Pretreatment device, fully-automatic nucleic acid detection workstation and pretreatment method

Abstract

The pre-treatment device, the full-automatic nucleic acid detection workstation and the pre-treatment method relate to the technical field of nucleic acid detection, and comprise a rack, wherein the rack is provided with a detection tube processing module, an extracting solution processing module and a sample processing module; the detection tube processing module comprises a detection tube mechanical hand and a detection tube transfer mechanism; the detection tube transfer mechanism comprises a plurality of detection tube transfer trolleys and a plurality of detection tube moving units for realizing the axial movement of the detection tube transfer trolleys; a plurality of detection tube stations are arranged on the detection tube moving units; the detection tube stations at least comprise a detection tube station one, a detection tube station two and a detection tube station three; and the number of the detection tube moving units and the detection tube transfer trolleys is greater than or equal to the number of the detection tube stations. The application can automatically and parallelly run each detection step through the arrangement of the plurality of detection tube moving units and the detection tube transfer trolleys, thereby improving the detection processing efficiency.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of nucleic acid detection technology, specifically to a preprocessing device, a fully automated nucleic acid detection workstation, and a preprocessing method. Background Technology

[0002] A complete testing process for a sample generally includes the following steps: opening the sample tube, extraction tube, and detection tube; adding extraction solution to the detection tube and adding the sample to the detection tube; closing the detection tube, sample tube, and extraction tube; and transferring the detection tube to the nucleic acid analyzer for analysis. In existing technologies, the above testing process is typically executed sequentially by a collaborative robotic arm to automate nucleic acid testing, but this method is relatively slow.

[0003] Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop preprocessing devices, fully automated nucleic acid testing workstations, and preprocessing methods to solve the problems in existing technologies. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a preprocessing device, a fully automated nucleic acid detection workstation, and a preprocessing method that can run various detection steps such as adding extraction solution and adding sample in parallel, so as to solve the problem of slow detection speed mentioned in the background art.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution:

[0006] A pretreatment device includes a frame on which a detection tube processing module, an extraction liquid processing module, and a sample processing module are mounted. The detection tube processing module includes a detection tube manipulator and a detection tube transfer mechanism. The detection tube transfer mechanism includes several detection tube transfer trolleys for accommodating detection tubes and several detection tube moving units for axial movement of the detection tube transfer trolleys. The detection tube transfer trolleys are mounted on the detection tube moving units.

[0007] The detection tube moving unit is provided with a plurality of detection tube stations, and the detection tube stations include at least one detection tube station, one detection tube station, and three detection tube stations; the number of the detection tube moving units and the detection tube transfer trolleys is greater than or equal to the number of the detection tube stations.

[0008] When the test tube transfer cart without a test tube stops at test tube station one, the test tube robot moves the test tube into the test tube transfer cart; when the test tube transfer cart with a test tube stops at test tube station two, the extraction liquid processing module injects the extraction liquid into the test tube in the test tube transfer cart; when the test tube transfer cart with a test tube stops at test tube station three, the sample processing module injects the sample into the test tube in the test tube transfer cart.

[0009] Furthermore, the frame is also equipped with a vertical transfer module, and the detection tube moving unit is also equipped with a fourth detection tube station. When the detection tube transfer trolley with the injected sample stops at the fourth detection tube station, the vertical transfer module grabs the detection tube and transfers it upward or downward.

[0010] Furthermore, the detection tube transfer mechanism includes a detection tube transfer bracket, and the detection tube moving unit includes a lead screw, a lead screw nut mounted on the lead screw, and a drive motor for driving the lead screw to rotate. The lead screw is rotatably connected to the detection tube transfer bracket, and the detection tube transfer trolley is fixed on the lead screw nut.

[0011] Furthermore, the extraction liquid processing module includes an extraction tube pipette for injecting the extraction liquid into the detection tube, an extraction tube transfer mechanism for transferring the extraction tube, and an extraction tube manipulator for gripping and moving the extraction tube. The extraction tube pipette works in conjunction with the detection tube transfer mechanism. When the detection tube transfer trolley containing the detection tube moves to the second detection tube station and stops, the extraction tube pipette injects the extraction liquid into the detection tube in the detection tube transfer trolley.

[0012] Furthermore, the extraction tube transfer mechanism includes an extraction tube clamping trolley for accommodating the extraction tube and an extraction tube transfer unit for realizing the axial movement of the extraction tube clamping trolley. At least two extraction tube clamping trolleys are provided. The extraction tube transfer unit has a plurality of extraction tube stations in the axial movement direction of the extraction tube clamping trolley. The extraction tube stations include extraction tube station one near the extraction tube manipulator and extraction tube station two near the extraction tube pipette.

[0013] When the tube clamping trolley without a tube is stopped at tube extraction station one, the tube extraction robot grabs the tube from the tube extraction area and moves the tube into the tube clamping trolley.

[0014] When the extraction tube clamp trolley with the extraction tube already in place stops at extraction tube station two, the extraction tube pipette injects the extraction liquid into the extraction tube in the extraction tube clamp trolley;

[0015] When the extraction tube clamping trolley with the extraction tube already in place stops at extraction tube station one, the extraction tube robot will grab the extraction tube in the extraction tube clamping trolley and move the extraction tube back to its original position in the extraction tube area.

[0016] Furthermore, the extraction liquid processing module also includes an oscillation unit, which includes an X-axis transmission mechanism, a Y-axis transmission mechanism, and a test tube rack. The X-axis transmission mechanism is connected to the Y-axis transmission mechanism, and the Y-axis transmission mechanism is connected to the test tube rack. The Y-axis transmission mechanism is positioned above the X-axis transmission mechanism, and the test tube rack is positioned above the Y-axis transmission mechanism. The extraction tube robot includes a Y-axis extraction tube robot arm, a Z-axis extraction tube robot arm, and an extraction tube robot claw mounted on the Z-axis extraction tube robot arm. The Y-axis extraction tube robot arm is connected to the Z-axis extraction tube robot arm and is connected to the frame.

[0017] Furthermore, the sample processing module includes a sample tube pipette for injecting sample liquid into the test tube, a sample tube transfer mechanism for transferring the sample tube, and a sample tube manipulator for gripping and moving the sample tube. The sample tube pipette works in conjunction with the test tube transfer mechanism. When the test tube transfer trolley containing the test tube moves to the test tube station three and stops, the sample tube pipette injects the sample liquid into the test tube in the test tube transfer trolley.

[0018] Furthermore, the sample tube transfer mechanism includes a sample tube clamping trolley for holding sample tubes and a sample tube moving unit for realizing the axial movement of the sample tube clamping trolley. At least two sample tube clamping trolleys are provided. The sample tube moving unit has a plurality of sample tube stations in the axial movement direction of the sample tube clamping trolley. The sample tube stations include at least sample tube station one near the sample tube manipulator and sample tube station two near the sample tube pipette. When the sample tube clamping trolley without a sample tube moves to sample tube station one and stops, the sample tube manipulator grabs the sample tube from the sample tube area and moves the sample tube into the sample tube clamping trolley.

[0019] When the sample tube clamping trolley containing the sample tube moves to sample tube station two and stops, the sample tube pipette injects the sample liquid into the sample tube in the sample tube clamping trolley.

[0020] When the sample tube clamping trolley containing the sample tubes stops at the sample tube station, the sample tube robot grabs the sample tubes from the sample tube clamping trolley and moves them back to their original positions in the sample tube area.

[0021] The fully automated nucleic acid testing workstation includes the aforementioned preprocessing device and nucleic acid analyzer. The nucleic acid analyzer is also mounted on the rack and located below the preprocessing device. The preprocessing device works in conjunction with the nucleic acid analyzer to transfer the preprocessed test tubes to the nucleic acid analyzer via a vertical transfer module.

[0022] The preprocessing method is characterized by comprising the following steps:

[0023] The test tube transfer mechanism stops the test tube transfer trolleys on different test tube moving units in sequence at test tube station one, test tube station two, test tube station three and test tube station four positions;

[0024] When there is a test tube transfer trolley without a test tube at test tube station 1, the test tube robot grabs the test tube from the test tube area and places it in the test tube transfer trolley located at test tube station 1 that does not have a test tube.

[0025] When the test tube transfer trolley containing the test tube moves to the test tube station two through the test tube transfer mechanism, the extraction tube processing module injects the extraction liquid into the test tube in the test tube transfer trolley.

[0026] When the test tube moves to the third test tube station through the test tube transfer mechanism, the sample tube processing module injects the sample into the test tube in the test tube transfer trolley.

[0027] When the test tube containing the injected sample passes through the test tube transfer mechanism to the test tube station four, the upper and lower transfer mechanism removes the test tube.

[0028] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows: by setting several test tube transfer carts on the test tube moving unit of the axially movable test tube transfer cart, the extraction liquid processing module can operate in parallel to inject the extraction liquid into the test tube in the test tube transfer cart located at test tube station two while the test tube robot grabs the test tube into the test tube transfer cart, thereby improving the preprocessing efficiency of nucleic acid detection.

[0029] Furthermore, the detection tube moving unit is used for axial movement of the transfer trolley. Compared with the circumferential movement structure, the structure of this application is more compact and saves the floor space of the device.

[0030] Other features and advantages of the present invention will be disclosed in detail in the following detailed description and accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0031] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a fully automated nucleic acid testing workstation;

[0032] Figure 2 This is a top view of the overall structure of the pretreatment device;

[0033] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the detection tube transfer mechanism;

[0034] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the extract processing module;

[0035] Figure 5 This is a top view of the extract processing module;

[0036] Figure 6 This is a top view of the sample processing module.

[0037] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the sample tube transfer mechanism.

[0038] The markings in the diagram are as follows: 11. Detection tube robot; 12. Detection tube transfer mechanism; 121. Detection tube transfer cart; 1221. Lead screw; 1222. Lead screw nut; 1223. Drive motor; 21. Extraction tube pipette; 22. Extraction tube transfer mechanism; 221. Extraction tube clamping cart; 222. Conveyor belt; 223. Conveyor motor; 23. Extraction tube robot; 231. Y-axis extraction tube robot arm; 232. Z-axis extraction tube robot arm; 233. Extraction tube gripper; 241. X-axis transmission mechanism; 242. Y-axis transmission mechanism; 243. Test tube rack; 31. Sample tube pipette; 32. Sample tube transfer mechanism; 321. Sample tube clamping cart; 33. Sample tube robot; 4. Up and down transfer module; 5. Frame; 6. Nucleic acid analyzer. Detailed Implementation

[0039] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0040] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; 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; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0041] Pretreatment devices, such as Figures 1 to 7 As shown, the device includes a frame 5, on which are mounted a detection tube processing module, an extraction liquid processing module for processing and injecting the extraction liquid into the detection tube, a sample processing module for processing and injecting the sample into the detection tube, and an up-and-down transfer module 4 for transferring the detection tube up and down after the reagent is added.

[0042] like Figure 2As shown, the test tube processing module includes a test tube manipulator 11 capable of gripping and moving test tubes and opening and closing test tube caps, and a test tube transfer mechanism 12 for transferring test tubes. The test tube transfer mechanism 12 includes a plurality of test tube transfer trolleys 121 for accommodating test tubes and a plurality of test tube moving units for realizing the axial movement of the test tube transfer trolleys 121. The test tube transfer trolleys 121 are mounted on the test tube moving units, and the number of test tube transfer trolleys 121 is the same as the number of test tube moving units.

[0043] like Figure 3 As shown, the detection tube moving unit has several detection tube stations arranged in the axial direction of the movement of the detection tube transfer trolley 121. In this embodiment, these stations are located in the Y-axis direction of the frame 5. Each detection tube station includes a first station for placing detection tubes, a second station for adding extraction liquid, a third station for adding samples, and a fourth station for gripping and transferring detection tubes vertically. The number of detection tube transfer trolleys 121 is greater than or equal to the number of detection tube stations. Optionally, different detection tube stations can be located at the same or different Y-axis positions on the detection tube moving unit. In this embodiment, detection tube station one is located at different Y-axis positions than detection tube station two and detection tube station three, while detection tube station one and detection tube station four are located at the same Y-axis position.

[0044] When the test tube transfer trolley 121 without a test tube stops at the test tube station 1, the test tube robot 11 moves the test tube into the test tube transfer trolley 121.

[0045] When the detection tube transfer trolley 121 with the detection tube already placed stops at the second detection tube station, the extraction liquid processing module injects the extraction liquid into the detection tube in the detection tube transfer trolley 121.

[0046] When the detection tube transfer trolley 121, which already contains the detection tube, stops at the detection tube station three, the sample processing module injects the sample into the detection tube inside the detection tube transfer trolley 121.

[0047] When the detection tube transfer trolley 121 with the injected sample stops at the detection tube station 4, the up-down transfer module 4 grabs the detection tube and transfers it upwards or downwards.

[0048] This application improves the preprocessing efficiency of nucleic acid testing by setting up several detection tube moving units and setting up detection tube stations with different purposes on the detection or processing steps described above on the detection tube moving units, and setting the number of detection tube moving units to be greater than or equal to the number of detection tube stations.

[0049] In this embodiment, the robotic arm capable of grasping and opening / closing test tubes is existing technology, including an X-axis robotic arm, a Y-axis robotic arm, a Z-axis robotic arm connected together, and a mechanical claw on the Z-axis robotic arm capable of grasping and opening / closing the test tubes. This application will not elaborate further.

[0050] In this embodiment, the detection tube transfer mechanism 12 includes a detection tube transfer bracket, and the detection tube moving unit is a lead screw mechanism, including a lead screw 1221 and a lead screw nut 1222 disposed on the lead screw. The lead screw 1221 is rotatably connected to the detection tube transfer bracket, and the detection tube transfer trolley 121 is fixed on the lead screw nut 1222. The lead screw mechanism also includes a drive motor 1223, which is drively connected to the lead screw 1221. The drive motor 1223 drives the lead screw to rotate, thereby driving the lead screw nut and the detection tube transfer trolley 121 on it to move axially.

[0051] In this embodiment, the test tube transfer bracket is equipped with four lead screw mechanisms, each with a transfer trolley. The four drive motors 1223 rotate in a time-sharing manner to ensure that transfer trolleys stop at different test tube stations at the same time.

[0052] like Figure 4 As shown, the extraction liquid processing module includes an extraction tube pipette 21 for injecting the extraction liquid into the detection tube, an extraction tube transfer mechanism 22 for transferring the extraction tube, and an extraction tube manipulator 23 for gripping and moving the extraction tube.

[0053] The extraction tube pipette 21 works in conjunction with the detection tube transfer mechanism 12. When the detection tube transfer trolley 121, which already contains the detection tube, moves to the second detection tube station and stops, the extraction tube pipette 21 injects the extraction liquid into the detection tube in the detection tube transfer trolley 121.

[0054] The extraction tube transfer mechanism 22 includes an extraction tube clamping trolley 221 for accommodating the extraction tube and an extraction tube transfer unit for realizing the axial movement of the extraction tube clamping trolley 221. At least two extraction tube clamping trolleys 221 are provided. The extraction tube transfer unit has several extraction tube stations along the axial movement direction of the extraction tube clamping trolley 221 that cooperate with the processing steps within the extraction tube processing module. The extraction tube stations include extraction tube station one near the extraction tube manipulator 23 and extraction tube station two near the extraction tube pipette 21. The number of extraction tube clamping trolleys 221 is greater than the number of extraction tube stations.

[0055] When the tube clamping trolley 221 without a tube is stopped at tube extraction station 1, the tube extraction robot 23 grabs the tube from the tube extraction area and moves the tube into the tube clamping trolley 221.

[0056] When the extraction tube clamp trolley 221 with the extraction tube already in place stops at the extraction tube station two, the extraction tube pipette 21 injects the extraction liquid into the extraction tube in the extraction tube clamp trolley 221;

[0057] When the extraction tube clamping trolley 221, which already contains the extraction tube, stops at the extraction tube station 1, the extraction tube robot 23 will grab the extraction tube in the extraction tube clamping trolley 221 and move the extraction tube back to its original position in the extraction tube area.

[0058] This application, by setting up an extraction tube transfer mechanism 22 and an extraction tube manipulator 23, can move the extraction tube to the vicinity of the extraction tube pipette 21, avoiding the extraction tube pipette 21 having to search for the extraction tube from a distance to draw the extraction liquid, thus saving extraction liquid pipetting time and improving nucleic acid detection efficiency.

[0059] Furthermore, by setting several extraction tube clamping carts 221 on the extraction tube transfer unit of the axially movable extraction tube clamping cart 221, the extraction tube manipulator 23 can simultaneously pick up the extraction tube from the extraction tube area into the extraction tube clamping cart 221 or pick up the pipetting-completed extraction tube from the extraction tube clamping cart 221 back to its original position in the extraction tube area, while the extraction tube pipette 21 can inject the extraction liquid into the extraction tube located in the extraction tube clamping cart 221 at the second clamping station, thereby improving the preprocessing efficiency of nucleic acid detection.

[0060] Optionally, the extraction tube transfer mechanism 22 can be the aforementioned lead screw structure, including a transfer mechanism support and two lead screw mechanisms disposed on the transfer mechanism.

[0061] In this embodiment, the extraction tube transfer mechanism 22 includes an extraction tube transfer unit that can drive the test tube trolley to reciprocate at a fixed length and two extraction tube clamping trolleys 221 disposed on the extraction tube transfer unit.

[0062] The extraction tube transfer unit includes a longitudinally arranged conveyor belt 222 and a transmission motor 223 that drives the conveyor belt 222 to reciprocate. In this embodiment, two transmission motors 223 are provided, and the output shafts of the two transmission motors 223 are respectively connected to both ends of the conveyor belt 222. Optionally, the output shafts of the transmission motors 223 are arranged vertically.

[0063] The conveyor belt 222 is provided with extraction tube clamping trolleys 221 on both sides. When the extraction liquid processing module is working, one clamping trolley is located at extraction tube station one on one side, and the other clamping trolley is located at extraction tube station two on the other side.

[0064] This application changes the originally horizontally arranged conveyor belt 222 to a vertically arranged one, and places two tube clamping trolleys 221 on opposite sides of the conveyor belt 222, so that when one tube clamping trolley is located at tube extraction station one on one side, the other tube clamping trolley is located at tube extraction station two on the other side. The structure is simple and highly reliable.

[0065] The extraction liquid processing module also includes a oscillation unit, which cooperates with the extraction tube robot 23. The oscillation unit includes an X-axis transmission mechanism 241, a Y-axis transmission mechanism 242, and a test tube rack 243. The X-axis transmission mechanism 241 is connected to the Y-axis transmission mechanism 242, and the Y-axis transmission mechanism 242 is connected to the test tube rack 243. The Y-axis transmission mechanism 242 is located above the X-axis transmission mechanism 241, and the test tube rack 243 is located above the Y-axis transmission mechanism 242.

[0066] The tube extraction robot 23 includes a Y-axis tube extraction robot arm 231, a Z-axis tube extraction robot arm 232, and a tube extraction robot claw 233 disposed on the Z-axis tube extraction robot arm 232. The Y-axis tube extraction robot arm 231 is connected to the Z-axis tube extraction robot arm 232, and the Y-axis tube extraction robot arm 231 is connected to the frame 5.

[0067] The X-axis transmission mechanism 241 includes an X-axis guide rail, an X-axis lead screw is provided on the X-axis guide rail, the X-axis guide rail and the X-axis lead screw are movably connected, an X-axis nut is provided on the X-axis lead screw, and the X-axis nut is fixedly connected to the Y-axis transmission mechanism 242.

[0068] The X-axis lead screw is connected to an X-axis drive motor 1223. The rotation of the X-axis drive motor 1223 drives the Y-axis transmission mechanism 242 to move in the X-axis direction, thereby realizing the movement of the test tube rack 243 in the X-axis direction.

[0069] The Y-axis transmission mechanism 242 includes a Y-axis guide rail, on which a Y-axis lead screw is mounted. The Y-axis guide rail and the Y-axis lead screw are movably connected. A Y-axis nut is mounted on the Y-axis lead screw, and the Y-axis nut is fixedly connected to the bottom of the test tube rack 243. A Y-axis drive motor 1223 is driven onto the Y-axis lead screw. The rotation of the Y-axis drive motor 1223 drives the movement of the test tube rack 243 in the Y-axis direction.

[0070] Optionally, in this embodiment, two Y-axis transmission mechanisms 242 are provided, respectively located at both ends of the test tube rack 243 in the X-axis direction.

[0071] This application, by setting up an oscillation unit that cooperates with the extraction tube manipulator 23, extends the X-axis transmission mechanism 241 compared to a conventional oscillation unit. This allows the extraction tube within the oscillation unit to be moved to the X-axis position when the extraction tube manipulator 23 grasps the extraction tube, or to the X-axis position where the extraction tube manipulator 23 is located. This eliminates the need for an X-axis extraction tube manipulator arm in the extraction tube manipulator 23, saving costs. Furthermore, when grasping the extraction tube, the extraction tube manipulator 23 can use the X-axis transmission mechanism 241 of the oscillation unit to perform X-axis movement, allowing Y-axis movement to occur simultaneously with X-axis movement, thus accelerating pipetting efficiency.

[0072] like Figure 6 As shown, the sample processing module includes a sample tube pipette 31 for injecting sample liquid into the test tube, a sample tube transfer mechanism 32 for transferring the sample tube, and a sample tube manipulator 33 for gripping and moving the sample tube.

[0073] The sample tube pipette 31 works in conjunction with the test tube transfer mechanism 12. When the test tube transfer trolley 121, which already contains the test tube, moves to the test tube station and stops, the sample tube pipette 31 injects the sample liquid into the test tube in the test tube transfer trolley 121.

[0074] like Figure 7 As shown, the sample tube transfer mechanism 32 includes a sample tube clamping trolley 321 for accommodating sample tubes and a sample tube moving unit for axial movement of the sample tube clamping trolley 321. At least two sample tube clamping trolleys 321 are provided. The sample tube moving unit has several sample tube stations along the axial movement direction of the sample tube clamping trolley 321. Each sample tube station includes at least one sample tube station near the sample tube manipulator 33 and another sample tube station near the sample tube pipette 31. In this embodiment, the sample tube transfer mechanism 32 is used to transfer the sample tube clamping trolley 321 from sample tube station one to sample tube station two, and can simultaneously transfer the sample tube clamping trolley 321 from sample tube station two to sample tube station one.

[0075] When the sample tube clamping trolley 321 without a sample tube moves to the sample tube station and stops, the sample tube robot 33 grabs the sample tube from the sample tube area and moves the sample tube into the sample tube clamping trolley 321.

[0076] When the sample tube clamping trolley 321, which already contains a sample tube, moves to sample tube station two and stops, the sample tube pipette 31 injects the sample liquid into the sample tube in the sample tube clamping trolley 321.

[0077] When the sample tube clamping trolley 321, which already contains a sample tube, moves to the sample tube station and stops, the sample tube robot 33 grabs the sample tube in the sample tube clamping trolley 321 and moves the sample tube back to its original position in the sample tube area.

[0078] This application, by setting up a sample tube transfer mechanism 32 and a sample tube manipulator 33, can move the sample tube to the vicinity of the sample tube pipette 31, avoiding the sample tube pipette 31 having to search for the sample tube from a distance to aspirate the sample liquid, thus saving sample liquid transfer time and improving the efficiency of nucleic acid detection.

[0079] Furthermore, by setting several sample tube clamping carts 321 on the sample tube moving unit of the axially movable sample tube clamping cart 321, the sample tube manipulator 33 can simultaneously pick up the sample tube from the sample tube area into the sample tube clamping cart 321 or pick up the pipetting sample tube from the sample tube clamping cart 321 back to its original position in the sample tube area, while the sample tube manipulator 33 picks up the sample tube from the sample tube clamping cart 321 and returns it to its original position in the sample tube area. This improves the preprocessing efficiency of nucleic acid testing.

[0080] Optionally, the sample tube transfer mechanism 32 may be the aforementioned lead screw structure, including a transfer mechanism support and two lead screw mechanisms disposed on the transfer mechanism.

[0081] In this embodiment, the sample tube transfer mechanism 32 includes a sample tube transfer unit that can drive the test tube cart to reciprocate at a fixed length and two sample tube clamping carts 321 disposed on the sample tube transfer unit.

[0082] The sample tube transfer unit includes a longitudinally arranged conveyor belt 222 and a transmission motor 223 that drives the conveyor belt 222 to reciprocate. In this embodiment, two transmission motors 223 are provided, and the output shafts of the two transmission motors 223 are respectively connected to the two ends of the conveyor belt 222. Optionally, the output shafts of the transmission motors 223 are arranged vertically.

[0083] Sample tube clamping trolleys 321 are set on both sides of the conveyor belt 222. When the sample liquid processing module is working, one clamping trolley is located at sample tube station one on one side, and the other clamping trolley is located at sample tube station two on the other side.

[0084] It also includes a vertical transfer module 4 for transferring test tubes vertically. The test tube transfer mechanism 12 cooperates with the vertical transfer module 4. The test tube transfer mechanism 12 has a test tube station four. When the test tube transfer trolley 121 carrying the test tubes runs to the test tube station four, the vertical transfer module 4 grabs the test tubes and transfers them upwards or downwards. The vertical transfer module 4 can transfer test tubes vertically, making the workstation more compact and saving the footprint of this device.

[0085] Fully automated nucleic acid testing workstations, such as Figure 1 As shown, the device includes the preprocessing unit and the nucleic acid analyzer 6. The nucleic acid analyzer 6 is also mounted on the frame 5 and is located below the preprocessing unit. The preprocessing unit works in conjunction with the nucleic acid analyzer 6 to transfer the preprocessed test tubes to the nucleic acid analyzer 6 through the up-down transfer module 4.

[0086] The pretreatment device operates by comprising the following steps:

[0087] The test tube transfer mechanism 12 stops the test tube transfer trolleys 121 on different test tube moving units in sequence at test tube station one, test tube station two, test tube station three and test tube station four positions.

[0088] When there is a test tube transfer trolley 121 without a test tube at the test tube station 1, the test tube robot 11 grabs a test tube from the test tube area and places it in the test tube transfer trolley 121 located at the test tube station 1 that does not contain a test tube; the test tube moving unit operates to move the test tube transfer trolley 121 to the next test tube station.

[0089] When the test tube transfer trolley 121 containing the test tube moves to the second test tube station via the test tube transfer mechanism 12, the extraction tube processing module injects the extraction liquid into the test tube in the test tube transfer trolley 121; the test tube moving unit operates to move the test tube in the test tube transfer trolley 121 to the next test tube station.

[0090] When the test tube moves to the third test tube station via the test tube transfer mechanism 12, the sample tube processing module injects the sample into the test tube in the test tube transfer cart 121; the test tube moving unit operates to move the test tube in the test tube transfer cart 121 to the next test tube station.

[0091] When the test tube containing the injected sample reaches test tube station four via test tube transfer mechanism 12, the upper and lower transfer mechanism removes the test tube. The test tube moving unit then operates, moving the aforementioned test tube in the transfer trolley 121 to the next test tube station.

[0092] This invention provides a preprocessing device, a fully automated nucleic acid detection workstation, and a preprocessing method, which are simple in structure, easy to use, and highly reliable.

[0093] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to the details of the exemplary embodiments described above, and that the invention can be implemented in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. Therefore, the embodiments should be considered in all respects as exemplary and non-limiting, and the scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims rather than the foregoing description. Thus, all variations falling within the meaning and scope of equivalents of the claims are intended to be included within the present invention. No reference numerals in the claims should be construed as limiting the scope of the claims.

[0094] Furthermore, it should be understood that although this specification describes embodiments, not every embodiment contains only one independent technical solution. This narrative style is merely for clarity. Those skilled in the art should consider the specification as a whole, and the technical solutions in each embodiment can also be appropriately combined to form other embodiments that can be understood by those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. A pretreatment apparatus, characterized in that, The device includes a frame on which a detection tube processing module, an extraction liquid processing module, and a sample processing module are mounted. The detection tube processing module includes a detection tube manipulator and a detection tube transfer mechanism. The detection tube transfer mechanism includes several detection tube transfer trolleys for accommodating detection tubes and several detection tube moving units for axial movement of the detection tube transfer trolleys. The detection tube transfer trolleys are mounted on the detection tube moving units. The detection tube moving unit is provided with a plurality of detection tube stations, and the detection tube stations include at least one detection tube station, one detection tube station, and three detection tube stations; the number of the detection tube moving units and the detection tube transfer trolleys is greater than or equal to the number of the detection tube stations. When the test tube transfer cart without a test tube stops at test tube station one, the test tube robot moves the test tube into the test tube transfer cart; when the test tube transfer cart with a test tube stops at test tube station two, the extraction liquid processing module injects the extraction liquid into the test tube in the test tube transfer cart; when the test tube transfer cart with a test tube stops at test tube station three, the sample processing module injects the sample into the test tube in the test tube transfer cart. The frame is also equipped with an up-and-down transfer module, and the detection tube moving unit is also equipped with a detection tube station four. When the detection tube transfer trolley of the detection tube after the injection sample is placed stops at the detection tube station four, the up-and-down transfer module grabs the detection tube and transfers it upward or downward. The extraction liquid processing module includes an extraction tube pipette for injecting the extraction liquid into the test tube, an extraction tube transfer mechanism for transferring the extraction tube, and an extraction tube robot for gripping and moving the extraction tube. The extraction tube pipette works in conjunction with the test tube transfer mechanism. When the test tube transfer trolley with the test tube already placed on it moves to the second test tube station and stops, the extraction tube pipette injects the extraction liquid into the test tube in the test tube transfer trolley. The extraction tube transfer mechanism includes an extraction tube clamping trolley for accommodating the extraction tube and an extraction tube transfer unit for realizing the axial movement of the extraction tube clamping trolley. At least two extraction tube clamping trolleys are provided. The extraction tube transfer unit has a plurality of extraction tube stations in the axial movement direction of the extraction tube clamping trolley. The extraction tube stations include extraction tube station one near the extraction tube manipulator and extraction tube station two near the extraction tube pipette. When the tube clamping trolley without a tube is stopped at tube extraction station one, the tube extraction robot grabs the tube from the tube extraction area and moves the tube into the tube clamping trolley. When the extraction tube clamp trolley with the extraction tube already in place stops at extraction tube station two, the extraction tube pipette injects the extraction liquid into the extraction tube in the extraction tube clamp trolley. When the extraction tube clamping trolley with the extraction tube already in place stops at extraction tube station one, the extraction tube robot will grab the extraction tube in the extraction tube clamping trolley and move the extraction tube back to its original position in the extraction tube area.

2. The pretreatment apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The detection tube transfer mechanism includes a detection tube transfer bracket, and the detection tube moving unit includes a lead screw, a lead screw nut mounted on the lead screw, and a drive motor for driving the lead screw to rotate. The lead screw is rotatably connected to the detection tube transfer bracket, and the detection tube transfer trolley is fixed on the lead screw nut.

3. The pretreatment apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The extraction liquid processing module further includes a oscillation unit, which includes an X-axis transmission mechanism, a Y-axis transmission mechanism, and a test tube rack. The X-axis transmission mechanism is connected to the Y-axis transmission mechanism, and the Y-axis transmission mechanism is connected to the test tube rack. The Y-axis transmission mechanism is positioned above the X-axis transmission mechanism, and the test tube rack is positioned above the Y-axis transmission mechanism. The extraction tube robot includes a Y-axis extraction tube robot arm, a Z-axis extraction tube robot arm, and an extraction tube robot claw mounted on the Z-axis extraction tube robot arm. The Y-axis extraction tube robot arm is connected to the Z-axis extraction tube robot arm and is connected to the frame.

4. The pretreatment apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sample processing module includes a sample tube pipette for injecting sample liquid into a test tube, a sample tube transfer mechanism for transferring sample tubes, and a sample tube robot for gripping and moving sample tubes. The sample tube pipette works in conjunction with the test tube transfer mechanism. When the test tube transfer trolley containing the test tube moves to the test tube station three and stops, the sample tube pipette injects the sample liquid into the test tube in the test tube transfer trolley.

5. The pretreatment apparatus according to claim 4, characterized in that, The sample tube transfer mechanism includes a sample tube clamping trolley for holding sample tubes and a sample tube moving unit for realizing the axial movement of the sample tube clamping trolley. At least two sample tube clamping trolleys are provided. The sample tube moving unit has a plurality of sample tube stations in the axial movement direction of the sample tube clamping trolley. The sample tube stations include at least sample tube station one near the sample tube manipulator and sample tube station two near the sample tube pipette. When the sample tube clamping trolley without a sample tube moves to sample tube station one and stops, the sample tube manipulator grabs the sample tube from the sample tube area and moves the sample tube into the sample tube clamping trolley. When the sample tube clamping trolley containing the sample tube moves to sample tube station two and stops, the sample tube pipette injects the sample liquid into the sample tube in the sample tube clamping trolley. When the sample tube clamping trolley containing the sample tubes stops at the sample tube station, the sample tube robot grabs the sample tubes from the sample tube clamping trolley and moves them back to their original positions in the sample tube area.

6. A fully automated nucleic acid testing workstation, characterized in that, The invention includes the pretreatment device and nucleic acid analyzer as described in any one of claims 1-5, wherein the nucleic acid analyzer is mounted on a rack, and the pretreatment device cooperates with the nucleic acid analyzer to transfer the pretreated test tubes to the nucleic acid analyzer via a transfer module.

7. A pretreatment method, applied to the pretreatment apparatus according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: The test tube transfer mechanism stops the test tube transfer trolleys on different test tube moving units in sequence at test tube station one, test tube station two, test tube station three and test tube station four positions; When there is a test tube transfer trolley without a test tube at test tube station 1, the test tube robot grabs the test tube from the test tube area and places it in the test tube transfer trolley located at test tube station 1 that does not have a test tube. When the test tube transfer trolley containing the test tube moves to the test tube station two through the test tube transfer mechanism, the extractant processing module injects the extractant into the test tube in the test tube transfer trolley. When the test tube moves to the third test tube station through the test tube transfer mechanism, the sample processing module injects the sample into the test tube in the test tube transfer trolley. When the test tube containing the injected sample moves to test tube station four via the test tube transfer mechanism, the upper and lower transfer module removes the test tube.

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