An automated uncapping sample preparation system

Abstract

The present application relates to the technical field of medical apparatus and instruments, in particular to a sample pretreatment system with automatic cover opening, which comprises a whole machine base plate, a sample feeding tray, a feeding side dialing assembly, a test tube rack ID identification assembly, a horizontal feeding assembly, a test tube ID identification assembly, a test tube cover opening and clamping assembly, a cover opening assembly, a test tube cover collecting assembly, a test tube rack conveying assembly, a floor cabinet assembly, an upper shell and a control assembly, when the test tube reaches the test tube cover opening and clamping assembly, the test tube on the test tube rack is clamped, then rises by a certain distance, so that the test tube cover rises to the cover opening assembly, the cover opening assembly then rotates the test tube cover, and the test tube cover is separated from the test tube opening, the system can automatically identify, open and collect the sample cover, and the cover opening operation has very high safety and stability, reduces the labor intensity of the operator, reduces the biological pollution risk, improves the sample processing efficiency, and solves the problem of unreliable cover opening of the existing cover opening machine connected with the testing equipment.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of medical device technology, and in particular to an automatic sample pretreatment system with an open lid. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, various types of medical testing institutions use IVD (In Vitro Diagnostics) medical analyzers to test and analyze bodily fluids such as urine and blood. These analyzers typically collect samples by inserting a sampling needle from top to bottom into a tubular test tube. After the sample is collected from the patient, the test tube is sealed with a cap to ensure its safety and stability during transport.

[0003] In some medical testing institutions, current technology allows for sample collection without removing the test tube cap. The sampling needle is inserted directly into the test tube by puncturing the cap. However, this method often presents problems. For example, during the cap puncture process, debris can be generated from the cap, potentially clogging the sampling needle or contaminating the sample, negatively impacting the test results. Due to this and other factors, many testing institutions require manual cap removal before testing to ensure the test tube opening is open for needle insertion. This requires significant time for manual cap removal and collection, and also increases the risk of infection from harmful aerosols.

[0004] Many automatic cap removers for test tubes are now available. Some of these instruments can only be used independently and cannot be connected to analytical instruments. During testing, personnel still need to move the test tubes between the cap remover and the testing equipment. Some cap removers can be connected to testing equipment, but these suffer from unreliable cap removal processes and frequent malfunctions. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide an automatic sample pretreatment system that can be used in conjunction with existing testing equipment and solve problems such as unreliable cap opening.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides an automatic sample pretreatment system with open caps, including a main board, a sample inlet tray, an inlet side-dispensing assembly, a test tube rack ID recognition assembly, a lateral inlet assembly, a test tube ID recognition assembly, a test tube cap opening clamping assembly, a cap opening assembly, a test tube cap collection assembly, a test tube rack transport assembly, a base cabinet assembly, an upper shell, and a control assembly.

[0007] The mainboard is fixedly mounted on the top of the cabinet assembly. The sample inlet tray, the side-push component, the test tube rack ID recognition component, the lateral inlet component, the test tube ID recognition component, the test tube cap opening and clamping component, the cap opening component, the test tube cap collection component, the test tube rack transport component, the upper shell, and the control component are all fixedly mounted on the mainboard. The upper shell is located near the sample inlet tray, the side-push component is located on one side of the sample inlet tray, the test tube rack ID recognition component is located on one side of the sample inlet tray, the lateral inlet component is located on one side of the test tube rack ID recognition component, the test tube ID recognition component is located on the side of the lateral inlet component away from the test tube rack ID recognition component, the cap opening component is located on one side of the test tube ID recognition component, the test tube cap opening and clamping component is located on the side of the cap opening component away from the test tube ID recognition component, the test tube cap collection component is located on one side of the cap opening component, the test tube rack transport component is located on one side of the test tube cap opening and clamping component, and the control component is located on one side of the sample inlet tray.

[0008] The sample inlet tray is a sheet metal structure with a near-plane shape.

[0009] The sample injection tray contains multiple test tube rack assemblies, each including a test tube rack, multiple test tubes, a test tube rack ID, a test tube ID, and a test tube cap.

[0010] The transverse sample feeding assembly includes a base plate, a first motor, a first driving wheel, a first driven wheel, a first belt, a first guide rail, a first slider, a paddle, a belt fixing plate, and a test tube rack support plate. The first motor is disposed on one side of the base plate. The first driving wheel is fixedly connected to the output end of the first motor and is located on one side of the first motor. The first driven wheel is rotatably connected to the base plate and is located away from the motor. The first belt is sleeved between the first driving wheel and the first driven wheel. The first guide rail is fixedly connected to the base plate and is located on the top of the base plate. The first slider is slidably connected to the first guide rail and is located on one side of the first guide rail. The paddle is fixedly connected to the first slider and is located on the top of the first slider. The belt fixing plate is fixedly connected to the first slider and is disposed on one side of the first belt. The test tube rack support plate is disposed on one side of the first guide rail.

[0011] The opening assembly includes an opening base plate, a second guide rail, a second slider, an electric gripper mounting plate, a second driven wheel, a second motor, a second driving wheel, a second belt, a rotating electric gripper, a gripping finger, and a finger pad. The second guide rail is disposed on one side of the opening base plate. The second slider is slidably connected to the second guide rail and is located on one side of the second guide rail. The electric gripper mounting plate is fixedly connected to the second slider and is located on one side of the second slider. The second driven wheel is disposed on one side of the opening base plate. The second motor is fixedly connected to the opening base plate and is located on one side of the opening base plate. The second driving wheel is fixedly connected to the output end of the second motor and is located on one side of the second motor. The second belt is sleeved on one side of the second driving wheel and the second driven wheel. The rotating electric gripper is disposed on one side of the second belt. The gripping finger is disposed at the bottom of the rotating electric gripper. The finger pad is fixedly connected to the gripping finger and is located on one side of the gripping finger.

[0012] This invention discloses an automatic sample pretreatment system with an open lid. The control component includes a circuit board controlling the overall logic of the instrument and electronic components powering the instrument. The sample loading tray serves as the sample input area. When an operator places a test tube onto a test tube rack, the test tube rack is placed on the sample loading tray. The test tube rack and test tubes form a test tube rack assembly H for transport on the instrument. The side-push component includes two rotatable pushers on the left and right, pushing the test tube rack from back to front until it is pushed to the horizontal loading component. At this point, the test tube rack ID recognition component on the right side of the horizontal loading component reads the ID information of the test tube rack and transmits the information to the control component. When the instrument is ready to receive a sample, the horizontal loading component pushes the test tube rack from right to left to the test tube ID recognition component. The test tube rack ID recognition component first uses a sensor to detect whether there is a test tube at the corresponding position. When a barcode is detected, the test tube is clamped and rotated. A barcode scanner reads the barcode affixed to the outer wall of the test tube and sends the information to the control component. After scanning, the lateral sample feeding component continues to advance the test tube rack to the left. When the test tube reaches the test tube capping and clamping component, the component clamps the test tube and raises it a certain distance, allowing the cap to reach the capping component. The capping component clamps the cap and then rotates (or does not rotate) it to separate it from the test tube opening. The capping component then moves backward, dropping the cap into the cap collecting component. Once all test tubes on the rack have completed ID reading and capping, the test tube rack transfer component starts, continuing to transfer the rack to the left. In this way, one test tube rack completes the entire pretreatment process. The control component is the "brain" of the pretreatment system, mainly responsible for power supply and logic control within the system. It enables automatic identification, cap opening, and cap collection of samples collected from patients, with a very high level of safety and stability in the cap opening operation. This ensures reliable instrument operation and allows for safer sample handling without damage or contamination. It also reduces the workload of operators, minimizes the risk of biocontamination, improves sample processing efficiency, enables online use with existing testing equipment, and solves problems such as unreliable cap opening. Attached Figure Description

[0013] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0014] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an automatic sample pretreatment system with an open lid provided by the present invention.

[0015] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the test tube rack assembly provided by the present invention.

[0016] Figure 3 This is a top view illustrating the internal structural layout of an automatic sample pretreatment system with an open lid, provided by the present invention.

[0017] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the lateral sample feeding component provided by the present invention.

[0018] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the test tube rack assembly moving to the test tube opening and clamping component.

[0019] Figure 6 This is a front view of the test tube opening and clamping assembly.

[0020] Figure 7 This is a front-right view of the test tube opening and clamping assembly.

[0021] Figure 8 This is a side view of the lid opening component.

[0022] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the lid opening component.

[0023] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the installation of the cover-opening monitoring sensor.

[0024] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram showing another direction from which the cover-opening monitoring sensor is installed.

[0025] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the test tube cap collection assembly.

[0026] Figure 13 This is a diagram showing the first test tube reaching the open position.

[0027] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram showing the first test tube position reaching the open position from another direction.

[0028] Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram showing the lifting distance of the test tube opening clamping assembly.

[0029] Figure 16 This is a diagram illustrating successful opening of the lid.

[0030] Figure 17 This is a diagram showing the test tube cap H5 slipping off when the tube is opened.

[0031] Figure 18 This is a schematic diagram showing that test tube H2 slipped when the lid was opened.

[0032] Figure 19 This is a diagram showing that the cap successfully separated when the test tube was opened, but the test tube slipped slightly.

[0033] In the diagram: 1-Sample infeed tray, 2-Sample infeed side-push assembly, 3-Test tube rack ID recognition assembly, 4-Horizontal infeed assembly, 5-Test tube ID recognition assembly, 6-Test tube cap opening clamping assembly, 7-Cap opening assembly, 8-Test tube cap collection assembly, 9-Test tube rack transfer assembly, 10-Base cabinet assembly, 11-Upper shell, 12-Control assembly, 13-Main board, 401-Base plate, 402-First motor, 403-First drive wheel, 404-First driven wheel, 405- First belt, 406-First guide rail, 407-First slider, 408-Pulley, 409-Belt fixing plate, 410-Test tube rack support plate, 411-Reset optocoupler, 701-Opening base plate, 702-Second guide rail, 703-Second slider, 704-Electric gripper mounting plate, 705-Second driven wheel, 706-Second motor, 707-Second driving wheel, 708-Second belt, 709-Rotating electric gripper, 710-Finger gripper, 711-Finger pad. Detailed Implementation

[0034] Embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and intended to explain the present invention, and should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0035] Please see Figures 1 to 19 The present invention provides an automatic sample pretreatment system with open cap, including a sample inlet tray 1, an inlet side pusher assembly 2, a test tube rack ID recognition assembly 3, a lateral inlet assembly 4, a test tube ID recognition assembly 5, a test tube cap opening clamping assembly 6, a cap opening assembly 7, a test tube cap collection assembly 8, a test tube rack transfer assembly 9, a base cabinet assembly 10, an upper shell 11, a control assembly 12, and a main unit base plate 13.

[0036] The mainboard 13 is fixedly mounted on the top of the cabinet assembly 12. The sample inlet tray 1, the sample inlet side-dispensing assembly 2, the test tube rack ID recognition assembly 3, the horizontal sample inlet assembly 4, the test tube ID recognition assembly 5, the test tube cap opening clamping assembly 6, the cap opening assembly 7, the test tube cap collecting assembly 8, the test tube rack transport assembly 9, the upper shell 11, and the control assembly 12 are all fixedly mounted on the mainboard 13. The upper shell 11 is located near the sample inlet tray 1, the sample inlet side-dispensing assembly 2 is located on one side of the sample inlet tray 1, and the test tube rack ID recognition assembly... The sample inlet tray 1 is located on one side, the transverse inlet component 4 is located on one side of the test tube rack ID recognition component 3, the test tube ID recognition component 5 is located on the side of the transverse inlet component 4 away from the test tube rack ID recognition component 3, the cap opening component 7 is located on one side of the test tube ID recognition component 5, the test tube cap opening clamping component 6 is located on the side of the cap opening component 7 away from the test tube ID recognition component 5, the test tube cap collecting component 8 is located on one side of the cap opening component 7, the test tube rack transfer component 9 is located on one side of the test tube cap opening clamping component 6, and the control component 12 is located on one side of the sample inlet tray 1.

[0037] In this embodiment, the control component 12 includes a circuit board that controls the logic operation of the entire instrument and electronic components that power the instrument. The sample loading tray 1 serves as the sample input area. When the operator places the test tubes onto the test tube rack, the test tube rack is placed on the sample loading tray 1. The test tube rack and test tubes form a test tube rack assembly H for transport on the instrument. The sample loading side-pushing component 2 includes two pushers that can rotate around a fixed axis. Under their push, the test tube rack moves from back to front until it is pushed to the horizontal sample loading component 4. At this time, the test tube rack ID recognition component 3, located on the right side of the horizontal sample loading component 4, reads the ID information of the test tube rack and transmits the information to the control component 12. When the detection instrument can receive samples, the horizontal sample loading component 4 pushes the test tube rack from right to left to the test tube ID recognition component 5. The test tube rack ID recognition component 3 first uses a sensor to detect whether there is a test tube at the corresponding position. When a barcode is detected, the test tube is clamped and rotated. A barcode scanner reads the barcode affixed to the outer wall of the test tube and sends the information to the control component 12. After scanning, the lateral sample feeding component 4 continues to advance the test tube rack to the left. When the test tube reaches the test tube capping and clamping component 6, the component clamps the test tube and raises it a certain distance, allowing the cap to reach the capping component 7. The capping component 7 clamps the cap and then rotates (or does not rotate) it to separate it from the test tube opening. The capping component 7 then moves backward, dropping the cap into the cap collecting component 8. Once all test tubes on the rack have completed ID reading and capping, the test tube rack transmission component 9 starts, continuing to transport the rack to the left. Thus, one test tube rack completes the entire pretreatment process. The control component 12 is the "brain" of the pretreatment system, mainly responsible for power supply and logic control within the system. It enables automatic identification, cap opening, and cap collection of samples collected from patients, with a very high level of safety and stability in the cap opening operation. This ensures reliable instrument operation and allows for safer sample handling without damage or contamination. It also reduces the workload of operators, minimizes the risk of biocontamination, improves sample processing efficiency, enables online use with existing testing equipment, and solves problems such as unreliable cap opening.

[0038] Furthermore, the sample injection tray 1 stores multiple test tube rack assemblies, and the test tube rack assembly H includes a test tube rack H1, multiple test tubes H2, a test tube rack ID H3, a test tube ID H4, and a test tube cap H5.

[0039] In this embodiment, the sample loading tray 1 holds multiple test tube rack assemblies H. The test tube rack assemblies H are transported from back to front on the sample loading tray 1. After reaching the front position, they are transported from right to left. Each test tube rack assembly H consists of one test tube rack H1 and multiple test tubes H2. Each test tube rack has a test tube rack ID H3 on its right end face. The test tubes H2 are approximately cylindrical tubular structures, closed at the bottom and open at the top. Each test tube H2 contains a certain amount of sample (blood, urine, or other bodily fluids collected from a human or animal). The cylindrical surface of each test tube H2 is affixed with a test tube ID H4 (i.e., the sample ID). Each test tube H2 also has a test tube cap H5 on its top. The sample loading tray 1 is a near-plane sheet metal structure that supports the test tube rack assemblies H placed from the outside. The sample loading tray 1 is equipped with a sensor (not shown in the figure) to detect whether a test tube rack assembly H is present on the tray.

[0040] The function of the sample injection side-pushing component 2 is to push the test tube rack assembly H on the sample injection tray 1 from back to front until the test tube rack assembly H is pushed onto the lateral sample injection component 4.

[0041] Furthermore, the transverse sample feeding assembly 4 includes a base plate 401, a first motor 402, a first driving wheel 403, a first driven wheel 404, a first belt 405, a first guide rail 406, a first slider 407, a paddle 408, a belt fixing plate 409, and a test tube rack support plate 410. The first motor 402 is disposed on one side of the base plate 401. The first driving wheel 403 is fixedly connected to the output end of the first motor 402 and is located on one side of the first motor 402. The first driven wheel 404 is rotatably connected to the base plate 401 and is located away from the motor. The first belt 405... Five components are set between the first driving wheel 403 and the first driven wheel 404. The first guide rail 406 is fixedly connected to the base plate 401 and located on the top of the base plate 401. The first slider 407 is slidably connected to the first guide rail 406 and located on one side of the first guide rail 406. The paddle 408 is fixedly connected to the first slider 407 and located on the top of the first slider 407. The belt fixing plate 409 is fixedly connected to the first slider 407 and is located on one side of the first belt 405. The test tube rack support plate 410 is located on one side of the first guide rail 406.

[0042] In this embodiment, the lateral sample feeding component 4 conveys the test tube rack assembly H pushed by the sample feeding side-pushing component 2 from right to left. The upper surface of the test tube rack tray 410 is at the same height as the upper surface of the sample feeding tray 1. The test tube rack is pushed from the sample feeding tray 1 onto the test tube rack tray 410 by the sample feeding side-pushing component 2. After being pushed into place, the sample feeding side-pushing component 2 retracts back to its initial position. Simultaneously, the test tube rack ID recognition component 3, located on the right side of the lateral sample feeding component 4, reads the test tube rack ID H3 and sends the information to the control component 12. The test tube rack assembly H, having completed the identification and reading of the test tube rack ID H3, is pushed from right to left by the pusher 408 and first reaches the test tube ID recognition component 5.

[0043] When the first test tube H2 reaches the position of the test tube ID recognition component 5, the lateral sample introduction component 4 enters the stepping stage. After scanning one test tube, the lateral sample introduction component 4 steps to the left once, so that the second test tube H2 reaches the position of the test tube ID recognition component 5... When the first test tube reaches the open position, the instrument will open the first test tube H2. At the same time, the test tube ID recognition component 5 scans and identifies the fourth test tube H2. Since the instrument's opening operation takes longer than the test tube ID scanning operation, after the first test tube reaches the open position, the lateral sample introduction component 4 steps to the left once after each opening operation is completed... until all the test tubes H2 on the test tube rack H1 have completed the scanning and opening operations, the lateral sample introduction component 4 retreats to the right to the initial position.

[0044] The test tube ID recognition component 5 detects the presence or absence of test tubes H2 at corresponding positions on the test tube rack H1. When a test tube is detected, the test tube opening clamping component 6 clamps and rotates the test tube, and the barcode H4 affixed to the outer wall of the test tube is read by a barcode scanner, and the information is sent to the control component 12. After the first test tube H2 is scanned, the horizontal sample feeding component 4 steps to the left once, causing the test tube ID recognition component 5 to scan the barcode of the second test tube H2, and so on, scanning all test tubes H2 on the test tube rack H1 in this manner.

[0045] As the test tube H2 on the test tube rack H1 completes the scanning and moves to the left, it is also pushed to the position of the test tube opening clamping component 6.

[0046] Figure 6 and Figure 7This is a simplified structural diagram of the test tube capping clamping assembly 6. A clamping base plate 601 is fixedly mounted on the base plate 13 of the pretreatment system. A vertically extending third guide rail 602 is fixedly mounted on the upper part of the clamping base plate 601. A third slider 603, which can slide vertically along the third guide rail 602, is mounted on the third slider 603. A lifting base plate 604 is fixedly mounted on the third slider 603. A first lead screw motor 605 is also fixedly mounted on the clamping base plate 601. The first lead screw motor 605 has a vertically movable first lead screw 6051. The upper end of the first lead screw 6051 is fixedly connected to the lifting base plate 604, thereby driving the lifting base plate 604 to move up and down through the first lead screw motor 605. A front-to-back extending fourth guide rail 606 is provided on the lifting base plate 604. Two fourth sliders 607, which can extend front-to-back along the fourth guide rail 606, are provided on the fourth guide rail 606. A first clamping seat 608 is fixedly mounted on one of the fourth sliders 607. A first rack 609 is fixedly mounted on the first clamping seat 608. A second clamping seat 610 is mounted on the fourth slider 607. A second rack 609 is also fixedly mounted on the second clamping seat 610. A second lead screw motor 611 is also fixedly mounted on the lifting base plate 604. The second lead screw motor 611 has a second lead screw 6111 that can move back and forth. The front end of the second lead screw 6111 is fixedly mounted on the second clamping seat 610. A second gear 612 is also mounted on the lifting base plate 604 and can rotate around its central axis. The racks on the first clamping seat 608 and the second clamping seat 610 are both engaged with the second gear 612. Thus, when the second lead screw motor 611 pushes the second clamping seat 610 to move, the first clamping seat 608 will simultaneously move closer to or further away from the first clamping seat 610. Clamping blocks 613 are elastically mounted on both the first clamping seat 608 and the second clamping seat 610. The clamping block 613 has an arc-shaped groove at its front end, which directly abuts against the test tube H2. The clamping block 613 is elastically mounted on the first clamping seat 608 or the second clamping seat 610, ensuring reliable clamping of the test tube and preventing it from loosening. Of course, the test tube opening and clamping assembly 6 should also include a sensor for detecting the motor's operating position.

[0047] Furthermore, such as Figure 8 , Figure 9As shown, the opening assembly 7 includes an opening base plate 701, a second guide rail 702, a second slider 703, an electric gripper mounting plate 704, a second driven wheel 705, a second motor 706, a second driving wheel 707, a second belt 708, a rotating electric gripper 709, a gripper finger 710, and a finger pad 711. The second guide rail 702 is disposed on one side of the opening base plate 701. The second slider 703 is slidably connected to the second guide rail 702 and located on one side of the second guide rail 702. The electric gripper mounting plate 704 is fixedly connected to the second slider 703 and located on one side of the second slider 703. The second driven wheel 705 is disposed on... On one side of the opening base plate 701, the second motor 706 is fixedly connected to the opening base plate 701 and located on one side of the opening base plate 701. The second drive wheel 707 is fixedly connected to the output end of the second motor 706 and located on one side of the second motor 706. The second belt 708 is sleeved on one side of the second drive wheel 707 and the second driven wheel 705. The rotating electric gripper 709 is disposed on one side of the second belt 708. The gripping finger 710 is disposed at the bottom of the rotating electric gripper 709. The finger pad 711 is fixedly connected to the gripping finger 710 and located on one side of the gripping finger 710.

[0048] In this embodiment, the cover-opening base plate 701 is fixedly mounted on the main base plate 13 of the pretreatment system. A second guide rail 702 extending forward and backward is fixedly mounted on the upper part of the cover-opening base plate 701. A second slider 703, which can slide forward and backward along the second guide rail 702, is mounted on the second slider 703. An electric gripper mounting plate 704 is fixedly mounted on the second slider 703. A second driven wheel 705 is also mounted on the cover-opening base plate 701. The outer ring of the second driven wheel 705 can rotate around its axis. A second motor 706 is also mounted on the cover-opening base plate 701. A second driving wheel 707 is fixedly mounted on the output shaft of the second motor 706. The second driving wheel 707 and the second driven wheel 705 are connected in series via a second belt 708. The electric gripper mounting plate 704 is fixedly connected to a point on the circumference of the second belt 708. Thus, when the second motor 706 rotates, the second belt 708 runs accordingly, thereby driving the electric gripper mounting plate 704 to move forward and backward. The electric gripper mounting plate 704 is fixedly equipped with an electrically powered rotating gripper 709. Two gripping fingers 710 are mounted on the lower part of the rotating gripper 709. Finger pads 711 are also fixedly mounted on the gripping fingers 710. The two gripping fingers 710 can clamp towards each other or release away from each other, thereby clamping the test tube cap H5. The two gripping fingers 710 can also rotate around their center of symmetry, making the opening process of the threadless test tube cap H5 smoother, or directly opening the threaded test tube cap H5. It should be noted that the rotating gripper 709 selected here has a gripping sensing detection function, that is, when the gripping fingers 710 clamp the test tube cap H5, the rotating gripper 709 will know that it has clamped the test tube cap H5 and maintain this state without continuing to clamp or release. At the same time, the rotating gripper 709 promptly feeds back the information that it has clamped the test tube cap H5 to the control component. In this way, when the size of the test tube cap H5 changes, the rotating electric gripper 709 can reliably clamp the test tube cap H5, significantly improving the stability of the instrument's operation. Of course, the cap opening assembly 7 should also include a sensor for detecting the motor's operating position.

[0049] like Figure 10 , Figure 11As shown, at the opening position, two sets of through-beam sensors are also installed in the front and back directions of test tube H2 to monitor the opening process, so that the instrument can keep track of the opening status at any time, improving the stability and safety of the opening operation. The transmitting sensor 1301 and the receiving sensor 1302 are located near the top of test tube H2 near the test tube cap H5, and are respectively positioned on the front and back sides of test tube H2 in the front-back direction, forming a pair. When an object (test tube H2 or test tube cap H5) is present between them, the sensors can detect it in time and feed this information back to the control component 12. The transmitting sensor 1303 and the receiving sensor 1304 are located near the bottom of test tube H2, and are respectively positioned on the front and back sides of test tube H2 in the front-back direction, forming a pair. When an object (test tube H2 or test tube cap H5) is present between them, the sensors can detect it in time and feed this information back to the control component 12. How the sensors work in detail will be explained in the following description of the opening process.

[0050] like Figure 12 As shown, the test tube cap collection assembly 8 includes a cap falling channel 801. Near the upper opening of the cap falling channel 801, two sets of through-beam sensors are arranged in a left-right direction. A transmitting sensor 802 and a receiving sensor 803 work as a pair; when an object (such as a test tube cap H5) is present, the sensors can detect it promptly and feed this information back to the control assembly 12. A transmitting sensor 804 and a receiving sensor 805 also work as a pair; when an object (such as a test tube cap H5) is present, the sensors can detect it promptly and feed this information back to the control assembly 12. Of course, below the cap falling channel 801, inside the cabinet assembly 10, there are also commonly used cap collection bins 806 and cap collection bags 807 specifically for medical waste collection, to collect the test tube caps H5 falling from the cap falling channel 801. The cap collection bins 806 and cap collection bags 807 will not be described in detail here. A disinfection device 808 (not shown in the figure) can also be installed near the collection bag 807 to filter and disinfect the environment around the collection bag 807, effectively preventing operators from being infected by contact with the aerosol emitted from the removed test tube cap.

[0051] The opening process for each component is explained below.

[0052] After the instrument initialization is complete, both the test tube capping clamping assembly 6 and the capping assembly 7 are in their initial state, and their positions relative to the test tube rack on the transverse sample injection assembly 4 are as follows: Figure 13 , Figure 14As shown. At this time, the clamping block 613 of the test tube opening clamping assembly 6 is in the open state. The first lead screw 6051 is in the low position. The rotating electric claw 709 of the opening assembly 7 is in the extended state. The clamping fingers 710 are also in the open state.

[0053] When the test tube rack assembly H runs to Figure 13 At the position shown (i.e.) Figure 5 (As shown in the image) When the first test tube on the test tube rack H1 reaches the open position, the third motor 611 starts, and the two clamping blocks 613 move towards each other, clamping the test tube H2. After clamping, the third motor 605 starts, driving the lifting base plate 604 to rise a distance S, thereby lifting the test tube H2 from the test tube rack H1 by a distance S, as shown. Figure 15 As shown. At this time, the operating position of the test tube capping clamping assembly 6 is recorded as L1. This position ensures that the test tube cap H5 is positioned precisely between the two clamping fingers 710 in the capping assembly 7. Subsequently, the rotating electric claw 709 of the capping assembly 7 clamps the test tube cap H5. After clamping, the rotating electric claw 709 begins to rotate counterclockwise. Simultaneously, the third motor 605 starts running in the reverse direction, driving the clamped test tube H2 to descend a distance S, thereby separating the test tube H2 from the test tube cap H5. At this time, there will be no object between the transmitting sensor 1301 and the receiving sensor 1302, and the sensors determine that the capping operation has been successfully completed, as shown. Figure 16As shown. At this time, the transmitting sensor 1303 and the receiving sensor 1304 detect the bottom of test tube H2, indicating that test tube H2 has been successfully returned to the corresponding position on test tube rack H1. Next, the fourth motor 611 starts running in reverse and releases test tube H2. After the sensor determines that the cap opening operation is successful, during the process of the fourth motor 611 releasing test tube H2, the rotating electric gripper 709 stops rotating and ensures that the two gripping fingers 710 are in the front-back direction. Then, the second motor 706 starts running, which will drive the rotating electric gripper 709 to move backward until the clamped test tube cap H5 moves to directly above the cap dropping channel 801 (i.e., the cap dropping position). Then, the rotating electric gripper 709 opens and drops the test tube cap H5 into the cap dropping channel 801. Then, the transmitting sensor 802 and the receiving sensor 803, transmitting sensor 804 and the receiving sensor 805 simultaneously detect and determine whether the test tube cap H5 on the rotating electric gripper 709 has been successfully dropped. If the cap falls successfully, the second motor 706 starts running in reverse, driving the rotating gripper 709 forward until it returns to the position where it grips the test tube cap H5 (i.e., the initial state of the cap opening assembly 7), ready to open the next test tube. If the cap falls unsuccessfully, the rotating gripper 709 clamps and releases again, then checks if the cap H5 has fallen successfully. If it still fails to fall, it clamps and releases again, and checks again… This process repeats until the cap H5 falls successfully. The instrument is set with a limit on the number of times the cap can be dropped. If the cap H5 still fails to fall after the set number of attempts, the instrument will issue an alarm, prompting the operator to check and manually troubleshoot the problem.

[0054] After each test tube H2 in the corresponding position on the test tube rack H1 is opened, the lateral sample feeding component 4 moves one step to the left, pushing the next test tube H2 to the open position. Once all test tubes H2 in all positions have been opened, the lateral sample feeding component 4 returns to its initial position to the right. Simultaneously, the test tube rack transfer component 9 starts operating, transferring the test tube rack assembly H to the left to the next device (sample detection device or test tube storage device, etc.).

[0055] As can be seen from the above opening process, the instrument can open the cap regardless of whether the test tube H2 and the cap H5 are connected by threads, making it compatible with a wider variety of test tubes. The same rotation method is used to open caps H5 without threads, ensuring a smooth opening process and preventing the sample from spilling out. Of course, if rotation is not required, the selected rotary gripper 709 can be turned off, allowing the cap H5 to be pulled directly from the top of the test tube H2.

[0056] Inevitably, due to various uncertainties, some abnormal situations may occur during the opening process of the instrument.

[0057] When the lid is opened, the rotating electric gripper 709 slips off the test tube lid H5, causing it to descend along with the test tube H2 and preventing successful separation. Figure 17 As shown.

[0058] At this point, the transmitting sensor 1301 and receiving sensor 1302 detect an object (test tube cap H5) blocking their path, and the transmitting sensor 1303 and receiving sensor 1304 also detect an object (test tube H2). Then, the rotating gripper 709 operates, reopening the clamping fingers 710. Next, the third motor 605 restarts, causing the test tube cap opening clamping assembly 6 to move to position L1, lifting test tube H2. The rotating gripper 709 performs the aforementioned cap opening operation again. Then, the transmitting sensor 1301 and receiving sensor 1302 operate, as do the transmitting sensor 1303 and receiving sensor 1304, detecting whether an object exists between them… until the transmitting sensor 1301 and receiving sensor 1302 confirm there is no object between them, and the transmitting sensor 1303 and receiving sensor 1304 detect the presence of an object (test tube H2), indicating that the instrument has successfully separated the cap, and then proceeds to the subsequent workflow. Of course, the instrument is pre-set to repeat the cap opening process a certain number of times. If the test tube cap H5 fails to detach successfully after the instrument has been opened a certain number of times, the instrument will issue an alarm, prompting the operator to check and manually troubleshoot the problem.

[0059] When the cap is opened, the clamping block 613 slips off the test tube, and the test tube H2 cannot follow the clamping block 613 downwards, thus failing to successfully separate from the test tube cap H5. Figure 18 As shown.

[0060] At this point, the transmitting sensor 1301 and the receiving sensor 1302 detect an object (test tube H2) blocking their path, while the transmitting sensor 1303 and the receiving sensor 1304 do not detect any object. Then, the third motor 605 starts running in reverse, causing the clamping block 613 to open. Next, the third motor 605 starts running again, moving the test tube capping clamping assembly 6 to position L1, and then the motor 611 starts, clamping the test tube H2. Then, the rotating gripper 709 begins to rotate, and the third motor 605 starts running in reverse again, performing the capping operation again… until the transmitting sensor 1301 and the receiving sensor 1302 confirm that there is no object between them, and the transmitting sensor 1303 and the receiving sensor 1304 detect an object (test tube H2), indicating that the instrument has successfully separated the tube cap, and then proceeds to the subsequent workflow. Of course, the instrument will be pre-set to repeat the capping a certain number of times. If the pre-set number of capping attempts is reached… If the test tube cap H5 fails to detach successfully after the instrument has been opened a certain number of times, the instrument will issue an alarm, prompting the operator to check and manually troubleshoot the problem.

[0061] When the lid is opened, another situation may occur: test tube H2 may have successfully detached from the lid H5, but during the opening process, test tube H2 may slip slightly relative to the clamping block 613, causing test tube H2 not to return to its proper position and remaining slightly higher than when it was placed on the test tube rack H1. Consequently, the transmitting sensor 1303 and the receiving sensor 1304 may not detect test tube H2. Figure 19 As shown. At this point, the third motor 605 will continue to operate, driving the test tube H2 to continue descending until the transmitting sensor 1303 and the receiving sensor 1304 detect the test tube H2. This ensures that the test tube H2 can be safely placed back onto the test tube rack H1.

[0062] The above-disclosed embodiments are merely preferred embodiments of the automatic sample pretreatment system of the present invention, and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention. Those skilled in the art will understand that all or part of the processes of the above embodiments can be implemented, and equivalent changes made in accordance with the claims of the present invention are still within the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. An automatic sample pretreatment system with open lid, characterized in that, It includes the main board, sample inlet tray, sample inlet side pusher assembly, test tube rack ID recognition assembly, lateral sample inlet assembly, test tube ID recognition assembly, test tube cap opening clamping assembly, cap opening assembly, test tube cap collection assembly, test tube rack transfer assembly, base cabinet assembly, upper shell and control assembly; The mainboard is fixedly mounted on the top of the cabinet assembly. The sample inlet tray, the side-push component, the test tube rack ID recognition component, the lateral inlet component, the test tube ID recognition component, the test tube cap opening clamping component, the cap opening component, the test tube cap collection component, the test tube rack transmission component, the upper shell, and the control component are all fixedly mounted on the mainboard. The upper shell is located on the side closer to the sample inlet tray, the side-push component is located on the side of the sample inlet tray, the test tube rack ID recognition component is located on the side of the sample inlet tray, the lateral inlet component is located on the side of the test tube rack ID recognition component, the test tube ID recognition component is located on the side of the lateral inlet component away from the test tube rack ID recognition component, the cap opening component is located on the side of the test tube ID recognition component, the test tube cap opening clamping component is located on the side of the cap opening component away from the test tube ID recognition component, the test tube cap collection component is located on the side of the cap opening component, the test tube rack transmission component is located on the side of the test tube cap opening clamping component, and the control component is located on the side of the sample inlet tray. The opening assembly includes an opening base plate, a second guide rail, a second slider, an electric gripper mounting plate, a second driven wheel, a second motor, a second driving wheel, a second belt, a rotating electric gripper, a gripping finger, and a finger pad. The second guide rail is disposed on one side of the opening base plate. The second slider is slidably connected to the second guide rail and is located on one side of the second guide rail. The electric gripper mounting plate is fixedly connected to the second slider and is located on one side of the second slider. The second driven wheel is disposed on one side of the opening base plate. The second motor is fixedly connected to the opening base plate and is located on one side of the opening base plate. The second driving wheel is fixedly connected to the output end of the second motor and is located on one side of the second motor. The second belt is sleeved on one side of the second driving wheel and the second driven wheel. The rotating electric gripper is disposed on one side of the second belt. The gripping finger is disposed at the bottom of the rotating electric gripper. The finger pad is fixedly connected to the gripping finger and is located on one side of the gripping finger. The clamping base plate of the test tube opening clamping assembly is fixedly mounted on the base plate of the whole machine. A vertically extending third guide rail is fixedly mounted on the upper part of the clamping base plate. A third slider that can slide vertically along the third guide rail is mounted on the third slider. A lifting base plate is fixedly mounted on the clamping base plate. A first lead screw motor is also fixedly mounted on the clamping base plate. The first lead screw motor has a first lead screw that can move vertically. The upper end of the first lead screw is fixedly connected to the lifting base plate. A fourth guide rail that extends back and forth is provided on the lifting base plate. Two fourth sliders that can extend back and forth along the fourth guide rail are provided on the fourth guide rail. One of the fourth sliders is fixedly provided with a first clamping seat, and the first clamping seat is fixedly provided with a first rack. The other fourth slider is provided with a second clamping seat, and the second clamping seat is also fixedly provided with a second rack. The lifting base plate is also fixedly provided with a second lead screw motor, which has a second lead screw that can move back and forth. The front end of the second lead screw is fixedly provided with the second clamping seat. The lifting base plate is also provided with a second gear, which can rotate around its central axis. The racks on the first clamping seat and the second clamping seat are both meshed with the second gear.

2. The sample pretreatment system with automatic cap opening as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The sample inlet tray is a sheet metal structure with a near-plane shape.

3. The sample pretreatment system with automatic cap opening as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The sample loading tray holds multiple test tube rack assemblies, each including a test tube rack, multiple test tubes, a test tube rack ID, a test tube ID, and a test tube cap.

4. The sample pretreatment system with automatic cap opening as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The transverse sample feeding assembly includes a base plate, a first motor, a first driving wheel, a first driven wheel, a first belt, a first guide rail, a first slider, a paddle, a belt fixing plate, and a test tube rack support plate. The first motor is disposed on one side of the base plate. The first driving wheel is fixedly connected to the output end of the first motor and is located on one side of the first motor. The first driven wheel is rotatably connected to the base plate and is located on the side away from the motor. The first belt is sleeved between the first driving wheel and the first driven wheel. The first guide rail is fixedly connected to the base plate and is located on the top of the base plate. The first slider is slidably connected to the first guide rail and is located on one side of the first guide rail. The paddle is fixedly connected to the first slider and is located on the top of the first slider. The belt fixing plate is fixedly connected to the first slider and is disposed on one side of the first belt. The test tube rack support plate is disposed on one side of the first guide rail.

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