A method of cupping for a sample analyzer

Abstract

The application discloses a cup discarding method of a sample analyzer, and the cup discarding method comprises the following steps: controlling a test cup grabbing hand assembly to grab each cup position located in a second area, and controlling a sample adding cup grabbing hand assembly to grab each cup position located in a first area; if the test cup grabbing hand assembly grabs a second cup, controlling the test cup grabbing hand assembly to move the second cup to a cup discarding position to discard the second cup; if the sample adding cup grabbing hand assembly grabs a first cup, recording cup position information corresponding to the first cup; after the sample adding cup grabbing hand assembly completes the grabbing of each cup position located in the first area, controlling the sample adding cup grabbing hand assembly to move all the first cups to a transfer area based on the cup position information, and the transfer area is an overlapping area between the first area and the second area. Through the above method, the speed can be improved, and the efficiency of the sample analyzer can be improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of sample analyzer technology, and in particular to a cup-throwing method for a sample analyzer. Background Technology

[0002] Existing sample analyzers require a gripping component to sequentially clamp and place cups in each channel (or cup position) during the cup-throwing process to confirm whether any cups have been left in that channel, resulting in low efficiency of the sample analyzer. Summary of the Invention

[0003] To address the aforementioned problems, this application provides a cup-throwing method for a sample analyzer. The sample analyzer includes a sample-adding cup-grabbing assembly and a test cup-grabbing assembly. The sample-adding cup-grabbing assembly is used to grab a first cup in a first area of ​​the sample analyzer, and the test cup-grabbing assembly is used to grab a second cup in a second area of ​​the sample analyzer. The cup-throwing method includes:

[0004] The control test cup gripper assembly grips each cup located in the second area, and the control of the sample feeding cup gripper assembly grips each cup located in the first area;

[0005] If the test cup-grabbing component grabs the second cup, control the test cup-grabbing component to move the second cup to the cup-throwing position to discard the second cup;

[0006] If the sample-adding cup-grabbing component grabs the first cup, the cup position information corresponding to the first cup is recorded;

[0007] Once the sample-adding cup-grabbing hand assembly has finished grabbing each cup located in the first area, it controls the sample-adding cup-grabbing hand assembly to move all the first cups to the transfer area based on the cup location information. The transfer area is the overlapping area between the first area and the second area.

[0008] The second area includes a test area, a transfer area, and the initial position of the test cup-grabbing hand. The steps for controlling the test cup-grabbing hand component to grab each cup located in the second area include:

[0009] The test cup gripper component is used to detect whether a second cup is placed at the initial position of the test cup gripper.

[0010] If a second cup is detected at the initial position of the test cup gripper, the test cup gripper assembly is controlled to move the second cup from the initial position to the cup throwing position, and the test cup gripper assembly is controlled to move to the transfer area.

[0011] If no second cup is detected at the initial position of the test cup gripper, the test cup gripper component is moved to the transfer area.

[0012] The cup-throwing method, following the step of moving the control test cup-grabbing hand component to the transfer area, also includes:

[0013] The test uses the cup-grabbing component to detect whether a second cup is placed in the transfer area.

[0014] If a second cup is detected in the transfer area, the test cup-grabbing hand component is controlled to move the second cup in the transfer area to the cup-throwing position, and the test cup-grabbing hand component is controlled to move to the test area;

[0015] If no second cup is detected in the transfer area, the test cup gripper component is moved to the initial position of the test cup gripper and then moved to the test area.

[0016] The test area includes multiple rows of channels. After the step of controlling the test cup-grabbing hand component to move to the test area, the cup-throwing method also includes:

[0017] The test uses the cup-grabbing component to detect whether a second cup is placed in the current cup position in the test area.

[0018] If it is detected that there is no second cup in the current cup position, then determine whether the current cup position is the last cup position in the same row of aisles;

[0019] If it is determined that the current cup position is not the last cup position in the same row of channels, the test cup grabber component is moved to the next cup position in the same row of channels, and the process returns to the step of detecting whether a second cup is placed in the current cup position in the test area through the test cup grabber component.

[0020] If it is determined that the current cup position is the last cup position in the same row of channels, then control the test cup grabber component to move to the initial position of the test cup grabber, and control the test cup grabber component to move to the next row of channels, and return to execute the step of detecting whether a second cup is placed in the current cup position in the test area through the test cup grabber component;

[0021] If it is determined that the current cup position is the last cup position in the last row of channels, then control the test cup grabber component to move to the initial position of the test cup grabber.

[0022] The step of detecting whether a second cup is placed in the current cup position in the test area by testing the cup-gripping component includes:

[0023] If a second cup is detected in the current cup position, control the test cup grabber component to move the second cup in the current cup position to the cup throwing position, and control the test cup grabber component to move back to the initial position of the test cup grabber.

[0024] If it is determined that the current cup position is the last cup position in the same row of channels, then control the test cup grabber component to move to the next row of channels, and return to execute the step of detecting whether a second cup is placed in the current cup position in the test area through the test cup grabber component;

[0025] If it is determined that the current cup position is not the last cup position in the same row of channels, the test cup grabber component is moved to the next cup position in the same row of channels, and the process returns to the step of detecting whether a second cup is placed in the current cup position in the test area through the test cup grabber component.

[0026] The first region includes the initial position of the sample-adding cup gripper; the steps of controlling the sample-adding cup gripper assembly to grip each cup located within the first region include:

[0027] The initial position of the sample feeding cup gripper component is used to detect whether the first cup has been placed;

[0028] If the first cup is detected to be placed at the initial position of the sample dispensing cup gripper, the sample dispensing cup gripper assembly is controlled to move the first cup to the transfer area and return to the initial position of the sample dispensing cup gripper.

[0029] If it is detected that there is no first cup at the initial position of the sample dispensing cup gripper, control the sample dispensing cup gripper assembly to move to the initial position of the sample dispensing cup gripper;

[0030] The control test cup-grabbing hand component moves the first cup in the transfer area to the cup-throwing position and returns to the initial position of the test cup-grabbing hand.

[0031] The first region includes a secondary dilution position and a magnetic bead loading position. The steps for controlling the loading cup gripper assembly to grip each cup position located in the first region include:

[0032] The sample dispensing and cup-gripping assembly is used to detect whether the first cup is placed at the secondary dilution position.

[0033] If the first cup is detected to be placed at the secondary dilution position, the cup position information of the secondary dilution position is recorded, and the sample dispensing cup gripper assembly is controlled to move to the initial position of the sample dispensing cup gripper.

[0034] The sampling gripper assembly detects whether the first cup is placed at the magnetic bead sampling position.

[0035] If the first cup is detected to be placed at the magnetic bead sample application position, the cup position information of the magnetic bead sample application position is recorded, and the sample application cup gripper assembly is controlled to move to the initial position of the sample application cup gripper.

[0036] The first region includes an incubation area, which comprises multiple rows of incubation positions; the step of controlling the sample-adding cup-grabbing assembly to grasp each cup position within the first region includes:

[0037] The sample-adding cup-grabbing component detects whether the first cup has been placed at the current incubation location;

[0038] If the first cup is detected to be placed at the current incubation location, the cup position information at the current incubation location is recorded.

[0039] If it is determined that the current incubation position is not the last incubation position in the current row, the sample feeding cup gripper component is controlled to move to the next incubation position.

[0040] If it is determined that the current incubation position is the last incubation position in the current row, then the sample feeding cup gripper assembly is controlled to move to the initial position of the sample feeding cup gripper, and then the sample feeding cup gripper assembly is controlled to move to the next row of incubation positions;

[0041] If it is determined that the current incubation position is the last incubation position in the incubation area, the sample feeding cup gripper component is controlled to move to the initial position of the sample feeding cup gripper.

[0042] The step of detecting whether the first cup has been placed at the current incubation location using the sample-adding cup-grabbing component includes:

[0043] If it is detected that there is no first cup at the current incubation position, and it is determined that the current incubation position is not the last incubation position in the current row, then control the sample feeding cup gripper component to move to the next incubation position.

[0044] If it is determined that the current incubation position is the last incubation position in the current row, then the sample feeding cup gripper assembly is controlled to move to the initial position of the sample feeding cup gripper, and then the sample feeding cup gripper assembly is controlled to move to the next row of incubation positions;

[0045] If it is determined that the current incubation position is the last incubation position in the incubation area, the sample feeding cup gripper component is controlled to move to the initial position of the sample feeding cup gripper.

[0046] The cup-throwing method also includes:

[0047] When the sample analyzer is idle, the light shield is opened, and when the sample analyzer starts testing, the sample analyzer does not perform the cup-throwing procedure, but directly starts the testing procedure.

[0048] The sample analyzer of this application includes a sample loading cup gripper assembly and a test cup gripper assembly. The sample loading cup gripper assembly is used to grip a first cup in a first area of ​​the sample analyzer, and the test cup gripper assembly is used to grip a second cup in a second area of ​​the sample analyzer. The cup discarding method includes: controlling the test cup gripper assembly to grip each cup position in the second area, and controlling the sample loading cup gripper assembly to grip each cup position in the first area; if the test cup gripper assembly grips the second cup, controlling the test cup gripper assembly to move the second cup to the discarding position to discard the second cup; if the sample loading cup gripper assembly grips the first cup, recording the cup position information corresponding to the first cup; after the sample loading cup gripper assembly has finished gripping each cup position in the first area, controlling the sample loading cup gripper assembly to move all the first cups to a transfer area based on the cup position information, the transfer area being the overlapping area between the first area and the second area. Therefore, the sample analyzer can simultaneously control the test cup gripper assembly to grip each cup in the second area and control the sample dispensing cup gripper assembly to grip each cup in the first area, achieving synchronous operation of the test and sample dispensing cup gripper assemblies, thus improving speed and efficiency. Furthermore, when the sample analyzer is idle and the light shield is open, and when the sample analyzer starts testing, it does not execute the cup-throwing procedure but directly initiates the testing process, thereby improving the sample analyzer's detection efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0049] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort. Wherein:

[0050] Figure 1 This is a flowchart illustrating the first embodiment of the cup-throwing method of the sample analyzer in this application;

[0051] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the framework of the first embodiment of the sample analyzer of this application;

[0052] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A flowchart illustrating the first embodiment of step S101;

[0053] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 A flowchart illustrating the second embodiment of step S101;

[0054] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 A flowchart illustrating the third embodiment of step S101;

[0055] Figure 6 yes Figure 1 A flowchart illustrating the fourth embodiment of step S101. Detailed Implementation

[0056] 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.

[0057] It should be noted that if the embodiments of the present invention involve directional indicators (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, etc.), the directional indicators are only used to explain the relative positional relationship and movement of the components in a certain specific posture (as shown in the figure). If the specific posture changes, the directional indicators will also change accordingly.

[0058] Furthermore, if the embodiments of this invention involve descriptions such as "first" or "second," these descriptions are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of those features. Additionally, the technical solutions of the various embodiments can be combined with each other, but this must be based on the ability of those skilled in the art to implement them. If the combination of technical solutions is contradictory or impossible to implement, it should be considered that such a combination of technical solutions does not exist and is not within the scope of protection claimed by this invention.

[0059] The sample analyzer described in this application is used in the medical or biochemical analysis field to test samples and obtain test results. Please see [link to application]. Figure 1-2 As shown, Figure 1 This is a flowchart illustrating the first embodiment of the cup-throwing method of the sample analyzer in this application; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the framework of the first embodiment of the sample analyzer of this application. The sample analyzer of this embodiment includes a sample dispensing cup gripper assembly 21 and a test cup gripper assembly 31. The sample dispensing cup gripper assembly 21 is used to grip a first cup in a first region 22 of the sample analyzer, and the test cup gripper assembly 31 is used to grip a second cup in a second region 32 of the sample analyzer. The first cup and the second cup can be reaction cups. Furthermore, in this application, the first cup and the second cup can be the same reaction cup, with the same reaction cup serving as the first cup in the first region 22 and as the second cup in the second region 32.

[0060] The cup-throwing method in this embodiment includes the following steps:

[0061] S101: Control the test cup gripper assembly 31 to grip each cup position located in the second area 32, and control the sample feeding cup gripper assembly 21 to grip each cup position located in the first area 22.

[0062] After the sample analyzer completes the testing, it executes a clearing process (i.e., a cup-discarding process). The sample analyzer controls the test cup-grabbing hand assembly 31 to grab each cup located in the second area 32, and controls the sample-adding cup-grabbing hand assembly 21 to grab each cup located in the first area 22, in order to detect whether any cups remain in the first area 22 and the second area 32, thereby simultaneously controlling the sample-adding cup-grabbing hand assembly 21 and the test cup-grabbing hand assembly 31 to execute the clearing process.

[0063] Optionally, the test cup-gripping assembly 31 includes a sensor for detecting whether the test cup-gripping assembly 31 has grasped the second cup; the sample-adding cup-gripping assembly 21 includes an optocoupler detection unit for detecting whether the sample-adding cup-gripping assembly 21 has grasped the first cup. Therefore, this embodiment detects whether a cup remains in the first region 22 and the second region 32 through an optocoupler detection unit or a sensor; compared with the prior art, which detects by the action of clamping and placing the cup, the efficiency of the sample analyzer is improved.

[0064] Optionally, the test cup gripper assembly 31 includes a test cup gripper moving mechanism and a test cup gripper mechanism. The test cup gripper moving mechanism is used to drive the test cup gripper mechanism to move within the second region 32, and the test cup gripper mechanism is used to grip the second cup located within the second region 32. The sample feeding cup gripper assembly 21 includes a sample feeding cup gripper moving mechanism and a sample feeding cup gripper mechanism. The sample feeding cup gripper moving mechanism is used to drive the sample feeding cup gripper mechanism to move within the first region 22, and the sample feeding cup gripper mechanism is used to grip the first cup located within the first region 22.

[0065] S102: If the test cup-grabbing hand component 31 grabs the second cup, control the test cup-grabbing hand component 31 to move the second cup to the cup-throwing position to discard the second cup.

[0066] During the process of controlling the test cup grabber assembly 31 to grab each cup located in the second area 32, if the test cup grabber assembly 31 grabs the second cup, the sample analyzer controls the test cup grabber assembly 31 to move the second cup to the cup discarding position to discard the second cup, thereby executing the clearing process.

[0067] S103: If the sample grabbing cup component 21 grabs the first cup, then record the cup position information corresponding to the first cup.

[0068] During the process of controlling the sample feeding cup gripper assembly 21 to grip each cup position located in the first area 22, when the sample feeding cup gripper assembly 21 grips the first cup, the cup position information corresponding to the first cup is recorded.

[0069] S104: After the sample feeding cup gripper assembly 21 completes the gripping of each cup position in the first area 22, the sample feeding cup gripper assembly 21 is controlled to move all the first cups to the transfer area 323 based on the cup position information.

[0070] Since the test cup gripper assembly 31 of the sample analyzer is used to throw the first cup and the second cup, the overlapping area between the first region 22 and the second region 32 serves as the transfer region 323, so that the sample loading cup gripper assembly 21 moves all the first cups to the transfer region 323, and then the test cup gripper assembly 31 throws the first cups in the transfer region 323.

[0071] After the sample grabbing assembly 21 completes the grabbing of each cup in the first area 22, the sample analyzer controls the sample grabbing assembly 21 to move all the first cups to the transfer area 323 based on the cup position information, so as to test the first cups in the transfer area 323 by the cup grabbing assembly 31.

[0072] The sample analyzer of this embodiment can simultaneously control the test cup gripper assembly 31 to grip each cup position located in the second region 32 and control the sample addition cup gripper assembly 21 to grip each cup position located in the first region 22, so as to realize the synchronous operation of the test cup gripper assembly 31 and the sample addition cup gripper assembly 21, thereby improving the speed and efficiency of the sample analyzer.

[0073] Optionally, such as Figure 2 As shown, the second region 32 includes a test region 321, a transfer region 323, and a test cup gripper initial position 322; the test cup gripper initial position 322 is the initialization position of the test cup gripper component 31, the transfer region 323 is used to place the first cup, and the test region 321 is used to test the sample. Please refer to... Figure 3 As shown, Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A flowchart illustrating the first embodiment of step S101. Step S101, which involves controlling the test cup-gripping hand assembly 31 to grip each cup located within the second region 32, includes:

[0074] S301: The test cup gripper component 31 is used to detect whether the initial position 322 of the test cup gripper has been placed.

[0075] The sample analyzer controls the test cup gripper assembly 31 to grip the test cup gripper at its initial position 322, and uses the sensors of the test cup gripper assembly 31 to detect whether a second cup is placed at the initial position 322. If the sample analyzer detects that a second cup is placed at the initial position 322 (i.e., yes), it proceeds to step S302. If the sample analyzer detects that there is no second cup at the initial position 322 (i.e., no), it proceeds to step S303.

[0076] S302: Control the test cup gripper assembly 31 to move the second cup located at the initial position 322 of the test cup gripper to the cup throwing position, and control the test cup gripper assembly 31 to move to the transfer area 323.

[0077] The sample analyzer detects that a second cup is placed at the initial position 322 of the test cup gripper through the test cup gripper assembly 31. Then, the sample analyzer controls the test cup gripper assembly 31 to move the second cup located at the initial position 322 of the test cup gripper to the cup throwing position, and controls the test cup gripper assembly 31 to move to the transfer area 323, and proceeds to step S304.

[0078] S303: Control test cup gripper assembly 31 to move to transfer area 323.

[0079] If the sample analyzer detects that there is no second cup at the initial position 322 of the test cup gripper assembly 31, the sample analyzer controls the test cup gripper assembly 31 to move to the transfer area 323 and proceeds to step S304.

[0080] S304: The test cup gripper assembly 31 detects whether a second cup is placed in the transfer area 323.

[0081] The sample analyzer controls the test cup gripper assembly 31 to grip the transfer area 323, and the sensor of the test cup gripper assembly 31 detects whether a second cup is placed in the transfer area 323. If the sample analyzer detects that a second cup is placed in the transfer area 323 (i.e., yes), it proceeds to step S305. If the sample analyzer detects that there is no second cup in the transfer area 323 (i.e., no), it proceeds to step S306.

[0082] S305: Control the test cup gripper assembly 31 to move the second cup located in the transfer area 323 to the cup throwing position, and control the test cup gripper assembly 31 to move to the test area 321.

[0083] If the sample analyzer detects that a second cup is placed in the transfer area 323 through the test cup gripper assembly 31, the sample analyzer controls the test cup gripper assembly 31 to move the second cup located in the transfer area 323 to the cup throwing position, and controls the test cup gripper assembly 31 to move to the test area 321.

[0084] S306: Control the test cup gripper assembly 31 to move to the initial position 322 of the test cup gripper, and control the test cup gripper assembly 31 to move to the test area 321.

[0085] If the sample analyzer detects that there is no second cup in the transfer area 323 through the test cup gripper component 31, the sample analyzer controls the test cup gripper component 31 to move to the initial position 322 of the test cup gripper and then controls the test cup gripper component 31 to move to the test area 321.

[0086] In this embodiment, the sample analyzer controls the test cup gripper assembly 31 to sequentially detect the initial position 322 and the transfer area 323 of the test cup gripper. When a second cup is detected to be placed at the initial position 322 and / or the transfer area 323, the test cup gripper assembly 31 is controlled to move the second cup to the cup throwing position, so that the sample analyzer can perform the clearing process and improve efficiency.

[0087] Optionally, such as Figure 2 As shown, the test area 321 includes multiple rows of channels 324, for example, the multiple rows of channels 324 may consist of 3 rows of optical channels and 1 row of magnetic bead channels. The channels in this application can also be referred to as cup positions. Please see [link / reference]. Figure 4 As shown, Figure 4 yes Figure 1 A flowchart illustrating the second embodiment of step S101. After the sample analyzer controls the test cup gripper assembly 31 to move to the test area 321, step S101 further includes:

[0088] S401: The test cup gripper component 31 detects whether a second cup is placed in the current cup position of the test area 321.

[0089] The sample analyzer controls the test cup gripper assembly 31 to grip the current cup position in the test area 321, so as to detect whether a second cup is placed in the current cup position in the test area 321 through the sensor of the test cup gripper assembly 31. If the sample analyzer detects that a second cup is placed in the current cup position in the test area 321 (i.e., yes), then proceed to step S406. If the sample analyzer detects that there is no second cup in the current cup position in the test area 321 (i.e., no), then proceed to step S402.

[0090] S402: Determine if the current cup position is the last cup position in the same row of channels.

[0091] If the sample analyzer detects that there is no second cup at the current cup position in test area 321, the sample analyzer determines whether the current cup position is the last cup position in the same row of channels. For example, the sample analyzer determines whether the current cup position is the last cup position in the same row of optical channels. If it is determined that the current cup position is not the last cup position in the same row of channels (i.e., no), proceed to step S403; if it is determined that the current cup position is the last cup position in the same row of channels (i.e., yes), proceed to step S404.

[0092] S403: Control test cup gripper assembly 31 to move to the next cup position in the same row of channels.

[0093] If it is determined that the current cup position is not the last cup position in the same row of channels, the sample analyzer controls the test cup gripper component 31 to move to the next cup position in the same row of channels and returns to step S401.

[0094] S404: Control the test cup gripper assembly 31 to move to the initial position 322 of the test cup gripper, and control the test cup gripper assembly 31 to move to the next row of channels.

[0095] If it is determined that the current cup position is the last cup position in the same row of channels, the sample analyzer controls the test cup gripper component 31 to move to the next row of channels and returns to step S401.

[0096] S405: If it is determined that the current cup position is the last cup position in the last row of channels, control the test cup grabber component 31 to move to the initial position 322 of the test cup grabber.

[0097] If the current cup position is determined to be the last cup position in the last row of channels, the sample analyzer controls the test cup gripper assembly 31 to move to the initial test cup gripper position 322. For example, if the sample analyzer determines that the current cup position is the last cup position in the magnetic bead channel (i.e., the last cup position in the last row of channels), the sample analyzer controls the test cup gripper assembly 31 to move to the initial test cup gripper position 322.

[0098] S406: Control the test cup grabber assembly 31 to move the second cup from the current cup position to the cup throwing position, and control the test cup grabber assembly 31 to move to the initial position 322 of the test cup grabber.

[0099] If the sample analyzer detects that a second cup is placed in the current cup position of the test area 321, the sample analyzer controls the test cup gripper assembly 31 to move to the initial position 322 of the test cup gripper. If it is determined that the current cup position is the last cup position in the same row of channels, then proceed to step S407; if it is determined that the current cup position is not the last cup position in the same row of channels, then proceed to step S408.

[0100] S407: Control test cup gripper assembly 31 to move to the next row of channels.

[0101] If it is determined that the current cup position is the last cup position in the same row of channels, the sample analyzer controls the test cup gripper component 31 to move to the next row of channels and returns to step S401.

[0102] S408: Control test cup gripper assembly 31 to move to the next cup position in the same row of channels.

[0103] If it is determined that the current cup position is not the last cup position in the same row of channels, the sample analyzer controls the test cup gripper component 31 to move to the next cup position in the same row of channels and returns to step S401.

[0104] Optionally, such as Figure 2 As shown, the first region 22 includes an initial position 221 for the sample dispensing gripper, a secondary dilution position 222, a magnetic bead dispensing position 223, and an incubation region 224. The initial position 221 is the initial position of the sample dispensing gripper assembly 21. The secondary dilution position 222 is used to dilute the solution in the first cup. The magnetic bead dispensing position 223 is used to add the sample to the first cup. The incubation region 224 is used to place the first cup so that the sample and reagents in the first cup can react. In other embodiments, the first region 22 may also include an optical dispensing position, etc.

[0105] Please see Figure 5 As shown, Figure 5 yes Figure 1 A flowchart illustrating the third embodiment of step S101. Step S101, which involves controlling the sample-feeding cup-grabbing hand assembly 21 to grasp each cup located within the first region 22, includes:

[0106] S501: The initial position 221 of the sample feeding cup gripper assembly 21 is used to detect whether the first cup has been placed.

[0107] The sample analyzer detects whether the first cup is placed at the initial position 221 of the sample dispensing cup gripper assembly 21. If yes, that is, if the initial position 221 of the sample dispensing cup gripper is detected to be occupied by the first cup, then proceed to step S502. If no, that is, if the initial position 221 of the sample dispensing cup gripper is not occupied by the first cup, then proceed to step S503.

[0108] S502: Control the sample feeding cup gripper assembly 21 to move the first cup to the transfer area 323.

[0109] The sample analyzer controls the sample dispensing cup gripper assembly 21 to move the first cup to the transfer area 323, and controls the sample dispensing cup gripper assembly 21 to return to the initial position 221 of the sample dispensing cup gripper, and proceeds to step S504.

[0110] S503: Control the sample dispensing cup gripper assembly 21 to move to the initial position 221 of the sample dispensing cup gripper.

[0111] The sample analyzer controls the sample dispensing cup gripper assembly 21 to move to the initial position 221 of the sample dispensing cup gripper, and proceeds to step S504.

[0112] S504: Detect whether the first cup is placed at the secondary dilution position 222 by using the sample feeding gripper assembly 21.

[0113] The sample analyzer uses the sample dispensing cup gripper assembly 21 to detect whether the first cup is placed in the secondary dilution position 222; if yes, that is, the first cup is detected in the secondary dilution position 222, then proceed to step S505. If no, that is, the first cup is not detected in the secondary dilution position 222, then proceed to step S506.

[0114] S505: Record the cup position information of the secondary dilution position 222 and control the sample dispensing cup gripper assembly 21 to move to the initial position 221 of the sample dispensing cup gripper.

[0115] The sample analyzer records the cup position information of the secondary dilution position 222, controls the sample dispensing cup gripper assembly 21 to move to the initial position 221 of the sample dispensing cup gripper, and proceeds to step S507.

[0116] S506: Control the sample dispensing cup gripper assembly 21 to move to the initial position 221 of the sample dispensing cup gripper.

[0117] The sample analyzer controls the sample dispensing cup gripper assembly 21 to move to the initial position 221 of the sample dispensing cup gripper, and proceeds to step S507.

[0118] S507: The sample feeding gripper assembly 21 detects whether the magnetic bead feeding position 223 is placed in the first cup.

[0119] The sample analyzer detects whether the first cup is placed at the magnetic bead dispensing position 223 via the sample dispensing gripper assembly 21. If yes, that is, the magnetic bead dispensing position 223 is detected to have a first cup, then proceed to step S508. If no, that is, the magnetic bead dispensing position 223 is not detected to have a first cup, then proceed to step S509.

[0120] S508: Record the cup position information of the magnetic bead sample application position 223, and control the sample application cup gripper assembly 21 to move to the initial position 221 of the sample application cup gripper.

[0121] The sample analyzer records the cup position information of the magnetic bead sample application position 223 and controls the sample application cup gripper assembly 21 to move to the initial position 221 of the sample application cup gripper.

[0122] S509: Control the sample dispensing cup gripper assembly 21 to move to the initial position 221 of the sample dispensing cup gripper.

[0123] The sample analyzer controls the sample dispensing cup gripper assembly 21 to move to the initial position 221 of the sample dispensing cup gripper.

[0124] In this embodiment, the sample analyzer controls the sample dispensing cup gripper assembly 21 to sequentially detect the initial position 221, the secondary dilution position 222, and the magnetic bead dispensing position 223. When the first cup is detected at the secondary dilution position 222 and the magnetic bead dispensing position 223, the cup position information of the secondary dilution position 222 and the cup position information of the magnetic bead dispensing position 223 are recorded to enable the sample analyzer to perform a clearing process and improve efficiency.

[0125] Optionally, such as Figure 2 As shown, the incubation area 224 includes multiple rows of incubation positions 225. For example, the incubation area 224 includes four rows of incubation positions 225, with five incubation positions 225 in each row. Please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 6 As shown, Figure 6 yes Figure 1 A flowchart illustrating the fourth embodiment of step S101. Step S101, which involves controlling the sample dispensing cup gripper assembly 21 to grip each cup located within the first region 22, includes:

[0126] S601: Detect whether the first cup is placed at the current incubation position 225 by using the sample feeding cup gripper component 21.

[0127] The sample analyzer uses the sample feeding cup gripper assembly 21 to detect whether the first cup is placed at the current incubation position 225; if yes, it detects that the first cup is placed at the current incubation position 225 and proceeds to step S602. If no, it detects that the first cup is not placed at the current incubation position 225 and proceeds to step S606.

[0128] S602: Record the cup position information of the current incubation position 225.

[0129] If the sample analyzer detects that the first cup is placed at the current incubation position 225, it records the cup position information at the current incubation position 225 and proceeds to step S603.

[0130] S603: If it is determined that the current incubation position 225 is not the last incubation position 225 in the current row of incubation positions, then control the sample feeding cup gripper component 21 to move to the next incubation position 225.

[0131] If the sample analyzer determines that the current incubation position 225 is not the last incubation position 225 in the current row of incubation positions, the sample analyzer controls the sample feeding cup handle assembly 21 to move to the next incubation position 225.

[0132] S604: If it is determined that the current incubation position 225 is the last incubation position 225 in the current row of incubation positions, then control the sample feeding cup gripper component 21 to move to the initial position 221 of the sample feeding cup gripper, and control the sample feeding cup gripper component 21 to move to the next row of incubation positions 225.

[0133] If the sample analyzer determines that the current incubation position 225 is the last incubation position 225 in the current row, the sample analyzer controls the sample dispensing cup gripper assembly 21 to move to the initial position 221 of the sample dispensing cup gripper, and then controls the sample dispensing cup gripper assembly 21 to move to the next row of incubation positions 225.

[0134] S605: If it is determined that the current incubation position 225 is the last incubation position of the incubation area 224, then control the sample feeding cup gripper component 21 to move to the initial position 221 of the sample feeding cup gripper.

[0135] S606: If it is determined that the current incubation position 225 is not the last incubation position in the current row of incubation positions, then control the sample feeding cup gripper component 21 to move to the next incubation position 225.

[0136] S607: If it is determined that the current incubation position 225 is the last incubation position in the current row, then control the sample feeding cup gripper component 21 to move to the initial position 221 of the sample feeding cup gripper, and control the sample feeding cup gripper component 21 to move to the next row of incubation positions 225.

[0137] S608: If it is determined that the current incubation position 225 is the last incubation position of the incubation area 224, then control the sample feeding cup gripper component 21 to move to the initial position 221 of the sample feeding cup gripper.

[0138] Optionally, when the sample analyzer is idle, the light shield of the sample analyzer can be opened, and when the sample analyzer starts testing, the sample analyzer does not execute the cup-throwing process of the above embodiment, but directly starts the testing process, which can improve the detection efficiency of the sample analyzer.

[0139] This application may also provide a sample analyzer, which includes the sample dispensing cup assembly 21 and the test cup assembly 31 disclosed in the above embodiments. Furthermore, the sample analyzer may also include a sample injection assembly and a reagent storage assembly, wherein the sample injection assembly is used to deliver sample tubes, the sample tubes are used to store samples, and the reagent storage assembly is used to store reagents.

[0140] The above description is merely an embodiment of this application and does not limit the patent scope of this application. Any equivalent structural or procedural transformations made using the content of this application's specification and drawings, or direct or indirect applications in other related technical fields, are similarly included within the patent protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A cup-throwing method for a sample analyzer, characterized in that, The sample analyzer includes a sample dispensing cup gripper assembly and a test cup gripper assembly. The sample dispensing cup gripper assembly is used to grip a first cup in a first area of ​​the sample analyzer, and the test cup gripper assembly is used to grip a second cup in a second area of ​​the sample analyzer. The cup-dispensing method includes: The test cup gripper assembly is controlled to grip each cup located in the second area, and the sample feeding cup gripper assembly is controlled to grip each cup located in the first area; If the test cup-grabbing hand assembly grabs the second cup, then the test cup-grabbing hand assembly is controlled to move the second cup to the cup-throwing position to discard the second cup; If the sample-adding cup-grabbing hand assembly grabs the first cup, the cup position information corresponding to the first cup is recorded; Once the sample-adding cup-grabbing hand assembly completes the grabbing of each cup located in the first area, it controls the sample-adding cup-grabbing hand assembly to move all the first cups to the transfer area based on the cup position information. The transfer area is the overlapping area between the first area and the second area. The second area includes a test area, the transfer area, and the initial position of the test cup-grabbing hand. The step of controlling the test cup-grabbing hand assembly to grasp each cup located in the second area includes: The test cup gripper assembly detects whether the second cup is placed at the initial position of the test cup gripper. If the test cup gripper is detected to have the second cup at its initial position, the test cup gripper assembly is controlled to move the second cup from its initial position to the cup throwing position, and the test cup gripper assembly is controlled to move to the transfer area. If it is detected that there is no second cup at the initial position of the test cup gripper, then the test cup gripper assembly is controlled to move to the transfer area; After the step of controlling the test cup-grabbing hand assembly to move to the transfer area, the cup-throwing method further includes: The test cup-grabbing component is used to detect whether the second cup is placed in the transfer area; If the second cup is detected to be placed in the transfer area, the test cup-grabbing hand assembly is controlled to move the second cup located in the transfer area to the cup-throwing position, and the test cup-grabbing hand assembly is controlled to move to the test area; If the transfer area does not contain the second cup, the test cup gripper assembly is moved to the initial position of the test cup gripper and then moved to the test area. The test area includes multiple rows of channels. After the step of controlling the test cup-grabbing hand assembly to move into the test area, the cup-throwing method further includes: The test cup gripper component detects whether the second cup is placed in the current cup position of the test area. If it is detected that there is no second cup in the current cup position, then it is determined whether the current cup position is the last cup position in the same row of the channel; If it is determined that the current cup position is not the last cup position in the same row of the channel, then the test cup gripper component is controlled to move to the next cup position in the same row of the channel, and the process returns to the step of detecting whether the second cup is placed in the current cup position in the test area through the test cup gripper component; If it is determined that the current cup position is the last cup position in the same row of the channel, then the test cup gripper component is controlled to move to the initial position of the test cup gripper, and the test cup gripper component is controlled to move to the next row of the channel, and the process returns to the step of detecting whether the second cup is placed in the current cup position in the test area through the test cup gripper component; If it is determined that the current cup position is the last cup position in the last row of the channel, then the test cup gripper component is controlled to move to the initial position of the test cup gripper.

2. The cup-throwing method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The step of detecting whether the second cup is placed in the current cup position in the test area using the test cup gripper component includes: If the second cup is detected to be placed in the current cup position, the test cup grabber component is controlled to move the second cup in the current cup position to the cup throwing position, and the test cup grabber component is controlled to move to the initial position of the test cup grabber. If it is determined that the current cup position is the last cup position in the same row of the channel, then the test cup gripper component is controlled to move to the next row of the channel, and the process returns to the step of detecting whether the second cup is placed in the current cup position in the test area through the test cup gripper component; If it is determined that the current cup position is not the last cup position in the same row of the channel, then the test cup gripper component is controlled to move to the next cup position in the same row of the channel, and the process returns to the step of detecting whether the second cup is placed in the current cup position in the test area through the test cup gripper component.

3. The cup-throwing method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first area includes the initial position of the sample-feeding cup gripper; the step of controlling the sample-feeding cup gripper assembly to grip each cup located within the first area includes: The sample feeding cup gripper assembly detects whether the first cup is placed at the initial position of the sample feeding cup gripper. If the sample feeding cup gripper is detected to have placed the first cup at its initial position, the sample feeding cup gripper assembly is controlled to move the first cup to the transfer area and return to the initial position of the sample feeding cup gripper. If it is detected that there is no first cup at the initial position of the sample feeding cup gripper, control the sample feeding cup gripper assembly to move to the initial position of the sample feeding cup gripper; The test cup-grabbing hand assembly is controlled to move the first cup in the transfer area to the cup-throwing position and return to the initial position of the test cup-grabbing hand.

4. The cup-throwing method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The first region includes a secondary dilution position and a magnetic bead dispensing position. The step of controlling the dispensing cup gripper assembly to grip each cup position located in the first region includes: The sample dispensing and cup-gripping assembly detects whether the first cup is placed at the secondary dilution position. If the first cup is detected to be placed at the secondary dilution position, the cup position information of the secondary dilution position is recorded, and the sample dispensing cup gripper assembly is controlled to move to the initial position of the sample dispensing cup gripper. The sample feeding gripper assembly detects whether the first cup is placed at the magnetic bead sampling position. If the first cup is detected to be placed at the magnetic bead sample application position, the cup position information of the magnetic bead sample application position is recorded, and the sample application cup gripper assembly is controlled to move to the initial position of the sample application cup gripper.

5. The cup-throwing method according to claim 4, characterized in that, The first region includes an incubation area, which includes multiple rows of incubation positions; the step of controlling the sample dispensing cup gripper assembly to grip each cup located within the first region includes: The sample feeding cup gripper assembly detects whether the first cup is placed at the current incubation location; If the first cup is detected to be placed at the current incubation location, the cup position information at the current incubation location is recorded; If it is determined that the current incubation position is not the last incubation position in the current row of incubation positions, then the sample feeding cup hand assembly is controlled to move to the next incubation position; If it is determined that the current incubation position is the last incubation position in the current row, then the sample feeding cup gripper assembly is controlled to move to the initial position of the sample feeding cup gripper, and then the sample feeding cup gripper assembly is controlled to move to the incubation position in the next row. If it is determined that the current incubation position is the last incubation position in the incubation area, then the sample feeding cup gripper assembly is controlled to move to the initial position of the sample feeding cup gripper.

6. The cup-throwing method according to claim 5, characterized in that, The step of detecting whether the first cup is placed at the current incubation position through the sample feeding cup gripper assembly includes: If the first cup is not detected at the current incubation position, and it is determined that the current incubation position is not the last incubation position in the current row of incubation positions, then the sample feeding cup gripper assembly is controlled to move to the next incubation position. If it is determined that the current incubation position is the last incubation position in the current row, then the sample feeding cup gripper assembly is controlled to move to the initial position of the sample feeding cup gripper, and then the sample feeding cup gripper assembly is controlled to move to the incubation position in the next row. If it is determined that the current incubation position is the last incubation position in the incubation area, then the sample feeding cup gripper assembly is controlled to move to the initial position of the sample feeding cup gripper.

7. The cup-throwing method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cup-throwing method also includes: When the sample analyzer is idle, the light shield is opened, and when the sample analyzer starts testing, the sample analyzer does not perform the cup-throwing procedure, but directly starts the testing procedure.

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