Medical test tube identification device

Abstract

The application provides a medical test tube recognition device. The number of inductive pieces arranged on a test tube rack represents the size of the test tube. When the test tube rack slides on the sliding track from the first end of the sliding track to the second end of the sliding track, the first detection piece arranged on the base corresponding to the first end of the sliding track sends the corresponding number of inductive signals according to the number of inductive pieces. Thus, the size of the test tube can be determined according to the number of inductive signals, the classification and recognition of test tubes with different sizes are realized, the software function is simple, and the control processing requirement is low.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of medical device technology, and in particular to a medical test tube identification device. Background Technology

[0002] With the rapid development of fully automated biochemical testing equipment, a single device can now handle dozens or even hundreds of test tube samples for sequential testing. These test tubes require identification barcodes to allow the testing equipment to access and retrieve the tubes and their location information.

[0003] For test tubes of various sizes, the current method mainly relies on color sensors or CCD cameras to optically process the test tubes to identify their type and size. This requires complex software functions and high control processing requirements. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a medical test tube identification device that requires simple software functions and low control processing requirements.

[0005] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a medical test tube identification device, including a base and a test tube rack;

[0006] The base is provided with a sliding track and a first detection element provided at the first end of the sliding track;

[0007] The test tube rack can slide on the sliding track, and the test tubes are provided with multiple test tube holes along their own length. All the test tube holes on a test tube rack are used to place test tubes of the same specification. At least one sensor is provided on the outer wall of the test tube rack, and the number of sensors indicates the specification of the test tubes.

[0008] The first detection element is used to emit a first sensing signal once each time the sensor is detected during the process of the test tube rack sliding from the first end of the sliding track to the second end of the sliding track, so as to determine the specification of the test tube based on the number of times the first sensing signal is emitted.

[0009] In an optional embodiment, the medical test tube identification device further includes a barcode scanner, which is mounted on the base and is capable of operating according to the first sensing signal to read the barcode on the test tube.

[0010] In an optional embodiment, the base also has a second detection element disposed at the second end of the sliding track. The second detection element is used to emit a second sensing signal when the sensing element is detected, and the barcode scanner can stop operating according to the second sensing signal.

[0011] In an optional embodiment, the test tube rack is provided with an opening communicating with the test tube hole, the opening penetrating one side of the test tube rack.

[0012] In an optional embodiment, a reference surface is formed at the second end of the sliding track, the reference surface is provided with a first attraction part, the test tube rack has a mating surface, the mating surface is provided with a second attraction part, and the first attraction part and the second attraction part can attract each other so that the mating surface and the reference surface fit together.

[0013] In an optional embodiment, the first suction part protrudes relative to the reference surface, the mating surface is provided with a limiting hole, the second suction part is disposed in the limiting hole, and the first suction part can be inserted into the limiting hole.

[0014] In an optional embodiment, the test tube rack is provided with an opening communicating with the test tube hole, and the opening extends through one side of the test tube rack;

[0015] An identification element is provided inside the test tube hole, which can extend from the opening. When a test tube is placed in the test tube hole, the identification element can abut against the test tube to clamp the test tube and extend out of the side of the test tube rack through the opening. When no test tube is placed in the test tube hole, the identification element does not extend out of the side of the test tube rack.

[0016] The base also has a third detection element corresponding to the first end of the sliding track. The third detection element is used to detect whether the identification element is protruding from the side of the test tube rack. If the identification element is detected, a missing signal is issued.

[0017] In an optional embodiment, a baffle is provided on the bottom surface of the test tube hole, and the bottom surface of the test tube hole and the baffle together form a limiting channel;

[0018] The identification element is capable of elastic deformation. Its first end is connected to the side wall of the test tube hole, and its second end can slide through the limiting channel. When the test tube is placed in the test tube hole, the second end of the identification element extends out from the opening to the side of the test tube rack.

[0019] In an optional embodiment, the test tube rack is provided with a connecting shaft that extends through all the test tube holes along its own length, and the first end of the identification element is connected to the connecting shaft.

[0020] In an optional embodiment, the sliding track is a groove provided on the base.

[0021] The beneficial effects of the embodiments of the present invention include:

[0022] The test tube rack is equipped with sensors, and the number of sensors on a single rack indicates the size of the test tubes. As the test tube rack slides from one end of the sliding track to the other, the first detection element on the base, corresponding to the first end of the sliding track, emits a corresponding number of sensing signals based on the number of sensors detected. Thus, the size of the test tubes can be determined based on the number of sensing signals, enabling the classification and identification of test tubes of different sizes. The software is simple and requires low control processing. Attached Figure Description

[0023] To more clearly illustrate the specific embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the specific embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.

[0024] Figure 1 One of the schematic diagrams for a medical test tube identification device;

[0025] Figure 2 This is the second schematic diagram of a medical test tube identification device;

[0026] Figure 3 This is the third schematic diagram of a medical test tube identification device;

[0027] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the base and the barcode scanner;

[0028] Figure 5 This is one of the schematic diagrams of a test tube rack and test tubes;

[0029] Figure 6 This is the second schematic diagram of the test tube rack and test tubes;

[0030] Figure 7 This is the third schematic diagram of the test tube rack and test tubes.

[0031] Icons: 10-Base; 11-Sliding track; 12-First detection element; 13-Second detection element; 14-Reference surface; 140-First suction part; 15-Third detection element; 30-Test tube rack; 31-Test tube hole; 32-Sensing element; 33-Opening part; 34-Mating surface; 340-Second suction part; 35-Identification element; 350-Pushing part; 351-Telescopic part; 36-Baffle; 37-Connecting shaft; 50-Test tube; 70-Code scanner. Detailed Implementation

[0032] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. The components of the embodiments of the present invention described and shown in the accompanying drawings can generally be arranged and designed in various different configurations.

[0033] Therefore, the following detailed description of the embodiments of the invention provided in the accompanying drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed invention, but merely to illustrate selected embodiments of the invention. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the invention without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of the invention.

[0034] It should be noted that similar labels and letters in the following figures indicate similar items. Therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it does not need to be further defined and explained in subsequent figures.

[0035] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that the terms "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, or the orientation or positional relationship commonly used when the product of this invention is in use. They are only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this invention. In addition, the terms "first," "second," "third," etc., are only used to distinguish descriptions and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0036] Furthermore, terms such as "horizontal," "vertical," and "sag" do not imply that components must be absolutely horizontal or suspended, but rather that they can be slightly tilted. For example, "horizontal" simply means that its direction is more horizontal relative to "vertical," and does not mean that the structure must be completely horizontal, but can be slightly tilted.

[0037] In the description of this invention, it should also be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "set," "install," "connect," and "link" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0038] The following is in conjunction with the appendix Figures 1 to 7The following describes some embodiments of the present invention in detail. Unless otherwise specified, the following embodiments and features can be combined with each other.

[0039] This invention provides a medical test tube 50 identification device, including a base 10 and a test tube rack 30.

[0040] The base 10 is provided with a sliding track 11 and a first detection element 12 corresponding to the first end of the sliding track 11;

[0041] The test tube rack 30 can slide on the sliding track 11, and the test tube 50 is provided with multiple test tube holes 31 in its own length direction. All the test tube holes 31 on a test tube rack 30 are used to place test tubes 50 of the same specification. At least one sensor 32 is provided on the outer wall of the test tube rack 30. The number of sensor 32 indicates the specification of the test tube 50.

[0042] The first detection element 12 is used to emit a first sensing signal once each time a sensor 32 is detected during the process of the test tube rack 30 sliding from the first end of the sliding track 11 toward the second end of the sliding track 11, so as to determine the specifications of the test tube 50 based on the number of times the first sensing signal is emitted.

[0043] As described above, by setting sensors 32 on the test tube rack 30, the number of sensors 32 on a test tube rack 30 is used to characterize the specifications of the test tubes 50. When the test tube rack 30 slides on the sliding track 11 from the first end to the second end of the sliding track 11, the first detection element 12 on the base 10 corresponding to the first end of the sliding track 11 emits a corresponding number of sensing signals according to the number of sensors 32 detected. In this way, the specifications of the test tubes 50 can be determined according to the number of sensing signals, realizing the classification and identification of test tubes 50 of different specifications. The software function is simple and the control processing requirements are low.

[0044] The sensing signal emitted by the first detection element 12 can be sent to the control processing center, which can then determine the specifications of the test tube 50 currently being tested based on the number of times the first sensing signal is received.

[0045] It is understandable that the control processing center can be a control chip directly installed on the base 10, or a control chip of a terminal device such as a computer, as long as it can store and execute programs to determine whether the preset mapping relationship is met based on the number of times the first sensing signal is received (i.e., different numbers of first sensing signals correspond to different specifications of test tubes 50), thereby determining the specifications of test tubes 50.

[0046] In addition, a barcode scanner 70 is installed on the base 10. The barcode scanner 70 can operate according to the first sensing signal to read the barcode on the test tube 50. This saves the time of manually scanning each test tube 50 individually.

[0047] The test tube rack 30 is provided with an opening 33 that communicates with the test tube hole 31. The opening 33 extends through one side of the test tube rack 30. Thus, when the test tube 50 is inserted into the test tube hole 31 on the test tube rack 30, the barcode of the test tube 50 can face the opening 33, so that the barcode scanner 70 can directly read the barcode on the test tube 50 through the opening 33 without having to remove the test tubes 50 one by one, thereby improving scanning efficiency.

[0048] The base 10 also has a second detection element 13 corresponding to the second end of the sliding track 11. The second detection element 13 is used to emit a second sensing signal when the sensor 32 is detected, and the barcode scanner 70 can stop running according to the second sensing signal. In this way, the barcode scanner 70 runs to scan the barcode when the first detection element 12 detects the sensor 32. After the test tube rack 30 moves to the second end, the second detection element 13 detects the sensor 32, indicating that the barcodes of all 50 test tubes on the test tube rack 30 have been read. At this time, the barcode scanner 70 automatically stops running and ends the scanning. The automatic start and stop of the scanning process can be realized through a simple judgment program, which is fast and more simple and precise in control.

[0049] In this embodiment, a reference surface 14 is formed at the second end of the sliding track 11. The reference surface 14 is provided with a first attraction part 140. The test tube rack 30 has a mating surface 34. The mating surface 34 is provided with a second attraction part 340. The first attraction part 140 and the second attraction part 340 can attract each other so that the mating surface 34 and the reference surface 14 fit together, thereby achieving high-precision positioning of the test tube rack 30.

[0050] Specifically, both the first attraction part 140 and the second attraction part 340 can be magnetic elements, such as magnets. The first attraction part 140 is protruding relative to the reference surface 14, and the mating surface 34 is provided with a limiting hole. The second attraction part 340 is disposed in the limiting hole, and the first attraction part 140 can be inserted into the limiting hole.

[0051] In this way, when the test tube rack 30 approaches the second end of the sliding track 11, the mutual attraction between the first attraction part 140 and the second attraction part 340 can not only achieve high-precision positioning of the test tube rack 30, but also limit the position of the test tube rack 30 because the first attraction part 140 will be inserted into the limiting hole.

[0052] In this embodiment, the sliding track 11 can be a groove provided on the base 10. When the test tube rack 30 is in the groove, its position can be defined by the opposite sidewalls in the width direction of the groove, allowing the test tube rack 30 to move along the length direction of the groove. This provides guidance and positioning for the test tube rack 30. Simultaneously, the groove facilitates the direct entry of the test tube rack 30 from its first end, making the loading process more convenient.

[0053] Of course, in some embodiments, the sliding track 11 can also be a sliding pair disposed on the base 10. The sliding pair includes a guide rail and a slider that are slidably connected. The slider is provided with a clamp for supporting the test tube rack 30, thereby enabling the test tube rack 30 to move so that the first detection element 12 can detect the sensing element 32.

[0054] In this embodiment, the first detection element 12 and the second detection element 13 can both be Hall elements and are disposed on the bottom surface of the slide. The corresponding sensing element 32 can be a magnet and is disposed on the bottom surface of the test tube rack 30. The top surface of the test tube rack 30 is provided with a test tube hole 31 for placing the test tube 50.

[0055] Of course, the first detection element 12 and the second detection element 13 can also be set on the side wall of the slide, and the corresponding sensing element 32 can also be set on the side of the test tube rack 30.

[0056] In this embodiment, an identification element 35 that can extend from the opening 33 is provided in the test tube hole 31. When a test tube 50 is placed in the test tube hole 31, the identification element 35 abuts against the test tube 50 to clamp the test tube 50 and extends out of the side of the test tube rack 30 through the opening 33. When no test tube 50 is placed in the test tube hole 31, the identification element 35 does not extend out of the side of the test tube rack 30.

[0057] The base 10 also has a third detection element 15 corresponding to the first end of the sliding track 11. The third detection element 15 is used to detect whether there is an identification element 35 protruding from the side of the test tube rack 30. If the identification element 35 is detected, a missing signal is issued.

[0058] In this way, during the process of the test tube rack 30 sliding towards the second end of the sliding track 11, if the third detection element 15 detects that an identification element 35 is protruding from the side of the test tube rack 30, it indicates that no test tube 50 is placed in the test tube hole 31 where the identification element 35 is located, and a missing signal is issued accordingly. Thus, the missing signal can be used to determine that the test tube hole 31 is empty. If the identification element 35 does not detect the identification element 35 protruding from the side of the test tube rack 30, it indicates that a test tube 50 is placed in the test tube hole 31, and the barcode scanner 70 automatically reads the barcode on the test tube 50.

[0059] Furthermore, by abutting the identification element 35 against the test tube 50, the test tube 50 can be fixed inside the test tube hole 31, so that the test tube 50 will not easily tip over or rotate in the test tube hole 31, which can prevent the test tube 50 from tilting or loosening during the test, causing the barcode scanning to fail.

[0060] Specifically, a baffle 36 is provided on the bottom surface of the test tube hole 31, and the bottom surface of the test tube hole 31 and the baffle 36 together form a limiting channel;

[0061] The identification element 35 can produce elastic deformation, for example, it can be a spring sheet. Its first end is connected to the side wall of the test tube hole 31, and its second end can slide through the limiting channel. When a test tube 50 is placed in the test tube hole 31, the second end of the identification element 35 extends out from the opening 33 to the side of the test tube rack 30.

[0062] More specifically, the identification element 35 includes a push part 350 and a telescopic part 351 connected at an angle. The end of the push part 350 away from the telescopic part 351 is connected to the inner wall of the test tube hole 31, while the telescopic part 351 passes through the limiting channel.

[0063] In this way, when no test tube 50 is placed in the test tube hole 31, the telescopic part 351 extends out of the side of the test tube rack 30 from the opening 33. When the test tube 50 is placed into the test tube hole 31, the test tube 50 presses against the pushing part 350, so that the pushing part 350 drives the telescopic part 351 to retract into the test tube rack 30 and will not protrude from the side of the test tube rack 30.

[0064] The third detection element 15 can be a photoelectric sensor. When the test tube rack 30 moves on the sliding track 11, if the spring extends out of the side of the test tube rack 30, it will block the photoelectric sensor, and the transmission signal of the photoelectric sensor will change, for example, from low level to high level. The control processing center can determine that the test tube hole 31 at this position is an empty space where no test tube 50 is placed based on the change of the signal.

[0065] In this embodiment, the test tube rack 30 is provided with a connecting shaft 37 that runs through all the test tube holes 31 along its own length direction. The first end of the identification member 35 is connected to the connecting shaft 37 to realize the setting of the identification member 35. Thus, during the process of inserting the test tube 50 into the test tube hole 31, the pushing part 350 is squeezed by the test tube 50 and rotates around the connecting shaft 37, thereby driving the telescopic part 351 to retract.

[0066] Of course, it is understandable that in some embodiments, the first end of the identification member 35 may also be fixedly connected to the inner wall of the test tube hole 31 away from the opening 33, as long as the identification member 35 can be forced to undergo elastic deformation during the process of inserting the test tube 50 into the test tube hole 31, so that the identification member 35 extends out from the opening 33.

[0067] In addition, it should be noted that in this embodiment, the base 10 is provided with multiple sliding grooves, and each sliding groove is provided with a first detection element 12, a second detection element 13 and a third detection element 15, thereby improving the recognition efficiency.

[0068] The working principle of the medical test tube 50 identification device in this embodiment is explained by way of example below:

[0069] When the test tube 50 is inserted into the test tube hole 31 of the test tube rack 30, the identification piece 35 will be pushed into the test tube rack 30 under the pressure of the test tube 50, so that it will not protrude from the side of the test tube rack 30.

[0070] The test tube rack 30 is pushed from the first end of any slide groove on the base 10 to the second end of the slide groove. The first detection element 12 detects the sensing signal sent by the sensing element 32 on the test tube rack 30 to the control processing center. The control processing center can then determine which slide groove the test tube rack 30 is in. At the same time, the control processing center controls the barcode scanner 70 to start running, so as to read the barcode on the test tube 50 through the opening 33 during the sliding of the test tube rack 30, and record the sample information. During the sliding of the test tube rack 30, the control processing center compares the number of first sensing signals sent by the first detection element 12 with the test tube 50 specifications set in the database to determine the specifications of the test tube 50. Moreover, based on the signal transmitted by the third detection element 15, it can also determine which of the multiple test tube holes 31 is empty, resulting in a gap.

[0071] As the test tube rack 30 is pushed to the second end of the slide, if the second detection element 13 detects the sensing element 32, it sends a second sensing signal. The control processing center then controls the barcode scanner 70 to stop running, ending the barcode scanning process of the test tube rack 30. Simultaneously, the first suction part 140 on the reference surface 14 and the second suction part 340 on the mating surface 34 of the test tube rack 30 attract each other. The first suction part 140 inserts into the suction hole, and the mating surface 34 fits against the reference surface 14, achieving precise positioning.

[0072] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, and not to limit them; although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some or all of the technical features; and these modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. A medical test tube identification device, characterized in that, Includes base and test tube rack; The base is provided with a sliding track and a first detection element provided at the first end of the sliding track; The test tube rack can slide on the sliding track, and the test tubes are provided with multiple test tube holes along their own length. All the test tube holes on a test tube rack are used to place test tubes of the same specification. At least one sensor is provided on the outer wall of the test tube rack, and the number of sensors indicates the specification of the test tubes. Wherein, the first detection element is used to emit a first sensing signal once each time the sensor is detected during the process of the test tube rack sliding from the first end of the sliding track to the second end of the sliding track, so as to determine the specification of the test tube based on the number of times the first sensing signal is emitted; The test tube rack is provided with an opening that communicates with the test tube hole, and the opening extends through one side of the test tube rack; An identification element is provided inside the test tube hole, which can extend from the opening. When a test tube is placed in the test tube hole, the identification element can abut against the test tube to clamp the test tube and extend out of the side of the test tube rack through the opening. When no test tube is placed in the test tube hole, the identification element does not extend out of the side of the test tube rack. The base also has a third detection element corresponding to the first end of the sliding track. The third detection element is used to detect whether the identification element is protruding from the side of the test tube rack. If the identification element is detected, a missing signal is issued.

2. The medical test tube identification device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The medical test tube identification device also includes a barcode scanner, which is mounted on the base and can operate according to the first sensing signal to read the barcode on the test tube.

3. The medical test tube identification device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The base also has a second detection element disposed at the second end of the sliding track. The second detection element is used to emit a second sensing signal when the sensing element is detected, and the barcode scanner can stop operating according to the second sensing signal.

4. The medical test tube identification device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second end of the sliding track has a reference surface, the reference surface is provided with a first attraction part, the test tube rack has a mating surface, the mating surface is provided with a second attraction part, the first attraction part and the second attraction part can attract each other so that the mating surface and the reference surface fit together.

5. The medical test tube identification device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The first suction part protrudes relative to the reference surface, the mating surface is provided with a limiting hole, the second suction part is disposed in the limiting hole, and the first suction part can be inserted into the limiting hole.

6. The medical test tube identification device according to claim 1, characterized in that, A baffle is provided on the bottom surface of the test tube hole, and the bottom surface of the test tube hole and the baffle together form a limiting channel; The identification element is capable of elastic deformation. Its first end is connected to the side wall of the test tube hole, and its second end can slide through the limiting channel. When the test tube is placed in the test tube hole, the second end of the identification element extends out from the opening to the side of the test tube rack.

7. The medical test tube identification device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The test tube rack is provided with a connecting shaft that runs through all the test tube holes along its own length, and one end of the identification element is connected to the connecting shaft.

8. The medical test tube identification device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sliding track is a groove set on the base.

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