Reagent preparation apparatus and its control method, storage medium, and sample analysis system

Abstract

This invention relates to the field of medical devices and discloses a reagent preparation apparatus, a sample analysis system, a control method for the reagent preparation apparatus, and a storage medium. The reagent preparation apparatus includes an instrument execution body, a liquid volume monitoring device, and a controller. The instrument execution body includes a water storage container, a reagent storage container, and a drainage device. The controller is configured to control the instrument execution body to perform a first quantitative step, a first mixing step, and a first reagent storage step. The controller is also configured to: if, based on feedback information from the liquid volume monitoring device, it is determined that the reagent level in the reagent storage container is greater than or equal to a preset value after completing the first reagent storage step, then, after completing the first reagent storage step, control the drainage device to start emptying the water in the water storage container. During the process of stopping operation or in standby mode, the water storage container of this invention is empty, avoiding the adverse phenomenon of bacteria and other microorganisms growing due to prolonged stagnation of water in the water storage container.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of medical devices, and more particularly to a reagent preparation apparatus, a sample analysis system having the reagent preparation apparatus, a control method for the reagent preparation apparatus, and a storage medium for the control method. Background Technology

[0002] Water left stagnant for extended periods without flow is prone to bacterial and other microbial growth. A diluent is a reagent preparation device that uses pure water to reduce a reagent stock solution (i.e., concentrated reagent) to produce a new reagent. Dilution devices typically include a water storage container for storing pure water. In traditional techniques, when the diluent is not in use or is in standby mode, a large amount of pure water is left in the storage container for future use, or the water is drained after a period of inactivity or standby. This can lead to the presence of bacteria and other microorganisms in the storage container and related channels when the diluent is restarted. Consequently, the reagent subsequently obtained from the diluent may contain microorganisms, affecting the accuracy of measurement results from sample processing devices using that reagent. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The first objective of this invention is to provide a reagent preparation apparatus that addresses the technical problem of bacterial growth in conventional reagent preparation apparatuses.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides a reagent preparation apparatus, comprising:

[0005] The instrument execution body includes a reagent stock solution supply device, a water storage container, a quantitative device, a mixing device, a reagent storage container, a drainage device, and a reagent delivery pipeline assembly;

[0006] A liquid volume monitoring device is used to monitor the amount of reagent in the reagent storage container;

[0007] The controller is configured to control the instrument execution body to perform a first reagent preparation cycle, the first reagent preparation cycle comprising the following steps performed sequentially:

[0008] The first quantitative step includes a first reagent stock solution quantitative step and a first water quantitative step. The first reagent stock solution quantitative step includes: controlling the quantitative device to measure the reagent stock solution from the reagent stock solution supply device and controlling the quantitative device to deliver the measured reagent stock solution to the mixing device; the first water quantitative step includes: controlling the quantitative device to measure water from the water storage container and controlling the quantitative device to deliver the measured water to the mixing device.

[0009] The first mixing step involves controlling the mixing device to mix the reagent stock solution and water to prepare the reagent.

[0010] In the first reagent storage step, the reagent delivery pipeline assembly is controlled to deliver the reagent in the mixing device to the reagent storage container.

[0011] The controller is also configured to: if, based on feedback information from the liquid volume monitoring device, it is determined that the amount of reagent in the reagent storage container is greater than or equal to a preset value after the first reagent storage step is completed, then after the first reagent storage step is completed, control the drainage device to start draining the water in the water storage container.

[0012] A second objective of the present invention is to provide a sample analysis system comprising the above-described reagent preparation apparatus and at least one sample processing apparatus, wherein the reagent storage container is connected to the sample processing apparatus for supplying the reagent to the sample processing apparatus.

[0013] A third objective of this invention is to provide a control method for a reagent preparation apparatus, comprising a first reagent preparation cycle, a data analysis step, and a drainage step;

[0014] The first reagent preparation cycle includes a first quantitative step, a first mixing step, and a first reagent storage step performed sequentially.

[0015] The first quantitative step includes a first reagent stock solution quantitative sub-step and a first water quantitative sub-step. The first reagent stock solution quantitative sub-step includes: controlling the quantitative device to measure the reagent stock solution from the reagent stock solution supply device and controlling the quantitative device to deliver the measured reagent stock solution to the mixing device.

[0016] The first water metering sub-step includes: controlling the metering device to measure water from the water storage container and controlling the metering device to deliver the measured water to the mixing device;

[0017] The first mixing step includes: controlling the mixing device to mix the reagent stock solution and water to prepare a reagent;

[0018] The first reagent storage step includes: controlling the reagent delivery pipeline assembly to deliver the reagent in the mixing device to the reagent storage container;

[0019] The data analysis step includes: obtaining feedback information from the liquid volume monitoring device, determining whether the amount of reagent in the reagent storage container is greater than or equal to a preset value after the first reagent storage step is completed; if so, controlling the start of the drainage step after the first reagent storage step is completed.

[0020] The drainage step includes: controlling the drainage device to empty the water in the water storage container.

[0021] A fourth objective of the present invention is to provide a storage medium storing computer-executable instructions, which, when executed by at least one controller of a reagent preparation apparatus or a sample analysis system, perform the aforementioned control method for the reagent preparation apparatus.

[0022] The reagent preparation apparatus, sample analysis system, control method for the reagent preparation apparatus, and storage medium provided by this invention monitor the reagent level in the reagent storage container using a liquid volume monitoring device. If, based on feedback from the liquid volume monitoring device, the reagent level in the storage container is greater than or equal to a preset value after one reagent preparation cycle is completed, the reagent level in the storage container is considered to have reached the rated value. After completing the reagent storage step of the reagent preparation cycle, the drainage device is activated to empty the water in the storage container. After the reagent preparation apparatus completes the initiated reagent preparation cycle, the reagent preparation apparatus is controlled to stop or pause reagent preparation. Because the reagent preparation apparatus activates the control to empty the water in the storage container before or after stopping or pausing reagent preparation, there is no water in the storage container during the reagent preparation apparatus's shutdown or standby process. This effectively avoids the adverse phenomenon of bacteria and other microorganisms growing due to prolonged stagnation of water in the storage container, thereby ensuring the accuracy of sample measurement results. Attached Figure Description

[0023] 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.

[0024] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the pipeline connection of the sample analysis system provided in Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the reagent preparation apparatus provided in Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 3 This is a timing diagram of the two reagent preparation cycles and drainage steps provided in Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the pipeline connection of the sample analysis system provided in Embodiment 2 of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the pipeline connection of the sample analysis system provided in Embodiment 3 of the present invention.

[0029] Reference numerals: 100, Reagent preparation apparatus; 110, Instrument actuator; 111, Reagent stock solution supply device; 112, Water storage container; 1121, First drain outlet; 113, Quantitative device; 1131, First quantitative container; 1132, Second quantitative container; 1133, Second drain outlet; 114, Mixing device; 1141, Third drain outlet; 115, Reagent storage container; 116, Drainage device; 1161, First drain valve; 1162, Drainage pipeline; 1163, Second drain valve; 1164, Third drain valve; 117, Reagent delivery pipeline assembly; 1171, Delivery pipeline; 1172, Control liquid valve; 118, Fluid Drive component; 1181, positive pressure air source; 1182, control air valve; 119, fourth drain valve; 1100, water inlet pipe; 1101, water conductivity sensor; 1102, waste liquid channel; 120, liquid volume monitoring device; 121, first liquid level detection component; 122, second liquid level detection component; 130, controller; 200, sample processing device; S10, first reagent preparation cycle; S11, first quantitative step; S12, first mixing step; S13, first reagent storage step; S20, second reagent preparation cycle; S21, second quantitative step; S22, second mixing step; S23, second reagent storage step; S30, draining step. Detailed Implementation

[0030] 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 a part of the embodiments of the present invention, and not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0031] It should be noted that all directional indications (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, etc.) in the embodiments of the present invention are only used to explain the relative positional relationship and movement of each component in a certain specific posture. If the specific posture changes, the directional indication will also change accordingly.

[0032] It should also be noted that when a component is referred to as being "fixed to" or "set on" another component, it can be directly on the other component or may be connected to an intermediary component. When a component is referred to as being "connected to" another component, it can be directly connected to the other component or indirectly connected to the other component through an intermediary component.

[0033] Furthermore, the use of terms such as "first" and "second" in this invention is 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. Therefore, a feature defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. Additionally, the technical solutions of the various embodiments can be combined with each other, but only on the basis of being achievable by those skilled in the art. When the combination of technical solutions is contradictory or impossible to implement, such a combination of technical solutions should be considered non-existent and not within the scope of protection claimed by this invention.

[0034] Example 1:

[0035] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, a reagent preparation apparatus 100 provided in Embodiment 1 of the present invention includes an instrument execution body 110, a liquid volume monitoring device 120, and a controller 130. The instrument execution body 110 is the execution body of the reagent preparation apparatus 100, and it is mainly used to perform reagent preparation. The liquid volume monitoring device 120 is mainly used to monitor the amount of reagent in the instrument execution body 110. The controller 130 is used to control the instrument execution body 110, and to receive feedback information from the liquid volume monitoring device 120, and to further adjust the working state of the instrument execution body 110 based on the feedback information from the liquid volume monitoring device 120.

[0036] Specifically, refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the instrument's main body 110 includes a reagent stock solution supply device 111, a water storage container 112, a metering device 113, a mixing device 114, a reagent storage container 115, a drainage device 116, and a reagent delivery pipeline assembly 117. The metering device 113 is connected to the reagent stock solution supply device 111, the water storage container 112, and the mixing device 114. The water storage container 112 supplies water to the metering device 113, and the reagent stock solution supply device 111 supplies reagent stock solution to the metering device 113. The metering device 113 measures water from the water storage container 112 and delivers it to the mixing device 114, and measures reagent stock solution from the reagent stock solution supply device 111 and delivers it to the mixing device 114. The mixing device 114 mixes the water measured by the metering device 113 and the reagent stock solution to prepare a reagent. The reagent delivery pipeline assembly 117 delivers the reagent prepared by the mixing device 114 to the reagent storage container 115. The reagent storage container 115 is used to buffer the reagents prepared by the mixing device 114, so that the instrument actuator 110 can continuously prepare reagents. The drainage device 116 is used to empty the water in the water storage container 112. The liquid level monitoring device 120 is used to monitor the amount of reagent in the reagent storage container 115.

[0037] Specifically, refer to Figures 1 to 3As shown, the controller 130 is configured to control the instrument execution body 110 to execute the first reagent preparation cycle S10. The first reagent preparation cycle S10 is the cycle in which the instrument execution body 110 executes one reagent preparation process, which includes a quantitative step, a mixing step, and a reagent storage step. Specifically, the first reagent preparation cycle S10 includes the following steps performed in sequence: a first quantitative step S11, a first mixing step S12, and a first reagent storage step S13. The first quantitative step S11 includes a first reagent stock solution quantitative sub-step and a first water quantitative sub-step. The first reagent stock solution quantitative sub-step includes: controlling the quantitative device 113 to measure the reagent stock solution from the reagent stock solution supply device 111 and controlling the quantitative device 113 to transport the measured reagent stock solution to the mixing device 114; the first water quantitative sub-step includes: controlling the quantitative device 113 to measure water from the water storage container 112 and controlling the quantitative device 113 to transport the measured water to the mixing device 114. The first mixing step S12 includes: controlling the mixing device 114 to mix the reagent stock solution and water to prepare a reagent. The first reagent storage step S13 includes: controlling the reagent delivery pipeline assembly 117 to deliver the reagent in the mixing device 114 to the reagent storage container 115.

[0038] Reference Figures 1 to 3 As shown, in one embodiment, the controller 130 is further configured to: if, based on feedback information from the liquid level monitoring device 120, it is determined that the reagent level in the reagent storage container 115 is greater than or equal to a preset value after completing the first reagent storage step S13, then, after completing the first reagent storage step S13, control the drainage device 116 to start draining the water in the water storage container 112. In this embodiment, based on the reagent level detected by the liquid level monitoring device 120 in the reagent storage container 115, it is determined whether the reagent level in the reagent storage container 115 is greater than or equal to a preset value after completing one reagent preparation cycle. If so, then after completing the reagent preparation cycle, the water in the water storage container 112 is drained. This ensures that when the reagent preparation device 100 stops working or is in standby mode, there is no water in the water storage container 112, thereby effectively preventing the adverse phenomenon of bacteria and other microorganisms growing due to prolonged stagnation of water in the water storage container 112.

[0039] In one implementation, the controller 130 is further configured to: if, based on feedback information from the liquid level monitoring device 120, it is determined that after completing the first reagent storage step S13, the reagent level in the reagent storage container 115 is greater than or equal to a preset value, then after the reagent preparation device 100 completes all currently started reagent preparation cycles, the controller controls the reagent preparation device 100 to stop or pause reagent preparation, and after completing all currently started reagent preparation cycles and draining the water, the controller controls the reagent preparation device 100 to enter a shutdown state or a standby state. In this implementation, since the reagent preparation device 100 starts controlling the draining of water from the water storage container 112 before or after stopping or pausing reagent preparation, there is no water in the water storage container 112 during the shutdown or standby process, thus effectively preventing the adverse phenomenon of bacteria and other microorganisms growing due to prolonged stagnation of water in the water storage container 112.

[0040] As one implementation, the preset value is the rated capacity of the reagent storage container 115, and the preset value is less than the full-load capacity (i.e., maximum capacity) of the reagent storage container 115. Setting the preset value to be less than the full-load capacity of the reagent storage container 115 is mainly used to prevent reagents from overflowing from the reagent storage container 115 during reagent preparation. Of course, in specific applications, as an alternative implementation, the preset value can also be set to be equal to the full-load capacity of the reagent storage container 115.

[0041] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, in one embodiment, the controller 130 is also configured to control the instrument execution body 110 to execute the second reagent preparation cycle S20. Similar to the first reagent preparation cycle S10, the second reagent preparation cycle S20 is also a cycle in which the instrument execution body 110 executes one reagent preparation process, which also includes a quantitative step, a mixing step, and a reagent storage step. The first reagent preparation cycle S10 is one reagent preparation process, and the second reagent preparation cycle S20 is another reagent preparation process.

[0042] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 3As shown, specifically, the second reagent preparation cycle S20 includes a second quantitative step S21, a second mixing step S22, and a second reagent storage step S23 performed sequentially. The second quantitative step S21 includes a second reagent stock solution quantitative sub-step and a second water quantitative sub-step. The second reagent stock solution quantitative sub-step includes: controlling the quantitative device 113 to measure the reagent stock solution from the reagent stock solution supply device 111 and controlling the quantitative device 113 to deliver the measured reagent stock solution to the mixing device 114. The second water quantitative sub-step includes: controlling the quantitative device 113 to measure water from the water storage container 112 and controlling the quantitative device 113 to deliver the measured water to the mixing device 114. The second mixing step S22 includes: controlling the mixing device 114 to mix the reagent stock solution and water to prepare the reagent. The second reagent storage step S23 includes: controlling the reagent delivery pipeline assembly 117 to deliver the reagent in the mixing device 114 to the reagent storage container 115.

[0043] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, in one embodiment, the controller 130 is further configured to: when the first reagent preparation cycle S10 reaches the first node, control the instrument execution body 110 to start executing the second reagent preparation cycle S20; wherein, the first node is set after the completion of the first quantitative step S11 and before the completion of the first reagent storage step S13. In this embodiment, the execution of the first reagent preparation cycle S10 and the second reagent preparation cycle S20 overlaps in time, that is, the two reagent preparation processes overlap in time, which is beneficial to improving the efficiency of reagent preparation. Specifically, after the completion of the first quantitative step S11, the quantitative device 113 is already in an idle state. At this time, the second quantitative step S21 is started to make full use of the resource configuration of the quantitative device 113, thereby improving the working efficiency of the reagent preparation device 100. Of course, in specific applications, as an alternative embodiment, the first reagent preparation cycle S10 and the second reagent preparation cycle S20 can also be set to not overlap in time, that is, the second reagent preparation cycle S20 is started after the completion of the first reagent preparation cycle S10.

[0044] As one implementation method, to avoid interference between the liquid quantified in the second reagent preparation cycle S20 and the reagent prepared in the first reagent preparation cycle S10 in the mixing device, the following measures can be taken: in the second quantitative step S21, the time for measuring the liquid to the quantitative device 113 is set to be greater than or equal to the sum of the times of the first mixing step S12 and the first reagent storage step S13; or, in the second quantitative step S21, the time for measuring the liquid to the quantitative device 113 is set to be less than the sum of the times of the first mixing step S12 and the first reagent storage step S13, and in the second quantitative step S21, after completing the measurement of the liquid to the quantitative device 113, the liquid is temporarily stored in the quantitative device 113, and after completing the first mixing step S12 and the first reagent storage step S13, the liquid measured in the quantitative device 113 in the second quantitative step S21 is then transported to the mixing device.

[0045] In one implementation method, the first node is positioned after the completion of the first mixing step S12 and before the completion of the first reagent storage step S13. This arrangement, while ensuring efficiency, also helps to better avoid interference between the liquid quantitatively prepared in the second reagent preparation cycle S20 and the reagent prepared in the first reagent preparation cycle S10 within the mixing device. In this embodiment, to avoid interference between the liquid quantified in the second reagent preparation cycle S20 and the reagent prepared in the first reagent preparation cycle S10 in the mixing device, the following measures can be taken: in the second quantitative step S21, the time for measuring the liquid to the quantitative device 113 is set to be greater than or equal to the time for the first reagent storage step S13; or, in the second quantitative step S21, the time for measuring the liquid to the quantitative device 113 is set to be less than the time for the first reagent storage step S13, and in the second quantitative step S21, after the liquid is measured to the quantitative device 113, the liquid is temporarily stored in the quantitative device 113, and after the first reagent storage step S13 is completed, the liquid measured in the quantitative device 113 in the second quantitative step S21 is then transported to the mixing device.

[0046] As a preferred embodiment, the difference between the full-load capacity of the reagent storage container 115 and a preset value is greater than or equal to the amount of reagent prepared in one reagent preparation cycle. With this configuration, once the reagent level in the reagent storage container 115 reaches the preset value, the container can still receive reagents prepared in at least one more reagent preparation cycle. Since the second reagent preparation cycle S20 is started before the first preparation cycle S10 is completed, this embodiment avoids reagent overflow from the reagent storage container 115 during the process of transferring the prepared reagents to the container during the second preparation cycle S20.

[0047] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 3As shown, in one embodiment, the controller 130 is further configured to: if, based on feedback information from the liquid level monitoring device 120, it is determined that the reagent level in the reagent storage container 115 is greater than or equal to a preset value after completing the first reagent storage step S13, then, after the second reagent preparation cycle S20 reaches the second node or after completing the second reagent storage step S23, control the drainage device 116 to start emptying the water in the water storage container 112; wherein, the second node is set after completing the second water quantification sub-step and before completing the second reagent storage step S23, that is, the drainage device 116 can start emptying the water in the water storage container 112 at any node between completing the second water quantification sub-step and completing the second reagent storage step S23. In this embodiment, since the second reagent preparation cycle S20 has already started before the first reagent preparation cycle S10 is completed, in order to avoid the second reagent preparation cycle S20 being unable to properly quantify water after the water storage container 112 is emptied, the emptying of the water storage container 112 needs to be started after the second reagent preparation cycle S20 has completed the water quantification.

[0048] In one implementation, the reagent level in the reagent storage container 115 is determined by the liquid level monitoring device 120 detecting the actual reagent level in the reagent storage container 115. The controller 130 is configured to obtain the actual reagent level based on feedback information from the liquid level monitoring device 120 during or after the execution of the first reagent storage step S13. Specifically, the liquid level monitoring device 120 will generate a trigger signal indicating that the reagent level in the reagent storage container 115 has reached the preset value only after the reagent level in the reagent storage container 115 reaches the preset value. Upon receiving this trigger signal, the controller 130 can determine that the reagent level in the reagent storage container 115 is greater than or equal to the preset value; if the controller 130 does not receive the trigger signal, it determines that the reagent level in the reagent storage container 115 is less than the preset value.

[0049] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, in one embodiment, the liquid level monitoring device 120 includes a first liquid level detection component 121, which is used to monitor whether the reagent level in the reagent storage container 115 has reached a first liquid level. The controller 130 is further configured to: when it is determined, based on the feedback information from the first liquid level detection component 121, that the reagent level in the reagent storage container 115 has reached the first liquid level, determine that the reagent quantity in the reagent storage container 115 has reached a preset value. The first liquid level detection component 121 has a detection part located at the first liquid level. In this embodiment, by setting a detection part at a fixed height position in the reagent storage container 115 and using this detection part to detect whether the reagent in the reagent storage container 115 has reached the first liquid level, thereby determining whether the reagent quantity in the reagent storage container 115 has reached the preset value, this setting method is easy to implement, the structure of the liquid level monitoring device 120 is relatively simple, and the control of the controller 130 is also relatively simple.

[0050] In one embodiment, the first liquid level detection component 121 includes at least one of an electrode group, a capacitive sensor, an optocoupler detector, and an ultrasonic detector. In a preferred embodiment, the first liquid level detection component 121 is an electrode group, comprising two first electrodes spaced horizontally and connected to the controller 130. When the reagent in the reagent storage container 115 has not reached the first liquid level, the circuit formed by the two first electrodes and the controller 130 is disconnected. When the reagent in the reagent storage container 115 reaches the first liquid level, the reagent conducts through the two first electrodes, forming a closed circuit with the controller 130. Upon receiving the current signal from the first electrodes, the controller 130 determines that the reagent level in the reagent storage container 115 has reached the first liquid level.

[0051] In one implementation, the liquid level monitoring device 120 further includes a second liquid level detection component 122, which monitors whether the reagent level in the reagent storage container 115 has reached a second liquid level, which is lower than the first liquid level. The controller 130 is also configured to: when, based on feedback information from the second liquid level detection component 122, it is determined that the reagent level in the reagent storage container 115 is lower than the second liquid level, then it determines that the reagent level in the reagent storage container 115 is insufficient, and controls the instrument execution body 110 to start the reagent preparation process. The inclusion of the second liquid level detection component 122 allows the reagent preparation device 100 to automatically start reagent preparation when the reagent level in the reagent storage container 115 is insufficient, thereby improving the automation level of the reagent preparation device 100 and ensuring the continuous stability of the sample analysis system. Of course, in specific applications, as an alternative implementation, the second liquid level detection component 122 may not be provided, and users or other operators can determine whether the reagent level in the reagent storage container 115 is insufficient by observing through a window.

[0052] In one embodiment, the second liquid level detection component 122 includes at least one of an electrode assembly, a capacitive sensor, an optocoupler detector, and an ultrasonic detector. The specific structure and working principle of the second liquid level detection component 122 can be referred to the first liquid level detection component 121, and will not be described in detail here.

[0053] In one implementation, the controller 130 is configured to control the instrument execution body 110 to execute the third reagent preparation cycle before executing the first reagent preparation cycle S10. Similar to the first reagent preparation cycle S10 and the second reagent preparation cycle S20, the third reagent preparation cycle is also a cycle in which the instrument execution body 110 executes one reagent preparation process, which also includes a quantitative step, a mixing step, and a reagent storage step. The third reagent preparation cycle, the first reagent preparation cycle S10, and the second reagent preparation cycle S20 constitute a three-stage reagent preparation process. In specific applications, the controller 130 first controls the start of the third reagent preparation cycle, then controls the start of the first reagent preparation cycle S10, and finally controls the start of the second reagent preparation cycle S20. In this embodiment, the instrument execution body 110 needs to execute three reagent preparation cycles, and the capacity of the reagent storage container 115 is at least greater than the amount of reagent prepared in the three reagent preparation cycles. Of course, in specific applications, the number of reagent preparation cycles and the capacity of the reagent storage container 115 are not limited to these. For example, as an alternative implementation, the capacity of the reagent storage container 115 can also be set to be less than the amount of reagent prepared in three reagent preparation cycles. The instrument execution body 110 can only execute the first reagent preparation cycle S10 and the second reagent preparation cycle S20, without setting a third reagent preparation cycle. Alternatively, as another alternative implementation, the capacity of the reagent storage container 115 can also be set to be greater than the amount of reagent prepared in four or more reagent preparation cycles. The instrument execution body 110 executes four or more reagent preparation cycles before the storage capacity of the reagent storage container 115 reaches the preset value.

[0054] Specifically, the third reagent preparation cycle includes a sequentially performed quantitative step, a mixing step, and a reagent storage step. The third quantitative step includes a third reagent stock solution quantitative sub-step and a third water quantitative sub-step. The third reagent stock solution quantitative sub-step includes: controlling the quantitative device 113 to measure the reagent stock solution from the reagent stock solution supply device 111 and controlling the quantitative device 113 to deliver the measured reagent stock solution to the mixing device 114. The third water quantitative sub-step includes: controlling the quantitative device 113 to measure water from the water storage container 112 and controlling the quantitative device 113 to deliver the measured water to the mixing device 114. The third mixing step includes: controlling the mixing device 114 to mix the reagent stock solution and water to prepare the reagent. The third reagent storage step includes: controlling the reagent delivery pipeline assembly 117 to deliver the reagent in the mixing device 114 to the reagent storage container 115.

[0055] In one implementation, the controller 130 is further configured to: when the third reagent preparation cycle reaches the third node, control the instrument execution body 110 to start executing the first reagent preparation cycle S10; and if, based on feedback information from the liquid volume monitoring device 120, it is determined that after the third reagent storage step is completed, the reagent quantity in the reagent storage container 115 is less than a preset value, then when the first reagent preparation cycle S10 reaches the first node, control the instrument execution body 110 to start executing the second reagent preparation cycle S20; wherein, the third node is set after the completion of the third quantitative step and before the completion of the third reagent storage step. In this implementation, the execution of the third reagent preparation cycle and the first reagent preparation cycle S10 overlaps in time, and the principle and method of overlap are similar to the partial overlap of the first reagent preparation cycle S10 and the second reagent preparation cycle S20. When the instrument execution body 110 executes more than four reagent preparation cycles before the reagent storage container 115 reaches the preset value, any two adjacent reagent preparation cycles also partially overlap in time, and the method of overlap is similar to the partial overlap of the first reagent preparation cycle S10 and the second reagent preparation cycle S20.

[0056] Reference Figure 1 As shown, in one embodiment, the water storage container 112 is provided with a first drain outlet 1121, and the drainage device 116 is connected to the first drain outlet 1121. When it is necessary to empty the water in the water storage container 112, the drainage device 116 can directly drain the water in the water storage container 112 through the first drain outlet 1121.

[0057] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, in one embodiment, the drainage device 116 includes a first drainage valve 1161, which is connected to a first drainage port 1121. The controller 130 is configured to: if, based on feedback information from the liquid volume monitoring device 120, it is determined that after completing the first reagent storage step S13, the reagent volume in the reagent storage container 115 is greater than or equal to a preset value, then after completing the second water quantification sub-step, or the second water quantification sub-step and the second reagent stock solution quantification sub-step, or the second mixing step S22, or the second reagent storage step S23, control the first drainage valve 1161 to open to drain the water in the water storage container 112. In this embodiment, since the drainage device 116 drains water directly from the water storage container 112, after determining that the amount of reagent in the reagent storage container 115 is greater than or equal to the preset value after the completion of the first reagent storage step S13, the water in the water storage container 112 can be drained at any node between the completion of the second water quantification sub-step and the completion of the second reagent storage step S23. Moreover, this drainage action will not affect the normal execution of the second reagent preparation cycle S20.

[0058] In one embodiment, the drainage device 116 includes a drainage pipe 1162 and a first drain valve 1161 disposed on the drainage pipe 1162. In this embodiment, one end of the drainage pipe 1162 is connected to a first drain outlet 1121. The first drain valve 1161 is a two-position two-way valve with two working positions. In one working position, the first drain valve 1161 is in the open state, the drainage pipe 1162 is in the conducting state, and water in the water storage container 112 can be discharged from the drainage pipe 1162; in the other working position, the first drain valve 1161 is in the closed state, the drainage pipe 1162 is in the disconnected state, and water in the water storage container 112 cannot be discharged from the drainage pipe 1162.

[0059] As one implementation method, the first drain valve 1161 is a two-position two-way solenoid valve, which is simple to control. Specifically, when the first drain valve 1161 is energized, the drain valve is in the open state; when de-energized, the first drain valve 1161 is in the closed state.

[0060] In one implementation, the instrument execution body 110 also includes a third drain valve 1164, which is connected to the mixing device to discharge the waste liquid of the mixing device.

[0061] Reference Figure 1As shown, in one embodiment, the instrument execution body 110 also includes a water inlet pipe 1100, a water conductivity sensor 1101, and a fourth drain valve 119. The water inlet pipe 1100 is used to transport external water to the water storage container 112. The water conductivity sensor 1101 is installed on the water inlet pipe 1100 to detect the conductivity parameter of the water transported to the water storage container 112. The fourth drain valve 119 is connected to the water inlet pipe 1100 to drain the water in the water inlet pipe 1100.

[0062] Reference Figure 1 As shown, in one embodiment, the instrument execution body 110 also includes a waste liquid channel 1102, and a drainage device 116 is connected to the waste liquid channel 1102 to drain water into the waste liquid channel 1102. The waste liquid channel 1102 can be a wastewater tank.

[0063] In one implementation, the first drain valve 1161, the third drain valve 1164, and the fourth drain valve 119 are connected to the same waste liquid channel 1102. Of course, in specific applications, any two of the first drain valve 1161, the third drain valve 1164, and the fourth drain valve 119 can also be connected to different waste liquid channels 1102.

[0064] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, in one embodiment, the instrument actuator 110 further includes a fluid drive component 118, which is connected to the water storage container 112 to provide driving force for water to be discharged from the water storage container 112. The controller 130 is also used to control the operation of the fluid drive component 118. The inclusion of the fluid drive component 118 can help improve the efficiency of water output from the water storage container 112.

[0065] Reference Figure 1 As shown, in one embodiment, the fluid drive component 118 includes a positive pressure air source 1181 and a control air valve 1182. The positive pressure air source 1181 can place the water storage container 112 into a positive pressure environment; the control air valve 1182 is used to control the connection or closure of the positive pressure air source 1181 and the water storage container 112. In this embodiment, the fluid drive component 118 is a pneumatic component, which can simultaneously provide driving force for the drainage of the drain pipe 1162 and the metering of water by the metering device 113. Of course, in specific applications, the arrangement of the fluid drive component 118 is not limited to this. For example, as an alternative embodiment, the fluid drive component 118 can also be a liquid pump, which is located on the drain pipe 1162 and / or on the connecting pipe between the water storage container 112 and the metering device 113.

[0066] In one implementation, the control valve 1182 is a two-position three-way valve. Its three ports are connected to a positive pressure air source 1181, a normal pressure air source, and a water storage container 112, respectively. It can control the water storage container 112 to switch between the positive pressure air source 1181 and the normal pressure air source. Alternatively, in a specific application, the control valve 1182 can also be a two-position two-way valve. Its two ports are connected to the positive pressure air source 1181 and the water storage container 112, respectively. The normal pressure air source can be connected to the water storage container 112 through another two-position two-way valve.

[0067] In one implementation, the controller 130 is configured to: when the drain device 116 is to drain the water in the water storage container 112, control the drain valve to open and control the control air valve 1182 to connect the positive pressure air source 1181 to the water storage container 112; and after the water in the water storage container 112 is drained, control the drain valve to remain open for a preset time and control the control air valve 1182 to maintain the connection between the positive pressure air source 1181 and the water storage container 112 for a preset time. In this embodiment, after the water in the water storage container 112 is drained, air continues to be blown into the water storage container 112 and the drain pipe 1162 for a period of time, thereby using the air to dry the water remaining in the dead volume of the water storage container 112, which further reduces the possibility of bacteria and other microorganisms growing in the water storage container 112.

[0068] Reference Figure 1 As shown, in one embodiment, the metering device 113 includes a first metering container 1131 and a second metering container 1132. The first metering container 1131 and the second metering container 1132 are two independent metering containers. The first metering container 1131 is used to measure water, and the second metering container 1132 is used to measure the reagent stock solution. The mixing device 114 includes a mixing container. In this embodiment, water and reagent stock solution are metered using two independent metering containers. This allows the metering of water and reagent stock solution to be carried out in parallel, thereby improving metering efficiency. Furthermore, it avoids cross-contamination during the metering of water and reagent stock solution, thus improving metering accuracy. Of course, in specific applications, the arrangement of the metering device 113 is not limited to this. For example, as an alternative embodiment, the metering device 113 may also include only one metering container, which can be used multiple times to meter water and reagent stock solution. For example, the metering of the reagent stock solution can be completed first, followed by the metering of water.

[0069] In one implementation, the first metering container 1131 is a first metering pool, and the second metering container 1132 is a second metering pool. The first metering container 1131 is used to measure the required amount of water in one reagent preparation cycle; the second metering container 1132 is used to measure the required amount of reagent stock solution in one reagent preparation cycle. For example, if x ml of water and y ml of reagent stock solution are needed in one reagent preparation cycle, then the first metering container 1131 is used to measure x ml of water at once, and the second metering container 1132 is used to measure y ml of reagent stock solution at once. Using this implementation, the metering of water and the metering of reagent stock solution can be completed in one operation, without the need for repeated operations, greatly improving the efficiency of reagent preparation. Of course, in specific applications, the first metering container 1131 and the second metering container 1132 are not limited to the setting of metering pools. For example, as an alternative implementation, the first metering container 1131 and the second metering container 1132 can also be a diaphragm metering pump.

[0070] Reference Figure 1 As shown, in one embodiment, the reagent delivery pipeline assembly 117 includes a delivery pipeline 1171 and a control liquid valve 1172. The delivery pipeline 1171 is connected between the mixing device 114 and the reagent storage container 115. The control liquid valve 1172 is provided on the delivery pipeline 1171 for controlling the opening and closing of the delivery pipeline 1171.

[0071] In one embodiment, the control valve 1172 is a two-position two-way valve. More preferably, the control valve 1172 is a two-position two-way solenoid valve.

[0072] Reference Figure 1As shown, this embodiment also provides a sample analysis system, which includes the reagent preparation device 100 described above and at least one sample processing device 200. A reagent storage container 115 is connected to the sample processing device 200 for supplying reagents to the sample processing device 200. In this embodiment, the reagent preparation device 100 is used to prepare reagents (e.g., diluents) using water and reagent stock solution (i.e., concentrated reagents) for use by at least one sample processing device 200. The reagent storage container 115 is connected between the mixing device 114 and the sample processing device 200 to buffer the reagents prepared by the mixing device 114 and to supply reagents to the sample processing device 200. The reagent storage container 115 allows the reagent preparation device 100 to store a certain amount of prepared reagents to meet the reagent requirements of the sample processing device 200, and allows the preparation of reagents and the supply of reagents from the reagent preparation device 100 to the sample processing device 200 to be carried out simultaneously, thereby helping to ensure the continuous and stable operation of the sample analysis system. The sample analysis system provided in this embodiment, by employing the aforementioned reagent preparation device 100, effectively avoids the adverse phenomenon of the sample processing device 200 outputting incorrect sample detection results due to the presence of bacteria or other microorganisms in the reagents supplied by the reagent preparation device 100.

[0073] As one implementation, the sample processing device 200 included in the sample analysis system includes, but is not limited to, any one or more of the following: a blood cell analyzer (i.e., a blood cell analyzer), a coagulation analyzer, a smear preparation device, an immunoassay analyzer, a biochemical analyzer, and a CRP (C-reactive protein) analyzer.

[0074] In one embodiment, the sample processing apparatus 200 includes a sampling device, a sample processing container, and at least one detection component. The sampling device is used to collect and dispense the collected samples. The sample processing container includes at least one reaction chamber for receiving the sample dispensed by the sampling device and preparing the sample into a specimen. Each detection component is used to perform at least one detection item on a type of specimen.

[0075] In one implementation, the sampling device includes a sample needle, a motion drive device, and a syringe. The motion drive device is used to drive the sample needle to move in space so that the sample needle can move to different positions, such as the sampling position, various sample dispensing positions, and the standby position. The syringe is used to drive the sample needle to aspirate and expel samples.

[0076] In one embodiment, a sample processing device 200 is a blood cell analyzer. The detection components include an optical detection component, a hemoglobin component, and a sheath current impedance detection component. The optical detection component includes a flow chamber and an optical detection element. The optical detection component can be used to detect leukocyte and / or reticulocyte parameters of the sample. The hemoglobin component can be used to detect hemoglobin parameters of the sample. The sheath current impedance detection component is used to detect erythrocyte and / or platelet parameters of the sample. The sample processing container includes a leukocyte reaction chamber, a reticulocyte reaction chamber, and a hemoglobin reaction chamber. The leukocyte reaction chamber is used to prepare leukocyte detection samples, the reticulocyte reaction chamber is used to prepare reticulocyte detection samples, and the hemoglobin reaction chamber is used to first prepare impedance detection samples and then prepare hemoglobin detection samples. Of course, in specific applications, the configuration of the detection device and sample processing container is not limited to this. For example, as an alternative implementation, the detection device may include only one or both of the optical detection component, the hemoglobin detection component, and the sheath current impedance detection component; or, as another alternative implementation, the leukocyte reaction pool and the reticulocyte reaction pool may be integrated into the same reaction pool.

[0077] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown, this embodiment also provides a control method for a reagent preparation apparatus 100, which includes a first reagent preparation cycle S10, a data analysis step, and a drainage step S30; the first reagent preparation cycle S10 includes a first quantitative step S11, a first mixing step S12, and a first reagent storage step S13 performed sequentially.

[0078] Specifically, the first quantitative step S11 includes a first reagent stock solution quantitative sub-step and a first water quantitative sub-step. The first reagent stock solution quantitative sub-step includes: controlling the quantitative device 113 to measure the reagent stock solution from the reagent stock solution supply device 111 and controlling the quantitative device 113 to transport the measured reagent stock solution to the mixing device 114; the first water quantitative sub-step includes: controlling the quantitative device 113 to measure water from the water storage container 112 and controlling the quantitative device 113 to transport the measured water to the mixing device 114. In a preferred embodiment of this example, the quantitative device 113 includes a first quantitative container 1131 and a second quantitative container 1132 that are independent of each other. The first quantitative container 1131 is used for quantitative water, and the second quantitative container 1132 is used for quantitative reagent stock solution. Water and reagent stock solution are quantitatively measured using two independent quantitative channels, which allows the first reagent stock solution quantitative sub-step and the first water quantitative sub-step to work in parallel, which is beneficial to improve the quantitative efficiency and can also avoid the problem of cross-contamination between water and reagent stock solution. Of course, in specific applications, as an alternative implementation, the metering device 113 may also include only one metering container, which can be used for metering water and reagent stock solution in a time-division multiplexing manner. In this alternative implementation, for example, the first reagent stock solution metering sub-step can be performed first, followed by the first water metering sub-step; or, the first water metering sub-step can be performed first, followed by the first reagent stock solution metering sub-step.

[0079] The first mixing step S12 includes: controlling the mixing device 114 to mix the reagent stock solution and water to prepare the reagent.

[0080] The first reagent storage step S13 includes: controlling the reagent delivery pipeline assembly 117 to deliver the reagent in the mixing device 114 to the reagent storage container 115.

[0081] The data analysis steps include: obtaining feedback information from the liquid volume monitoring device 120, determining whether the amount of reagent in the reagent storage container 115 is greater than or equal to a preset value after the first reagent storage step S13 is completed, and if so, controlling the start of the drainage step S30 after the first reagent storage step S13 is completed.

[0082] The drainage step S30 includes: controlling the drainage device 116 to empty the water in the water storage container 112.

[0083] By using the control method of the reagent preparation device 100 in this embodiment, the water storage container 112 is empty when the reagent preparation device 100 stops working or is in standby mode, thereby effectively avoiding the adverse phenomenon of bacteria and other microorganisms growing due to prolonged stagnation of water in the water storage container 112.

[0084] As one implementation, the control method further includes a second reagent preparation cycle S20; the second reagent preparation cycle S20 includes a second quantitative step S21, a second mixing step S22, and a second reagent storage step S23 performed sequentially.

[0085] The second quantitative step S21 can be started at any node after the completion of the first quantitative step S11 and before the completion of the first reagent storage step S13. This configuration allows for temporal overlap between the execution of the first reagent preparation cycle S10 and the second reagent preparation cycle S20, without resource conflicts, thereby improving reagent preparation efficiency. Alternatively, in specific applications, the first reagent preparation cycle S10 and the second reagent preparation cycle S20 can be configured to not overlap in time; that is, the second quantitative step S21 can be started only after the first reagent storage step S13 is completed.

[0086] Specifically, the second quantitative step S21 includes a second reagent stock solution quantitative sub-step and a second water quantitative sub-step. The second reagent stock solution quantitative sub-step includes: controlling the quantitative device 113 to measure the reagent stock solution from the reagent stock solution supply device 111 and controlling the quantitative device 113 to deliver the measured reagent stock solution to the mixing device 114; the second water quantitative sub-step includes: controlling the quantitative device 113 to measure water from the water storage container 112 and controlling the quantitative device 113 to deliver the measured water to the mixing device 114. The implementation of the second quantitative step S21 is similar to that of the first quantitative step S11, and will not be described in detail here.

[0087] The second mixing step S22 includes: controlling the mixing device 114 to mix the reagent stock solution and water to prepare the reagent. The second reagent storage step S23 includes: controlling the reagent delivery pipeline assembly 117 to deliver the reagent in the mixing device 114 to the reagent storage container 115.

[0088] In one implementation, the data analysis steps include: if it is determined that the amount of reagent in the reagent storage container 115 is greater than or equal to a preset value after the completion of the first reagent storage step S13, then the drainage step S30 is started after the completion of the second water quantification sub-step and before the completion of the second reagent storage step S23, or after the completion of the second reagent storage step S23. In this implementation, since the second reagent preparation cycle S20 has already started before the completion of the first reagent preparation cycle S10, in order to avoid the second reagent preparation cycle S20 being unable to properly quantify water after the water storage container 112 is emptied, the emptying of the water storage container 112 should be started after the water quantification of the second reagent preparation cycle S20 is completed.

[0089] In one implementation, during the data analysis step, the reagent level in the reagent storage container 115 is determined by the liquid level monitoring device 120 detecting the actual reagent level in the reagent storage container 115.

[0090] In one implementation, the data analysis step includes: if it is determined that the amount of reagent in the reagent storage container 115 is greater than or equal to a preset value, then when the second water quantification sub-step is completed, the drainage step S30 is started. In this embodiment, the drainage device 116 is connected to the first drain outlet 1121 of the water storage container 112, so that the drainage step S30 can be started when the second water quantification sub-step is completed.

[0091] Of course, in specific applications, the starting node of the drainage step S30 is not limited to this. It can be started at any node between the completion of the second water quantification sub-step and the completion of the second reagent storage step S23. For example, as an alternative implementation, the data analysis step includes: if it is determined that the amount of reagent in the reagent storage container 115 is greater than or equal to a preset value, then when the second quantification step S21 is completed (i.e., the second water quantification sub-step and the second reagent stock solution quantification sub-step are completed), the drainage step S30 is started; or, as another alternative implementation, the data analysis step includes: if it is determined that the amount of reagent in the reagent storage container 115 is greater than or equal to a preset value, then when the second mixing step S22 is completed or at any node during the execution of the second mixing step S22, the drainage step S30 is started; or, as yet another alternative implementation, the data analysis step includes: if it is determined that the amount of reagent in the reagent storage container 115 is greater than or equal to a preset value, then when the second reagent storage step S23 is completed or at any node during the execution of the second reagent storage step S23, the drainage step S30 is started.

[0092] As one implementation, the control method of the reagent preparation apparatus 100 further includes a drying step, which includes: after the drainage step S30, controlling the positive pressure air source 1181 to blow air into the water storage container 112 for a preset time. In this embodiment, after the water in the water storage container 112 is drained, air is continued to be blown into the water storage container 112 for a period of time, thereby using gas to dry the water remaining in the dead volume of the water storage container 112, which further reduces the possibility of bacteria and other microorganisms growing in the water storage container 112.

[0093] The specific principle and implementation of the control method of the reagent preparation device 100 provided in this embodiment are similar to the principle and implementation described in the above-mentioned reagent preparation device 100, and will not be described in detail here.

[0094] Furthermore, this embodiment also provides a storage medium storing computer-executable instructions. When the computer-executable instructions are executed by at least one controller 130 of the reagent preparation apparatus 100 or the sample analysis system, the control method of the reagent preparation apparatus 100 described above is executed.

[0095] Specifically, the storage medium can be an internal storage unit of the reagent preparation apparatus 100 in any of the above embodiments, such as a hard disk or memory of the reagent preparation apparatus 100; or, the storage medium can be an external storage device of the reagent preparation apparatus 100, such as a plug-in hard disk, smart media card (SMC), secure digital (SD) card, flash card, etc. equipped on the reagent preparation apparatus 100.

[0096] Example 2:

[0097] Reference Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 4 As shown, the reagent preparation device 100, sample analysis system, control method of reagent preparation device 100, and storage medium provided in this embodiment differ from those in Embodiment 1 mainly in the location of the drainage device 116. Specifically, in Embodiment 1, the drainage device 116 is connected to the water storage container 112; while in this embodiment, the drainage device 116 is connected to the quantitative device 113.

[0098] Specifically, in this embodiment, the metering device 113 is provided with a second drain outlet 1133, and the draining device 116 includes a second drain valve 1163, which is connected to the second drain outlet 1133. In this embodiment, the water in the water storage container 112 is indirectly drained through the metering device 113. When the metering device 113 includes two independent metering containers, the second drain outlet 1133 is located on the metering container used for metering water.

[0099] In this embodiment, the starting node of the drainage step S30 can also be started at any node between the completion of the second water quantification sub-step and the completion of the second reagent storage step S23.

[0100] In one implementation, the controller 130 is configured to: if, based on feedback information from the liquid volume monitoring device 120, it is determined that after completing the first reagent storage step S13, the amount of reagent in the reagent storage container 115 is greater than or equal to a preset value, then after completing the second water quantification sub-step, or completing the second water quantification sub-step and the second reagent stock solution quantification sub-step, or completing the second mixing step S22, or completing the second reagent storage step S23, control the second drain valve 1163 to open to drain the water in the water storage container 112.

[0101] Apart from the differences mentioned above, the reagent preparation device 100, sample analysis system, control method of reagent preparation device 100, and other parts of the storage medium provided in this embodiment can be optimized with reference to Embodiment 1, and will not be described in detail here.

[0102] Example 3:

[0103] Reference Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 5 As shown, the reagent preparation device 100, sample analysis system, control method of reagent preparation device 100, and storage medium provided in this embodiment differ from those in Embodiment 1 mainly in the location of the drainage device 116. Specifically, in Embodiment 1, the drainage device 116 is connected to the water storage container 112; while in this embodiment, the drainage device 116 is connected to the mixing device 114.

[0104] In this embodiment, the mixing device 114 is provided with a third drain outlet 1141, and the drainage device 116 includes a third drain valve 1164, which is connected to the third drain outlet 1141. Specifically, the mixing device 114 includes a mixing tank, and the third drain outlet 1141 is located on the mixing tank. In this embodiment, the third drain valve 1164 in Embodiment 1 is used as the drainage control valve of the drainage device 116, and the water in the water storage container 112 is indirectly discharged through the metering device 113 and the mixing device 114.

[0105] In one implementation, the controller 130 is configured to: if, based on feedback information from the liquid level monitoring device 120, it is determined that after completing the first reagent storage step S13, the amount of reagent in the reagent storage container 115 is greater than or equal to a preset value, then after completing the second reagent storage step S23, control the third drain valve 1164 to open to drain the water in the water storage container 112.

[0106] Unlike Embodiment 1 and Embodiment 2, in this embodiment, the starting point for the drainage step S30 is after the completion of the second reagent storage step S23, and cannot be initiated after the completion of the second water quantification step or the completion of the second mixing step S22.

[0107] In this embodiment, the data analysis step includes: if it is determined that the amount of reagent in the reagent storage container 115 is greater than or equal to a preset value, then when the second reagent storage step S23 is completed, the drainage step S30 is started.

[0108] Apart from the differences mentioned above, the reagent preparation device 100, sample analysis system, control method of reagent preparation device 100, and other parts of the storage medium provided in this embodiment can be optimized with reference to Embodiment 1, and will not be described in detail here.

[0109] Example 4:

[0110] The reagent preparation device 100, sample analysis system, control method of reagent preparation device 100, and storage medium provided in this embodiment differ from those in Embodiment 1 mainly in the method of obtaining the reagent quantity in reagent storage container 115. Specifically, in Embodiment 1, the reagent quantity in reagent storage container 115 is the actual quantity detected by liquid volume monitoring device 120, which is obtained during or after the execution of the first reagent storage step S13; however, in this embodiment, the reagent quantity in reagent storage container 115 is the estimated quantity calculated by controller 130, which can be obtained before the execution of the first reagent storage step S13.

[0111] Specifically, in this embodiment, the controller 130 is configured to: before executing the first reagent storage step S13, obtain the real-time reagent volume in the reagent storage container 115 based on the feedback information from the liquid volume monitoring device 120, and obtain the estimated volume of reagent to be prepared after completing the first reagent storage step S13, calculate the sum of the estimated volume and the real-time volume, and obtain the estimated storage volume. Since the required amount of water and reagent stock solution is determined before the start of each reagent preparation cycle, in this embodiment, before executing the reagent storage step of a reagent preparation cycle, the estimated storage volume of reagent in the reagent storage container 115 after the completion of the reagent preparation cycle can be calculated based on the current volume of reagent in the reagent storage container 115 and the volume of reagent to be prepared.

[0112] As one implementation method, the estimated stock is calculated at any node after the completion of the third reagent storage step and before the execution of the first reagent storage step S13.

[0113] As one implementation method, in the control method of the reagent preparation apparatus 100, in the data analysis step, the reagent storage container 115 contains the following reagents: before executing the first reagent storage step S13, the estimated reagent storage container 115 is calculated; the estimated storage quantity is obtained by: before executing the reagent storage step of the first reagent preparation cycle S10, based on the feedback information from the liquid volume monitoring device 120, obtaining the real-time reagent storage quantity in the reagent storage container 115, and obtaining the estimated volume of the reagent expected to be prepared after completing the first reagent storage step S13, calculating the sum of the estimated volume and the real-time storage volume to obtain the estimated storage quantity.

[0114] Specifically, in this embodiment, the liquid level monitoring device 120 includes a third liquid level detection component, which can detect the liquid level of the reagent at any height position in the reagent storage container 115. In the first embodiment, the first liquid level detection component 121 can only detect whether the reagent in the reagent storage container 115 has reached the first liquid level.

[0115] Apart from the differences mentioned above, the reagent preparation device 100, sample analysis system, control method of reagent preparation device 100, and other parts of the storage medium provided in this embodiment can be optimized and designed with reference to any one of the embodiments one to three, and will not be described in detail here.

[0116] 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 reagent preparation apparatus, characterized in that: include: The instrument execution body includes a reagent stock solution supply device, a water storage container, a quantitative device, a mixing device, a reagent storage container, a drainage device, and a reagent delivery pipeline assembly; A liquid volume monitoring device is used to monitor the amount of reagent in the reagent storage container; The controller is configured to control the instrument execution body to perform a first reagent preparation cycle, the first reagent preparation cycle comprising the following steps performed sequentially: The first quantitative step includes a first reagent stock solution quantitative step and a first water quantitative step. The first reagent stock solution quantitative step includes: controlling the quantitative device to measure the reagent stock solution from the reagent stock solution supply device and controlling the quantitative device to deliver the measured reagent stock solution to the mixing device; the first water quantitative step includes: controlling the quantitative device to measure water from the water storage container and controlling the quantitative device to deliver the measured water to the mixing device. The first mixing step involves controlling the mixing device to mix the reagent stock solution and water to prepare the reagent. In the first reagent storage step, the reagent delivery pipeline assembly is controlled to deliver the reagent in the mixing device to the reagent storage container. The controller is also configured to: if, based on the feedback information from the liquid volume monitoring device, it is determined that after completing the first reagent storage step, the amount of reagent in the reagent storage container is greater than or equal to a preset value, then after completing the first reagent storage step, control the drainage device to start draining the water in the water storage container. The reagent preparation device further includes a positive pressure gas source capable of setting the water storage container to a positive pressure environment and a control gas valve for controlling the connection or closure of the positive pressure gas source and the water storage container. The drainage device includes a drainage pipe and a drainage valve installed on the drainage pipe; The controller is further configured to: when the draining device is to be used to drain the water in the water storage container, control the drain valve to open and control the control air valve to connect the positive pressure air source to the water storage container; and after the water in the water storage container is drained, control the drain valve to remain open for a preset time and control the control air valve to maintain the connection between the positive pressure air source and the water storage container for the preset time, so as to use gas to dry the water remaining in the water storage container.

2. The reagent preparation apparatus as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The controller is also configured to control the instrument execution body to perform a second reagent preparation cycle, the second reagent preparation cycle including a second quantitative step, a second mixing step and a second reagent storage step performed sequentially. The second quantitative step includes a second reagent stock solution quantitative sub-step and a second water quantitative sub-step. The second reagent stock solution quantitative sub-step includes: controlling the quantitative device to measure the reagent stock solution from the reagent stock solution supply device and controlling the quantitative device to deliver the measured reagent stock solution to the mixing device; the second water quantitative sub-step includes: controlling the quantitative device to measure water from the water storage container and controlling the quantitative device to deliver the measured water to the mixing device. The second mixing step includes: controlling the mixing device to mix the reagent stock solution and water to prepare a reagent; The second reagent storage step includes: controlling the reagent delivery pipeline assembly to deliver the reagent in the mixing device to the reagent storage container; The controller is also configured to: when the first reagent preparation cycle reaches the first node, control the instrument execution body to start executing the second reagent preparation cycle; The first node is located after the first quantitative step is completed and before the first reagent storage step is completed.

3. The reagent preparation apparatus as described in claim 2, characterized in that: The controller is also configured to: if, based on feedback information from the liquid volume monitoring device, it is determined that the amount of reagent in the reagent storage container is greater than or equal to the preset value after the first reagent storage step is completed, then when the second reagent preparation cycle reaches the second node or after the second reagent storage step is completed, control the drainage device to start draining the water in the water storage container. The second node is located after the second water quantification step is completed and before the second reagent storage step is completed.

4. The reagent preparation apparatus as described in claim 2 or 3, characterized in that: The first node is located after the first mixing step is completed and before the first reagent storage step is completed.

5. The reagent preparation apparatus as described in claim 2 or 3, characterized in that: The water storage container is provided with a first drain outlet, and the drainage device includes a first drain valve, which is connected to the first drain outlet. The controller is configured to: if, based on feedback information from the liquid volume monitoring device, it is determined that after completing the first reagent storage step, the reagent volume in the reagent storage container is greater than or equal to the preset value, then after completing the second water quantification sub-step, or completing the second water quantification sub-step and the second reagent stock solution quantification sub-step, or completing the second mixing step, or completing the second reagent storage step, control the first drain valve to open to drain the water in the water storage container.

6. The reagent preparation apparatus as described in claim 2 or 3, characterized in that: The metering device is provided with a second drain outlet, and the draining device includes a second drain valve, which is connected to the second drain outlet. The controller is configured to: if, based on feedback information from the liquid volume monitoring device, it is determined that after completing the first reagent storage step, the reagent volume in the reagent storage container is greater than or equal to the preset value, then after completing the second water quantification sub-step, or completing the second water quantification sub-step and the second reagent stock solution quantification sub-step, or completing the second mixing step, or completing the second reagent storage step, control the second drain valve to open to drain the water in the water storage container.

7. The reagent preparation apparatus as described in claim 2 or 3, characterized in that: The mixing device is provided with a third drain outlet, and the draining device includes a third drain valve, which is connected to the third drain outlet; The controller is configured to: if, based on feedback information from the liquid volume monitoring device, it is determined that the amount of reagent in the reagent storage container is greater than or equal to the preset value after the first reagent storage step is completed, then after the second reagent storage step is completed, control the third drain valve to open to drain the water in the water storage container.

8. The reagent preparation apparatus as described in claim 2 or 3, characterized in that: The controller is configured to: control the instrument execution body to execute the third reagent preparation cycle before controlling the instrument execution body to execute the first reagent preparation cycle; The third reagent preparation cycle includes a third quantitative step, a third mixing step, and a third reagent storage step performed sequentially. The third quantitative step includes a third reagent stock solution quantitative step and a third water quantitative step. The third reagent stock solution quantitative step includes: controlling the quantitative device to measure the reagent stock solution from the reagent stock solution supply device and controlling the quantitative device to deliver the measured reagent stock solution to the mixing device; the third water quantitative step includes: controlling the quantitative device to measure water from the water storage container and controlling the quantitative device to deliver the measured water to the mixing device. The third mixing step includes: controlling the mixing device to mix the reagent stock solution and water to prepare a reagent; The third reagent storage step includes: controlling the reagent delivery pipeline assembly to deliver the reagent in the mixing device to the reagent storage container; The controller is further configured to: when the third reagent preparation cycle reaches the third node, control the instrument execution body to start executing the first reagent preparation cycle; and if, based on feedback information from the liquid volume monitoring device, it is determined that after the third reagent storage step is completed, the reagent quantity in the reagent storage container is less than the preset value, then when the first reagent preparation cycle reaches the first node, control the instrument execution body to start executing the second reagent preparation cycle; wherein, the third node is located after the completion of the third quantitative step and before the completion of the third reagent storage step.

9. The reagent preparation apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The instrument's main actuator also includes a fluid drive component connected to the water storage container to provide driving force for water to be discharged from the water storage container. The controller is also used to control the operation of the fluid drive component.

10. The reagent preparation apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The reagent level in the reagent storage container is: the liquid volume monitoring device detects the actual reagent level in the reagent storage container; The controller is configured to obtain the actual storage volume based on feedback information from the liquid volume monitoring device during or after the execution of the first reagent storage step.

11. The reagent preparation apparatus as described in claim 10, characterized in that: The liquid level monitoring device includes a first liquid level detection component, which is used to monitor whether the reagent liquid level in the reagent storage container has reached the first liquid level. The controller is further configured to: when the reagent level in the reagent storage container reaches the first liquid level based on the feedback information from the first liquid level detection component, determine that the reagent storage volume in the reagent storage container has reached the preset value.

12. The reagent preparation apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The reagent storage container has an estimated amount of reagents in it, calculated by the controller. The controller is configured to: before performing the first reagent storage step, obtain the real-time reagent volume in the reagent storage container based on the feedback information from the liquid volume monitoring device, obtain the estimated volume of reagent to be prepared after the first reagent storage step is completed, calculate the sum of the estimated volume and the real-time reagent volume, and obtain the estimated reagent volume.

13. A sample analysis system, characterized in that: The apparatus includes a reagent preparation device as described in any one of claims 1 to 12 and at least one sample processing device, wherein the reagent storage container is connected to the sample processing device for supplying the reagent to the sample processing device.

14. A method for controlling a reagent preparation apparatus, characterized in that: This includes the first reagent preparation cycle, data analysis steps, drainage steps, and drying steps; The first reagent preparation cycle includes a first quantitative step, a first mixing step, and a first reagent storage step performed sequentially. The first quantitative step includes a first reagent stock solution quantitative sub-step and a first water quantitative sub-step. The first reagent stock solution quantitative sub-step includes: controlling the quantitative device to measure the reagent stock solution from the reagent stock solution supply device and controlling the quantitative device to deliver the measured reagent stock solution to the mixing device. The first water metering sub-step includes: controlling the metering device to measure water from the water storage container and controlling the metering device to deliver the measured water to the mixing device; The first mixing step includes: controlling the mixing device to mix the reagent stock solution and water to prepare a reagent; The first reagent storage step includes: controlling the reagent delivery pipeline assembly to deliver the reagent in the mixing device to the reagent storage container; The data analysis step includes: obtaining feedback information from the liquid volume monitoring device, determining whether the amount of reagent in the reagent storage container is greater than or equal to a preset value after the first reagent storage step is completed; if so, controlling the start of the drainage step after the first reagent storage step is completed. The drainage step includes: controlling the drainage device to empty the water in the water storage container; The drying step includes: after the drainage step, controlling a positive pressure air source to blow air into the water storage container for a preset time, so as to use the gas to dry the water remaining in the water storage container.

15. The control method for the reagent preparation apparatus as described in claim 14, characterized in that: The control method further includes a second reagent preparation cycle; the second reagent preparation cycle includes a second quantitative step, a second mixing step, and a second reagent storage step performed sequentially. The second quantitative step can be started at any point after the first quantitative step is completed and before the first reagent storage step is completed. The second quantitative step includes a second reagent stock solution quantitative sub-step and a second water quantitative sub-step. The second reagent stock solution quantitative sub-step includes: controlling the quantitative device to measure the reagent stock solution from the reagent stock solution supply device and controlling the quantitative device to deliver the measured reagent stock solution to the mixing device. The second water metering sub-step includes: controlling the metering device to measure water from the water storage container and controlling the metering device to deliver the measured water to the mixing device; The second mixing step includes: controlling the mixing device to mix the reagent stock solution and water to prepare a reagent; The second reagent storage step includes: controlling the reagent delivery pipeline assembly to deliver the reagent in the mixing device to the reagent storage container.

16. The control method for the reagent preparation apparatus as described in claim 15, characterized in that: The data analysis steps include: if it is determined that after the first reagent storage step is completed, the amount of reagent in the reagent storage container is greater than or equal to a preset value, then the drainage step is started after the second water quantification sub-step is completed and before the second reagent storage step is completed, or after the second reagent storage step is completed.

17. The control method for the reagent preparation apparatus according to any one of claims 14 to 16, characterized in that: In the data analysis step, the reagent level in the reagent storage container is: the liquid volume monitoring device detects the actual reagent level in the reagent storage container; or, In the data analysis step, the reagent quantity in the reagent storage container is calculated as follows: before performing the first reagent storage step, the estimated quantity of reagent in the reagent storage container is calculated; the estimated quantity is obtained by means of: before performing the first reagent storage step, based on the feedback information from the liquid volume monitoring device, obtaining the real-time quantity of reagent in the reagent storage container, and obtaining the estimated volume of reagent to be prepared after completing the first reagent storage step, calculating the sum of the estimated volume and the real-time quantity to obtain the estimated quantity.

18. The control method for the reagent preparation apparatus as described in claim 15 or 16, characterized in that: The data analysis steps include: if it is determined that the amount of reagent in the reagent storage container is greater than or equal to the preset value, then when the second water quantification sub-step is completed, controlling the start of the drainage step; or, The data analysis steps include: if it is determined that the amount of reagent in the reagent storage container is greater than or equal to the preset value, then, upon completion of the second quantitative step, controlling the initiation of the drainage step; or, The data analysis step includes: if it is determined that the amount of reagent in the reagent storage container is greater than or equal to the preset value, then, at the completion of the second mixing step or at any node during the execution of the second mixing step, control the initiation of the drainage step; or, The data analysis step includes: if it is determined that the amount of reagent in the reagent storage container is greater than or equal to the preset value, then at the completion of the second reagent storage step or at any node during the execution of the second reagent storage step, the drainage step is started.

19. A storage medium storing computer-executable instructions, characterized in that: When the computer-executable instructions are executed by at least one controller of the reagent preparation apparatus or sample analysis system, the control method of the reagent preparation apparatus as described in any one of claims 14 to 18 is performed.

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