Barrier mechanism and sample holder barrier method

Abstract

The application discloses a blocking mechanism and a sample placing rack blocking method. In the process that the sample placing rack moves from a feeding end to a discharging end through a sliding space, the sample placing rack will pass through a pushing position and be stopped at a blocking position by a blocking block. After the sample placing rack is stopped at the blocking position, a driving assembly drives the pushing block to move to the blocking position along the direction from the pushing position to the blocking position, and simultaneously drives the blocking block to rotate from the blocking position to an opening position. After the pushing of the sample placing rack is completed, the pushing block is driven by the driving assembly to retreat from the blocking position to the pushing position, and is rotated to an avoiding position in the pushing position. Simultaneously, the driving assembly drives the blocking block to rotate from the opening position to the blocking position in the blocking position. On the basis of linkage between the pushing block and the blocking block, the overshoot of the sample placing rack is prevented, the system risk is reduced, the continuous operation function is realized, the returning efficiency of the whole blocking mechanism is improved, power is saved, and the integration degree is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of medical device technology, and in particular to a blocking mechanism and a blocking method for a sample placement rack. Background Technology

[0002] In the field of in vitro diagnostics, fully automated analyzers are generally equipped with channels for receiving and transferring samples and / or reagents between the supply and analysis sides. Currently, high-throughput analyzers (such as fully automated chemiluminescence analyzers with a throughput of 600 T / h, or even higher) have high testing speeds, thus requiring correspondingly higher channel transmission speeds. However, the impulse of high-speed sample / sample holder transfers also increases significantly, making it difficult to accurately control the state of the sample / sample holder.

[0003] For example, if the sample / sample holder is allowed to complete the entire transfer process in a high-impact state, overshoot can easily occur at the channel exit, making it difficult to control the operation of the sample / sample holder. One solution to this problem is to install a blocking structure at the channel exit. However, this solution will significantly reduce the channel's transmission rate and affect the analyzer's efficiency. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The main objective of this invention is to provide a blocking mechanism and a blocking method for a sample placement rack, aiming to solve the technical problems of overshoot and reduced transmission efficiency when the sample placement rack changes from a moving state to a stationary state in related technologies.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, in a first aspect, the present invention provides a blocking mechanism comprising:

[0006] The base has a loading end and a unloading end at its two ends, and a sliding space is formed on one side of the base for the sample placement rack to slide from the loading end to the unloading end.

[0007] A pushing component, comprising a driving assembly and a pushing block, wherein the driving assembly is mounted on the base and located between the loading end and the unloading end, the pushing block is rotatably mounted on the driving assembly and can rotate relative to the driving assembly between a pushing position extending into the sliding space and a clearance position avoiding the sliding space, and the driving assembly drives the pushing block to slide between the loading end and the unloading end; and,

[0008] A blocking component includes a transmission assembly and a blocking block. The transmission assembly is rotatably mounted on the base and connected to the blocking block. The blocking block is located at the unloading end and is mounted on the transmission assembly. A driving assembly can slide to connect with the transmission assembly to drive the blocking block to rotate between the blocking position and the open position.

[0009] Optionally, the driving component includes:

[0010] A guide rail is mounted on the base and extends along the direction from the loading end to the unloading end;

[0011] A slider, which slides in conjunction with the guide rail, and the push block is rotatably mounted on the slider; and,

[0012] A driving component, which is connected to the sliding component, to drive the sliding component to slide along the guide rail.

[0013] Optionally, the push block is rotatably mounted on the slider via a rotating shaft, on which a torsion spring is sleeved. One torsion arm of the torsion spring is connected to the slider, and the other torsion arm of the torsion spring is connected to the push block.

[0014] Optionally, the drive assembly further includes a toggle member, which is rotatably mounted on the slider. The toggle member is spaced apart from the push block and located on the side of the push block facing the feeding end. The toggle member is used to toggle the transmission assembly to drive the blocking block to rotate between the blocking position and the opening position.

[0015] Optionally, the transmission assembly includes a transmission block and a transmission rod. The transmission block is located at the feeding end, and the transmission rod extends from the feeding end toward the unloading end. The transmission block is connected to the blocking block via the transmission rod, and the transmission rod is connected to the base via a bearing seat. A groove is formed on the transmission block, extending spirally from the feeding end toward the unloading end. The actuating member can slide in the groove to actuate the transmission rod and drive the blocking block to rotate between the blocking position and the open position.

[0016] Optionally, the transmission block includes a first mounting position and a second mounting position disposed opposite to each other. The first mounting position is located on the side of the transmission block near the sliding space. The groove is formed in the first mounting position. An avoidance groove is formed on the second mounting position. The base is also equipped with a first sensor for sensing the avoidance groove at the position corresponding to the avoidance groove.

[0017] Optionally, a sensing plate is installed in the clearance groove, and the first sensor is used to sense the sensing plate when the blocking block is in the blocking position.

[0018] Optionally, two second sensors for sensing the drive assembly are respectively installed on the base near the loading end and the unloading end.

[0019] Based on the same technical concept, in a second aspect, the present invention proposes a sample placement rack transfer method, applied to the blocking mechanism described in the first aspect; the transfer method includes the following steps:

[0020] Based on the current state of the sample holder within the sliding space, the current transfer mode is selected to transfer the sample holder; wherein, the current state includes a first state and a second state.

[0021] Optionally, the current transfer mode includes a first transfer mode and a second transfer mode;

[0022] The step of selecting the current transfer mode to transfer the sample holder based on the current state of the sample holder within the sliding space includes:

[0023] When the current state of the sample placement rack is the first state, the sample placement rack is transferred using the first transfer mode; wherein, the first transfer mode is to use the driving component to drive the blocking block to rotate from the blocking position to the open position, and drive the pushing block to push the sample placement rack from the pushing position to push the sample placement rack blocked at the blocking position out from the unloading end.

[0024] When the current state of the sample holder is the second state, the sample holder is transferred using the second transfer mode; wherein, the second transfer mode is to use the driving component to drive the push block to rotate from the push position to the avoidance position, and to drive the blocking block to rotate from the open position to the blocking position.

[0025] The present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0026] In this invention, during the process of the sample placement rack moving from the loading end to the unloading end through the sliding space, the sample placement rack passes through the pushing position and is stopped at the blocking position by the blocking block. After the sample placement rack stops at the blocking position, the driving component drives the pushing block to move along the direction from the pushing position to the blocking position to the blocking position. At the same time, the driving component also drives the blocking block to rotate from the blocking position to the open position. Based on the linkage between the pushing block and the blocking block, the sample placement rack is pushed out of the sliding space from the unloading end. After the sample placement rack is pushed, the driving component drives the pushing block to retract from the blocking position to the pushing position and rotates it to the avoidance position. At the same time, the driving component drives the blocking block to rotate from the open position to the blocking position and then to the blocking position. Thus, this invention effectively prevents the sample placement rack from overshooting while realizing the linkage between the pushing block and the blocking block, reducing system risks, achieving continuous operation, improving the return efficiency of the entire blocking mechanism, saving power, and increasing the degree of integration. Attached Figure Description

[0027] 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 the structures shown in these drawings without creative effort.

[0028] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the blocking mechanism as an example of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 2 for Figure 1 The schematic diagram of the feeding end in the example shows the blocking mechanism;

[0030] Figure 3 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the toggle mechanism from one perspective, as shown in the example.

[0031] Figure 4 for Figure 1 A structural schematic diagram of the toggle element from another perspective, as shown in the example;

[0032] Figure 5 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the blocking mechanism from another perspective, as shown in the example;

[0033] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the sample placement rack blocking system as an example of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 7 for Figure 6 Another structural schematic diagram of the sample placement rack blocking system shown in the example;

[0035] Figure 8 for Figure 6 The example shows a schematic diagram of the push block during the avoidance phase.

[0036] Figure 9 for Figure 6 The example shows a schematic diagram of the push block in the push position;

[0037] Figure 10 This is a flowchart illustrating the sample placement rack blocking method of the present invention;

[0038] Figure 11 for Figure 10 The flowchart of step S100 in the example is shown.

[0039] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0040]

[0041] The objectives, features, and advantages of this invention will be further explained in conjunction with the embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings. Detailed Implementation

[0042] 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 a part of the embodiments of the present invention, and not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0043] It should be noted that all directional indications (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, etc.) in the embodiments of the present invention are only used to explain the relative positional relationship and movement of the mechanisms in a certain specific posture (as shown in the figure). If the specific posture changes, the directional indication will also change accordingly.

[0044] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connection," "fixed," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, "connection" can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; it can be the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise explicitly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0045] 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 meaning of "and / or" throughout the text includes three parallel solutions; for example, "A and / or B" includes solution A, solution B, or a solution where both A and B are satisfied simultaneously. Furthermore, 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. When 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.

[0046] The inventive concept of the present invention will be further explained below with reference to some specific embodiments.

[0047] This invention proposes a blocking mechanism and a blocking method for a sample placement rack.

[0048] like Figures 1 to 11 As shown, an embodiment of the blocking mechanism 10, sample placement rack 30 blocking system and blocking method of the present invention is presented.

[0049] In this embodiment, please refer to Figures 1-5 This type

[0050] The blocking mechanism 10 includes a base 100, a pushing component 200, and a blocking component 300. The base 100 has a loading end 110 and a unloading end 120 at its two ends, respectively. A sliding space 130 is formed on one side of the base 100 for the sample placement rack 30 to slide from the loading end 110 to the unloading end 120. The pushing component 200 includes a driving assembly 210 and a pushing block 220. The driving assembly 210 is mounted on the base 100 and located between the loading end 110 and the unloading end 120. The pushing block 220 is rotatably mounted on the driving assembly 210 and can push relative to the driving assembly 210 into the sliding space 130. The drive assembly 210 rotates between position 230 and clearance position 240 that avoids sliding space 130, and drives push block 220 to slide between loading end 110 and unloading end 120. The blocking component 300 includes transmission assembly 350 and blocking block 320. Transmission assembly 350 is rotatably mounted on base 100 and connected to blocking block 320. Blocking block 320 is located at unloading end 120 and is mounted on transmission assembly 350. Drive assembly 210 can slide to connect with transmission assembly 350 to drive blocking block 320 to rotate between blocking position 330 and opening position 340.

[0051] In this embodiment, as the sample placement rack 30 moves from the loading end 110 through the sliding space 130 to the unloading end 120, the sample placement rack 30 passes the pushing position 230 and is stopped at the blocking position 330 by the blocking block 320. After the sample placement rack 30 stops at the blocking position 330, the driving component 210 drives the pushing block 220 to move along the direction from the pushing position 230 to the blocking position 330. At the same time, the driving component 210 also drives the blocking block 320 to rotate from the blocking position 330 to the opening position 340. Based on the linkage between the pushing block 220 and the blocking block 320, the sample placement rack 30 is pushed out of the sliding space from the unloading end 120. 130. After pushing the sample placement rack 30, the push block 220 is driven by the drive component 210 to return from the blocking position 330 to the push position 230, and rotates from the push position 230 to the avoidance position 240. At the same time, the drive component 210 drives the blocking block 320 to rotate from the open position 340 to the blocking position 330. Thus, the present invention effectively prevents the sample placement rack 30 from overshooting by realizing the linkage between the push block 220 and the blocking block 320, reducing system risk, realizing continuous operation, improving the return efficiency of the entire blocking mechanism 10, saving power and improving the degree of integration.

[0052] In some specific embodiments, the drive assembly 210 includes a guide rail 211, a slider 212, and a drive component 214. The guide rail 211 is mounted on the base 100 and extends along the direction from the loading end 110 to the unloading end 120. The slider 212 is slidably engaged with the guide rail 211, and the push block 220 is rotatably mounted on the slider 212. The drive component 214 is connected to the slider 212 to drive the slider 212 to slide along the guide rail 211.

[0053] In this embodiment, by setting a guide rail 211, a driving member 214, and a sliding member 212, and mounting the push block 220 on the sliding member 212, the first driving member 214 can slide stably along the guide rail 211 on the substrate during use, thereby improving the stability of the entire blocking mechanism 10.

[0054] In some specific embodiments, the push block 220 forms an inclined surface on the side near the feeding end 110, and the inclined surface is inclined from the feeding end 110 to the unloading end 120 in the direction of approaching the sliding space 130.

[0055] In this embodiment, the side of the push block 220 near the loading end 110 is made to form an inclined surface, and the inclined surface is set in an inclined direction from the loading end 110 to the unloading end 120 in the direction of the sliding space 130, so that when the push block 220 rotates from the pushing position 230 to the clearance position 240, the inclined edge set on the push block 220 can achieve better rotation function.

[0056] In some specific embodiments, the push block 220 is rotatably mounted on the slider 212 via a pivot, and a torsion spring 215 is sleeved on the pivot. One torsion arm of the torsion spring 215 is connected to the slider 212, and the other torsion arm of the torsion spring 215 is connected to the push block 220. The torsion spring 215 is used to push the push block 220 from the clearance position 240 back to the push position 230.

[0057] In this embodiment, during specific use, the push block 220 rotates from the push position 230 to the extension sliding space 130 and is in the avoidance position 240, so that the torsion arm connected to the push block 220 and the torsion spring 215 stores energy. The torsion spring 215 will release the stored energy, so that the torsion spring 215 can drive the push block 220 to automatically rotate from the avoidance position 240 to the extension sliding space 130 and be in the push position 230, so as to achieve the blocking function. Thus, the present invention has the function of automatic reset during use, improving the automation level of the entire blocking mechanism 10.

[0058] In some specific embodiments, the drive assembly 210 further includes a toggle member 216, which is rotatably mounted on the slider 212. The toggle member 216 is arranged at a distance from the push block 220 and is located on the side of the push block 220 facing the feeding end 110.

[0059] The transmission assembly 350 is rotatably mounted on the base 100. The transmission assembly 350 is connected to the blocking block 320. The actuating member 216 is used to actuate the transmission assembly 350 to drive the blocking block 320 to rotate between the blocking position 330 and the open position 340.

[0060] In this embodiment, by setting a toggle member 216, when the toggle member 216 contacts the transmission assembly 350 under the drive of the drive member 214, the toggle member 216 can move the transmission assembly 350 to drive the blocking block 320 to move between the blocking position 330 and the opening position 340. This allows the present invention to use a set of drive assembly 350 to manage and drive the push block 220 and the blocking block 320 at the same time, reducing energy consumption and improving the degree of integration.

[0061] It should be specifically and clearly stated that, in this embodiment, during actual use, since the groove 353 formed on the transmission block 351 is arc-shaped and the groove 353 does not wrap around the transmission block 351, the present invention drives the transmission block 351 to rotate only a certain angle through the set toggle member 216, thereby ensuring that the rotation angle of the blocking block 320 will not exceed 180°, which can both prevent the rotating block 320 from rotating excessively and ensure the working efficiency of the entire blocking system. Of course, in the exemplary embodiment, the transmission assembly 350 includes a transmission block 351 and a transmission rod 352. The transmission block 351 is located at the loading end 110, and the transmission rod 352 extends from the loading end 110 toward the unloading end 120. The transmission block 351 is connected to the blocking block 320 through the transmission rod 352, and the transmission rod 352 is connected to the base 100 through a bearing seat. A groove 353 is formed on the transmission block 351, extending spirally from the loading end 110 toward the unloading end 120. The actuating member 216 can slide and engage with the groove 353 to actuate the transmission rod 352, causing the blocking block 320 to rotate between the blocking position 330 and the open position 340. This arrangement enables the present invention to have a stable sliding effect during use, improving the safety of the entire blocking mechanism 10 during operation.

[0062] In some preferred embodiments, the transmission block 351 includes a first mounting position and a second mounting position disposed opposite to each other. The first mounting position is located on the side of the transmission block 351 near the sliding space 130, and a groove 353 is formed in the first mounting position. A clearance groove 354 is formed in the second mounting position. A first sensor 355 for sensing the clearance groove 354 is also installed on the base 100 at a position corresponding to the clearance groove 354. This allows the transmission block 351 to have high stability during use, even when it is actuated by a toggle, and avoids the blocking block 320 failing to block within the sliding space 130 due to excessive actuation.

[0063] In some specific embodiments, a sensing plate 356 is installed in the clearance groove 354, and a first sensor 355 is used to sense the sensing plate 356 when the blocking block is located at the blocking position 330.

[0064] In this embodiment, during the process of driving the toggle block to rotate the transmission block 351 using the drive member 214, the sensing plate 356 set in the clearance groove 354 will rotate with the transmission block 351, thereby enabling the sensing plate 356 to be sensed by the first sensor 355. Thus, the rotation result of the entire blocking block 320 can be obtained based on the sensing result, and it can be accurately determined whether the blocking block 320 is in the blocking position 330 or the open position 340, thereby improving safety.

[0065] It should be specifically and clearly stated that, in this embodiment, when the first sensor 355 senses the sensing plate 356, the push block 220 should be in the avoidance position 240, and the blocking block should be in the blocking position 330 and blocked within the sliding space 130; while when the first sensor 355 fails to sense the sensing plate 356, the push block 220 should be in the push position 230, and the blocking block 320 should be in the open position 340, allowing the sample placement rack 30 in the sliding space 130 to slide out and leave the sliding space 130.

[0066] In some specific embodiments, two second sensors 400 for sensing the drive assembly 210 are respectively installed on the base 100 near the loading end 110 and the unloading end 120.

[0067] In this embodiment, by setting a second sensor 400, the drive assembly 210 is sensed by the second sensor 400 respectively set at the loading end 110 and the unloading end 120. This can accurately determine whether the drive assembly 210 has moved into position and whether it is at the loading end 110 or the unloading end 120, thus avoiding overshoot of the entire drive assembly 210, improving safety, and enabling the present invention to achieve continuous operation.

[0068] It should be specifically and clearly stated that, in this embodiment, the example first sensor 355 and the second sensor 400 can be, but are not limited to, devices or apparatuses with automatic sensing functions such as optocoupler sensors, distance sensors or infrared sensors that are already maturely applied in the prior art. In this embodiment, only the application is described and the structure of the first sensor 355 and the second sensor 400 itself is not improved or designed. Therefore, they will not be described in detail here. However, it can be exemplified that, in this embodiment, the example first sensor 355 and the second sensor 400 are preferably optocoupler sensors.

[0069] Based on the same technical concept, in a second aspect, the present invention proposes a sample placement rack blocking system, comprising:

[0070] The first aspect of the blocking mechanism 10; and,

[0071] The conveying mechanism 20 includes a conveying platform, a blocking mechanism 10 installed on one side of the conveying platform, and a slide 21 formed on the conveying platform near the blocking mechanism 10. The slide 21 forms a conveying space for conveying the sample placement rack 30. The two ends of the slide 21 form an open feeding end 22 and a discharging end 23. The unloading end 120 is set near the unloading end 23, and the loading end 110 is located between the feeding end 22 and the unloading end 23.

[0072] In this embodiment, during specific use, the sample placement rack 30 is first moved from the feeding end 22 along the slide 21 to the loading end 110 and enters the sliding space 130. At this time, the drive component 210 drives the push block 220 to rotate from the push position 230 extending into the sliding space 130 to the position 240 extending out of the sliding space 130 and being in the avoidance position. At the same time, the transmission component 350 drives the blocking block 320 to extend into the sliding space 130 and be in the blocking position 330. Meanwhile, the sample placement rack 30 continues to move within the sliding space 130 to the unloading end. The sample rack 30 stops at the unloading end 23, preventing it from overshooting and reducing system risk. Meanwhile, the transmission component 350 continues to drive the blocking block 320 to rotate from the blocking position 330 to the extension opening position 340 and open the sliding space 130. This causes the drive component 350 to drive the push block 220 to rotate from the avoidance position 240 to the push position 230, pushing the sample rack 30 out of the unloading end. This allows the sample rack 30 to move out of the sliding space 130 from the unloading end 23, improving automation efficiency.

[0073] Of course, in some specific embodiments, the slide 21 is formed by a first upright plate 24 and a second upright plate 26 arranged at intervals. The first upright plate 24 is located on the side where the blocking mechanism 10 is located. A notch is formed on the first upright plate 24 near the unloading end 23. The notch wall is used to abut against the push block 220 and push the push block 220 from the pushing position 230 to the avoidance position 240 when the drive assembly 210 drives the push block 220 to move from the loading end 110 to the unloading end 120. The side of the first upright plate 24 away from the slide is used to slide against the push block 220 in the avoidance position 240.

[0074] In this embodiment, a notch is formed on one side of the first upright plate 24 near the unloading end 120. The notch wall is used to abut against the push block 220 when the drive assembly 210 drives the push block 220 to move from the loading end 110 to the unloading end 120, and pushes the push block 220 to rotate from the pushing position 230 to the avoidance position 240. The side of the first upright plate 24 away from the slide groove is used to slide against the push block 220 in the avoidance position 240. This means that after the drive assembly 210 drives the push block 220 to rotate to the avoidance position 240, it can be blocked outside the sliding space 130 by the notch of the first upright plate 24. This allows the push block 220 to avoid the sample placement rack 30, improving the transfer efficiency when transferring the sample placement rack 30.

[0075] In some specific embodiments, two third sensors 25 for sensing the sample placement rack 30 are respectively provided on the conveyor table near the feed end 22 and the discharge end 23.

[0076] Of course, in this embodiment, by setting a third sensor 25 at the positions of the feeding end 22 and the unloading end 23 respectively, the present invention can accurately sense and determine whether there is a sample placement rack 30 in the feeding end 22, the unloading end 23 and the entire slide 21 when in use. Thus, the present invention can determine the working state of the blocking mechanism 10 according to the sensing of the third sensor 25 when in use, effectively improving the automation effect of the entire sample placement rack 30 blocking system.

[0077] It should be specifically and clearly stated that, in this embodiment, the example third sensor 25 can be, but is not limited to, devices or apparatuses with automatic sensing functions such as optocoupler sensors, distance sensors or infrared sensors that are already maturely applied in the prior art. In this embodiment, only the application is carried out and the structure of the third sensor 25 itself is not improved or designed. Therefore, it will not be described in detail here. However, it can be exemplified that the example third sensor 25 in this embodiment is preferably an optocoupler sensor.

[0078] Based on the same technical concept, in a second aspect, the present invention proposes a sample placement rack transfer method, applied to the blocking mechanism described in the first aspect; the transfer method includes the following steps:

[0079] S100. Based on the current state of the sample holder within the sliding space, select the current transfer mode to transfer the sample holder; wherein, the current state includes a first state and a second state.

[0080] Specifically, the current transfer mode includes a first transfer mode and a second transfer mode;

[0081] Step S100 includes:

[0082] S110. When the current state of the sample placement rack is the first state, the sample placement rack is transferred using the first transfer mode; wherein, the first transfer mode is to use the driving component to drive the blocking block to rotate from the blocking position to the open position, and drive the pushing block to push the sample placement rack from the pushing position to push the sample placement rack blocked at the blocking position out from the unloading end.

[0083] S120. When the current state of the sample placement rack is the second state, the sample placement rack is transferred using the second transfer mode; wherein, the second transfer mode is to use the driving component to drive the pushing block to rotate from the pushing position to the avoidance position, and to drive the blocking block to rotate from the open position to the blocking position.

[0084] In an exemplary embodiment, the cleaning method of the present invention can be performed with reference to the following process:

[0085] When the drive assembly 210 moves to the left, the actuating element 216 enters the spiral groove 353 and moves along the groove 353, thereby driving the transmission block 351 to rotate, further causing the push block 220 to rotate to the clearance position 240; at the same time, the blocking block 320 extends into the sliding space 130 and is in the blocking position 330; the first sensor 355 stops moving when it engages with the sensing plate. At this time, the blocking block 320 can block the sample placement rack 30 in the sliding space 130;

[0086] When the sample rack 30 in the sliding space 130 needs to be released, the drive assembly moves to the right, and the notch wall of the first upright plate 24 loses its restraining effect on the push block 220. The push block 220 extends out of the push position 230 under the action of the torsion spring 215 and contacts the sample rack 30 (e.g., the force-bearing part on the sample push block 220). At the same time, the movement of the actuating element 216 along the arc groove 353 will drive the blocking block 320 to rotate in the opposite direction through the transmission block 351, so that the blocking block 320 gradually rotates to the open position 340 and loses its blocking effect on the sample rack. Furthermore, the sample rack 30 leaves the slide under the push of the push block 220 and enters the next node, such as the recycling area or other STU. When the sensing plate interacts with the first sensor, it returns to the initial position, and the sample rack ejection module stops moving.

[0087] As shown above, the "avoidance position 240 and the blocking position 330 cooperate to block the sample placement rack 30; the push position 230 and the blocking position 330 cooperate to push out the sample rack".

[0088] The blocking mechanism 10 uses a power system that coordinates the blocking and pushing actions. The ingenious design ensures the safety of the sample rack at the return channel exit while also saving on the power system.

[0089] The above description is merely an optional embodiment of the present invention and does not limit the patent scope of the present invention. All equivalent structural transformations made using the contents of the present invention's specification and drawings under the inventive concept of the present invention, or direct / indirect applications in other related technical fields, are included within the patent protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A blocking mechanism, characterized in that, include: The base has a loading end and a unloading end at its two ends, and a sliding space is formed on one side of the base for the sample placement rack to slide from the loading end to the unloading end. A pushing component, comprising a driving assembly and a pushing block, wherein the driving assembly is mounted on the base and located between the loading end and the unloading end, the pushing block is rotatably mounted on the driving assembly and can rotate relative to the driving assembly between a pushing position extending into the sliding space and a clearance position avoiding the sliding space, and the driving assembly drives the pushing block to slide between the loading end and the unloading end; and, A blocking component, comprising a transmission assembly and a blocking block, wherein the transmission assembly is rotatably mounted on the base and connected to the blocking block, the blocking block being located at the feeding end and mounted on the transmission assembly, and the driving assembly being slidable to connect with the transmission assembly to drive the blocking block to rotate between a blocking position and an open position; After the sample holder stops at the blocking position, the driving component drives the pushing block to move along the direction from the pushing position to the blocking position to the blocking position, and at the same time drives the blocking block to rotate from the blocking position to the open position. Based on the linkage between the pushing block and the blocking block, the sample holder is pushed out of the sliding space from the unloading end. After the pushing of the sample holder is completed, the driving component drives the pushing block to retract from the blocking position to the pushing position, and rotates from the pushing position to the clearance position. At the same time, the driving component drives the blocking block to rotate from the open position to the blocking position.

2. The blocking mechanism as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The driving component includes: A guide rail is mounted on the base and extends along the direction from the loading end to the unloading end; A slider, which slides in conjunction with the guide rail, and the push block is rotatably mounted on the slider; and, A driving component, which is connected to the sliding component, to drive the sliding component to slide along the guide rail.

3. The blocking mechanism as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The push block is rotatably mounted on the slider via a rotating shaft. A torsion spring is sleeved on the rotating shaft. One torsion arm of the torsion spring is connected to the slider, and the other torsion arm of the torsion spring is connected to the push block.

4. The blocking mechanism as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The drive assembly further includes a toggle member, which is rotatably mounted on the slider. The toggle member is arranged at a distance from the push block and is located on the side of the push block facing the feeding end. The toggle member is used to toggle the transmission assembly to drive the blocking block to rotate between the blocking position and the opening position.

5. The blocking mechanism as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The transmission assembly includes a transmission block and a transmission rod. The transmission block is located at the feeding end, and the transmission rod extends from the feeding end toward the unloading end. The transmission block is connected to the blocking block through the transmission rod, and the transmission rod is connected to the base through a bearing seat. A groove is formed on the transmission block, extending spirally from the feeding end toward the unloading end. The actuating member can slide with the groove to actuate the transmission rod and drive the blocking block to rotate between the blocking position and the open position.

6. The blocking mechanism as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The transmission block includes a first mounting position and a second mounting position disposed opposite to each other. The first mounting position is located on the side of the transmission block near the sliding space. The groove is formed in the first mounting position. An avoidance groove is formed on the second mounting position. The base is also equipped with a first sensor for sensing the avoidance groove at the position corresponding to the avoidance groove.

7. The blocking mechanism as described in claim 6, characterized in that, A sensing plate is installed in the clearance groove, and the first sensor is used to sense the sensing plate when the blocking block is in the blocking position.

8. The blocking mechanism as described in any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, Two second sensors for sensing the drive assembly are respectively installed on the base near the loading end and the unloading end.

9. A method for transferring a sample placement rack, characterized in that, Applied to the blocking mechanism as described in any one of claims 1 to 8; The transfer method includes the following steps: Based on the current state of the sample holder within the sliding space, the current transfer mode is selected to transfer the sample holder; wherein, the current state includes a first state and a second state.

10. The sample placement rack transfer method as described in claim 9, characterized in that, The current transfer mode includes a first transfer mode and a second transfer mode; The step of selecting the current transfer mode to transfer the sample holder based on the current state of the sample holder within the sliding space includes: When the current state of the sample placement rack is the first state, the sample placement rack is transferred using the first transfer mode; wherein, the first transfer mode is to use the driving component to drive the blocking block to rotate from the blocking position to the open position, and drive the pushing block to push the sample placement rack from the pushing position to push the sample placement rack blocked at the blocking position out from the unloading end. When the current state of the sample holder is the second state, the sample holder is transferred using the second transfer mode; wherein, the second transfer mode is to use the driving component to drive the push block to rotate from the push position to the avoidance position, and to drive the blocking block to rotate from the open position to the blocking position.

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