Sample transport transfer device and automated biological sample storage apparatus

Abstract

The present application relates to the technical field of biological sample storage, and particularly provides a sample conveying and transferring device and an automatic biological sample storage equipment, aiming to solve the problem of low automation degree that when the storage capacity of the existing customer samples is relatively large, the operator needs to place a sample container to the delivery window every time for warehousing operation, so that the operator needs to stay there and cannot leave. For this purpose, the sample conveying and transferring device comprises a sample transferring mechanism, the sample transferring mechanism comprises a transferring conveying line, a rotating mechanism and a lifting mechanism, the lifting mechanism can drive the transferring conveying line to move up and down, the rotating mechanism can drive the transferring conveying line to rotate at an angle, and the transferring conveying line can place the sample container for warehousing or unwarehousing transfer. The sample transferring mechanism is designed, and the sample container is automatically conveyed or taken out to the delivery window, so that the automation degree is high.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of biological sample storage technology, specifically providing a sample transport device and an automated biological sample storage device. Background Technology

[0002] Biobanks are essential infrastructure for research in the medical and biological fields. Cryopreservation allows blood, stem cells, and immune cells to maintain their viability for extended periods. Current technology typically involves storing samples in cryovials, which are then stored in biobanks.

[0003] Currently, samples need to be processed in the operating room before being transferred to the storage warehouse via a transfer window. Samples are placed in sample containers, which are then manually moved to the transfer window, resulting in high labor intensity and low automation. Furthermore, the existing transfer window can only handle one sample container at a time. Before each entry, the equipment status needs to be checked; if a sample container is already in the warehouse, the operator must wait until it is moved out before the next container can be entered. During this time, the operator must remain on standby. When the customer's sample storage volume is large, multiple entries are required. Each entry requires the operator to place one sample container in the transfer window, and each exit requires the operator to remove the container, necessitating constant monitoring and resulting in low automation and low labor utilization.

[0004] Therefore, the present invention needs to provide a new sample transport and transfer device and an automated biological sample storage device to solve the above-mentioned technical problems. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present invention aims to solve the above-mentioned technical problems, namely, to solve the problem that when the existing customer sample storage volume is relatively large, multiple warehousing is required. Each time a sample is stored, the operator needs to place a sample container in the transfer window. Each time the sample is removed, the operator needs to stay there and cannot leave. This results in low automation and low manual utilization.

[0006] To this end, in a first aspect, the present invention provides a sample transport and transfer device comprising a sample transfer mechanism, the sample transfer mechanism comprising a transfer conveyor line, a rotating mechanism, and a lifting mechanism, the lifting mechanism being capable of driving the transfer conveyor line to move up and down, the rotating mechanism being capable of driving the transfer conveyor line to rotate at an angle, the transfer conveyor line being capable of placing a sample container for inbound or outbound transfer, the lifting mechanism comprising a lifter and a displacement amplifying component, the lifter being connected to the transfer conveyor line via the displacement amplifying component, the displacement amplifying component being configured to increase the lifting displacement of the lifter so that the transfer conveyor line moves up and down according to the increased displacement.

[0007] With the above technical solution, the sample containers on the transfer conveyor line are automatically transported to or output from the transfer window during lifting and angular rotation by the rotating mechanism, realizing automatic switching of sample container entry and exit. There is no need for manual transfer of sample containers, which has a high degree of automation and reduces labor intensity. By setting the displacement increasing component, the vertical movement distance of the transfer conveyor line is increased, and the overall height of the sample transfer mechanism is relatively small when the transfer conveyor line is at its lowest point, which is convenient for use with the sample transfer line.

[0008] In a specific embodiment of the above-mentioned sample transport and transfer device, the lifting device includes a base, a first movable plate, and a lifting drive assembly. The lifting drive assembly is disposed on the base, the first movable plate is located above the base and connected to the lifting drive assembly, the lifting drive assembly drives the first movable plate to move up and down, and the transfer conveyor line follows the first movable plate to move up and down.

[0009] In a specific embodiment of the above-mentioned sample transport and transfer device, the lifting drive assembly includes a first motor and a lead screw. The first motor is fixed on the base, and the lead screw is rotatably connected to the base. The first motor drives the lead screw to rotate. A slider is threadedly connected to the lead screw, and the slider is fixed to the bottom end of the first moving plate.

[0010] In a specific embodiment of the above-mentioned sample transport and transfer device, the lifting mechanism further includes a second moving plate. The second moving plate is located above the first moving plate and is connected to the first moving plate through the displacement amplification component. The second moving plate moves up and down according to the displacement amplified by the displacement amplification component of the first moving plate, and the transfer conveyor line moves up and down following the second moving plate.

[0011] When the above technical solution is adopted, the displacement of the first moving plate is increased by the displacement amplification component, so that the second moving plate moves according to the increased displacement, thereby causing the sample transfer line to move according to the increased displacement. This reduces the overall height of the sample transfer mechanism, ensuring that the transfer line can successfully connect with the outbound or second inbound line located below. This avoids the problem that the outbound or second inbound line located below is not high enough with the ground, which would cause the transfer line to descend to the lowest point but still fail to connect successfully.

[0012] In a specific embodiment of the above-described sample transport and transfer device, the displacement amplification component includes two drive rods. The two drive rods are hinged to the first moving plate in a crisscross manner. A first connecting rod is hinged to one end of each drive rod on the same side, and a second connecting rod is hinged to the other end on the same side. The first connecting rod is hinged to the second moving plate, and the second connecting rod is hinged to the base; and / or...

[0013] There are two displacement amplification components, which are respectively distributed on both sides of the first moving plate.

[0014] When the above technical solution is adopted, the first moving plate can drive the two driving rods to move up and down simultaneously when it moves up and down. During the up and down movement, an angle deflection will also occur, which will drive the first connecting rod to deflect an angle. During the deflection, the first connecting rod drives the second moving plate to move up and down, thereby increasing the displacement of the second moving plate relative to the first moving plate.

[0015] In a specific embodiment of the above-mentioned sample transport and transfer device, at least two limiting posts are passed through the first moving plate, the top of the limiting posts are fixedly connected to the second moving plate, and the first moving plate can move up and down relative to the limiting posts.

[0016] In a specific embodiment of the above-mentioned sample transport and transfer device, the rotating mechanism is mounted on the lifting mechanism. The rotating mechanism includes a turntable and a second motor. The second motor is fixed on the second moving plate. The turntable is rotatably connected to the second moving plate. The second motor drives the turntable to rotate. The transfer and conveying line is mounted on the turntable.

[0017] In a specific embodiment of the above-mentioned sample transport and transfer device, the sample transport and transfer device further includes a sample transport line located on one side of the sample transfer mechanism. The sample transport line includes an outbound transport line, a first inbound transport line and a second inbound transport line arranged in parallel according to the sample inbound transport direction. The outbound transport line is located above or below the second inbound transport line. The first inbound transport line transports sample containers to the second inbound transport line. Both the second inbound transport line and the outbound transport line can hold multiple sample containers arranged in parallel according to the transport direction. The transfer transport line can connect with the second inbound transport line or the outbound transport line by moving up and down and rotating at an angle to transfer the sample containers into or out of the warehouse.

[0018] With the above technical solution, the first and second inbound conveyor lines work together. Before warehousing, the first inbound conveyor line is responsible for loading the samples, while the second inbound conveyor line is responsible for buffering a certain number of sample containers. During the time before the next sample container enters the warehouse, the second inbound conveyor line can reverse and cooperate with the first inbound conveyor line to transfer the sample containers placed on the first inbound conveyor line to the second inbound conveyor line. Then, they are conveyed forward in sequence following the previous sample containers, realizing an automatic queuing function before warehousing. There is no need for manual waiting for each sample container to leave the warehouse before placing another sample container on the sample transfer mechanism. Operators can temporarily leave to do other things. Similarly, a certain number of sample containers can be buffered on the outbound conveyor line so that operators can remove them at regular intervals, leaving time for operators to do other things and improving the utilization rate of manpower.

[0019] In a specific embodiment of the above-mentioned sample transport and transfer device, a barcode scanner is provided on the first inbound transport line, and a first position detector for detecting the sample container is provided at the outlet end of the first inbound transport line. A second position detector for detecting the sample container is provided at both the inbound and outlet ends of the second inbound transport line.

[0020] In a second aspect, the present invention also provides an automated biological sample storage device, including a sample transport and transfer device as described in any of the above technical solutions. Attached Figure Description

[0021] The preferred embodiments of the present invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0022] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the sample transport and transfer device provided by the present invention;

[0023] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the sample transfer mechanism;

[0024] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the sample delivery line.

[0025] List of reference numerals in the attached diagram:

[0026] 1. Sample conveyor line; 11. Second inbound conveyor line; 111. Second position detector; 112. Third position detector; 12. First inbound conveyor line; 121. First position detector; 13. Outbound conveyor line; 2. Sample transfer mechanism; 21. Transfer conveyor line; 211. Fourth position detector; 22. Lifting mechanism; 221. Lifter; 2211. Base; 2212. Lead screw; 2213. First motor; 2214. Slider; 2215. First moving plate; 222. Second moving plate; 223. Displacement amplification component; 2231. Drive rod; 2232. First connecting rod; 2233. Second connecting rod; 23. Rotation mechanism; 231. Turntable; 232. Second motor; 3. Limiting post; 4. Connecting rod; 5. Guide; 6. Barcode scanner. Detailed Implementation

[0027] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Those skilled in the art should understand that these embodiments are merely illustrative of the technical principles of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention. Those skilled in the art can make adjustments as needed to adapt to specific application scenarios.

[0028] It should be noted that in the description of this invention, terms such as "upper," "lower," "inner," and "outer," which indicate direction or positional relationships, are based on the direction or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings. These are used merely for ease of description and do not indicate or imply that the relevant devices or elements must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this invention. Furthermore, ordinal numbers such as "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0029] Furthermore, it should be noted that, in the description of this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation" and "connection" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0030] When the existing customer sample storage volume is relatively large, multiple inbound operations are required. Each inbound operation requires the operator to place a sample container at the transfer window, and each outbound operation requires the operator to remove the sample container. This means that the operator must stay there and cannot leave, resulting in low automation and low manual utilization.

[0031] To solve the above technical problems, first refer to Figure 1 and Figure 3 This invention provides a sample transport and transfer device, which includes a sample transport line 1. The sample transport line 1 includes an outbound transport line 13, a first inbound transport line 12 and a second inbound transport line 11 arranged in parallel according to the sample inbound transport direction. The outbound transport line 13 is located above or below the second inbound transport line 11. The first inbound transport line 12 transports sample containers to the second inbound transport line 11. Multiple sample containers arranged in parallel according to the transport direction can be placed on both the second inbound transport line 11 and the outbound transport line 13. Figure 1 In this embodiment, the outbound conveyor line 13 is located below the second inbound conveyor line 11. This arrangement is a preferred embodiment of the present application. The low height makes it easy for operators to pick up the samples. The second inbound conveyor line 11 and the first inbound conveyor line 12 are arranged in parallel, which facilitates the transfer of the sample container on the first inbound conveyor line 12 to the second inbound conveyor line 11.

[0032] Specifically, samples are placed inside sample containers, and the samples are transported via these containers for transfer. After the sample containers carrying the samples enter the storage warehouse, the samples are removed using other auxiliary tools. The sample containers are then passed through a window to the outside of the storage warehouse. The sample transport device of this application then transfers out sample containers without samples and transports the next sample container with a sample to the storage warehouse. The first inbound conveyor line 12, the second inbound conveyor line 11, and the outbound conveyor line 13 are all conveyor belt conveying devices. A barcode scanner 6 is installed on one side of the first inbound conveyor line 12. Each sample container needs to be scanned and marked before entering the storage warehouse for easy organization.

[0033] In one embodiment, a guide 5 is provided above the outbound conveyor line 13, and the sample containers on the outbound conveyor line 13 are conveyed to the same position under the guidance of the guide 5.

[0034] Specifically, the guide 5 includes a guide rail, on one side wall of which are rotatably connected multiple rollers arranged at equal intervals. The guide rail is fixed on the frame of the outbound conveyor line 13. The sample container moves forward under the conveyor belt of the outbound conveyor line 13. Due to the limiting function of the guide 5, it plays a corrective role in the transportation process, ensuring that the sample container is conveyed to the set position.

[0035] It should be noted that although the guide 5 described above takes the form of a guide rail and rollers, this is not a limitation. The guide 5 can also adopt other structures. For example, the guide 5 is a rack made of rubber material, which can follow the movement of the conveyor belt. At this time, the bottom end of the sample container is provided with teeth that can engage with the rack. When the sample container is on the conveyor belt, the teeth engage with the rack to prevent it from shifting, thus playing a positioning role. This is also within the protection scope of this application. Therefore, without departing from the basic principle of this application, the structure of the guide 5 can be flexibly designed according to the usage requirements.

[0036] In one embodiment, a first position detector 121 is provided at the outlet end of the first inbound conveyor line 12, and a second position detector 111 is provided at both the inbound and outlet ends of the second inbound conveyor line 11.

[0037] In the above embodiment, the first position detector 121 is used to detect whether the sample container is conveyed out from the first inbound conveyor line 12, the second position detector 111 at the inlet end is used to detect whether the sample container enters the second inbound conveyor line 11, and the second position detector 111 at the outlet end is used to detect whether there is a sample container there and to determine whether the sample container is conveyed out from the second inbound conveyor line 11, thus providing an auxiliary function for the automatic conveying of the sample container.

[0038] In one embodiment, the middle section of the second inbound conveyor line 11 is provided with a plurality of third position detectors 112 arranged at intervals along the conveying direction, and the total number of the second position detectors 111 at the outlet end and the third position detectors 112 in the middle section is the same as the number of sample containers that can be buffered on the second inbound conveyor line 11.

[0039] In the above embodiment, the second position detector 111 at the outlet end and each of the third position detectors 112 in the middle section detect one sample container. That is, the total number of sample containers detected is the number of sample containers that can be buffered on the second inbound conveyor line 11. Since each sample container can be detected, the position detector will send a signal to remind when the sample container is taken away or replaced, thereby ensuring that the order of the sample containers buffered on the second inbound conveyor line 11 is not changed, so that the inbound of the sample containers can proceed correctly and smoothly.

[0040] It should be noted that the first position detector 121, the second position detector 111, and the third position detector 112 can all be, but are not limited to, photoelectric sensors, such as... Figure 1As shown, for example, a set of photoelectric sensors are installed on the first inbound conveyor line 12. If the second inbound conveyor line 11 can buffer four sample containers, then three photoelectric sensors are installed at intervals in the middle of the second inbound conveyor line 11. Each photoelectric sensor corresponds to one sample container. That is, if the sample container is located between the photoelectric sensors and blocks the emitted light signal, it is considered that there is a sample container at that position. If the light is not blocked, it means that there is no sample container at that position.

[0041] In one embodiment, see Figure 1 and Figure 2 The sample transport and transfer device also includes a sample transfer mechanism 2. The sample transport line 1 is located on one side of the sample transfer mechanism 2. The sample transfer mechanism 2 includes a transfer transport line 21, a rotating mechanism 23, and a lifting mechanism 22. The lifting mechanism 22 can drive the transfer transport line 21 to move up and down. The rotating mechanism 23 can drive the transfer transport line 21 to rotate at an angle. A sample container can be placed on the transfer transport line. The transfer transport line 21 can be connected to the second inbound transport line 11 or the outbound transport line 13 by moving up and down and rotating at an angle to transfer the sample container into or out of the warehouse. The lifting mechanism includes a lifter and a displacement amplification component. The lifter is connected to the transfer transport line through the displacement amplification component. The displacement amplification component is configured to increase the lifting displacement of the lifter so that the transfer transport line moves up and down according to the increased displacement.

[0042] Specifically, the transfer conveyor line 21 is a conveyor belt conveyor device. Since the specific structure of the conveyor belt conveyor device is known prior art to those skilled in the art, this application only utilizes its function, so it will not be described in detail here.

[0043] In one embodiment, a fourth position detector is provided at both the inlet and outlet ends of the transfer conveyor line 21 to detect the entry and exit of sample containers. In order to determine whether there are sample containers on the transfer conveyor line 21 in case of shutdown or other situations, a fourth position detector is provided in the middle of the transfer conveyor line 21. Before the sample container is transferred out, it is located between the fourth position detectors. The fourth position detector can be, but is not limited to, a photoelectric sensor. When the light signal emitted by the photoelectric sensor is blocked, it indicates that there is a sample container. When the light signal is not blocked, it indicates that there is no sample container, thus ensuring the smooth and normal operation of warehousing or warehousing.

[0044] In one embodiment, see Figure 2The lifting device 221 includes a base 2211, a first movable plate 2215, and a lifting drive assembly. The lifting drive assembly is disposed on the base 2211. The first movable plate 2215 is located above the base 2211 and connected to the lifting drive assembly. The lifting drive assembly drives the first movable plate 2215 to move up and down. The transfer conveyor line moves up and down with the first movable plate.

[0045] In one embodiment, the lifting drive assembly includes a first motor 2213 and a lead screw 2212. The first motor 2213 is fixed on the base 2211, and the lead screw 2212 is rotatably connected to the base 2211. The first motor 2213 drives the lead screw 2212 to rotate. A slider 2214 is threadedly connected to the lead screw 2212, and the slider 2214 is fixed to the bottom end of the first moving plate 2215.

[0046] Specifically, the bottom end of the lead screw 2212 passes through the base 2211 and is fixedly connected to the first gear. The top end of the lead screw 2212 is rotatably connected to the support block. Support rods are fixed at both ends of the support block. The support rods are fixedly connected to the base 2211. The second gear is fixed on the output shaft of the first motor 2213. The first gear and the second gear mesh or are driven by a gear belt, thereby achieving the purpose of the first motor 2213 driving the lead screw 2212 to rotate.

[0047] In one embodiment, see Figure 2 The lifting mechanism 22 also includes a second moving plate 222. The second moving plate 222 is located above the first moving plate 2215 and is connected to the first moving plate 2215 through the displacement amplification component 223. The second moving plate 222 moves up and down according to the displacement amplified by the displacement amplification component of the first moving plate. The transfer conveyor line 21 moves up and down with the second moving plate 222.

[0048] In one embodiment, the displacement amplification component 223 includes two drive rods 2231, which are hinged to the first moving plate 2215 in a cross manner. One end of the two drive rods 2231 on the same side is hinged to a first connecting rod 2232, and the other end on the same side is hinged to a second connecting rod 2233. The first connecting rod 2232 is hinged to the second moving plate 222, and the second connecting rod 2233 is hinged to the base 2211.

[0049] In one embodiment, two displacement amplification components 223 are distributed on both sides of the first moving plate 2215. This helps to ensure the smooth vertical movement of the second moving plate 222.

[0050] Because the lower outbound conveyor line 13 or the second inbound conveyor line 11 is too high above the ground, it is difficult for operators to pick up or place the sample containers due to their height limitations. Therefore, the height of the lower outbound conveyor line 13 or the second inbound conveyor line 11 above the ground cannot be too high to avoid affecting the placement and retrieval of the sample containers on the upper second inbound conveyor line 11 or the outbound conveyor line 13. This requirement imposes a requirement on the overall height of the sample transfer mechanism 2 when it descends to its lowest point, ensuring that the transfer conveyor line 21 can successfully dock with the lower outbound conveyor line 13 or the second inbound conveyor line 11 when it descends to its lowest point. Therefore, this application designs a displacement amplification component 223.

[0051] In the above embodiment, when the first moving plate 2215 moves up and down, it can drive the two driving rods 2231 to move up and down simultaneously. During the up and down movement, an angle deflection will also occur, thereby driving the first connecting rod 2232 to deflect an angle. During the deflection, the first connecting rod 2232 drives the second moving plate 222 to move up and down, thereby increasing the displacement of the second moving plate 222. This causes the sample transfer line 1 to move according to the increased displacement, thus reducing the overall height of the sample transfer mechanism 2 when it is at its lowest point. This ensures that the transfer line 21 can successfully dock with the outbound transfer line 13 or the second inbound transfer line 11 located below, avoiding the problem that the height between the outbound transfer line 13 or the second inbound transfer line 11 located below is insufficient and the transfer line 21 cannot successfully dock with it even when it descends to its lowest point.

[0052] It should be noted that although the displacement amplification component 223 described above uses two drive rods 2231 in a cross manner to increase the displacement of the second moving plate 222, this is not a limitation. The displacement amplification component 223 can also be other structures. For example, the displacement amplification component 223 includes a cam and a third motor. The third motor is fixed on the first moving plate 2215. The cam is rotatably connected to the output shaft of the third motor. The bottom end of the second moving plate 222 is in contact with the cam. There are two cams and they are distributed on both sides of the first moving plate 2215. The second moving plate 222 is raised and lowered by rotating the cams, which is also within the protection scope of this application.

[0053] In one embodiment, at least two limiting posts 3 are passed through the first movable plate 2215, the top of the limiting posts 3 are fixedly connected to the second movable plate 222, and the first movable plate 2215 can move up and down relative to the limiting posts 3.

[0054] Specifically, the bottom end of each limiting post 3 is fixedly connected to the bottom end of at least one adjacent limiting post 3 via a connecting rod 4, ensuring the stability of the limiting post 3. Figure 1In the middle, there are four limiting posts 3, which are distributed at the four corners of the first moving plate 2215 respectively, and the bottom ends of two limiting posts 3 are fixedly connected by a connecting rod 4.

[0055] In the above embodiment, the limiting post 3 passes through the first moving plate 2215 and connects to the second moving plate 222, so that the positions of the first moving plate 2215 and the second moving plate 222 correspond correctly, ensuring positional accuracy and avoiding deviation during movement. It also ensures that the first moving plate 2215 does not rotate with the lead screw 2212 during rotation.

[0056] In one embodiment, see Figure 2 The rotating mechanism 23 is mounted on the lifting mechanism 22. The rotating mechanism 23 includes a turntable 231 and a second motor 232. The second motor 232 is fixed on the second moving plate 222. The turntable 231 is rotatably connected to the second moving plate 222. The second motor 232 drives the turntable 231 to rotate. The transfer conveyor line 21 is mounted on the turntable 231.

[0057] Specifically, a third gear is fixed on the output shaft of the second motor 232, and a transmission shaft is fixed at the bottom of the turntable 231. The transmission shaft passes through the second movable plate 222 and is rotatably connected to it. A fourth gear is fixed at the bottom of the transmission shaft. The third gear can directly mesh with the fourth gear or the third gear can drive the fourth gear to rotate through a gear belt, thereby enabling the second motor 232 to drive the turntable 231 to rotate.

[0058] It should be noted that the rotating mechanism 23 can be located above or below the lifting mechanism 22. When the rotating mechanism 23 is located below the lifting mechanism 22, the lifting mechanism 22 is mounted on the turntable 231.

[0059] In addition, the present invention also provides an automated biological sample storage device, including a sample transport and transfer device as described in any of the above technical solutions.

[0060] The working principle of this invention is as follows: The operator places a sample container on the first inbound conveyor line 12. After scanning by the barcode scanner 6, it is conveyed towards the second inbound conveyor line 11, allowing the sample container to transition onto the second inbound conveyor line 11. Driven by the second inbound conveyor line 11, it is then conveyed forward until it reaches the position to be transferred by the sample transfer mechanism 2. During this process, the operator places a second sample container on the first inbound conveyor line 12. After scanning, it waits for transport by the second inbound conveyor line 11. The second inbound conveyor line 11 reverses when it does not need to provide a sample container forward, allowing the second sample container on the first inbound conveyor line 12 to transition onto the second inbound conveyor line 11 and be positioned in the second location. This process is repeated, thus realizing the buffering function of the second inbound conveyor line 11. Taking the warehousing process as an example, the sample transfer mechanism 2 is explained as follows: The first motor 2213 is started to drive the lead screw 2212 to rotate, causing the first moving plate 2215 to move upward. Under the action of the displacement increasing component 223, the second moving plate 222 also moves upward until the transfer conveyor line 21 is aligned with the second warehousing conveyor line 11. Then, the second warehousing conveyor line 11 and the transfer conveyor line 21 are started together. The sample container on the second warehousing conveyor line 11 is transferred to the transfer conveyor line 21. Then, the lifting mechanism 22 lowers the transfer conveyor line 21 until it is located between the outbound conveyor line 13 and the second warehousing conveyor line 11. Then, the second motor 232 is started to drive the turntable 231 to rotate, so that the transfer conveyor line 21 rotates at an angle to dock with the transfer window. The above steps realize the warehousing and transfer.

[0061] In the various embodiments and extended implementations described above, the first and second inbound conveyor lines cooperate. Before warehousing, the first inbound conveyor line is responsible for loading the samples, while the second inbound conveyor line is responsible for buffering a certain number of sample containers. During the time before the next sample container enters the warehouse, the second inbound conveyor line can reverse and cooperate with the first inbound conveyor line to transfer the sample containers placed on the first inbound conveyor line to the second inbound conveyor line. Then, they are conveyed forward sequentially following the preceding sample containers, realizing an automatic queuing function before warehousing. This eliminates the need for manual waiting for each sample container to exit before warehousing another sample container. The sample containers are placed on the sample transfer mechanism, allowing operators to temporarily leave to do other tasks. Similarly, a certain number of sample containers can be buffered on the outbound conveyor line, allowing operators to remove them periodically, thus freeing up time for other tasks and improving labor utilization. Through the coordinated operation of the rotating mechanism, lifting mechanism, and transfer conveyor line, the sample containers on the transfer conveyor line are transferred between the transfer window and the second inbound and outbound conveyor lines while being lifted, lowered, and rotated. This achieves automatic inbound and outbound switching of sample containers, eliminating the need for manual transfer of sample containers, resulting in a high degree of automation and reduced labor intensity.

[0062] The technical solution of the present invention has been described above with reference to the preferred embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. However, it will be readily understood by those skilled in the art that the scope of protection of the present invention is obviously not limited to these specific embodiments. Without departing from the principles of the present invention, those skilled in the art can make equivalent changes or substitutions to the relevant technical features, and the technical solutions after such changes or substitutions will all fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A sample transport and transfer device, characterized in that, The sample transport and transfer device includes a sample transfer mechanism, which includes a transfer conveyor line, a rotating mechanism, and a lifting mechanism. The lifting mechanism can drive the transfer conveyor line to move up and down, and the rotating mechanism can drive the transfer conveyor line to rotate at an angle. Sample containers can be placed on the transfer conveyor line for inbound or outbound transfer. The lifting mechanism includes a lifter and a displacement amplifying component. The lifter is connected to the transfer conveyor line through the displacement amplifying component. The displacement amplifying component is configured to increase the lifting displacement of the lifter so that the transfer conveyor line moves up and down according to the increased displacement. The sample transport and transfer device also includes a sample transport line located on one side of the sample transfer mechanism. The sample transport line includes a first inbound transport line and a second inbound transport line arranged in parallel in the direction of sample inbound transport. The first inbound transport line transports sample containers to the second inbound transport line. The second inbound transport line can hold multiple sample containers arranged in the direction of transport. The transfer transport line can dock with the second inbound transport line by moving up and down and rotating at an angle to transfer the sample containers into the warehouse. Before entering the warehouse, the first inbound conveyor line is responsible for loading the sample containers, and the second inbound conveyor line is responsible for buffering the sample containers. Before waiting for the next sample container to enter the warehouse, the second inbound conveyor line reverses and cooperates with the first inbound conveyor line to transfer the sample containers placed on the first inbound conveyor line to the second inbound conveyor line. Then, the sample containers are conveyed forward in sequence following the previous sample containers, realizing the automatic queuing function before entering the warehouse.

2. The sample transport and transfer device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The lifting device includes a base, a first movable plate, and a lifting drive assembly. The lifting drive assembly is disposed on the base, the first movable plate is located above the base and connected to the lifting drive assembly, and the lifting drive assembly drives the first movable plate to move up and down. The transfer conveyor line follows the first movable plate to move up and down.

3. The sample transport and transfer device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The lifting drive assembly includes a first motor and a lead screw. The first motor is fixed on the base, and the lead screw is rotatably connected to the base. The first motor drives the lead screw to rotate. A slider is threaded onto the lead screw, and the slider is fixed to the bottom end of the first moving plate.

4. The sample transport and transfer device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The lifting mechanism further includes a second movable plate, which is located above the first movable plate and connected to the first movable plate through the displacement amplification component. The second movable plate moves up and down according to the displacement amplified by the displacement amplification component of the first movable plate, and the transfer conveyor line moves up and down with the second movable plate.

5. The sample transport and transfer device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The displacement amplification component includes two drive rods, which are hinged to the first movable plate in a cross configuration. A first connecting rod is hinged to one end of each drive rod on the same side, and a second connecting rod is hinged to the other end on the same side. The first connecting rod is hinged to the second movable plate, and the second connecting rod is hinged to the base; and / or There are two displacement amplification components, which are respectively distributed on both sides of the first moving plate.

6. The sample transport and transfer device according to claim 4, characterized in that, At least two limiting posts are passed through the first movable plate, and the top of the limiting posts is fixedly connected to the second movable plate. The first movable plate can move up and down relative to the limiting posts.

7. The sample transport and transfer device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The rotating mechanism is mounted on the lifting mechanism. The rotating mechanism includes a turntable and a second motor. The second motor is fixed on the second moving plate. The turntable is rotatably connected to the second moving plate. The second motor drives the turntable to rotate. The transfer conveyor line is mounted on the turntable.

8. The sample transport and transfer device according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, The sample conveying line also includes an outbound conveying line, which is located above or below the second inbound conveying line. Multiple sample containers arranged in sequence according to the conveying direction can be placed on the outbound conveying line. The transfer conveying line can be docked with the outbound conveying line by moving up and down and rotating at an angle to transfer the sample containers out of the warehouse.

9. The sample transport and transfer device according to claim 8, characterized in that, A barcode scanner is installed on the first inbound conveyor line, and a first position detector for detecting sample containers is installed at the outlet end of the first inbound conveyor line. A second position detector for detecting sample containers is installed at both the inbound and outlet ends of the second inbound conveyor line.

10. An automated biological sample storage device, characterized in that, Includes the sample transport device as described in any one of claims 1-9.

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