TIP head cassette automatic handling and conveying module

Abstract

This invention discloses an automatic loading and unloading conveying module for TIP head boxes, comprising: a base platform with a loading area and a recycling area; a conveying platform for conveying TIP head boxes, wherein a limiting component is movably installed near its end, dividing the conveying platform into a waiting area and a transfer area, and the limiting component can be opened to allow TIP head boxes in the waiting area to enter the transfer area; a transfer mechanism mounted on the base platform via a linear module, the linear module driving the transfer mechanism to reciprocate between the transfer area and the loading area to transfer TIP head boxes in the transfer area to the loading area; and an unloading mechanism disposed in the loading area for pushing TIP head boxes in the loading area to the recycling area. The beneficial effect of this invention is that it enables online installation of TIP head boxes without system shutdown.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to chemiluminescence immunoassay analyzers, and more specifically to an automatic loading and unloading conveying module for TIP (tip head box). Background Technology

[0002] Throughout the sample testing process performed by a chemiluminescence immunoassay analyzer, the transfer of liquids such as samples and reagents is involved. The TIP (Tip-in-Place) tip is a consumable component used for this liquid transfer. It needs to be used in conjunction with the pipette in the chemiluminescence immunoassay analyzer. The pipetting process is roughly as follows: the analyzer's linear module drives the pipette to the TIP tip position; then, the pipette tip inserts into the TIP tip to load it; the liquid is then transferred using the TIP tip; finally, the TIP tip is discarded into the waste bin.

[0003] During the testing process, a new tip is needed for each pipetting operation, resulting in a large number of tip usages. In existing technology, tip holders are loaded into the chemiluminescence immunoassay analyzer via tip holder cassettes, with each cassette containing a number of tip holders. Currently, with the significant increase in testing demand, fully automated chemiluminescence immunoassay analyzers with higher detection efficiency are being actively introduced into the market. In this context, the loading capacity of the tip holders also places higher demands on the equipment. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of this, the present invention provides an automatic loading and unloading conveying module for TIP head boxes, which can realize online installation of TIP head boxes without stopping the machine.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution of the present invention is as follows:

[0006] A key feature of an automatic loading and unloading conveying module for tip boxes is that it includes:

[0007] The basic platform includes a loading area and a recycling area.

[0008] A conveying platform for transporting TIP head boxes, wherein a limiting component is movably installed near its end, the limiting component dividing the conveying platform into a waiting area and a transfer area, the limiting component being able to be opened to allow TIP head boxes in the waiting area to enter the transfer area;

[0009] A transfer mechanism, mounted on the base platform via a linear module, drives the transfer mechanism to reciprocate between the transfer area and the loading area to transfer the TIP head box from the transfer area to the loading area; and

[0010] An unloading mechanism, located in the loading area, is used to push the TIP head box in the loading area to the recycling area.

[0011] Preferably, one end of the limiting component is rotatably connected to one side of the conveying platform, and the other end of the limiting component can be suspended above the conveying platform under the action of gravity.

[0012] The limiting component is provided with a protrusion. During the process of the transfer mechanism entering the transfer area, the transfer mechanism can push the limiting component to rotate upward through the protrusion.

[0013] Preferably, the conveying platform is provided with a left baffle and a right baffle on both sides, and the left baffle and the right baffle form a clearance gap at the corresponding transfer area position; the conveying direction of the conveying platform is perpendicular to the moving direction of the transfer mechanism, and the transfer mechanism can enter and exit the transfer area through the clearance gap.

[0014] Preferably, the transfer mechanism includes a base, with a left retaining plate and a right fixing plate extending forward at both ends of the base, wherein a clamping piece is movably fitted on the inner side of the right fixing plate, and an elastic element is provided between the clamping piece and the right fixing plate, the elastic element applying a force to move the clamping piece toward the left retaining plate.

[0015] Preferably, the rear end of the right baffle has a limiting part, which can force the gap between the clamp and the left retaining plate to increase during the process of the transfer mechanism entering the transfer area.

[0016] Preferably, the unloading mechanism includes a motor and a push rod driven by the motor. The push rod is located above the loading area and can move from the rear end of the loading area under the driving action of the motor.

[0017] Preferably, the motor is fixedly installed below the loading area, and a swing arm is fixedly mounted on the output shaft of the motor. The loading area is provided with a clearance opening, and the upper end of the swing arm is exposed above the loading area through the clearance opening. The push rod is fixedly connected to the upper end of the swing arm.

[0018] Preferably, a horizontal support plate is provided below the loading area, and a longitudinal support plate is fixedly installed on the horizontal support plate. The motor is fixedly mounted on the horizontal support plate, and a limit lever is rotatably mounted on the longitudinal support plate. A tension spring is connected between the limit lever and the longitudinal support plate. The tension spring can pull the limit lever to rotate forward. A drive unit is fixed on the swing arm. During the process of the swing arm rotating backward, the drive unit can force the limit lever to overcome the resistance of the tension spring and rotate backward.

[0019] Preferably, the base platform is equipped with guide wheels near the transfer area.

[0020] Preferably, the conveying platform is a belt conveyor mechanism, which is installed on the base platform in a drawer-like manner and can slide back and forth.

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

[0022] 1. After a number of TIP head boxes are pre-installed in the waiting area, the TIP head boxes in the waiting area can be automatically transferred to the loading area one by one through the coordinated action of the conveying platform, the transfer mechanism and the limiting components, which helps to ensure the high detection efficiency and high automation of the chemiluminescence immunoassay analyzer.

[0023] 2. The TIP head box 8 can be replaced automatically without stopping the machine, enabling online replacement and ensuring that the chemiluminescence immunoassay analyzer can operate continuously for extended periods, meeting the market demand for large-scale testing. Attached Figure Description

[0024] Figure 1 This is a structural diagram of the TIP head box automatic loading and unloading module;

[0025] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A partial schematic diagram of the rear half of the automatic loading and unloading module for the TIP head box;

[0026] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of the transfer mechanism 4;

[0027] Figure 4 and Figure 5 These are schematic diagrams of the unloading mechanism 6 at different angles;

[0028] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of a TIP header box 8 mounted on an automatic TIP header box loading and unloading module;

[0029] Figure 7 for Figure 6 A structural diagram from another perspective.

[0030] Figure 8 for Figure 7 A magnified view of section I in the middle. Detailed Implementation

[0031] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the embodiments and accompanying drawings.

[0032] In the following embodiments, the descriptions of directions "front, back, left, right" are as follows: Figure 1 The coordinates shown are for reference only.

[0033] like Figure 1 and 2 As shown, an automatic loading and unloading conveying module for TIP head boxes is disclosed. This module includes main components such as a base platform 1, a conveying platform 2, a limiting component 3, a transfer mechanism 4, and an unloading mechanism 6. The base platform 1 is fixed in place within the chemiluminescence immunoassay analyzer. The base platform 1 is provided with a loading area 1a and a recovery area 1b. In this embodiment, the loading area 1a is a horizontal support surface, and the recovery area 1b is equipped with a recovery hopper a.

[0034] The conveyor platform 2 is a belt conveyor mechanism, which transports TIP head boxes. A limiting component 3 is movably installed near the end of the conveyor platform 2, dividing the conveyor platform 2 into a waiting area 2b and a transfer area 2a. The limiting component 3 can be opened under external force to allow the TIP head boxes in the waiting area 2b to enter the transfer area 2a.

[0035] The transfer mechanism 4 is mounted on the base platform 1 via a linear module 5. In this embodiment, the moving direction of the linear module 5 is perpendicular to the conveying direction of the conveying platform 2. Driven by the linear module 5, the transfer mechanism 4 can reciprocate between the transfer area 2a and the loading area 1a. The unloading mechanism 6 is arranged in the loading area 1a, and its function is to push the TIP head box in the loading area 1a into the recycling hopper a in the recycling area 1b.

[0036] Based on the above implementation structure, the working principle of the TIP head box automatic loading and unloading module is as follows:

[0037] Please refer to Figure 1 and 6 The user places a number of TIP head boxes 8 into the conveyor platform 2. Driven by the conveyor belt, the TIP head boxes 8 are neatly arranged in the waiting area 2b. Then, the linear module 5 drives the transfer mechanism 4 to move to the transfer area 2a. During this process, the left end of the transfer mechanism 4 contacts and pushes open the limiting component 3, allowing one TIP head box 8 from the waiting area 2b to enter the transfer area 2a. The linear module 5 then drives the transfer mechanism 4 from the transfer area 2a to the loading area 1a, carrying the TIP head boxes 8 from the transfer area 2a to the loading area 1a. The pipette inside the chemiluminescence immunoassay analyzer can then load the TIP heads at this location. After the TIP heads in the TIP head box 8 are used up, the unloading mechanism 6 pushes the TIP head boxes in the loading area 1a into the recycling hopper a.

[0038] Repeating the above process, the chemiluminescence immunoassay analyzer can automatically replace the TIP head box 8 without stopping the analyzer, ensuring high detection efficiency and high automation. Furthermore, the transfer platform 2 is mounted on the base platform 1 in a drawer-like manner, allowing it to slide back and forth. When a certain number of TIP head boxes 8 in the waiting area 2b are consumed, the transfer platform 2 can be pulled forward to replenish the TIP head boxes 8. When the TIP heads in the loading area 1a are exhausted, the TIP head boxes 8 can be retrieved from the transfer platform 2 via the transfer mechanism 4. This ensures that the chemiluminescence immunoassay analyzer can operate continuously for extended periods, meeting the market's demand for large-scale testing.

[0039] Please refer to Figure 2The conveying platform 2 has a left baffle 2d and a right baffle 2e on each side. The left baffle 2d and right baffle 2e form clearance gaps 2c at the corresponding positions of the transfer area 2a. The transfer mechanism 4 enters and exits the transfer area 2a through the clearance gaps 2c. (This is in conjunction with the attached...) Figure 7 and 8 As can be seen, the limiting component 3 in this embodiment is a rocker arm structure, with one end rotatably connected to the outside of the conveyor platform 2. Under the action of its own weight, the other end of the limiting component 3 is suspended above the conveyor platform 2, thereby dividing the conveyor platform 2 into a waiting area 2b and a transfer area 2a. The limiting component 3 is provided with a protrusion 3a. When the transfer mechanism 4 is about to fully enter the transfer area 2a, the transfer mechanism 4 touches the protrusion 3a and pushes the limiting component 3 to rotate upward, thereby switching the waiting area 2b and the transfer area 2a into a connected state. The TIP head box 8 on the waiting area 2b can enter the transfer area 2a under the action of the conveyor belt.

[0040] like Figure 2 and 3 As shown, in this embodiment, the transfer mechanism 4 includes a base 4a, which is driven to move by the linear module 5. The base 4a has a forward-extending left retaining plate 4b and a right fixing plate 4c at its two ends. A clamping piece 4d is movably fitted inside the right fixing plate 4c. Specifically, the clamping piece 4d can move along the line connecting the left retaining plate 4b and the right fixing plate 4c. The area between the clamping piece 4d and the left retaining plate 4b is the clamping space for clamping the TIP head box 8. An elastic element 4e is provided between the clamping piece 4d and the right fixing plate 4c. The elastic element 4e provides clamping force for clamping the TIP head box 8. The rear end of the right baffle 2e has a limiting part 2e1. During the process of the transfer mechanism 4 entering the transfer area 2a, the limiting part 2e1 physically interferes with the clamping piece 4d, forcing the clamping space between the clamping piece 4d and the left retaining plate 4b to be expanded.

[0041] The specific working principle of the transfer mechanism 4 in the above embodiments is as follows: Please refer to... Figure 2 As the transfer mechanism 4 approaches full entry into the transfer zone 2a, the clamping piece 4d is blocked by the limiting part 2e1, and the left retaining plate 4b continues to move forward, widening the gap between the clamping piece 4d and the left retaining plate 4b. After the transfer mechanism 4 fully enters the transfer zone 2a, the clamping space formed between the clamping piece 4d and the left retaining plate 4b is directly opposite the waiting zone 2b. Meanwhile, please refer to... Figure 8In the final stage after the transfer mechanism 4 has fully entered the transfer zone 2a, the left retaining plate 4b also pushes the limiting component 3 to rotate upward, switching the waiting zone 2b and the transfer zone 2a into a connected state. The TIP head box 8 on the waiting zone 2b enters between the clamping plate 4d and the left retaining plate 4b under the action of the conveyor belt. Then, the linear module 5 drives the transfer mechanism 4 away from the transfer zone 2a. Under the elastic thrust of the elastic element 4e, the clamping plate 4d moves towards the left retaining plate 4b, thus firmly clamping the TIP head box 8 between the clamping plate 4d and the left retaining plate 4b. The transfer mechanism 4 can then move further to the right to carry the TIP head box 8 to the loading zone 1a.

[0042] For example Figure 2 As shown, the base platform 1 is equipped with a guide wheel 7 near the transfer area 2a. During the process of the transfer mechanism 4 leaving the transfer area 2a, the guide wheel 7 can guide the TIP head box 8 to have a precise relative positional relationship in the loading area 1a, thereby ensuring that the pipette of the analyzer can accurately load the TIP head.

[0043] like Figure 2 , 4 As shown in Figure 5, a horizontal support plate 1c is provided below the loading area 1a. In this embodiment, the unloading mechanism 6 includes a motor 6a fixed on the horizontal support plate 1c. A swing arm 6c is fixedly mounted on the output shaft of the motor 6a. The loading area 1a is provided with a clearance opening 1a1. The upper end of the swing arm 6c is exposed above the loading area 1a through the clearance opening 1a1. A push rod 6b is installed on the upper end of the swing arm 6c. After the TIP heads on the TIP head box 8 at the loading area 1a are used up, the motor 6a drives the push rod 6b to move forward, which can send the discarded TIP head box 8 to the recycling area 1b.

[0044] In the above implementation of the unloading mechanism 6, because the TIP head box 8 is in a clamped state, the clamping force will prevent the push rod 6b from pushing the TIP head box 8 towards the recycling area 1b. Therefore, this embodiment also provides a force-relieving mechanism to release the clamping force of the elastic element 4e on the TIP head box 8. As follows:

[0045] Please refer to Figure 4 and Figure 5 A longitudinal support plate 1d is fixedly installed on the horizontal support plate 1c. A limit lever 6d is rotatably mounted on the longitudinal support plate 1d. A tension spring 6e is connected between the limit lever 6d and the longitudinal support plate 1d. The tension spring 6e can pull the limit lever 6d to rotate forward. A right-protruding drive part 6c1 is fixed on the swing arm 6c. The drive part 6c1 is located in front of the limit lever 6d. During the process of the swing arm 6c rotating backward, the drive part 6c1 can force the limit lever 6d to overcome the resistance of the tension spring 6e and rotate backward.

[0046] Based on the above implementation structure, the working principle of the limiting lever 6d unloading the clamping force of the TIP head box 8 is as follows: In the initial state, both the push rod 6b and the limiting lever 6d are located behind the TIP head box 8, and the limiting lever 6d is in a compressed state. After the TIP head of the TIP head box 8 is used up, the linear module 5 drives the transfer mechanism 4 to move to the right until the clamping plate 4d of the transfer mechanism 4 exceeds the right end of the limiting lever 6d. Then, the motor 6a drives the swing arm 6c to rotate forward, and the drive part 6c1 releases the pressure on the limiting lever 6d. Under the traction of the tension spring 6e, the limiting lever 6d rotates forward until it physically interferes with the clamping plate 4d in the direction of movement of the transfer mechanism 4. Then, the linear module 5 drives the transfer mechanism 4 to move to the left. During this process, the limiting lever 6d will block the clamping plate 4d from moving to the left, thereby widening the gap between the clamping plate 4d and the left retaining plate 4b, thus releasing the clamping force on the TIP head box 8. Finally, the motor 6a drives the swing arm 6c to continue rotating forward, and the push rod 6b can easily send the TIP head box 8 to the recycling area 1b.

[0047] Finally, it should be noted that the above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Those skilled in the art, under the guidance of the present invention, can make various similar representations without departing from the spirit and claims of the present invention, and such modifications all fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An automatic loading and unloading conveying module for TIP head boxes, characterized in that: include: A basic platform (1) is provided with a loading area (1a) and a recycling area (1b); A conveying platform (2) for conveying TIP head boxes is provided. A limiting component (3) is movably installed near the end of the conveying platform (2) to divide the conveying platform (2) into a waiting area (2b) and a transfer area (2a). The limiting component (3) can be opened to allow the TIP head boxes in the waiting area (2b) to enter the transfer area (2a). A transfer mechanism (4), mounted on the base platform (1) via a linear module (5), the linear module (5) driving the transfer mechanism (4) to reciprocate between the transfer area (2a) and the loading area (1a) to transfer the TIP head box from the transfer area (2a) to the loading area (1a); and An unloading mechanism (6) is provided in the loading area (1a) for pushing the TIP head box of the loading area (1a) to the recycling area (1b). The conveying platform (2) is provided with a left baffle (2d) and a right baffle (2e) on both sides respectively. The left baffle (2d) and the right baffle (2e) form a clearance gap (2c) at the position of the corresponding transfer area (2a). The conveying direction of the conveying platform (2) is perpendicular to the moving direction of the transfer mechanism (4). The transfer mechanism (4) can enter and exit the transfer area (2a) through the clearance gap (2c). The transfer mechanism (4) includes a base (4a). The two ends of the base (4a) are provided with a forward-extending left retaining plate (4b) and a right fixing plate (4c). The inner side of the right fixing plate (4c) is movably fitted with a clamping piece (4d). An elastic element (4e) is provided between the clamping piece (4d) and the right fixing plate (4c). The elastic element (4e) applies a force to make the clamping piece (4d) move toward the left retaining plate (4b). The unloading mechanism (6) includes a motor (6a) and a push rod (6b) driven by the motor (6a). The push rod (6b) is located above the loading area (1a). Under the driving action of the motor (6a), the push rod (6b) can move forward from the rear end of the loading area (1a). The motor (6a) is fixedly installed below the loading area (1a). A swing arm (6c) is fixedly mounted on the output shaft of the motor (6a). The loading area (1a) is provided with a clearance opening (1a1). The upper end of the swing arm (6c) is exposed above the loading area (1a) through the clearance opening (1a1). The push rod (6b) is fixedly connected to the upper end of the swing arm (6c). A horizontal support plate (1c) is provided below the loading area (1a). A longitudinal support plate (1d) is fixedly installed on the horizontal support plate (1c). A motor (6a) is fixedly mounted on the horizontal support plate (1c). A limit lever (6d) is rotatably mounted on the longitudinal support plate (1d). A tension spring (6e) is connected between the limit lever (6d) and the longitudinal support plate (1d). The tension spring (6e) can pull the limit lever (6d) to rotate forward. A drive unit (6c1) is fixedly provided on the swing arm (6c). During the process of the swing arm (6c) rotating backward, the drive unit (6c1) can force the limit lever (6d) to overcome the resistance of the tension spring (6e) and rotate backward.

2. The automatic loading and unloading conveying module for TIP head boxes according to claim 1, characterized in that: One end of the limiting component (3) is rotatably connected to one side of the conveying platform (2), and the other end of the limiting component (3) can be suspended above the conveying platform (2) under the action of gravity. The limiting component (3) is provided with a protrusion (3a). During the process of the transfer mechanism (4) entering the transfer area (2a), the transfer mechanism (4) can push the limiting component (3) to rotate upward through the protrusion (3a).

3. The automatic loading and unloading conveying module for TIP head boxes according to claim 1, characterized in that: The right baffle (2e) has a limiting part (2e1) at its rear end. During the process of the transfer mechanism (4) entering the transfer area (2a), the limiting part (2e1) can force the gap between the clamp (4d) and the left retaining plate (4b) to increase.

4. The automatic loading and unloading conveying module for TIP head boxes according to claim 1, characterized in that: The basic platform (1) is equipped with guide wheels (7) near the transfer area (2a).

5. The automatic loading and unloading conveying module for TIP head boxes according to claim 1, characterized in that: The conveying platform (2) is a belt conveyor mechanism, which can be slidably installed on the base platform (1) in a drawer manner.

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