Sample transfer method and sample transfer device

Abstract

The invention belongs to the technical field of medical detection and analysis, and discloses a sample conveying method and a sample conveying device. Loading the first sample frame to a conveying area, and pushing the first sample frame to move along the X direction by a stopping piece; the stopping piece moves in the Y direction and is separated from the first sample frame, the second sample frame is loaded to the conveying area, the stopping piece can push the second sample frame in the X direction, and after the second sample frame abuts against the first sample frame, the stopping piece pushes the first sample frame and the second sample frame at the same time; the first sample frame is unloaded from the conveying area, the third sample frame is loaded to the conveying area, the stopping piece can push the third sample frame in the X direction, and after the third sample frame abuts against the second sample frame, the stopping piece can push the second sample frame and the third sample frame at the same time. The two sample frames can be conveyed at the same time through the same blocking piece, the two sample frames can be tightly attached to save the needed length of the conveying belt, continuous detection of the two sample frames can be conveniently achieved, the waiting time is shortened, and the detection efficiency is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of medical detection and analysis, and in particular to a sample transmission method and a sample transmission device. Background Art

[0002] During the sample detection process, the sample conveying device can transport the sample rack loaded with sample containers to a designated location to facilitate subsequent operations such as clamping, sampling and detection.

[0003] In the prior art, the sample conveying device includes a conveyor belt, and at least two stops are provided on the conveyor belt. Each sample rack is placed on the conveyor belt and clamped between two adjacent stops. The distance between the two adjacent stops just matches the length of the sample rack, so that the sample rack always keeps moving synchronously with the conveyor belt. If two sample racks are transported at the same time, the stopper between the two sample racks causes a gap between the two sample racks and prevents the two sample racks from being close together, which not only increases the required length of the conveyor belt, but also causes a period of time to wait after one sample rack is tested before another sample rack can be tested, and the testing time used increases.

[0004] Therefore, there is an urgent need to provide a sample conveying method and a sample conveying device, which can simultaneously transport two sample racks, and the two sample racks are tightly attached end to end for continuous testing, thereby shortening the waiting time and improving the testing efficiency. Summary of the invention

[0005] The object of the present invention is to provide a sample conveying method and a sample conveying device, which can simultaneously transport two sample racks, and the two sample racks are closely attached end to end for continuous detection, thereby shortening the waiting time and improving the detection efficiency.

[0006] To achieve this object, the present invention adopts the following technical solutions:

[0007] The present invention provides a sample conveying method, which is applied to a sample conveying device to convey a sample rack, wherein the sample conveying device comprises a conveying area and a conveying structure arranged in the conveying area, wherein the conveying structure comprises a conveyor belt and a support, wherein a stopper is arranged on the conveyor belt, and the sample rack is placed on the support, wherein the conveyor belt can drive the stopper to push the sample rack to move along an X direction or a Y direction on the support, wherein the X direction is opposite to the Y direction, and the sample rack comprises a first sample rack, a second sample rack and a third sample rack, and comprises:

[0008] The first sample rack is loaded into the transport area, and the stopper pushes the first sample rack to move along the X direction;

[0009] The stopper moves along the Y direction and separates from the first sample rack, and the second sample rack is loaded into the transport area. The stopper can push the second sample rack along the X direction. After the second sample rack abuts against the first sample rack, the stopper pushes the first sample rack and the second sample rack at the same time.

[0010] unloading the first sample rack from the transport area, while the stopper moves along the Y direction and separates from the second sample rack;

[0011] The third sample rack is loaded into the transport area, the stopper can push the third sample rack along the X direction, and after the third sample rack abuts against the second sample rack, the stopper can push the second sample rack and the third sample rack simultaneously.

[0012] As an optional technical solution of a sample transfer method, the transport area has a starting position, and when the sample racks are loaded into the transport area, the end of each sample rack is located at the starting position;

[0013] The stopper pushes the end of the first sample rack along the X direction until the distance between the end of the first sample rack and the starting point reaches a preset distance;

[0014] After the stopper moves back to the starting position along the Y direction, the second sample rack is loaded.

[0015] As an optional technical solution of a sample transport method, the transport area has a detection position, the distance between the detection position and the starting position is greater than the length of each sample rack being transported, and each sample rack is provided with a plurality of sample containers in sequence from the beginning to the end;

[0016] Before loading the second sample rack, the first sample rack moves along the X direction, and some of the sample containers from the first end to the end of the first sample rack sequentially pass through the detection position to complete the detection.

[0017] As an optional technical solution for a sample transfer method, before loading the second sample rack, if there is a sample container in the first sample rack with an abnormal test result, the stopper pauses moving along the X direction and the first sample rack is located at the pause position, the stopper moves along the Y direction to separate from the end of the first sample rack and moves to the head end of the first sample rack, and pushes the first sample rack from the head end of the first sample rack to move along the Y direction, so that the sample container with the abnormal test result returns to the test position.

[0018] As an optional technical solution of a sample transmission method, after returning to the detection position, the stopper pushes the first sample rack to move along the X direction, so that the sample container with an abnormal detection result is re-inspected at the detection position;

[0019] After the re-inspection, the stopper pushes the first sample rack to return to the pause position along the X direction to continue to complete the inspection of the remaining sample containers.

[0020] As an optional technical solution for a sample transfer method, the transport area also has an end position, and each sample container can complete initial testing and retesting at the detection position at most. After the test result of the last sample container at the end of the first sample rack is normal or the retest is completed, and before the test result of the first sample container at the head end of the second sample rack is obtained, the first sample rack is transported to the end position and unloaded from the transport area.

[0021] As an optional technical solution of a sample transmission method, the sample transmission device further includes a loading area for storing sample racks, and before loading the first sample rack, determining whether the sample rack is in the loading area;

[0022] If it is determined that the sample rack is in the loading area, the conveyor belt continues to transport until there is no sample rack in the loading area;

[0023] If it is determined that there is no sample rack in the loading area, it is determined whether the sample rack has reached the end position.

[0024] The present invention provides a sample conveying device, which adopts the sample conveying method. The sample conveying device includes a transport area, the transport area is provided with a conveying structure, the conveying structure includes a conveyor belt and a support, the conveyor belt is provided with a stopper, the sample rack is placed on the support, and the conveyor belt can drive the stopper to push the sample rack to move along the X direction or along the Y direction on the support.

[0025] As an optional technical solution of the sample conveying device, one stopper is provided; or, a plurality of stoppers are provided, and the distance between two adjacent stoppers is not less than the sum of the lengths of the two sample racks.

[0026] As an optional technical solution of the sample conveying device, the transport area has a starting position, and the sample conveying device also includes a loading-in-place detection optical coupler for detecting whether the sample rack is loaded in place at the starting position.

[0027] Beneficial effects:

[0028] The present invention provides a sample conveying device, which uses a sample conveying method to convey a sample rack. The sample conveying device includes a conveying area, a conveying structure is provided in the conveying area, the conveying structure includes a conveyor belt and a support, a stopper is provided on the conveyor belt, the sample rack is placed on the support, and the conveyor belt can drive the stopper to push the sample rack to move on the support along the X direction or the Y direction. By placing the sample rack on the support, the conveyor belt can drive the stopper to push the sample rack to move on the support, so that after the stopper is separated from the first sample rack, the first sample rack is supported on the support to keep its position unchanged, and the stopper can be retracted to load the second sample rack.

[0029] The present invention provides a sample conveying method, which is applied to a sample conveying device to convey a sample rack, wherein a first sample rack is loaded into a conveying area, and a stopper pushes the first sample rack to move along the X direction; the stopper moves along the Y direction and separates from the first sample rack, and a second sample rack is loaded into the conveying area, and the stopper can push the second sample rack along the X direction, and after the second sample rack abuts against the first sample rack, the stopper pushes the first sample rack and the second sample rack at the same time; the first sample rack is unloaded from the conveying area, and the stopper moves along the Y direction and separates from the second sample rack; a third sample rack is loaded into the conveying area, and the stopper can push the third sample rack along the X direction, and after the third sample rack abuts against the second sample rack, the stopper can push the second sample rack and the third sample rack at the same time. By using the same stopper, two sample racks can be transported at the same time, and there is no stopper between the two sample racks, so that the two sample racks can be close together, saving the required length of the conveyor belt, facilitating the continuous detection of the two sample racks, shortening the waiting time, and improving the detection efficiency. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] Figure 1 is a partial structural diagram of a sample conveying device provided by an embodiment of the present invention Figure 1 ;

[0031] Figure 2 is a partial structural diagram of a sample conveying device provided by an embodiment of the present invention Figure 2 ;

[0032] Figure 3 The structure of the conveyor belt and sample rack provided by the embodiment of the present invention is schematically shown in FIG. Figure 1 ;

[0033] Figure 4 The structure of the conveyor belt and sample rack provided by the embodiment of the present invention is schematically shown in FIG. Figure 2 ;

[0034] Figure 5 It is a flow chart of a sample transmission method provided by an embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] In the figure:

[0036] 11. First sample rack; 12. Second sample rack;

[0037] 20. conveyor belt; 21. stopper;

[0038] 30. bottom plate; 31. support member;

[0039] 40. Drive assembly;

[0040] 51. Loading in place detection optical coupler; 52. Unloading in place detection optical coupler; 53. Sample rack detection optical coupler;

[0041] A. Loading area; B. Unloading area. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0042] The present invention will be further described in detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It is to be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only used to explain the present invention, rather than to limit the present invention. It should also be noted that, for ease of description, only parts related to the present invention, rather than all structures, are shown in the accompanying drawings.

[0043] In the description of the present invention, unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, the terms "connected", "connected", and "fixed" should be understood in a broad sense, for example, it can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; 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 connection of two elements or the interaction relationship between two elements. For ordinary technicians in this field, the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention can be understood according to specific circumstances.

[0044] In the present invention, unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, a first feature being "above" or "below" a second feature may include that the first and second features are in direct contact, or may include that the first and second features are not in direct contact but are in contact through another feature between them. Moreover, a first feature being "above", "above" and "above" a second feature includes that the first feature is directly above and obliquely above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is higher in level than the second feature. A first feature being "below", "below" and "below" a second feature includes that the first feature is directly below and obliquely below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is lower in level than the second feature.

[0045] In the description of this embodiment, the terms "upper", "lower", "right", etc., directions or positional relationships are based on the directions or positional relationships shown in the drawings, and are only for the convenience of description and simplification of operation, rather than indicating or implying that the device or element referred to must have a specific direction, be constructed and operated in a specific direction, and therefore cannot be understood as limiting the present invention. In addition, the terms "first" and "second" are only used to distinguish in the description and have no special meaning.

[0046] like Figures 1 to 4 As shown, on one hand, this embodiment provides a sample conveying device, which can convey one sample rack or two sample racks at the same time. The sample rack is provided with a plurality of receiving slots arranged side by side from the head end to the tail end, and the sample container can be partially inserted into the receiving slot; the sample rack can carry one sample container or multiple sample containers; the sample container can be a test tube.

[0047] In this embodiment, three identical sample racks are taken as an example, and the three sample racks are respectively a first sample rack 11 , a second sample rack 12 and a third sample rack.

[0048] The sample conveying device includes a conveying area, which is provided with a conveying structure, which includes a conveyor belt 20 and a support 31. The conveyor belt 20 is provided with a stopper 21, and the sample rack is placed on the support 31. The conveyor belt 20 can drive the stopper 21 to push the sample rack to move along the X direction or along the Y direction on the support 31.

[0049] By placing the sample rack on the support 31, the conveyor belt 20 can drive the stopper 21 to push the sample rack to move on the support 31, so that after the stopper 21 is separated from the first sample rack 11, the first sample rack 11 is supported on the support 31 and remains in position, and the stopper 21 can be retracted to load the second sample rack 12; so that after the second sample rack 12 is loaded, the second sample rack 12 can abut against the first sample rack 11, and there is no gap between the first sample rack 11 and the second sample rack 12; after unloading the first sample rack 11, the third sample rack is loaded, so that the third sample rack can abut against the second sample rack 12, thereby realizing overall continuous sample transmission.

[0050] In this embodiment, the conveying direction of the conveyor belt 20 is horizontal, that is, the conveyor belt 20 moves in the X direction or in the Y direction, and the X direction is opposite to the Y direction; the conveying structure includes a driving assembly 40, and the driving assembly 40 includes a driving wheel assembly and a driven wheel assembly, and the driving assembly 40 is used to drive the conveyor belt 20 to move forward in the X direction or retract in the Y direction; the transport area has a starting position and an end position, the starting position is close to the setting position of the driving wheel assembly, and the end position is close to the setting position of the driven wheel assembly, and the sample racks are loaded into the transport area at the starting position and unloaded from the transport area at the end position. By setting a unified starting position and end position, each sample rack is loaded and unloaded at the same position, which can facilitate tracking of the real-time position of the sample rack and standardize the detection of the sample rack.

[0051] In this embodiment, the transmission structure further includes a bottom plate 30, the driving assembly 40 is fixed to the bottom plate 30, the upper surface of the conveyor belt 20 is exposed from above the bottom plate 30 and the lower surface of the conveyor belt 20 is located below the bottom plate 30, the support 31 is protruded from the upper surface of the bottom plate 30 and is located on one side of the conveyor belt 20; the sample rack is placed on the support 31 and is located above the conveyor belt 20, the support 31 is higher than the surface of the conveyor belt 20, and the stopper 21 is arranged directly above the conveyor belt 20 and higher than the support 31, so that the conveyor belt 20 can drive the stopper 21 to push the sample rack to move on the support 31. In other embodiments, the stopper 21 can also protrude from the side of the conveyor belt 20, and the sample rack can be placed on the support 31 located on one side of the conveyor belt 20, so that the conveyor belt 20 can drive the stopper 21 to push the sample rack to move on the support 31.

[0052] In order to store the sample rack, the sample conveying device also includes a loading structure, which has a loading area A, which is used to store the sample rack, and the loading structure can load the sample rack from the loading area A to the transport area; the sample conveying device also includes an unloading structure, which has an unloading area B, which is used to store the sample rack after detection, and the unloading structure can unload the sample rack after detection from the transport area to the unloading area B.

[0053] In this embodiment, the loading structure is arranged at the starting position of the conveying area, and the unloading structure is arranged at the end position of the conveying area; the loading area A and the unloading area B are located on the same side of the conveyor belt 20. The loading structure also includes a loading limit motor, and after each sample rack is loaded, the loading limit motor will pull back and lock the remaining sample racks near the conveyor belt 20 to prevent the remaining sample racks in the loading area A from entering the conveying area by mistake.

[0054] The transport area also has a detection position, which is located between the starting position and the end position, and the distance between the detection position and the starting position is greater than the length of each transported sample rack. By setting the detection position, when the sample rack moves to the detection position along the X direction, the sample in the sample container is detected at the detection position.

[0055] Optionally, the sample conveying device further includes a detection structure disposed on the bottom plate 30, the detection structure including a loading position detection optical coupler 51, and the loading position detection optical coupler 51 can detect whether the sample rack is loaded in place at the starting position of the conveying area. By providing the loading position detection optical coupler 51, it is detected whether the sample rack is loaded in place, and then a signal can be output and transmitted to the control system, which helps to improve the automation of sample processing.

[0056] In this embodiment, the detection structure further includes an unloading in place detection optical coupler 52 for detecting whether the sample rack has reached the terminal position of the transport area; two loading in place detection optical couplers 51 are provided, and the two loading in place detection optical couplers 51 are respectively a mechanical detection optical coupler and a photoelectric induction detection optical coupler. By providing two different types of loading in place detection optical couplers 51, the in place detection is more reliable.

[0057] The detection structure also includes an unloading full optical coupler, which is used to determine whether the unloading area B is full of sample racks. Each time the unloading in place detection optical coupler 52 is triggered, before unloading the sample rack, the unloading full optical coupler needs to be used to determine whether the unloading area B is full of sample racks. If the unloading area B is full of sample racks, no unloading is performed, and the unloading full optical coupler sends an unloading full signal to the control system; if the unloading area B is not full of sample racks, normal unloading is performed.

[0058] In this embodiment, the detection structure further includes a sample rack detection optical coupler 53 , and the sample rack detection optical coupler 53 is used to detect the presence or absence of the sample rack in the loading area A.

[0059] Optionally, the sample conveying device further comprises a counting component, and the counting component is used to record the number of grids moved by the sample rack, so as to determine the real-time position of the sample rack.

[0060] Optionally, one stopper 21 is provided; or, a plurality of stoppers 21 are provided, and the distance between two adjacent stoppers 21 is not less than the sum of the lengths of the two sample racks. The same stopper 21 can be used to push one or two sample racks, and when pushing two sample racks, the two sample racks can be closely attached to each other, so as to realize continuous detection of the two sample racks, effectively saving waiting time.

[0061] Specifically, if only one stopper 21 is provided, as the conveyor belt 20 moves forward, the stopper 21 can push the end of the first sample rack 11, so that the first sample rack 11 moves forward along the X direction. When the conveyor belt 20 moves reversely, the stopper 21 is separated from the end of the first sample rack 11. As the conveyor belt 20 rotates reversely for one circle, the stopper 21 moves to the head end of the first sample rack 11. The stopper 21 can push the head end of the first sample rack 11, so that the first sample rack 11 retreats along the Y direction.

[0062] It is understandable that when multiple stops 21 (two or more) are provided, it is necessary to ensure that the distance between two adjacent stops 21 is not less than the sum of the lengths of the two sample racks; when the distance between two adjacent stops 21 is equal to the sum of the lengths of the two sample racks, the two sample racks are exactly located between the two adjacent stops 21, and the two adjacent stops 21 jointly drive forward or backward; when the distance between two adjacent stops 21 is greater than the sum of the lengths of the two sample racks, the two sample racks are only subject to the force of one stop 21 at the same time, for example, one stop 21 is used to push the first sample rack 11 forward from the end, and the other stop 21 is used to push the first sample rack 11 backward from the head end. Providing multiple stops 21 can shorten the time for the conveyor belt 20 to run in the reverse direction.

[0063] In this embodiment, the stopper 21 is fixed above the conveyor belt 20 and protrudes from the upper surface of the conveyor belt 20. In other embodiments, the position and size of the stopper 21 can also be adaptively adjusted so that when the conveyor belt 20 drives the stopper 21 to move, the stopper 21 can push the sample rack.

[0064] See also Figure 5 On the other hand, this embodiment provides a sample conveying method, which is applied to the above-mentioned sample conveying device to convey a sample rack, and specifically includes the following steps:

[0065] Step S1 : Load the first sample rack 11 into the transport area, and the stopper 21 pushes the first sample rack 11 to move along the X direction.

[0066] Step S11 , before loading the first sample rack 11 , determining whether there is a sample rack in the loading area A.

[0067] If there is a sample rack in the loading area A, the conveyor belt 20 continues to transport until there is no sample rack in the loading area A; if there is no sample rack in the loading area A, it is determined whether the sample rack has reached the end position of the transport area. By determining the state of the sample rack before loading, the next action of the sample conveying device can be predicted. If there is a sample rack, it is loaded and transported. If there is no sample rack in the loading area A, it means that there is no need for subsequent loading. Only the sample rack in the transport area needs to be paid attention to. Once a sample rack reaches the end position of the transport area, it can be unloaded in time.

[0068] In this embodiment, the sample rack detection optical coupler 53 is used to determine whether the sample rack is in the loading area A; the unloading position detection optical coupler 52 is used to determine whether the sample rack has reached the end position of the transport area.

[0069] Step S12: loading the first sample rack 11.

[0070] The loading structure loads the first sample rack 11 to the starting point of the transport area; and uses the loading in place detection optical coupler 51 to detect and ensure that the first sample rack 11 is loaded in place.

[0071] Step S13: The conveyor belt 20 drives the stopper 21 to push the first sample rack 11 along the X direction.

[0072] When the first sample rack 11 is loaded to the starting position of the transport area, the first sample rack 11 is located above the conveyor belt 20, and the first sample rack 11 is placed on the support member 31 of the bottom plate 30. As the conveyor belt 20 moves, the stopper 21 moves and approaches the end of the first sample rack 11. When the stopper 21 contacts the end of the first sample rack 11, the stopper 21 pushes the first sample rack 11 to move along the X direction and gradually approach the end position of the transport area.

[0073] It should be noted that before transporting the first sample rack 11 , it is determined whether the counting component stops counting. If the counting component stops counting, the conveyor belt 20 stops and the automatic transport ends; if the counting component does not stop counting, the conveyor belt 20 continues to move and transport the first sample rack 11 .

[0074] The first sample rack 11 moves along the X direction, and some sample containers from the head end to the tail end of the first sample rack 11 pass through the detection position in sequence to complete the detection.

[0075] In this embodiment, the first sample rack 11 includes ten receiving slots arranged side by side along the X direction, and a test tube is inserted in each receiving slot. From the head end to the end of the first sample rack 11, the multiple receiving slots are numbered as position 1, position 2, ..., position 10, and the test tubes are numbered as the first tube, the second tube, ..., the tenth tube from the head end to the end of the first sample rack 11; each test tube is placed separately in the corresponding receiving slot, for example, the sixth test tube is placed in the receiving slot at position 6.

[0076] In this embodiment, the conveyor belt 20 pauses after each movement, and each movement distance is fixed, which corresponds exactly to each containing slot, that is, the conveyor belt 20 moves once along the X direction, and then the next test tube moves exactly to the original position of the previous test tube.

[0077] During the test tube testing process, the test tube needs to be scanned first to determine the test tube label information; then the test tube is shaken, and finally the test tube is punctured for sampling. The testing position has a certain length along the X direction. As the conveyor belt 20 moves along the X direction, the first test tube reaches the scanning position for scanning; the conveyor belt 20 continues to move along the X direction, and the first test tube reaches the shaking position for mixing; then it continues to move, and the first test tube reaches the puncture position for sampling. After sampling, the test is completed, and the conveyor belt 20 continues to move along the X direction, so that the subsequent test tubes complete the testing process one after another. After a few minutes after the first test tube completes the test, the test result is obtained.

[0078] If at this time, the test result of a test tube in the first sample rack 11 is abnormal, the stopper 21 stops moving along the X direction and the first sample rack 11 is located at the pause position, then the conveyor belt 20 is controlled to drive the stopper 21 to move along the Y direction to separate from the end of the first sample rack 11, and move to the head end of the first sample rack 11, and push the first sample rack 11 from the head end to move along the Y direction, so that the test tube with the abnormal test result can be returned to the testing position.

[0079] After the test tube with abnormal test result is returned to the test position, the stopper 21 pushes the first sample rack 11 to move along the X direction so that the test tube with abnormal test result can be re-tested at the test position. After the re-test, the stopper 21 pushes the first sample rack 11 to return to the previous pause position along the X direction to continue to complete the test of the remaining test tubes.

[0080] In this embodiment, each test tube is tested twice at the testing position at most, namely, the initial test and the retest. Regardless of whether the retest result is abnormal, the retested test tube and the sample rack will be transported to the terminal position of the transport area and unloaded together. During the sample transport process, only the results of the initial test and the retest of the test tube need to be recorded. The staff will then judge and decide whether retesting is needed based on the two test results.

[0081] Step S2 : The stopper 21 separates from the first sample rack 11 and returns to the starting position, and the second sample rack 12 is loaded from the loading area A to the starting position of the transport area.

[0082] As the first sample rack 11 moves, the distance between the end of the first sample rack 11 and the starting position of the transport area gradually increases; when the distance reaches the preset distance, the sample rack detection optical coupler 53 is used to determine whether there is a sample rack in the loading area A. If there is a second sample rack 12 in the loading area A, the conveyor belt 20 moves in the opposite direction, and the stopper 21 retreats along the Y direction. At this time, the first sample rack 11 is on the support member 31 and remains in place, and the stopper 21 is separated from the end of the first sample rack 11. The preset distance can be equal to or greater than the length of the second sample rack 12.

[0083] In this embodiment, the first sample rack 11 and the second sample rack 12 each have 10 receiving slots, and the distance between two adjacent receiving slots of each sample rack is consistent; after the first sample rack 11 and the second sample rack 12 are connected end to end, the distance between the receiving slots at the end of the first sample rack 11 and the receiving slots at the beginning of the second sample rack 12 is the same as the distance between two adjacent receiving slots in the first sample rack 11, so that the first sample rack 11 and the second sample rack 12 can be continuously tested after abutting.

[0084] In the actual conveying process, due to the limited length of the conveyor belt 20 of the sample conveying device, factors such as the time from the completion of a test tube test to the acquisition of the test result, the moving speed of the conveyor belt 20, etc. will affect the real-time transport position of the first sample rack 11. When only some of the test tubes in the first sample rack 11 have completed the test, the second sample rack 12 is loaded. If the test results of the remaining test tubes in the first sample rack 11 are unqualified, the first sample rack 11 and the second sample rack 12 need to be withdrawn together, and it is necessary to consider whether the first sample rack 11 can be withdrawn to the corresponding position. After actual verification, when the sixth test tube of the first sample rack 11 has completed the test and the test result is normal, or after the sixth test tube of the first sample rack 11 has completed the re-inspection, the second sample rack 12 is loaded. At this time, the preset distance is greater than the length of the second sample rack 12, and it can provide sufficient space for the first sample rack 11 and the second sample rack 12 to be withdrawn to the corresponding position together. The second sample rack 12 is loaded at the starting point of the transport area, and the loading detection optical coupler 51 is used to determine whether the second sample rack 12 is loaded in place; after the second sample rack 12 is loaded to the starting point of the transport area, the stopper 21 abuts against the end of the second sample rack 12 and pushes the second sample rack 12 along the X direction. When the head end of the second sample rack 12 abuts against the end of the first sample rack 11, the stopper 21 pushes the first sample rack 11 and the second sample rack 12 at the same time.

[0085] By using the same stopper 21, two sample racks can be transported at the same time. The two sample racks can be closely attached end to end, which can save the required length of the conveyor belt 20. After the first sample rack 11 is detected, the samples on the second sample rack 12 can be continuously detected, which shortens the waiting time and improves the detection efficiency.

[0086] The test tubes that have not been tested in the first sample rack 11 have completed testing one after another, the first test tube at the head end of the second sample rack 12 arrives at the testing area first, and completes testing actions such as code scanning, mixing, and puncture at a designated station in the testing area, and some subsequent test tubes have completed testing one after another.

[0087] Step S3 , unloading the first sample rack 11 from the transport area, while the stopper 21 moves along the Y direction and separates from the second sample rack 12 .

[0088] When the test result of the last sample container at the end of the first sample rack 11 is normal or the re-test is completed, and before the test result of the first sample container at the head of the second sample rack 12 is obtained, the first sample rack 11 is transported to the end position and unloaded from the transport area. After all the test tubes in the first sample rack 11 are completed, and before the test result of the first test tube in the second sample rack 12 is obtained, the first sample rack 11 is unloaded in time, which can avoid the test tubes in the second sample rack 12 failing to pass the test, and the first sample rack 11 having completed the test but being returned together with the second sample rack 12, which affects the transport process and the test efficiency.

[0089] When the first sample rack 11 moves to the vicinity of the terminal position of the conveying area, the position of the first sample rack 11 is determined by the unloading in place detection optical coupler 52. When the unloading in place detection optical coupler 52 is triggered, it indicates that the first sample rack 11 is about to be unloaded in the next step. At this time, if the unloading full optical coupler is triggered, it indicates that the unloading area B is full of sample racks, and no unloading is performed. The unloading full optical coupler sends an unloading full signal to the control system; if the unloading full optical coupler is not triggered, it indicates that the unloading area B is not full of sample racks, and the unloading structure is controlled to complete the unloading of the first sample rack 11. The first sample rack 11 is stored in the unloading area B after unloading.

[0090] It should be noted that after the first sample rack 11 is unloaded, it is necessary to determine whether the counting component stops counting. If the counting component stops counting, the conveyor belt 20 stops moving and the automatic transportation ends; if the counting component does not stop counting, the conveyor belt 20 keeps moving.

[0091] Step S4: Load the third sample rack into the transport area. The stopper 21 can push the third sample rack along the X direction. After the third sample rack abuts against the second sample rack 12, the stopper 21 can push the second sample rack 12 and the third sample rack at the same time.

[0092] After the first sample rack 11 is unloaded, the sample rack detection optical coupler 53 is used to determine whether there is a sample rack in the loading area A. If there is a third sample rack in the loading area A, the conveyor belt 20 is controlled to continue conveying, and the third sample rack is loaded after the distance between the end and the starting position of the second sample rack reaches the length of the third sample rack.

[0093] If there is no sample rack in the loading area A, it is determined whether the second sample rack 12 has reached the end position of the transport area, and the position of the second sample rack 12 is determined by the unloading in place detection optical coupler 52. After the unloading in place detection optical coupler 52 is triggered, it means that the second sample rack 12 is about to be unloaded in the next step. At this time, if the unloading full optical coupler is triggered, it means that the unloading area B is full of sample racks, and no unloading is performed. The unloading full optical coupler sends an unloading full signal to the control system; if the unloading full optical coupler is not triggered, it means that the unloading area B is not full of sample racks, and the unloading structure is controlled to complete the unloading of the second sample rack 12. After unloading, the second sample rack 12 is stored in the unloading area B, and the conveyor belt 20 stops moving.

[0094] Obviously, the above embodiments of the present invention are merely examples for clearly illustrating the present invention, and are not intended to limit the embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, various obvious changes, readjustments and substitutions can be made without departing from the protection scope of the present invention. It is not necessary and impossible to list all the embodiments here. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included in the protection scope of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A sample transmission method, characterized in that: The sample conveying device is used to convey a sample rack, the sample conveying device comprises a conveying area and a conveying structure arranged in the conveying area, the conveying structure comprises a conveyor belt and a support, the conveyor belt is provided with a stopper, the sample rack is placed on the support, the conveyor belt can drive the stopper to push the sample rack to move along the X direction or along the Y direction on the support, the X direction is opposite to the Y direction, the sample rack comprises a first sample rack, a second sample rack and a third sample rack, including: The first sample rack is loaded into the transport area, and the stopper pushes the first sample rack to move along the X direction; The stopper moves along the Y direction and separates from the first sample rack, and the second sample rack is loaded into the transport area. The stopper can push the second sample rack along the X direction. After the second sample rack abuts against the first sample rack, the stopper pushes the first sample rack and the second sample rack at the same time. unloading the first sample rack from the transport area, while the stopper moves along the Y direction and separates from the second sample rack; The third sample rack is loaded into the transport area, the stopper can push the third sample rack along the X direction, and after the third sample rack abuts against the second sample rack, the stopper can push the second sample rack and the third sample rack simultaneously.

2. The sample transmission method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The transport area has a starting position, and when the sample racks are loaded into the transport area, the end of each sample rack is located at the starting position; The stopper pushes the end of the first sample rack along the X direction until the distance between the end of the first sample rack and the starting point reaches a preset distance; After the stopper moves back to the starting position along the Y direction, the second sample rack is loaded.

3. The sample transmission method according to claim 2, characterized in that: The transport area has a detection position, the distance between the detection position and the starting position is greater than the length of each sample rack being transported, and each sample rack is provided with a plurality of sample containers in sequence from the beginning to the end; Before loading the second sample rack, the first sample rack moves along the X direction, and some of the sample containers from the first end to the end of the first sample rack sequentially pass through the detection position to complete the detection.

4. The sample transmission method according to claim 3, characterized in that: Before loading the second sample rack, if there is a sample container in the first sample rack with an abnormal test result, the stopper pauses moving along the X direction and the first sample rack is located at the pause position, the stopper moves along the Y direction to separate from the end of the first sample rack and moves to the head end of the first sample rack, and pushes the first sample rack from the head end of the first sample rack to move along the Y direction, so that the sample container with the abnormal test result returns to the testing position.

5. The sample transmission method according to claim 4, characterized in that: After returning to the detection position, the stopper pushes the first sample rack to move along the X direction, so that the sample container with an abnormal detection result is re-tested at the detection position; After the re-inspection, the stopper pushes the first sample rack to return to the pause position along the X direction to continue to complete the inspection of the remaining sample containers.

6. The sample transmission method according to claim 3, characterized in that: The transport area also has an end position, and each of the samples can complete the initial test and retest at the test position at most. After the test result of the last sample container at the end of the first sample rack is normal or the retest is completed, and before the test result of the first sample container at the head end of the second sample rack is obtained, the first sample rack is transported to the end position and unloaded from the transport area.

7. The sample transmission method according to claim 6, characterized in that: The sample conveying device further comprises a loading area for storing the sample rack, and before loading the first sample rack, determining whether the sample rack is present in the loading area; If it is determined that the sample rack is in the loading area, the conveyor belt continues to transport until there is no sample rack in the loading area; If it is determined that there is no sample rack in the loading area, it is determined whether the sample rack has reached the end position.

8. A sample conveying device, characterized in that: A sample conveying method as described in any one of claims 1 to 7 is adopted, wherein the sample conveying device includes a conveying area, the conveying area is provided with a conveying structure, the conveying structure includes a conveyor belt and a support, the conveyor belt is provided with a stopper, the sample rack is placed on the support, and the conveyor belt can drive the stopper to push the sample rack to move along the X direction or along the Y direction on the support.

9. The sample conveying device according to claim 8, characterized in that: One stopper is provided; or, a plurality of stoppers are provided, and the distance between two adjacent stoppers is not less than the sum of the lengths of the two sample racks.

10. The sample conveying device according to claim 8, characterized in that: The transport area has a starting position, and the sample conveying device further includes a loading-in-place detection optical coupler for detecting whether the sample rack is loaded in place at the starting position.

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