sample analyzer

Abstract

The application discloses a sample analyzer, which comprises a sample rack, a conveying mechanism and a mixing mechanism. The sample rack is provided with a placing groove for containing a test tube. The conveying mechanism comprises a support, a moving driving element and a righting block. The support is internally formed with a conveying channel. The moving driving element is used for driving the sample rack to move along the conveying channel. The support is provided with the righting block on one side thereof which faces the conveying channel. The mixing mechanism comprises a clamping jaw and a clamping jaw driving element. The clamping jaw driving element is arranged on one side of the support and is used for driving the clamping jaw to move close to or away from the conveying channel. The clamping jaw and the righting block are both used for abutting against the test tube and righting the test tube, so that the test tube is stably and vertically placed in the placing groove. The test tube inclination is effectively avoided, the sampling needle is conveniently inserted into the test tube for sampling, and the reliability of sampling is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of sample detection technology, and in particular to a sample analyzer. Background Technology

[0002] In blood sample testing and analysis, test tubes are commonly used as containers for holding samples. Before sample testing, the samples in the test tubes must be mixed thoroughly and then placed back into the sample rack to await subsequent sampling and testing. However, when placing test tubes on the sample rack, the bottom edge of the test tubes is easily rested or bumped against the rack, causing the test tubes to be placed at an angle. When the sampling needle is inserted into the test tube for sampling, the tilted test tube may prevent the sampling needle from being inserted. Even if the sampling needle is inserted into the test tube, it may cause the needle to bend. A bent sampling needle is not only inconvenient to remove, but also seriously affects the sampling of subsequent test tubes. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The main objective of this invention is to provide a sample analyzer that addresses the problem of test tubes easily tilting when placed on a sample rack.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention proposes a sample analyzer, the sample analyzer comprising:

[0005] A sample rack having slots for holding test tubes;

[0006] A transport mechanism, comprising a support, a moving drive component, and straightening blocks, wherein a transport channel is formed within the support, the moving drive component is used to drive the sample rack to move along the transport channel, and straightening blocks are provided on one side of the support facing the transport channel;

[0007] A mixing mechanism, comprising grippers and gripper drive members, wherein the gripper drive members are disposed on one side of the support and are used to drive the grippers closer to or further away from the transport channel.

[0008] Optionally, the support includes a first support plate and a second support plate arranged at intervals, with the transport channel formed between the first support plate and the second support plate, and the straightening block is provided on the side of the first support plate and the second support plate facing the transport channel.

[0009] Optionally, the straightening block provided on the first support plate is a first straightening block, and the straightening block provided on the second support plate is a second straightening block; the first straightening block and the second straightening block are arranged flush or staggered in the vertical direction, and symmetrically or staggered in the horizontal direction.

[0010] Optionally, a support platform is formed at the upper end of the first support plate, and the first straightening block is disposed on the support platform and protrudes into the transport channel.

[0011] Optionally, the gripper is located on the upper side of the support platform, and the gripper and the first straightening block are spaced apart along the transport channel.

[0012] Optionally, the second support plate is provided with a vertically extending support arm, and the second straightening block is provided on the side of the support arm facing the transport channel.

[0013] Optionally, the gripper includes two symmetrically arranged clamping plates, each clamping plate including a clamping section and a straightening section connected to each other, and the distance between the two straightening sections gradually increases in the direction away from the clamping section.

[0014] Optionally, the bottom wall of the placement groove forms an arc-shaped support portion, which is recessed in a direction away from the opening of the placement groove.

[0015] Optionally, the test tube includes a bottom tube wall and a side tube wall surrounding the outer periphery of the bottom tube wall, the bottom tube wall being arc-shaped and protruding in a direction away from the side tube wall; or, the test tube includes a tube body and a support tube sleeved on the outside of the tube body.

[0016] Optionally, the sample analyzer further includes a sampling mechanism, which includes a sampling needle and a sampling drive. The sampling drive is disposed on one side of the support and is used to drive the sampling needle to extend into the test tube.

[0017] In the sample analyzer of the present invention, when the moving drive unit drives the sample rack to the position of the corresponding gripper, the gripper drive unit drives the gripper to move towards the test tube so that the gripper touches the test tube to straighten it; when the moving drive unit drives the sample rack to the position of each corresponding straightening block, each straightening block can touch the test tube to further straighten it; the gripper and the straightening block both abut against the test tube to straighten it, so that the test tube is stably placed vertically in the placement slot, effectively avoiding the bending of the sampling needle due to the tilting of the test tube, facilitating the insertion of the sampling needle for sampling, and improving the reliability of sampling. Attached Figure Description

[0018] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the structures shown in these drawings without creative effort.

[0019] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the sample analyzer according to an embodiment of the present invention from one perspective;

[0020] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the sample analyzer according to an embodiment of the present invention from another perspective;

[0021] Figure 3 This is a partial structural diagram of a sample analyzer according to an embodiment of the present invention from one viewpoint;

[0022] Figure 4 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of a sample analyzer according to an embodiment of the present invention from another perspective;

[0023] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the gripper structure in a sample analyzer according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a test tube according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a test tube according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Explanation of icon numbers:

[0027] 100 Sample Analyzer 22a First straightening block 10 Sample rack 22b Second straightening block 11 Placement slot 30 Mixing mechanism 111 Supporting part 31 gripper 20 Transportation agencies 311 Clamping section 21 support 312 Fuzheng Section 211 Transportation Channel 200 test tube 212 First support plate 201 Bottom tube wall 213 Second support plate 202 Side wall 214 Support Platform 203 Tube body 215 support arm 204 support tube 22 straightening block 205 pipe cap

[0028] The realization of the objective, functional features and advantages of the present invention will be further explained in conjunction with the embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings. Detailed Implementation

[0029] The technical solutions in this embodiment 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. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0030] It should be noted that all directional indicators (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, etc.) in this embodiment are only used to explain the relative positional relationship and movement of each component in a specific posture (as shown in the attached figure). If the specific posture changes, the directional indicator will also change accordingly.

[0031] Furthermore, in this invention, descriptions involving "first," "second," etc., are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this invention, "a plurality of" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0032] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connection," "fixed," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, "fixed" can mean a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; it can mean a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can mean a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; it can mean the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise explicitly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0033] Furthermore, the technical solutions of the various embodiments of the present invention can be combined with each other, but only if they are feasible to those skilled in the art. If a combination of technical solutions contradicts each other or cannot be implemented, such a combination should be considered non-existent and not within the scope of protection claimed by the present invention. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the invention and are not intended to limit the invention.

[0034] In this invention, the descriptions of directions such as "up," "down," "front," "back," "left," and "right" are as follows: Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 4 The directions shown are for reference only and are used to interpret the location. Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 4 The relative positional relationship between the components in the shown posture is such that if the specific posture changes, the directional indication will also change accordingly.

[0035] This invention proposes a sample analyzer 100.

[0036] like Figures 1 to 4 As shown, the sample analyzer 100 of this embodiment includes a sample rack 10, a transport mechanism 20, and a mixing mechanism 30. The sample rack 10 has a placement slot 11 for holding test tubes 200. The transport mechanism 20 includes a support 21, a moving drive, and a straightening block 22. A transport channel 211 is formed inside the support 21. The moving drive is used to drive the sample rack 10 to move along the transport channel 211. Straightening blocks 22 are provided on one side of the support 21 facing the transport channel 211. The mixing mechanism 30 includes a gripper 31 and a gripper 31 drive. The gripper 31 drive is provided on one side of the support 21 and is used to drive the gripper 31 to move closer to or away from the transport channel 211.

[0037] Specifically, a transport channel 211 is formed inside the support 21, and the sample rack 10 can be placed inside the transport channel 211. Multiple placement slots 11 are formed on the sample rack 10 in sequence, and each placement slot 11 can hold a test tube 200. Straightening blocks 22 are provided on both sides of the transport channel 211, and each straightening block 22 is connected to the support 21. The gripper 31 is provided on the outside of the support 21. The gripper 31 driving component can drive the gripper 31 to grab the test tube 200 from the sample rack 10 or place the test tube 200 on the sample rack 10. The moving driving component is provided on the support 21 and can drive the sample rack 10 to move back and forth along the transport channel 211.

[0038] When the moving drive unit moves the sample holder 10 to the position of the corresponding gripper 31, the gripper 31 drive unit drives the gripper 31 to extend and grasp the test tube 200 in the placement slot 11 to mix the sample in the test tube 200. After the sample is mixed, the gripper 31 drive unit drives the gripper 31 to put the test tube 200 back into the placement slot 11 and detach the gripper 31 from the test tube 200. Then, the gripper 31 drive unit drives the gripper 31 to move closer to the test tube 200 so that the gripper 31 touches the test tube 200 in the left-right direction. The test tube 200 is straightened. When the moving drive unit drives the sample rack 10 to move to the position of each corresponding straightening block 22, the straightening blocks 22 on both sides touch the two sides of the test tube 200 respectively to straighten the test tube 200 in the front-back direction. The gripper 31 and the straightening block 22 straighten the test tube 200 by abutting against it, so that the test tube 200 is stably placed vertically in the placement slot 11, which effectively avoids the test tube 200 tilting and causing the sampling needle to bend, making it easier for the sampling needle to be inserted for sampling and improving the reliability of sampling.

[0039] In this embodiment, the support 21 includes a first support plate 212 and a second support plate 213 arranged at intervals, forming a transport channel 211 between the first support plate 212 and the second support plate 213, and a straightening block 22 is provided on the side of the first support plate 212 and the second support plate 213 facing the transport channel 211. Figures 1 to 4 As shown, the first support plate 212 and the second support plate 213 are arranged at intervals in the front-back direction. The first support plate 212 and the second support plate 213 form a transport channel 211 extending in the left-right direction. The moving drive can drive the sample rack 10 to move along the transport channel 211. The two sides of the transport channel 211 are provided with straightening blocks 22. The straightening blocks 22 on both sides are used to touch the front and back sides of the test tube 200 respectively, thereby straightening the test tube 200 in the front-back direction. The gripper 31 can touch the left and right sides of the test tube 200, thereby straightening the test tube 200 in the left and right direction, so that the test tube 200 is placed vertically in the placement slot 11. This facilitates the insertion of the sampling needle, effectively prevents the sampling needle from being bent by force when inserted into the tilted test tube 200, and increases the stability of the test tube 200, thus protecting the test tube 200.

[0040] Furthermore, the straightening block 22 provided on the first support plate 212 is the first straightening block 22a, and the straightening block 22 provided on the second support plate 213 is the second straightening block 22b. The first straightening block 22a and the second straightening block 22b are located on both sides of the transport channel 211 and are used to touch the front and rear sides of the test tube 200 respectively, thereby straightening the test tube 200 in the front and rear direction. The test tube 200 is covered with a tube cap 205, which is used to seal the opening of the test tube 200 to protect the sample.

[0041] In the first embodiment, the first straightening block 22a and the second straightening block 22b are arranged flush in the vertical direction and symmetrically in the horizontal direction; that is, the first straightening block 22a and the second straightening block 22b are of the same height and are arranged symmetrically on both sides of the transport channel 211. The test tube 200 can pass between the first straightening block 22a and the second straightening block 22b, and can touch the test tube 200 when the test tube 200 moves between the first straightening block 22a and the second straightening block 22b, thereby straightening the test tube 200 stably and reliably.

[0042] In the second embodiment, the first straightening block 22a and the second straightening block 22b are arranged flush vertically and staggered horizontally; that is, the first straightening block 22a and the second straightening block 22b are at the same height and are arranged at intervals along the transport channel 211. When the test tube 200 moves to the position corresponding to the first straightening block 22a, the first straightening block 22a straightens the test tube 200 into the transport channel 211. When the test tube 200 moves to the position corresponding to the second straightening block 22b, the second straightening block 22b straightens the test tube 200 into the transport channel 211. The first straightening block 22a and the second straightening block 22b cooperate to touch both sides of the test tube 200 to straighten the test tube 200. The horizontally staggered arrangement of the first straightening block 22a and the second straightening block 22b facilitates the passage of the test tube 200 and effectively prevents the test tube 200 from getting stuck between the first straightening block 22a and the second straightening block 22b.

[0043] In the third embodiment, as Figures 1 to 4 As shown, the first straightening block 22a and the second straightening block 22b are staggered in the vertical direction and symmetrically arranged in the horizontal direction; that is, the first straightening block 22a and the second straightening block 22b are at different heights and are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the transport channel 211. The first straightening block 22a is set to the test tube 200, and the second straightening block 22b is set to the cap 205 of the test tube 200, so that the first straightening block 22a can touch the test tube 200 and the second straightening block 22b can touch the cap 205, thereby cooperating to straighten the test tube 200 in the front-back direction and the vertical direction, effectively preventing excessive deviation of the test tube 200 during straightening and improving the straightening stability of the test tube 200.

[0044] In the fourth embodiment, the first straightening block 22a and the second straightening block 22b are staggered in the vertical direction and in the horizontal direction; that is, the first straightening block 22a and the second straightening block 22b have different heights and are arranged at intervals along the transport channel 211. The first straightening block 22a and the second straightening block 22b are respectively set to the test tube 200 and the tube cap 205, which not only straightens the test tube 200, but also effectively prevents the test tube 200 from getting stuck or excessively shifting, and the structure is flexible and reliable.

[0045] In the sample analyzer 100 of this embodiment, a support platform 214 is formed on the upper end of the first support plate 212, and a first straightening block 22a is disposed on the support platform 214 and protrudes into the transport channel 211; a vertically extending support arm 215 is disposed on the second support plate 213, and a second straightening block 22b is disposed on the side of the support arm 215 facing the transport channel 211; a gripper 31 is located on the upper side of the support platform 214, and the gripper 31 and the first straightening block 22a are spaced apart along the transport channel 211. Furthermore, the gripper 31 includes two symmetrically arranged clamping plates, each clamping plate including a clamping section 311 and a straightening section 312 connected to each other, and the distance between the two straightening sections 312 gradually increases in the direction away from the clamping section 311.

[0046] like Figures 1 to 5 As shown, the gripper 31 and the first straightening block 22a are arranged at intervals along the support platform 214. The gripper 31 includes two clamping plates that can move towards or away from each other to grip or release the test tube 200. Each clamping plate includes a clamping section 311 and a straightening section 312 connected to the clamping section 311. The two clamping sections 311 are used to grip the test tube 200. Each straightening section 312 is inclined from its clamping section 311 in a direction away from the other straightening section 312. The setup is as follows: When the sample holder 10 moves to the position of the corresponding gripper 31, the gripper 31 grabs the test tube 200 from the placement slot 11 and mixes the sample in the test tube 200. The gripper 31 then puts the mixed test tube 200 back into the placement slot 11 and detaches from the test tube 200. Then, the gripper 31 driver drives the gripper 31 to approach the test tube 200 again, so that the two straightening sections 312 touch the left and right sides of the test tube 200 respectively, thereby straightening the test tube 200 in the left and right directions.

[0047] Furthermore, a support arm 215 protrudes upward from the second support plate 213. A second straightening block 22b is connected to the side of the support arm 215 facing the transport channel 211. The second straightening block 22b is set corresponding to the cap 205 of the test tube 200. When the sample rack 10 moves between the first straightening block 22a and the second straightening block 22b, the first straightening block 22a, which protrudes into the transport channel 211, touches the test tube 200 to straighten it to the rear, and the second straightening block 22b touches the cap 205 to straighten it to the front. The first straightening block 22a, the second straightening block 22b, and the two straightening sections 312 cooperate with each other to straighten the test tube 200 from six directions: front and back, left and right, and up and down, to ensure that the test tube 200 can be stably placed in the placement slot 11, thereby avoiding the sampling needle bending during sampling, and ensuring a stable and reliable structure.

[0048] In one embodiment, such as Figure 6 As shown, the test tube 200 includes a bottom tube wall 201 and a side tube wall 202 surrounding the bottom tube wall 201. The bottom tube wall 201 is arc-shaped and protrudes in a direction away from the side tube wall 202. The bottom tube wall 201 and the side tube wall 202 are integrally formed to form an open receiving cavity for holding samples. The bottom tube wall 201 protrudes in a direction away from the open. The bottom wall of the placement groove 11 forms an arc-shaped support portion 111. The support portion 111 is recessed in a direction away from the opening of the placement groove 11. The shape of the support portion 111 matches that of the bottom tube wall 201 to stably support the bottom tube wall 201 in the placement groove 11. The support portion 111 is used to cooperate with the bottom tube wall 201 to position and place the test tube 200, thereby improving the stability of the test tube 200 placement. Understandably, the test tube 200 in this embodiment has a large capacity and can be used as a whole blood test tube to hold a large amount of sample for testing.

[0049] In another embodiment, the test tube 200 includes a tube body 203 and a support tube 204 sleeved on the outside of the tube body 203; as shown Figure 7 As shown, the tube body 203 has an open receiving cavity for holding samples. A support tube 204 is integrally formed outside the tube body 203 and extends away from the open end. The support tube 204 supports the tube body 203 on the support portion 111 to stabilize it, thus facilitating the insertion of the sampling needle into the tube body 203 for sampling. The structure is stable and reliable. It is understood that the test tube 200 of this embodiment has a small capacity and can be used as a capillary blood test tube to hold small amounts of sample.

[0050] In this embodiment, the sample analyzer 100 also includes a sampling mechanism, which includes a sampling needle and a sampling drive. The sampling drive is disposed on one side of the support 21 and is used to drive the sampling needle to extend into the test tube 200. Specifically, the sampling needle is located on the upper side of the support platform 214, and the gripper 31, the first straightening block 22a, and the sampling needle are arranged sequentially and at intervals along the support platform 214. The gripper 31 grasps the test tube 200 and mixes the sample in the test tube 200. After the gripper 31 puts the mixed test tube 200 back into the placement slot 11, it straightens the test tube 200 in the left-right direction. Then, the first straightening block 22a and the second straightening block 22b straighten the test tube 200 in the front-back direction. When the straightened test tube 200 moves to the position of the corresponding sampling needle, the driving component drives the sampling needle to extend into the vertically placed test tube 200 for sampling, which effectively prevents the sampling needle from bending and improves the reliability of sampling.

[0051] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and does not limit the patent scope of the present invention. Any equivalent structural transformations made using the contents of the present invention's specification and drawings under the inventive concept of the present invention, or direct / indirect applications in other related technical fields, are included within the patent protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A sample analyzer, characterized in that, The sample analyzer includes: A sample rack having slots for holding test tubes; A transport mechanism, comprising a support, a moving drive component, and straightening blocks, wherein a transport channel is formed within the support, the moving drive component is used to drive the sample rack to move along the transport channel, and straightening blocks are provided on one side of the support facing the transport channel; The support includes a first support plate and a second support plate arranged at intervals, the first support plate and the second support plate forming the transport channel, and the straightening block is provided on the side of the first support plate and the second support plate facing the transport channel. The straightening block on the first support plate is the first straightening block, and the straightening block on the second support plate is the second straightening block; the test tube is covered with a cap, and the second straightening block is arranged corresponding to the cap; the first straightening block and the second straightening block are arranged flush or staggered in the vertical direction, and staggered in the horizontal direction; A mixing mechanism, comprising a gripper and a gripper drive, wherein the gripper drive is disposed on one side of the support and is used to drive the gripper to move closer to or away from the transport channel; the gripper drive can drive the gripper to move toward the transport channel so that the gripper touches the test tube and straightens the test tube in the left-right direction.

2. The sample analyzer as described in claim 1, characterized in that, A support platform is formed at the upper end of the first support plate, and the first straightening block is disposed on the support platform and protrudes into the transport channel.

3. The sample analyzer as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The gripper is located on the upper side of the support platform, and the gripper and the first straightening block are spaced apart along the transport channel.

4. The sample analyzer as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The second support plate is provided with a vertically extending support arm, and the second straightening block is provided on the side of the support arm facing the transport channel.

5. The sample analyzer as described in any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The gripper includes two symmetrically arranged clamping plates, each clamping plate including a clamping section and a straightening section connected to each other, and the distance between the two straightening sections gradually increases in the direction away from the clamping section.

6. The sample analyzer as described in any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The bottom wall of the placement groove forms an arc-shaped support portion, which is recessed in a direction away from the opening of the placement groove.

7. The sample analyzer as described in any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The test tube includes a bottom tube wall and a side tube wall surrounding the outer periphery of the bottom tube wall. The bottom tube wall is arc-shaped and protrudes in a direction away from the side tube wall; or, the test tube includes a tube body and a support tube sleeved on the outside of the tube body.

8. The sample analyzer as described in any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The sample analyzer also includes a sampling mechanism, which includes a sampling needle and a sampling drive. The sampling drive is disposed on one side of the support and is used to drive the sampling needle to extend into the test tube.

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