A compact full-automatic chemiluminescence immunoassay analyzer with high detection flux

Abstract

The application discloses a compact full-automatic chemiluminescence immunoassay analyzer with high detection flux, which comprises a cup arranging system, an incubation system, and a reagent bin and a sample rack rotating ring arranged concentrically, one side of the cup arranging system is provided with a front end slide and a turning slide, the turning slide comprises a waiting section, a cup discharging section, and an arc transition section connected between the waiting section and the cup discharging section, the arc transition section makes the cup discharging section bend to one side relative to the waiting section; the incubation system comprises an inner tray and an outer ring frame, the outer ring frame is provided with a cup placing groove, the outer ring frame is rotationally arranged in the cup discharging direction of the cup discharging section, and the cup placing groove can be opposite to the end of the cup discharging section with the rotation of the outer ring frame; one side of the sample rack rotating ring is provided with a basket placing area, and the basket placing area is connected with a sample inlet channel and a sample outlet channel respectively at both ends and the sample rack rotating ring. The chemiluminescence immunoassay analyzer has the advantages of high compactness, few cup grabbing actions, high detection efficiency, and large detection flux.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of medical testing technology, specifically to a compact, fully automated chemiluminescence immunoassay analyzer with high detection throughput. Background Technology

[0002] Chemiluminescence immunoassay (CLIA) is a technique that combines highly sensitive chemiluminescence assays with highly specific immunoreactions for the detection and analysis of various antigens, haptens, antibodies, hormones, enzymes, fatty acids, vitamins, and drugs. It is a cutting-edge immunoassay technique developed after radioimmunoassay, enzyme immunoassay, fluorescence immunoassay, and time-resolved fluorescence immunoassay.

[0003] To avoid the cumbersome procedures, long sample turnover cycles, and uncertainties caused by human interference in traditional biomedical testing, chemiluminescence immunoassay analyzers are developing towards full automation, which is an integrated analyzer capable of performing steps such as dispensing, mixing, dilution, incubation, washing, and detection.

[0004] Chinese patent document CN114839392A discloses a fully automated chemiluminescence immunoassay analyzer. In this analyzer, the sample system and reagent system are integrated in a concentric rotational manner, the incubation module is integrated in the central area of ​​the circular tray of the detection module, and the washing module and detection module are linearly connected through a transfer module. Through this series of structural layouts, this fully automated chemiluminescence immunoassay analyzer achieves certain advantages in terms of structural compactness and space utilization.

[0005] In the fully automated chemiluminescence immunoassay analyzer disclosed in publication number CN114839392A, although the sample system and reagent system are integrated together in a rotating concentric layout, which optimizes the overall structural compactness, the sample system consists of a ring skeleton and sample racks mounted on the ring skeleton. The installation of the sample racks still relies on manual installation one by one, resulting in a low sample loading capacity per operation. This leads to a low detection throughput of the chemiluminescence immunoassay analyzer, which cannot meet the needs of large-scale detection and analysis.

[0006] On the other hand, in document CN114839392A, the cup sorting system uses an inclined straight slide to transport the reaction cups, and a transfer module is placed at the end of the straight slide to complete the reception and transfer of the reaction cups. Since the mechanical clamping arm responsible for transferring the reaction cups is linearly arranged along the length of the straight slide, such a structure means that the modules related to the reaction cups in the analyzer (incubation, detection, washing, etc.) can only be arranged along the length of the straight slide, which lacks flexibility. Summary of the Invention

[0007] In view of this, the present invention provides a compact, fully automated chemiluminescence immunoassay analyzer with high detection throughput, which makes substantial optimizations to existing analyzers and has the advantages of high compactness, fewer cup-grabbing actions, and high detection throughput.

[0008] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution of the present invention is as follows:

[0009] A compact, fully automated chemiluminescence immunoassay analyzer with high detection throughput includes a cup sorting system, an incubation system, and a concentrically rotating reagent compartment and sample rack transport loop. Its key features are:

[0010] The cup-dispensing system has a front slide and a turning slide connected to the lower end of the front slide on one side. The turning slide is arranged at an overall inclination and includes a waiting section, a cup-dispensing section, and an arc-shaped transition section connecting the waiting section and the cup-dispensing section. The waiting section is located in the extension direction of the front slide, and the arc-shaped transition section causes the cup-dispensing section to bend to one side relative to the waiting section.

[0011] The incubation system includes an inner tray and an outer ring frame located around the inner tray. The outer ring frame has cup-holding slots with open outer sides. The outer ring frame is rotatably set in the cup-discharging direction of the cup-discharging section. As the outer ring frame rotates, the cup-holding slots can be directly connected to the end of the cup-discharging section.

[0012] A basket placement area is provided on one side of the sample rack operating ring. The basket placement area is connected to the sample rack operating ring at both ends by a sample inlet channel and a sample outlet channel, respectively. After the basket carrying the sample rack is installed in the basket placement area, the sample rack can be transported and operated in the direction of basket → sample inlet channel → sample rack operating ring → sample outlet channel → basket.

[0013] Preferably, the cup dispensing system is provided with a driving component, an elastic member, and a switching component. The switching component has a first limiting part and a second limiting part. The switching component is rotatably mounted on the cup dispensing system. The elastic member applies a rotational driving force to the switching component so that the first limiting part and the second limiting part can respectively restrict the reaction cup to the waiting section and the dispensing section. The driving component is used to drive the switching component to rotate over the resistance of the elastic member to release the restriction on the reaction cup.

[0014] Preferably, the cup-dispensing system has a vertically arranged support plate, the waiting section is fixed to the outside of the support plate, and the arc-shaped transition section causes the cup-dispensing section to be placed horizontally in front of the support plate along the thickness direction of the support plate;

[0015] The switch assembly includes a first linkage plate rotatably mounted on the inner side of the support plate, and a second linkage plate fixed to the first linkage plate. The first limiting part is a sheet-like structure, which is bent and formed at the front end of the first linkage plate and is located at the front of the reaction cup. The second limiting part is a sheet-like structure, which is bent and formed at the front end of the second linkage plate and is located at the side of the reaction cup.

[0016] Preferably, the basket placement area is provided with a first sample pushing component capable of reciprocating along its length direction, used to push the sample rack inside the basket to the sample inlet channel; the first sample pushing component includes a side slider, a first thrust member fixed to the upper part of the side slider, and a first linear module that drives the side slider to reciprocate in the basket placement area, wherein the first thrust member is an "n"-shaped component horizontally placed above the basket placement area, and the lower parts of both ends of the "n"-shaped component are respectively provided with a front thrust part and a rear thrust part.

[0017] Preferably, the sample inlet channel is provided with a second sample pushing component that can slide along its length direction for pushing the sample holder to the sample holder operating ring; the second sample pushing component includes a second thrust member that is slidably installed along the length direction of the sample inlet channel, and a second linear module that drives the second thrust member to slide back and forth, the second thrust member having a push plate located above the sample inlet channel; one end of the push plate is provided with two sets of inclined guide wheels.

[0018] Preferably, the sample ejection channel is provided with a first ejection mechanism that can slide along its length direction, for pushing the sample holder on the sample holder operating ring to the end of the basket; the first ejection mechanism includes a base plate, a push arm rotatably disposed on the base plate, and a first elastic element connected between the base plate and the push arm, the first elastic element being used to drive the push arm to be placed horizontally in the width direction of the sample ejection channel; the base plate is slidably mounted on the length direction of the sample ejection channel through a third linear module, when the sample holder operating ring rotates to the point where the sample holder and the sample ejection channel are directly opposite each other, the third linear module drives the base plate to slide, and the push arm can overcome the resistance of the first elastic element and rotate inward to pass over the sample holder and be placed horizontally at the rear end of the sample holder.

[0019] Preferably, one end of the push arm is provided with an extension plate and the other end is provided with a limiting post, and the base plate is provided with a stop plane adapted to the limiting post; when the first elastic element causes the push arm to be placed horizontally in the width direction of the sample ejection channel, the limiting post abuts against the stop plane.

[0020] Preferably, the sample inlet channel is provided with a frame at the end of the corresponding basket placement area. A front support plate is fixedly installed on the frame and a rear support block is rotatably installed on the frame. A second elastic element is provided between the rear support block and the frame. The second elastic element is used to keep the rear support block horizontally above the sample inlet channel.

[0021] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are:

[0022] 1. Through reasonable structural optimization and improvement of the chemiluminescence immunoassay analyzer, the analyzer has the advantages of high compactness, fewer cup-grabbing actions, high detection efficiency, and large detection throughput.

[0023] 2. The sample introduction system is based on the existing sample and reagent integrated device. A basket is set on one side of the sample rack operating ring, and the sample introduction channel, sample removal channel and corresponding sample introduction and removal components are automatically connected. This makes the entire sample introduction system not only compact, but also enables batch automatic sample introduction. The single sample loading volume is significantly improved, which can greatly increase the detection throughput of the chemiluminescence immunoassay analyzer to meet the needs of large-scale detection and analysis.

[0024] 3. The cup discharge system adopts a curved slide design, which allows the cup discharge direction to directly connect with the outer ring frame outside the incubation system. Compared with the traditional straight slide, it not only eliminates the need for the transfer module to receive and transfer reaction cups and reduces the cup-grabbing action of the internal robotic arm, but also provides a vertical layout option for the entire analyzer, making the design flexible and versatile. Attached Figure Description

[0025] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of a fully automated chemiluminescence immunoassay analyzer.

[0026] Figure 2 Left view of a fully automated chemiluminescence immunoassay analyzer;

[0027] Figure 3 For along Figure 2 Sectional view of DD;

[0028] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the structure of the cup-dispensing system 8 (outer view);

[0029] Figure 5 This is a partial schematic diagram of the lower part of the cup arrangement system 8;

[0030] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the curved slide 8b in the cup arrangement system 8;

[0031] Figure 7 Another structural schematic diagram of the cup arrangement system 8 (inner view);

[0032] Figure 8 This is a frontal projection view (inner view) of the cup-rowing system 8;

[0033] Figure 9 For along Figure 8 Sectional view of BB;

[0034] Figure 10 This is a structural layout diagram of sample introduction system A for a chemiluminescence immunoassay analyzer.

[0035] Figure 11 This is a partial schematic diagram of the sample introduction system A at the basket placement area A1. In this diagram, a basket 3 has been installed in the basket placement area A1.

[0036] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the second pusher assembly 6;

[0037] Figure 13 This is a partially enlarged schematic diagram of the junction between the basket 3 and the second pusher assembly 6;

[0038] Figure 14 A partial structural schematic diagram to illustrate the working principle of the first sample ejection mechanism 9;

[0039] Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram of the first sample removal mechanism 9.

[0040] Figure 16 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the second sample removal mechanism 7;

[0041] Figure 17 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of basket 3;

[0042] Figure 18 A diagram showing the working state of the sample rack 4 horizontally installed inside the basket 3;

[0043] Figure 19 This is a diagram showing the working state of the sample rack 4 being tilted and installed inside the basket 3. Detailed Implementation

[0044] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the embodiments and accompanying drawings.

[0045] like Figure 1 As shown, a fully automated chemiluminescence immunoassay analyzer includes a frame system 13 and modules such as a sample introduction system A, a dispensing system 12, a gripper system 15, a cup dispensing system 8, a detection system 14, a washing system 16, and an incubation system 10, all assembled within the frame system 13. The improvements in this embodiment lie in the cup dispensing system 8, the incubation system 10, and the sample introduction system A, which will be described in detail below.

[0046] Please refer to Figure 2 and Figure 4 As shown, the cup arrangement system 8 has a vertically arranged support plate 8c. A front slide 8a and a turning slide 8b are installed on the outer side of the support plate 8c. The front slide 8a is located at the top, and the turning slide 8b is arranged at an angle and connects to the lower end of the front slide 8a. (See attached diagram.) Figure 6As can be seen, the turning slide 8b includes a waiting section 8b1, a cup dispensing section 8b2, and an arc-shaped transition section 8b3 connecting the waiting section 8b1 and the cup dispensing section 8b2. The waiting section 8b1 is located in the extension direction of the front slide 8a, and the arc-shaped transition section 8b3 causes the cup dispensing section 8b2 to bend to one side relative to the waiting section 8b1.

[0047] Compared to traditional straight slides, the use of the above-mentioned curved slide 8b allows the cup dispensing direction to face the width direction of the front slide 8a, which is also the width direction of the cup dispensing system 8, providing a new layout method for the arrangement of various modules of the chemiluminescence immunoassay analyzer.

[0048] Please refer to the attached document. Figure 3 In this embodiment, the incubation system 10 is directly arranged in the outlet direction of the curved slide 8b. Specifically, the incubation system 10 includes an inner tray 10a and an outer ring frame 10b arranged concentrically, and the inner tray 10a and the outer ring frame 10b can rotate independently. The inner tray 10a is provided with a plurality of incubation holes 10a1, and the outer ring frame 10b has cup-holding slots 10c with open outer sides arranged in a circumferential array. The cup-discharging section 8b2 is bent vertically to one side relative to the waiting section 8b1, and the outlet direction of the cup-discharging section 8b2 faces the center direction of the outer ring frame 10b.

[0049] Based on the above configuration, as the outer ring frame 10b rotates, when the cup placement groove 10c is aligned with the end of the cup exit section 8b2, the reaction cup e from the front slide rail 8a can slide directly from the cup exit section 8b2 into the cup placement groove 10c. Further rotation of the outer ring frame 10b then allows for the individual cup delivery. Therefore, this design not only eliminates the need for a transfer module to receive and transport reaction cups, improving the analyzer's structural compactness, but also provides a longitudinal layout implementation for the entire analyzer.

[0050] The working principle of the cup arrangement system 8, which arranges the reaction cups one by one to the front slide rail 8a, is as follows:

[0051] Please refer to Figure 4 As shown, the cup discharge system 8 also includes a hopper 8g installed inside the support plate 8c. The front slide 8a and the hopper 8g are located on both sides of the support plate 8c, respectively, from the attached... Figure 9It can be seen that the bottom of the hopper 8g has an inclined base plate 8g1, and there is a gap between the base plate 8g1 and the support plate 8c. A lifting block 8h that can move up and down is installed in the gap. The upper end of the lifting block 8h has an inclined support surface 8h1, and an acute-angle groove f is formed between the inclined support surface 8h1 and the side wall of the support plate 8c. The reaction cup e, which is the object of the cup arrangement system 8, has a cylindrical structure and an annular step g on its upper part. Based on the structural characteristics of the reaction cups e, after the operator randomly grabs a large number of reaction cups e into the hopper 8g, at least one or two reaction cups e will slide from the bottom plate 8g1 into the acute-angle groove f at the top of the lifting block 8h. Under the action of the external drive mechanism, the lifting block 8h rises along the side wall of the support plate 8c. When it rises to the point where the top of the lifting block 8h is flush with the top of the support plate 8c, the reaction cups e in the acute-angle groove f will slide from the top of the support plate 8c into the front slide rail 8a on the other side. Finally, under the action of its own gravity, the reaction cups e are arranged vertically on the front slide rail 8a, thus realizing automatic cup arrangement.

[0052] like Figure 7 As shown, the cup-dispensing system 8 also includes a drive assembly 82, an elastic member 83, and a switch assembly 81, wherein the auxiliary component 8 is located on the side of the cup. Figure 8 As can be seen, the switch assembly 81 consists of a first linkage piece 8d and a second linkage piece 8e fixedly connected together. The first linkage piece 8d has a first limiting part 81a, and the second linkage piece 8e has a second limiting part 81b. The switch assembly 81 is rotatably mounted inside the support plate 8c. The elastic member 83 applies a rotational driving force to the switch assembly 81. Please refer to the attached document. Figure 5 As shown, under the action of the rotational driving force, the first limiting part 81a can restrict the reaction cup e in the waiting section 8b1, and the second limiting part 81b can restrict the reaction cup e in the discharging section 8b2. The driving assembly 82 is used to drive the switch assembly 81 to rotate in the opposite direction against the resistance of the elastic member 83, so as to release the restriction on the reaction cup e.

[0053] The purpose of this design is as follows: when the reaction cup does not need to enter the cup-holding slot 10c of the outer ring frame 10b, the elastic member 83 controls the second limiting part 81b to restrict the reaction cup e to the cup-out section 8b2. When the reaction cup needs to enter the cup-holding slot 10c, the drive component 82 controls the switch component 81 to rotate, and the second limiting part 81b releases the restriction on the reaction cup e in the cup-out section 8b2, allowing the reaction cup e to slide into the cup-holding slot 10c. This achieves orderly control and ensures the smooth operation of the equipment. In the actual working chamber, because the first limiting part 81a and the second limiting part 81b are linked, for every reaction cup e released by the first limiting part 81a, a reaction cup will cross the arc transition section 8b3 from the waiting section 8b1 to reach the cup-out section 8b2. This design avoids the reaction cup from the front slide rail 8a directly reaching the arc transition section 8b3, reduces the impact force of the reaction cup in the arc transition section 8b3, and prevents the reaction cup from rushing out of the arc transition section 8b3.

[0054] like Figure 5 and 8 As shown, to facilitate the arrangement of the first linkage plate 8d, the second linkage plate 8e, and their limiting portions, in this embodiment, the waiting section 8b1 is fixed to the outside of the support plate 8c, and the arc-shaped transition section 8b3 allows the cup-discharging section 8b2 to be positioned transversely in front of the support plate 8c along its thickness direction. Furthermore, the first limiting portion 81a has a sheet-like structure, integrally bent and formed at the front end of the first linkage plate 8d, and can stop at the front of the reaction cup e in the waiting section 8b1. The second limiting portion 81b has a sheet-like structure, integrally bent and formed at the front end of the second linkage plate 8e, and can stop at the side of the reaction cup e in the cup-discharging section 8b2, restricting the movement of the reaction cup by pressing.

[0055] For example Figure 7 , 8 As shown, the second linkage plate 8e is fixedly connected to the first linkage plate 8d in parallel via two pins 8f. A hanging post 8c1 is provided on the support plate 8c. The elastic member 83 is a tension spring, with one end connected to the hanging post 8c1 and the other end connected to one of the pins 8f. A gap exists between the second linkage plate 8e and the first linkage plate 8d. This gap not only allows the tension spring to be mounted on one of the pins 8f, improving assembly convenience, but also allows the second linkage plate 8e to shift to accommodate the displacement difference between the reaction cup in the outlet section 8b2 and the waiting section 8b1, ensuring that the first limiting part 81a and the second limiting part 81b can simultaneously act on the reaction cup in the waiting section 8b1 and the outlet section 8b2, respectively.

[0056] like Figure 8As shown, the end of the first linkage plate 8d away from the first limiting part 81a is provided with a rear extension 8d1. The driving assembly 82 includes a rotary belt 82a, a pressure plate 82b fixed to one side of the rotary belt 82a, and a motor 82c for driving the rotary belt 82a to rotate. The pressure plate 82b is supported on the rear extension 8d1 by a roller h. Based on this, when the motor 82c is working, the pressure plate 82b can be moved up and down by the rotary belt 82a. When the motor 82c drives the pressure plate 82b to move downward, the roller h acts on the rear extension 8d1, which can drive the first linkage plate 8d and the second linkage plate 8e to rotate counterclockwise around the support shaft i. At this time, the first limiting part 81a and the second limiting part 81b rotate upward synchronously, thereby releasing the restriction on the reaction cup. When the motor 82c drives the pressure plate 82b to move upward, the roller h does not provide pressure to the rear extension 8d1. At this time, the elastic member 83 can drive the first linkage plate 8d and the second linkage plate 8e to rotate clockwise around the support shaft i. The first limiting part 81a and the second limiting part 81b rotate downward synchronously, thus re-limiting the reaction cup in the corresponding position.

[0057] like Figure 10 As shown, the sample introduction system A includes a concentrically arranged reagent compartment 1 and a sample rack rotating ring 2 that surrounds the reagent compartment 1 circumferentially. Both the sample rack rotating ring 2 and the reagent compartment 1 are capable of rotational movement. A basket placement area A1 is located on one side of the sample rack rotating ring 2, and a basket 3 is detachably mounted on the basket placement area A1, in conjunction with... Figure 17 It can be seen that the basket 3 has a front side plate 3c and a rear side plate 3b extending vertically upward. An installation channel 3a is formed between the front side plate 3c and the rear side plate 3b. The installation channel 3a runs through the length of the basket 3, and a sample rack 4 is placed in the array of the installation channel 3a.

[0058] For example Figure 10 As shown, the basket placement area A1 is connected to the sample rack operating ring 2 at both ends by a sample inlet channel a and a sample outlet channel b, respectively. A first pusher component 5, capable of reciprocating along its length, is located at the front of the basket placement area A1, used to push the sample rack 4 inside the basket 3 to the right onto the sample inlet channel a. The sample inlet channel a is equipped with a second pusher component 6, capable of sliding along its length, used to push the sample rack 4 onto the sample rack operating ring 2. The sample outlet channel b is equipped with a first ejection mechanism 9, capable of sliding along its length, used to push the sample rack 4 on the sample rack operating ring 2 to the left end of the basket 3. A second ejection mechanism 7 is located at the end of the ejection channel b furthest from the sample rack operating ring 2, used to push the sample rack 4 into the basket 3.

[0059] Based on the above structural layout of the sample introduction system A, the complete working steps of sample rack 4 for sample introduction and removal are as follows:

[0060] 1. Install the basket 3 carrying the sample rack 4 in the basket placement area A1.

[0061] 2. The first sample pushing component 5 pushes the sample rack 4 inside the basket 3 to the right into the sample inlet channel a.

[0062] 3. The second sample pushing component 6 pushes the sample rack 4 to the sample rack operating ring 2. The sample rack operating ring 2 carries the sample rack 4 and rotates inside the chemiluminescence immunoassay analyzer. After completing the scanning, liquid aspiration and sampling, the sample rack 4 is transported by the sample rack operating ring 2 to the end of the sample ejection channel b.

[0063] 4. The first sample ejection mechanism 9 pushes the sample rack 4 on the sample rack operating ring 2 to the left end of the basket 3.

[0064] 5. The second sample removal mechanism 7 then pushes the sample holder 4 into the basket 3.

[0065] Following the above process in a step-by-step cycle, all sample racks 4 within basket 3 return to basket 3 via the sample return channel b, thus completing the analysis of a batch of samples. Basket 3 is positioned close to one side of the sample rack operating ring 2. The entire sample introduction system maintains the compactness of the original sample and reagent integrated device and enables automated batch sample introduction. The single sample loading capacity is significantly increased, greatly enhancing the detection throughput of the chemiluminescence immunoassay analyzer to meet the needs of large-scale detection and analysis.

[0066] For example Figure 10 As shown, sample rack placement positions 2a are distributed in a circular array on the sample rack operating ring 2. Each sample rack placement position 2a is a workstation, and each workstation can complete the processes of sample injection, barcode scanning, sample retrieval, and sample ejection. In this embodiment, the sample rack placement position 2a is a strip-shaped channel structure. As the sample rack operating ring 2 rotates, the sample rack placement position 2a can be directly aligned with the sample injection channel a and the sample ejection channel b at the 3 o'clock and 9 o'clock positions, respectively, to ensure that the sample rack 4 can be smoothly switched between the corresponding channels.

[0067] The following provides a detailed description of each component in injection system A.

[0068] Please refer to Figure 10 , Figure 14 and Figure 15As shown, the first sample ejection mechanism 9 includes a substrate 9b, which is slidably mounted on the sample ejection channel b along its length via a third linear module 9a. A push arm 9c is rotatably mounted on the upper part of the substrate 9b. A first elastic element 9d, which is a tension spring, is located between the push arm 9c and the substrate 9b. One end of the push arm 9c has a downwardly extending limiting post 9c2, and the substrate 9b has a stop plane 9b1 adapted to the limiting post 9c2. When no external force other than the tension of the tension spring is applied, the tension of the tension spring can cause the push arm 9c to rotate until the limiting post 9c2 abuts against the stop plane 9b1. At this time, the push arm 9c is placed horizontally in the width direction of the sample ejection channel b, that is, the extension direction of the push arm 9c is consistent with the thickness direction of the sample holder 4.

[0069] In the initial state, the push arm 9c is positioned horizontally above the sample ejection channel b. When sample ejection is required, the third linear module 9a drives the push arm 9c to move towards the rear of the sample holder 4 along with the substrate 9b. During this process, when the push arm 9c contacts the sample holder 4, the sample holder 4 forces the push arm 9c to rotate inward against the pulling force of the first elastic element 9d. After the push arm 9c slides along the side of the sample holder 4 to the rear of the sample holder 4, the first elastic element 9d drives the push arm 9c to be positioned horizontally at the rear end of the sample holder 4. Then, the third linear module 9a drives the push arm 9c to move forward along with the substrate 9b, and the push arm 9c can transfer the sample holder 4 on the sample holder operating ring 2 to the vicinity of the left end of the basket 3.

[0070] The advantage of the first sample ejection mechanism 9 using the above design is that it can optimize the running trajectory of the sample rack operating ring 2 and improve the working efficiency of the equipment. If the push arm 9c does not adopt the elastic collapse installation, the sample ejection process is as follows: the sample rack operating ring 2 first carries the sample rack 4 to the 6 o'clock position, the third linear module 9a drives the push arm 9c to the position to be ejected, and then the sample rack operating ring 2 carries the sample rack 4 back to the 9 o'clock position. At this time, the third linear module 9a can drive the push arm 9c to perform the sample ejection work. However, the push arm 9c with the elastic collapse installation can directly pass over the sample rack and enter the rear end of the sample rack.

[0071] For example Figure 15 As shown, the inner end of the push arm 9c is provided with an upwardly extending extension plate 9c1. The extension plate 9c1 can increase the contact area and improve the stability of the sample retraction push.

[0072] Please refer to Figure 10 and Figure 16 As shown, the second sample ejection mechanism 7 includes a push plate 7a that is slidably installed near the left end of the basket 3 along the length direction of the basket 3, and a fourth linear module 7b for driving the push plate 7a to slide. When the first sample ejection mechanism 9 pushes the sample holder 4 to the left end of the basket 3, the fourth linear module 7b drives the push plate 7a to move, which can push the sample holder back into the basket 3.

[0073] Please refer to Figure 11As shown, the first pusher assembly 5 includes a side slider 5a slidably mounted on one side of the basket 3, a first thrust member 5b fixed to the upper part of the side slider 5a, and a first linear module 5c that drives the side slider 5a to reciprocate. (See attached diagram) Figure 18 As can be seen, the first thrust member 5b is an "n"-shaped component horizontally positioned above the basket placement area A1. The lower ends of the "n"-shaped component are respectively provided with a front thrust member 5b1 and a rear thrust member 5b2. The sample holder 4 inside the basket is provided with a front support lug 4a and a rear support lug 4b at both ends. The front thrust member 5b1 and the rear thrust member 5b2 act on the front support lug 4a and the rear support lug 4b, respectively. Based on this, the first linear module 5c drives the side slider 5a to slide to the right, thus pushing the sample holder 4 from the installation channel 3a of the basket 3 to the sample inlet channel a.

[0074] In this embodiment, combined with the attached Figure 18 It can be seen that there is a height difference between the front side plate 3c and the rear side plate 3b of the basket 3. The sample rack 4 has a front support surface c on the lower side of the front support ear 4a and a rear support surface d on the lower side of the rear support ear 4b. There is also a height difference between the front support surface c and the rear support surface d. Furthermore, the height difference between the front side plate 3c and the rear side plate 3b is equal to the height difference between the front support surface c and the rear support surface d.

[0075] The height difference between basket 3 and sample rack 4 serves the following purposes:

[0076] 1. Figure 18 When sample holder 4 is installed correctly, the height difference between the front support surface c and the rear support surface d exactly cancels out the height difference between the front side plate 3c and the rear side plate 3b, resulting in a horizontal position for sample holder 4. If sample holder 4 is installed backwards, the two height differences will overlap, resulting in a tilted position for sample holder 4. Therefore, users can use this to determine whether the installation orientation of sample holder 4 is correct, thus ensuring that the internal barcode scanner can successfully scan the sample tubes on sample holder 4 after sample holder 4 enters the analyzer.

[0077] 2. Please refer to Figure 19 Based on the sample loading system provided in this embodiment, when the discarded sample rack 4 returns to the basket 3, the sample rack 4 will rotate exactly 180°, and the discarded sample rack 4 will return to the basket 3 in an inclined posture. The inclination of the sample rack 4 allows the front support lug 4a and the rear support lug 4b at both ends to become one higher and the other lower, thereby perfectly avoiding the front thrust part 5b1 and the rear thrust part 5b2 of the first thrust member 5b. The first thrust member 5b can return to its initial position on the left end without interference, thus ensuring that the basket is lifted upwards for replacement without being blocked by the first thrust member 5b. At the same time, this also facilitates the replacement of the basket 3 midway, meeting special needs such as temporary and emergency testing.

[0078] Please refer to Figure 11 and 12As shown, a frame 11 is provided at the right end of the sample inlet channel a corresponding to the basket 3. A front support plate 11a and a rear support block 11b are mounted on the frame 11. The distance between the front support plate 11a and the rear support block 11b is equal to the length of the sample rack. When the first pusher assembly 5 pushes the sample rack 4 in the basket 3 to the right into the sample inlet channel a, the front support lug 4a and the rear support lug 4b of the sample rack 4 are supported on the front support plate 11a and the rear support block 11b, respectively. This design can prevent the sample rack 4 from tipping over and ensure that it enters the sample inlet channel a in a stable posture.

[0079] For further details, please refer to Figure 12 As shown, to ensure that the second sample pushing assembly 6 can smoothly push the sample holder 4 to move within the sample inlet channel a, the rear support block 11b is rotatably mounted on the frame 11. The frame 11 is provided with a limiting pin 11d, and a second elastic element 11c is provided between the rear support block 11b and the frame 11. The driving force of the second elastic element 11c and the stopping effect of the limiting pin 11d enable the rear support block 11b to be horizontally held above the sample inlet channel a, thereby supporting the rear support lug 4b of the sample holder. Based on this, when the second sample pushing assembly 6 pushes the sample holder 4 towards the sample holder operating ring 2, the thrust can force the rear support block 11b to overcome the resistance of the second elastic element 11c and rotate outwards to prevent movement interference.

[0080] Please refer to the following: Figure 12 As shown, the second sample pushing assembly 6 includes a second thrust member 6a slidably mounted along the length of the sample inlet channel a, and a second linear module 6c that drives the second thrust member 6a to reciprocate. The second thrust member 6a has a push plate 6a1 located above the sample inlet channel a. Based on this, when the push plate 6a1 is at the front end of the sample holder 4, the second thrust member 6a can move backward to drive the sample holder to move backward within the sample inlet channel a and enter the sample holder operating ring 2.

[0081] To avoid such Figure 17 During the movement of the basket 3, the sample rack 4 falls from the end of the mounting channel 3a. The basket 3 is generally equipped with an anti-detachment component. During the movement of the basket 3, the anti-detachment component blocks the end of the mounting channel 3a. After the basket 3 is placed in the basket placement area A1, the anti-detachment component falls due to its own weight, and both ends of the mounting channel 3a are open. If the sample rack at the end protrudes from both ends of the mounting channel 3a when the basket is lifted, the anti-detachment component will not be able to move upward, making it impossible for the basket to be lifted smoothly. In view of this, in this embodiment, two sets of inclined guide wheels 6d are provided at the inner end of the push plate 6a1. During the movement of the second thrust member 6a, the two sets of inclined guide wheels 6d can press the sample rack protruding from the end of the mounting channel 3a back into the basket, thereby ensuring that the basket can be lifted smoothly after use.

[0082] Finally, it should be noted that the above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Those skilled in the art, under the guidance of the present invention, can make various similar representations without departing from the spirit and claims of the present invention, and such modifications all fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A compact, fully automated chemiluminescence immunoassay analyzer with high detection throughput, comprising a cup sorting system (8), an incubation system (10), and a reagent compartment (1) and a sample rack transport ring (2) arranged concentrically, characterized in that: The cup-arranging system (8) has a front slide (8a) on one side and a turning slide (8b) connected to the lower end of the front slide (8a). The turning slide (8b) is arranged at an overall inclination and includes a waiting section (8b1), a cup-dispensing section (8b2), and an arc-shaped transition section (8b3) connecting the waiting section (8b1) and the cup-dispensing section (8b2). The waiting section (8b1) is located in the extension direction of the front slide (8a), and the arc-shaped transition section (8b3) causes the cup-dispensing section (8b2) to bend to one side relative to the waiting section (8b1). The incubation system (10) includes an inner tray (10a) and an outer ring frame (10b) located around the inner tray (10a). The outer ring frame (10b) has cup-holding slots (10c) with open outer sides. The outer ring frame (10b) is rotatably set in the cup-discharging direction of the cup-discharging section (8b2). As the outer ring frame (10b) rotates, the cup-holding slots (10c) can be directly connected to the end of the cup-discharging section (8b2). The sample rack operating ring (2) has a basket placement area (A1) on one side. The basket placement area (A1) is connected to the sample rack operating ring (2) at both ends by a sample inlet channel (a) and a sample outlet channel (b). After the basket (3) carrying the sample rack (4) is installed in the basket placement area (A1), the sample rack (4) can be transported and operated in the direction of basket (3) → sample inlet channel (a) → sample rack operating ring (2) → sample outlet channel (b) → basket (3). The cup dispensing system (8) is provided with a drive assembly (82), an elastic member (83) and a switch assembly (81). The switch assembly (81) has a first limiting part (81a) and a second limiting part (81b). The switch assembly (81) is rotatably mounted on the cup dispensing system (8). The elastic member (83) applies a rotational driving force to the switch assembly (81) so that the first limiting part (81a) and the second limiting part (81b) can respectively restrict the reaction cup (e) to the waiting section (8b1) and the dispensing section (8b2). The drive assembly (82) is used to drive the switch assembly (81) to rotate against the resistance of the elastic member (83) to release the restriction on the reaction cup (e).

2. The compact, fully automated chemiluminescence immunoassay analyzer with high detection throughput according to claim 1, characterized in that: The cup-dispensing system (8) has a vertically arranged support plate (8c), the waiting section (8b1) is fixed on the outside of the support plate (8c), and the arc-shaped transition section (8b3) makes the cup-dispensing section (8b2) horizontally positioned in front of the support plate (8c) along the thickness direction of the support plate (8c); The switch assembly (81) includes a first linkage plate (8d) rotatably mounted on the inner side of the support plate (8c), and a second linkage plate (8e) fixed on the first linkage plate (8d). The first limiting part (81a) is a sheet-like structure, which is bent and formed at the front end of the first linkage plate (8d). The first limiting part (81a) is located at the front of the reaction cup (e). The second limiting part (81b) is a sheet-like structure, which is bent and formed at the front end of the second linkage plate (8e). The second limiting part (81b) is located at the side of the reaction cup (e).

3. The compact, fully automated chemiluminescence immunoassay analyzer with high detection throughput according to claim 2, characterized in that: The second linkage plate (8e) is fixedly connected to the first linkage plate (8d) in parallel by two pins (8f). The support plate (8c) is provided with a hanging post (8c1). The elastic member (83) is a tension spring, one end of which is connected to the hanging post (8c1) and the other end is connected to one of the pins (8f). The first linkage plate (8d) has a rear extension (8d1) at one end away from the first limiting part (81a). The drive assembly (82) includes a rotary belt (82a), a pressure plate (82b) fixed to one side of the rotary belt (82a), and a motor (82c) for driving the rotary belt (82a) to rotate. When the motor (82c) drives the pressure plate (82b) to move downward, the pressure plate (82b) can act on the rear extension (8d1) to drive the first linkage plate (8d) to rotate against the resistance of the tension spring.

4. The compact, fully automated chemiluminescence immunoassay analyzer with high detection throughput according to claim 1, characterized in that: The basket placement area (A1) is provided with a first sample pushing component (5) that can reciprocate along its length direction, for pushing the sample rack (4) in the basket (3) to the sample inlet channel (a). The first pusher assembly (5) includes a side slider (5a), a first thrust member (5b) fixed to the upper part of the side slider (5a), and a first linear module (5c) that drives the side slider (5a) to slide back and forth in the basket placement area (A1). The first thrust member (5b) is an "n"-shaped component placed horizontally above the basket placement area (A1). The lower parts of the two ends of the "n"-shaped component are respectively provided with a front thrust part (5b1) and a rear thrust part (5b2).

5. The compact, fully automated chemiluminescence immunoassay analyzer with high detection throughput according to claim 1, characterized in that: The sample inlet channel (a) is provided with a second sample pushing component (6) that can slide along its length direction, for pushing the sample holder (4) to the sample holder operating ring (2). The second pusher assembly (6) includes a second thrust member (6a) that is slidably installed along the length of the injection channel (a), and a second linear module (6c) that drives the second thrust member (6a) to slide back and forth. The second thrust member (6a) has a pusher plate (6a1) located above the injection channel (a). One end of the pusher plate (6a1) is provided with two sets of inclined guide wheels (6d).

6. The compact, fully automated chemiluminescence immunoassay analyzer with high detection throughput according to claim 1, characterized in that: The sample ejection channel (b) is provided with a first sample ejection mechanism (9) that can slide along its length direction, for pushing the sample rack (4) on the sample rack running ring (2) to the end of the basket (3); The first sample ejection mechanism (9) includes a substrate (9b), a push arm (9c) rotatably disposed on the substrate (9b), and a first elastic element (9d) connected between the substrate (9b) and the push arm (9c). The first elastic element (9d) is used to drive the push arm (9c) to be placed transversely in the width direction of the sample ejection channel (b). The substrate (9b) is slidably mounted on the sample ejection channel (b) along its length via the third linear module (9a). When the sample holder rotating ring (2) rotates to the point where the sample holder and the sample ejection channel (b) are directly aligned, the third linear module (9a) drives the substrate (9b) to slide. The push arm (9c) can overcome the resistance of the first elastic element (9d) and rotate inward to pass over the sample holder and be placed horizontally at the rear end of the sample holder.

7. The compact, fully automated chemiluminescence immunoassay analyzer with high detection throughput according to claim 6, characterized in that: The push arm (9c) has an extension plate (9c1) at one end and a limiting post (9c2) at the other end. The base plate (9b) has a stop plane (9b1) adapted to the limiting post (9c2). When the first elastic element (9d) causes the push arm (9c) to be placed transversely in the width direction of the sample ejection channel (b), the limiting post (9c2) abuts against the stop plane (9b1).

8. The compact, fully automated chemiluminescence immunoassay analyzer with high detection throughput according to claim 1, characterized in that: The sample inlet channel (a) is provided with a frame (11) at the end of the corresponding basket placement area (A1). A front support plate (11a) is fixedly installed on the frame (11) and a rear support block (11b) is rotatably installed. A second elastic element (11c) is provided between the rear support block (11b) and the frame (11). The second elastic element (11c) is used to keep the rear support block (11b) horizontally above the sample inlet channel (a).

9. The compact, fully automated chemiluminescence immunoassay analyzer with high detection throughput according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a basket (3) and a sample rack (4), the basket (3) having a front side plate (3c) and a rear side plate (3b), an installation channel (3a) being formed between the front side plate (3c) and the rear side plate (3b), the installation channel (3a) extending through the length of the basket (3), and a height difference between the front side plate (3c) and the rear side plate (3b); The sample holder (4) has a front support ear (4a) and a rear support ear (4b) at both ends. The front support ear (4a) has a front support surface (c) on its lower side, and the rear support ear (4b) has a rear support surface (d) on its lower side. There is a height difference between the front support surface (c) and the rear support surface (d).

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