti-collision baffle, and an anti-collision rod.

[0024] The spring is sleeved on the anti-collision rod.

[0025] The anti-collision baffle is connected to the anti-collision rod and has a front end in the anti-collision optical coupler. When the sampling needle collides, the front end of the anti-collision baffle protrudes from the anti-collision optical coupler.

[0026] The anti-collision optical coupler is arranged on the liquid level detection mechanism.

[0027] On the other hand, the present application relates to a sample scheduling method, which uses the sample scheduling system according to any one of the above embodiments, and includes the following steps:

[0028] (1) Placing a sample rack containing a sample to be tested into a sample chamber.

[0029] (2) Under the control of the detection system, the sample rack judgment optical coupler starts to detect whether there is a sample rack in the corresponding sample chamber.

[0030] (3) According to the detection information of the sample rack judgment optical coupler, the sample chamber containing the sample rack is transported to a position aligned with the sample rack gripper of the sample scheduling trolley assembly in the Y-axis direction under the driving of the X-axis movement mechanism of the sample chamber assembly.

[0031] (4) The sample rack gripper transfers the sample rack from the sample chamber to the track of the sample dispatch trolley assembly, and then uses the sample rack judgment sensor of the sample dispatch trolley assembly to judge whether the sample rack is successfully transferred, and then uses the test tube judgment sensor of the sample dispatch trolley assembly to judge which position of the plurality of test tube positions on the sample rack is loaded with the sample test tube;

[0032] (5) According to the judgment information of the sensor in procedure (4), the code scanner scans the barcode recording the test tube information and records it in the detection system, and after the scanning is completed, the sample test tube on the sample rack is transported to the sampling position corresponding to the sampling assembly and stopped;

[0033] (6) The sampling assembly samples the test tube in the sampling position and transfers it to the reaction cup;

[0034] (7) After the sampling is completed, the sample dispatch trolley assembly returns the sample rack with the sample to the original chamber position of the sample chamber or transports it to the sample recovery chamber separately arranged from the sample chamber assembly through the Y-axis movement mechanism, the sample rack gripper and the Z-axis movement mechanism;

[0035] (8) Repeat the above procedures until all the samples in the sample chamber are sampled, and the sample chamber assembly returns to the zero position along the X-axis and replaces a new batch of sample racks.

[0036] In one embodiment, in procedure (2), if it is detected that more than 2 sample chambers contain sample racks, in procedure (4), the sample rack gripper sequentially grasps the sample racks from near to far according to the distance between the sample chamber and the sample dispatch trolley assembly.

[0037] In one embodiment, the sample recovery chamber contains a plurality of chambers, each chamber is respectively provided with a corresponding sample rack judgment sensor, and whether each chamber has loaded a sample rack with completed sampling is judged by the sample rack judgment sensor.

[0038] Compared with the prior art, the present application can obtain the following excellent effects:

[0039] (1) Through the specific structure of the sample dispatch system of the present application, especially the specific composition of the sample chamber assembly, the sample dispatch trolley assembly and the sampling assembly and their driving mode and configuration relationship, the volume of the required X-axis movement mechanism is smaller, which can control the volume of the whole sample dispatch system within the smallest range while ensuring good sampling, reduce the volume of the equipment, and be well suitable for single molecule POCT equipment;

[0040] (2) The required power source is less, and no mixing device is required, reducing the number of components;

[0041] (3) By setting the eccentric wheel-based Z-axis movement mechanism, movement in the Z-axis direction is realized within a small space range, making the device more compact in volume;

[0042] (4) The scheduling method of the present application has fewer procedures, does not need a mixing procedure, and shortens the scheduling time, so that imaging and counting of the marker molecules are realized as soon as possible from the start of sample injection, ensuring the stability of single molecule immunoassay and being suitable for single molecule detection. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0043] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application, the drawings needed in the embodiments will be briefly introduced as follows. It should be understood that the following drawings only show some embodiments of the present application, and therefore should not be regarded as a limitation on the scope. For those skilled in the art, other related drawings can also be obtained without creative labor on the basis of these drawings.

[0044] Figure 1 It is a perspective view of a sample scheduling system according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0045] Figure 2 It is a perspective view of a sample scheduling system according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0046] Figure 3 is a perspective view of a sample bin assembly, in which (a) is a perspective view showing the initial state of the sample bin, and (b) is a perspective view showing the sample bin moving to a position on the side connected to the sample rack gripper of the sample scheduling trolley assembly.

[0047] Figure 4 It is a perspective view of a sample scheduling trolley assembly.

[0048] Figure 5 It is a perspective view of a sample scheduling trolley assembly related to the sample rack gripper and the Z-axis movement mechanism.

[0049] Figure 6 It is a perspective view of a sample scheduling trolley assembly related to the Y-axis movement mechanism.

[0050] Figure 7 It is a perspective view of a sample scheduling trolley assembly.

[0051] Figure 8 It is a schematic view of one technical solution of a sample scheduling method.

[0052] Figure 9 It is a schematic view of another technical solution of a sample scheduling method.

[0053] Reference signs:

[0054] 1 - sample bin assembly; 2 - sample scheduling trolley assembly; 3 - sampling assembly;

[0055] 11-X axis movement mechanism; 12-sample chamber; 13-vertical plate provided with sample rack judging sensor; 111-stepping motor; 112-synchronous belt; 113-linear guide rail; 114-synchronous wheel; 115-zero position photo-coupler; 121-sample isolation plate; 122-sample chamber bottom plate; 131-separate vertical plate; 132-sample rack judging sensor;

[0056] 21-sample rack gripper; 22-Z axis movement mechanism; 23-Y axis movement mechanism; 24-test tube judging photo-coupler; 25-sample rack judging photo-coupler; 26-code scanner; 221-1st stepping motor; 222- eccentric wheel; 223-eccentric track; 224-eccentric connecting rod; 225-Z axis linear guide rail; 231-2nd stepping motor; 232-Y axis linear guide rail; 233-synchronous belt;

[0057] 31-sample needle; 32-Z axis movement mechanism; 33-anti-collision mechanism; 34-liquid level detection mechanism; 321-stepping motor; 322-synchronous belt; 323-driving wheel; 324-driven wheel; 325-single linear guide rail; 331-anti-collision photo-coupler; 332-spring; 333-anti-collision baffle; 334-anti-collision rod. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0058] In addition, the terms "horizontal", "vertical", "overhanging", and the like do not mean that the components must be absolutely horizontal or overhanging, but can be slightly inclined. For example, "horizontal" only means that it is more horizontal than "vertical", and does not mean that the structure must be completely horizontal, but can be slightly inclined.

[0059] In the description of the present application, it should be noted that the terms "in", "out", "left", "right", "up", "down", and the like indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the drawings, or the orientation or positional relationship when the product of the present application is used, and are only for the convenience of describing the present application and simplifying the description, and therefore cannot be understood as indicating or implying that the device or element referred to must have a particular orientation, be constructed and operated in a particular orientation, and therefore cannot be understood as limiting the present application.

[0060] In the description of the present application, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "provided", "mounted", "connected", "linked" should be understood broadly, for example, can be fixedly connected, can be detachably connected, or integrally connected; can be mechanically connected, or electrically connected; can be directly connected, or indirectly connected through an intermediate medium, or can be connected inside two elements.

[0061] The technical solutions of the present application will be described clearly and completely below in conjunction with the drawings.

[0062] Figure 1 A perspective view of a sample scheduling system according to an embodiment of the present application, which comprises a sample rack assembly 1, a sample scheduling trolley assembly 2 and a sampling assembly 3. The sample rack assembly 1 and the sample scheduling trolley assembly 2 are arranged in front of and behind each other in the Y-axis direction, and the sampling assembly 3 is arranged above the sample rack assembly 1 and the sample scheduling trolley assembly 2.

[0063] Figure 2 A perspective view of a sample scheduling system according to an embodiment of the present application, which comprises a sample rack assembly 1 and a sample scheduling trolley assembly 2. The sample rack assembly 1 is mainly used for placing and moving samples, and the sample scheduling trolley assembly 2 is mainly used for recording sample information and transferring samples from the sample rack to the sampling position. The sample scheduling trolley assembly 2 is arranged at the rear of the sample rack assembly 1 in the Y-axis direction and is opposite to the X-axis movement mechanism of the sample rack assembly 1.

[0064] The sample rack assembly 1 mainly comprises an X-axis movement mechanism 11, a sample rack chamber 12 and a vertical plate 13 provided with a sample rack judgment sensor. The sample rack chamber 12 is connected to the X-axis movement mechanism 11 by a sliding block and is arranged above the X-axis movement mechanism 11. The sample rack chamber 12 is moved in the X-axis direction by the X-axis movement mechanism 11, between an initial position (i.e. a position corresponding to the sample rack judgment sensor) and a position connected to the sample rack gripper of the sample scheduling trolley assembly 2. The vertical plate 13 provided with a sample rack judgment sensor is arranged at the rear of the sample rack chamber 12, i.e. on the side opposite to the X-axis movement mechanism 11. The vertical plate 13 provided with a sample rack judgment sensor is not directly connected to the sample rack chamber 12.

[0065] The X-axis movement mechanism 11 comprises a stepper motor 111, a synchronous belt 112, a linear guide 113, a synchronous wheel 114 and a zero position photoelectric coupler 115, and further comprises a mounting plate for mounting the above components. The width of the X-axis movement mechanism 11 is approximately the sum of the width of the sample rack chamber 12 and the width of the sample scheduling trolley assembly 2. The X-axis movement mechanism 11 is arranged at the lower part of the sample rack chamber 12 and is connected to the sample rack chamber 12 by a sliding block, thereby driving the sample rack chamber 12 to move in the X-axis direction. The zero position photoelectric coupler 115 is arranged at the end of the X-axis movement mechanism 11 opposite to the vertical plate 13, and is used to position the sample rack chamber 12 well. The linear guide is a single guide roller, which is arranged at the upper part of the X-axis movement mechanism 11 and is located directly below the sample rack chamber 12, and the length of the linear guide is close to the length of the synchronous belt 112.

[0066] The sample rack chamber 12 is composed of a sample isolation plate 121 and a sample rack bottom plate 122. The sample rack assembly 1 can comprise 2-5 sample rack chambers, and the length of each sample rack chamber is 50-100 mm and the width is 15-25 mm. In this embodiment, there are three sample rack chambers 12, but this is not limited. The shape of the sample isolation plate 121 is not limited, and it is preferablyFigure 1 The total width of each sample chamber 12 of the sample chamber assembly 1 in the X-axis direction is narrower than the width of the sample scheduling carriage assembly 2 in the X-axis direction.

[0067] The vertical plate 13 provided with the sample rack judgment sensors includes a plurality of sample rack judgment sensors 132 and a separate vertical plate 131, the number of the sample rack judgment sensors 132 being the same as the number of the sample chambers 12 included in the sample chamber assembly 1, for judging whether a sample rack exists in each sample chamber. Each sample rack judgment sensor 132 is disposed at a position corresponding to the central part (in the X-axis direction) of the sample chamber 12 so as to monitor whether a sample rack exists or not.

[0068] Fig. 3 is a separate perspective view of the sample chamber assembly 1, for showing the movement mode of the sample chamber assembly 1. Fig. 3(a) is a perspective view showing the sample chamber 12 in the initial state (the state not connected with the sample rack gripper 21), and Fig. 3(b) is a perspective view showing the sample chamber 12 moved to the side position connected with the sample rack gripper 21 of the sample scheduling carriage assembly 2 under the drive of the X-axis movement mechanism 11. In Figs. 3(a) and (b), there are three sample rack judgment sensors 132, each corresponding to the three sample chambers 12. When the sample chamber 12 is moved from the initial state to the side position about to be connected with the sample rack gripper 21 of the sample scheduling carriage assembly 2, the sample rack judgment sensor 132 transmits the information of whether a sample rack exists or not to the controller, and the controller controls the sample rack gripper 21 to move to the sample chamber 12 where a sample rack exists to grasp it.

[0069] Figure 4 Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the sample scheduling carriage assembly 2 as a whole, Figure 5 Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the sample scheduling carriage assembly 2 related to the sample rack gripper and the Z-axis movement mechanism. The sample scheduling carriage assembly 2 includes a sample rack gripper 21, a Z-axis movement mechanism 22, a Y-axis movement mechanism 23, a test tube judgment optical coupler 24, a sample rack judgment optical coupler 25 and a code scanner 26. Among them, importantly, the Z-axis movement mechanism 22 is an eccentric wheel-based movement mechanism, and the sample scheduling carriage assembly 2 does not include an X-axis movement mechanism, and it does not need an X-axis movement mechanism.

[0070] The sample rack gripper 21 is roughly in the shape of a long strip, and an inclined protrusion is arranged on the side (front side) of the sample rack gripper 21 for picking up the sample rack, so that the sample rack is well transferred from the sample chamber 12 to the sample dispatch trolley assembly 2, and a vertical protrusion is also arranged on the side away from the sample rack. The sample rack gripper 21 is connected to the Z-axis movement mechanism at the lower part thereof by a connecting member, and is arranged on the linear guide rail 225 of the Z-axis movement mechanism, and is driven by the Z-axis movement mechanism to move in the Z-axis direction, and is arranged on the linear slide rail of the Y-axis movement mechanism together with the Z-axis movement mechanism, so as to move in the Y-axis direction. It should be noted that the sample rack gripper 21 does not move in the X-axis direction.

[0071] The Z-axis movement mechanism 22 is an eccentric wheel-based movement mechanism arranged inside the sample dispatch trolley assembly, and includes a first stepper motor 221, an eccentric wheel 222, an eccentric rail 223, an eccentric connecting rod 224, and a Z-axis linear guide rail 225. The first stepper motor 221 is connected to the eccentric wheel 222 through the eccentric connecting rod 224, and provides driving force to the eccentric wheel 222. The eccentric wheel 222 is arranged in the hollow eccentric rail 223. The eccentric rail provides a track for the movement of the eccentric wheel 222, and the hollow part can be in the shape of an oblate circle. The eccentric rail 223 is arranged on the Z-axis linear guide rail 225 through a connecting member (i.e. the connecting member connecting the sample rack gripper 21 and the Z-axis movement mechanism 22), so as to move in the Z-axis direction. Considering the movement amplitude and movement mode of the sample rack gripper 21 in the Z-axis direction, and taking into account the relatively small occupied volume, the inventors of the present application have repeatedly tried to select the above-mentioned eccentric wheel-based Z-axis movement mechanism, which can realize small-amplitude movement in the Z-axis direction with the smallest possible volume compared with gear-based movement structures and the like.

[0072] The test tube judgment optical coupler 24, the sample rack judgment optical coupler 25, and the code scanner 26 are all arranged on the upper surface of the sample dispatch trolley assembly 2 and are all located at the rear part of the Z-axis movement structure 22, and are respectively used for judging whether the test tube site of the sample rack is loaded with a test tube, for judging whether there is a sample rack on the sample rack gripper 21, and for identifying the bar code on the sample rack. The three work together to make the whole sample dispatch system work well and are indispensable.

[0073] Figure 6 It is a partial perspective view of the sample dispatch trolley assembly 2 related to the Y-axis movement mechanism 23. The Y-axis movement mechanism 23 is used to move the sample rack gripper 21 in the Y-axis direction, and includes a second stepper motor 231, a Y-axis linear guide rail 232, a synchronous belt 233 (see Figure 6The second stepper motor is located on the outer side of the sample scheduling trolley assembly 2 to reduce the width inside the sample scheduling trolley assembly 2, which in turn reduces the width required for the X-axis motion assembly of the sample compartment assembly 1, thereby reducing the overall volume of the device.

[0074] The following is an example illustrating the specific procedure for sample injection.

[0075] During sample loading, once the sample compartment assembly 1 moves to its rightmost position (see Figure 3(b)) and aligns with the channel of the sample scheduling trolley assembly 2, the first stepper motor 221 of the sample scheduling trolley assembly 2 rotates the eccentric connecting rod 224, causing the sample rack gripper 21 to descend via the eccentric wheel 222. The second stepper motor 231 then transports the sample rack gripper 21 to directly below the sample rack in the sample compartment assembly 1 via a synchronous pulley-synchronous belt transmission structure. Next, the first stepper motor 221 drives the sample rack gripper 21 upward, causing the sample rack to detach from the sample compartment bottom plate 122. Afterward, the second stepper motor 231 transports the sample rack to the designated sampling position. During sample rack transport, the barcode scanner 26 identifies the barcode on the sample rack, the sample rack detection optocoupler 25 identifies whether there is a sample rack on the sample rack gripper 21, and the test tube detection optocoupler 24 identifies whether there are test tubes in the four test tube positions on the sample rack.

[0076] Figure 7 This is a perspective view of sampling component 3 of this application. It should be noted that... Figure 7 From and Figure 1 The sampling component 3 is shown in three-dimensional views taken from different angles to better observe its specific structure. Other components unrelated to the sampling component are omitted. The sampling component includes a sample needle 31, a Z-axis motion mechanism 32, an anti-collision mechanism 33, and a liquid level detection mechanism 34. The Z-axis motion mechanism 32 includes a stepper motor 321, a synchronous belt 322, a drive wheel 323, a driven wheel 324, a single linear guide rail 325, and a Z-axis zero-position optocoupler (not shown, but can be located at the top).

[0077] The anti-collision mechanism 33 includes an anti-collision optocoupler 331, a spring 332, an anti-collision baffle 333, and an anti-collision rod 334. The spring 332 is sleeved on the anti-collision rod 334. The anti-collision baffle 333 is connected to the anti-collision rod 334 and its front end is located in the anti-collision optocoupler 331. When the sample needle 31 collides, the front end of the anti-collision baffle 333 protrudes from the anti-collision optocoupler 331, thereby triggering an alarm by sensing a signal. The anti-collision optocoupler 331 can be mounted on the circuit board of the liquid level detection mechanism 34 for a compact structure.

[0078] The liquid level detection mechanism 34 and the anti-collision mechanism 33 are arranged on the same L-shaped mounting plate 35, and the liquid level detection mechanism 34 is arranged above the anti-collision mechanism 23. The L-shaped mounting plate 35 is connected with the single linear guide rail 325 of the Z-axis movement mechanism 32 through a sliding block. The sample needle 31 is arranged below the L-shaped mounting plate to suck and add the sample.

[0079] Next, the specific procedures of the sample scheduling method are described, Figure 8 The scheduling method includes the following procedures:

[0080] (1) Put the sample rack containing the sample to be tested into the sample chamber;

[0081] (2) Under the control of the detection system, the sample rack determines whether there is a sample rack in the sample chamber corresponding to the detection of the photocoupler;

[0082] (3) According to the detection information of the sample rack determination photocoupler, under the drive of the X-axis movement mechanism of the sample chamber assembly, the sample chamber containing the sample rack is transported to the position aligned with the sample rack gripper of the sample scheduling trolley assembly on the Y-axis;

[0083] (4) The sample rack gripper transfers the sample rack from the sample chamber to the track of the sample scheduling trolley assembly, then uses the sample rack determination sensor of the sample scheduling trolley assembly to determine whether the sample rack is successfully transferred, and then uses the test tube determination sensor of the sample scheduling trolley assembly to determine which position of the multiple test tube positions on the sample rack is loaded with the sample test tube;

[0084] (5) According to the determination information of the sensor in procedure (4), the barcode scanner scans the barcode recording the test tube information and records it in the detection system. After scanning the barcode, the test tube on the sample rack is transported to the sampling position corresponding to the sampling assembly and stopped;

[0085] (6) The sampling assembly samples the test tube in the sampling position and transfers it to the reaction cup (hole 2) of the incubation chamber;

[0086] (7) After sampling is completed, the sample scheduling trolley assembly returns the sample rack with the sample to the original chamber position of the sample chamber through the Y-axis movement mechanism, the sample rack gripper and the Z-axis movement mechanism;

[0087] (8) Repeat the above procedures until all samples in the sample chamber are sampled, and the sample chamber assembly returns to the zero position along the X-axis and replaces a new batch of sample racks.

[0088] In procedure (2), if more than two sample chambers contain sample racks, in procedure (4), the sample rack gripper sequentially grasps the sample racks from near to far according to the distance between the sample chamber and the sample scheduling trolley assembly.

[0089] Figure 9 The sample scheduling method shown includes the following steps:

[0090] (1) Put the sample rack containing the sample to be tested into the sample chamber;

[0091] (2) Under the control of the detection system, the sample rack determines whether there is a sample rack in the sample chamber corresponding to the light coupling start detection;

[0092] (3) According to the detection information of the sample rack determination light coupling, under the drive of the X-axis movement mechanism of the sample chamber assembly, the sample chamber containing the sample rack is transported to the position aligned with the sample rack gripper of the sample scheduling trolley assembly on the Y-axis;

[0093] (4) The sample rack gripper transfers the sample rack from the sample chamber to the track of the sample scheduling trolley assembly, then uses the sample rack determination sensor of the sample scheduling trolley assembly to determine whether the sample rack is successfully transferred, and then uses the test tube determination sensor of the sample scheduling trolley assembly to determine which position of the multiple test tube positions on the sample rack is loaded with the sample test tube;

[0094] (5) According to the determination information of the sensor in step (4), the code scanner scans the barcode recording the test tube information and records it in the detection system, and after scanning the code, the test tube on the sample rack is transported to the sampling position corresponding to the sampling assembly and stopped;

[0095] (6) The sampling assembly samples the test tube in the sampling position and transfers it to the reaction cup (hole 2) of the incubation chamber;

[0096] (7) After sampling is completed, the sample scheduling trolley assembly transports the sample rack that has completed sampling to the sample recovery chamber separately provided from the sample chamber assembly through its Y-axis movement mechanism, sample rack gripper and Z-axis movement mechanism;

[0097] (8) Repeat the above steps until all samples in the sample chamber are sampled, and the sample chamber assembly returns to zero along the X-axis and replaces a new batch of sample racks.

[0098] In step (2), if more than 2 sample chambers contain sample racks, in step (4), the sample rack gripper sequentially grabs the sample racks from near to far according to the distance between the sample chamber and the sample scheduling trolley assembly.

[0099] The sample recovery chamber contains multiple chambers, each chamber is provided with a corresponding sample rack determination sensor, and the sample rack determination sensor is used to determine whether the chamber has loaded a sample rack that has completed sampling.

[0100] Compared with the scheduling method shown in Figure 8 Compared with the scheduling method shown in Figure 9The illustrated scheduling method can replace samples and take away used sample racks in two areas, each independently completed, both not easily affected each other, shorten the scheduling time.

[0101] The above only is the preferred embodiment of the present application, and is not used to limit the present application, for the person skilled in the art, the present application can have various changes and changes. Any modification, equivalent replacement, improvement, etc. made within the spirit and principle of the present application shall be included in the protection scope of the present application.

Claims

1. A sample scheduling system suitable for single-molecule POCT devices, comprising a sample compartment assembly, a sample scheduling cart assembly, and a sampling assembly. The sample chamber assembly includes an X-axis motion mechanism, a sample chamber, and a vertical plate equipped with a sample rack and a judgment sensor. The sample scheduling trolley assembly includes a sample rack gripper, a Z-axis motion mechanism, and a Y-axis motion mechanism, wherein... The Z-axis motion mechanism is a motion mechanism based on an eccentric wheel. The sampling assembly includes a sampling needle, a Y-axis drive mechanism, and a Z-axis drive mechanism; The sample scheduling cart assembly also includes a test tube detection optocoupler, a sample rack detection optocoupler, and a barcode scanner, and the sample scheduling cart assembly does not include an X-axis motion mechanism. The sampling assembly also includes an anti-collision mechanism and a liquid level detection mechanism; The sample chamber assembly includes 2 to 5 sample chambers, each sample chamber consisting of a sample isolation plate and a sample chamber bottom plate. Each sample chamber has a length of 50 to 100 mm and a width of 15 to 25 mm. The sample chamber is connected to the X-axis motion mechanism via a slider and is positioned above the X-axis motion mechanism, allowing it to move in the X-axis direction. The vertical plate is located at the rear of the sample chamber, on the side opposite to the X-axis motion mechanism. The sample scheduling trolley assembly is located on the side opposite to the X-axis motion mechanism; The sample rack gripper and Z-axis motion mechanism are located inside the sample scheduling trolley assembly, while the test tube judgment optocoupler, sample rack judgment optocoupler, and barcode scanner are vertically mounted on the surface of the sample scheduling trolley assembly. The Z-axis motion mechanism is connected to the sample rack gripper via a connector and is located at the lower part of the sample rack gripper. It is used to move the sample rack gripper in the Z-axis direction and includes a first stepper motor, an eccentric wheel, an eccentric track, an eccentric connecting rod, and a Z-axis linear guide. The Y-axis motion mechanism is used to move the sample holder gripper in the Y-axis direction, and includes a second stepper motor, a synchronous belt, a synchronous pulley and a Y-axis linear guide. The second stepper motor is located on the outer side of the sample scheduling trolley assembly.

2. The sample scheduling system as described in claim 1, wherein, The anti-collision mechanism of the sampling component includes an anti-collision optocoupler, a spring, an anti-collision baffle, and an anti-collision rod. The spring is fitted onto the anti-collision bar. The anti-collision baffle is connected to the anti-collision rod and its front end is located in the anti-collision optocoupler. When the sampling needle collides, the front end of the anti-collision baffle protrudes from the anti-collision optocoupler. The anti-collision optical coupler is mounted on the liquid level detection mechanism.

3. A sample scheduling method, which uses the sample scheduling system according to any one of claims 1 to 2, and includes the following steps: (1) Place the sample rack containing the sample to be tested into the sample chamber; (2) Under the control of the detection system, the sample rack determines whether there is a sample rack in the corresponding sample compartment when the optocoupler starts to detect; (3) Based on the detection information of the optical coupler determined by the sample rack, the sample compartment containing the sample rack is transported to the position aligned with the sample rack gripper of the sample scheduling trolley component on the Y axis under the drive of the X-axis motion mechanism of the sample compartment component. (4) The sample rack gripper transfers the sample rack from the sample compartment to the track of the sample scheduling trolley component. Then, the sample rack judgment sensor of the sample scheduling trolley component is used to determine whether the sample rack has been successfully transferred. Next, the test tube judgment sensor of the sample scheduling trolley component is used to determine which position of the multiple test tube positions on the sample rack is loaded with a sample test tube. (5) Based on the sensor judgment information in process (4), the barcode scanner scans the barcode containing the test tube information and records it in the detection system. After scanning, the test tube on the sample rack is transported to the sampling position corresponding to the sampling component and then stopped. (6) The sampling component takes a sample from the test tube at the sampling position and transfers it to the reaction cup; (7) After sampling is completed, the sample scheduling trolley component uses its Y-axis motion mechanism, sample rack gripper and Z-axis motion mechanism to return the sample rack that has completed sampling to the original sample compartment or transport it to the sample recovery compartment that is set up separately from the sample compartment component. (8) Repeat the above procedure until all samples in the sample chamber have been sampled, the sample chamber assembly returns to the zero position along the X-axis, and a new batch of sample racks is replaced.

4. The sample scheduling method as described in claim 3, wherein, In step (2), if more than two sample compartments are found to contain sample racks, then in step (4), the sample rack gripper will grab the sample racks in sequence from near to far according to the distance between the sample compartment and the sample scheduling trolley component.

5. The sample scheduling method as described in claim 3 or 4, wherein, The sample recovery chamber contains multiple compartments, each equipped with a corresponding sample rack detection sensor. The sample rack detection sensor determines whether each compartment has a sample rack that has been collected.

Images