Transport scanning structure, transport method, sample analyzer and troubleshooting method

Abstract

A transport scanning structure, a transport method, a sample analyzer and a troubleshooting method, the transport scanning structure comprises a transport frame unit (200) and at least two code scanners (300), the transport frame unit (200) is used for transporting a sample frame (100), a track of the sample frame (100) transported by the transport frame unit (200) comprises a first translation path translating along a first direction, and the at least two code scanners (300) are arranged on the transport frame unit (200). The first translation path is a path from which the sample rack (100) enters the transport rack unit (200) from the previous unit or a path from which the sample rack (100) leaves the transport rack unit (200) to enter the next unit, the side wall of the sample rack (100) comprises two opposite sample rack side surfaces (101), and the first bar code (601) on each sample tube (600) on the sample rack (100) is exposed on the sample rack side surfaces (101); the code scanners (300) are distributed on the two sides of the first translation path, and all the code scanners (300) face the first translation path. Since the code scanners (300) are arranged on both sides of the first translation path of the sample rack (100), the code scanners (300) can scan the first bar code (601) no matter which side surface (101) of the sample rack on which side the first bar code (601) on the sample tube (600) is exposed during sample loading, and disordered sample loading of the sample rack (100) can be realized.

Description

Transport scanning structure, transport method, sample analyzer and troubleshooting method

[0001] This invention claims priority to the Chinese patent application with application number 202210918758.8 filed with the State Intellectual Property Office of China on August 2, 2022, and with the invention name “Transportation scanning structure, transportation method, sample analyzer and troubleshooting method”, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference into this application. Technical Field

[0002] The present invention relates to medical equipment, and in particular to a transport scanning structure, a sample analyzer, a sample rack transport method, and a fault troubleshooting method for the sample analyzer. Background Art

[0003] During the transportation of the sample rack from the sample storage unit to the testing location, the barcode on the outer wall of the sample tube needs to be identified so that sample information such as subsequent test results can be associated with the corresponding barcode.

[0004] In existing sample analysis, to ensure that the barcodes on the outer walls of each sample tube on the sample rack are scanned during transportation, the operator needs to load the samples in an orderly manner. That is, when the operator places the sample rack in the sample rack storage unit, he needs to ensure that the barcodes on the outer walls of each sample tube on the sample rack are facing a specific side. If the sample rack is loaded randomly, when the barcodes on the outer walls of each sample tube on the sample rack are not facing the specific side, the barcode scanner will not be able to successfully scan the barcodes on the sample tubes. In this case, the sample rack needs to be sent to the steering unit, and after the sample rack is turned, the barcodes on the outer walls of the sample tubes are facing the specific side, and then returned to scan the barcodes again. If the barcode scanner still cannot successfully scan the barcode after rescanning, it is impossible to confirm whether the steering unit has malfunctioned, the barcode scanner has malfunctioned, or the barcodes are missing from the sample tubes. The operator can only stop the machine and check one by one, which is not smart enough.

[0005] Summary of the Invention

[0006] In view of the above-mentioned shortcomings of the prior art, an object of the present invention is to provide a transport scanning structure, a sample analyzer, a sample rack transport method and a sample analyzer troubleshooting method to achieve disordered sample loading in a sample rack.

[0007] To achieve the above-mentioned and other related purposes, the present invention adopts the following technical solutions:

[0008] Delivery of scanned structures, including:

[0009] A sample rack, wherein the side wall of the sample rack includes two opposite sample rack side surfaces, and the first barcode on each sample tube in the sample rack is exposed on one of the sample rack side surfaces;

[0010] a rack transport unit for transporting a sample rack, wherein the trajectory of the sample rack transported by the rack transport unit includes a first translation path along a first direction, wherein the first translation path is a path along which the sample rack enters the rack transport unit from a previous unit or a path along which the sample rack leaves the rack transport unit and enters a subsequent unit; and

[0011] At least two code scanners are distributed on both sides of the first translation path, and each of the code scanners faces the first translation path,

[0012] When the sample rack loaded with sample tubes passes through the first translation path, the sample tubes are distributed along the first direction on the sample rack, and the barcode scanner on one side scans the first barcode exposed on the side of the corresponding sample rack.

[0013] In the transport scanning structure of the present invention, since barcode scanners are provided on both sides of the first translation path of the sample rack, the barcode scanners can scan the first barcode regardless of which side of the sample rack the first barcode on the sample tube is exposed during sample loading, thereby enabling disordered sample loading of the sample rack.

[0014] Optionally, the rack transport unit includes:

[0015] A carrier, used for carrying the transported sample rack;

[0016] a driving assembly capable of driving the sample rack to translate along the first direction on the carrier;

[0017] Wherein, the code scanner is arranged on the carrier.

[0018] This sample rack scanning structure is equivalent to integrating the barcode scanner into the rack transport unit. The lines of the drive component and the barcode scanner can be partially integrated together, which helps to reduce the clutter of the wiring.

[0019] Optionally, the side wall of the sample rack further includes two sample rack end surfaces, a second barcode is provided on the side wall of the sample rack, and the barcode scanner is tilted toward the first translation path of the sample rack;

[0020] When the sample rack passes through the first translation path along the first direction, the sample tubes are distributed on the sample rack along the first direction, the side surface of the sample rack passes through the field of view of the corresponding side scanner, and one of the end surfaces of the sample rack passes through the field of view of the scanner.

[0021] Optionally, the second barcode is provided on the end surface of the sample rack.

[0022] Optionally, the second barcode is set on the side of the sample rack.

[0023] Optionally, the second barcode portion is provided on the end surface of the sample rack.

[0024] Optionally, the side wall of the sample rack further includes a transition surface between the end surface of the sample rack and the side surface of the sample rack, and the second barcode is provided on the transition surface.

[0025] Optionally, the barcode scanner is arranged on the rack transport unit, and the barcode scanner is tilted toward the previous unit. When the first translation path is the path of the sample rack from the previous unit into the rack transport unit, the two end faces of the sample rack are respectively the first sample rack end face that enters the rack transport unit first and the second sample rack end face that enters the rack transport unit later. When the rack transport unit is located at a part of the translation path, the barcode scanner is tilted toward the first sample rack end face.

[0026] Optionally, the barcode scanner is arranged on the rack transport unit, and the barcode scanner is tilted toward the rear unit. When the first translation path is the path for the sample rack to leave the rack transport unit and enter the next unit, the two end faces of the sample rack are respectively the first sample rack end face that leaves the rack transport unit first and the second sample rack end face that leaves the rack transport unit later. When the rack transport unit is located at a part of the translation path, the barcode scanner is tilted toward the second sample rack end face.

[0027] Optionally, the sample rack is provided with a plurality of sample tube accommodating cavities, a barcode scanning port for exposing the first barcode is provided on the side of the sample rack, a third barcode corresponding to one of the sample tube accommodating cavities is provided between two adjacent sample tube accommodating cavities, and the third barcode is provided on the side of the sample rack.

[0028] Optionally, the barcode scanner includes:

[0029] Scanner body;

[0030] A scanning window is provided on the scanner body;

[0031] The scanning window is tilted toward the first translation path, so that when the sample rack passes through the first translation path, the scanning window is tilted toward the side of the sample rack.

[0032] Accordingly, the present invention further provides a sample analyzer, comprising:

[0033] a sample rack storage unit, used for storing sample racks;

[0034] The transport scanning structure is any one of the transport scanning structures described above, and the rack transport unit is used to transport the sample rack on the sample rack storage unit to a target position.

[0035] In the sample analyzer of the present invention, since barcode scanners are provided on both sides of the first translation path of the sample rack, the barcode scanners can scan the first barcode regardless of which side of the sample rack the first barcode on the sample tube is exposed during sample loading, thereby enabling disordered sample loading of the sample rack.

[0036] Optionally, among the barcode scanners, the barcode scanner on one side is a first barcode scanner, and the barcode scanner on the other side is a second barcode scanner, and the sample analyzer further includes:

[0037] a steering unit, configured to rotate the sample rack that has been transported by the rack transport unit, wherein the target position is located on the steering unit;

[0038] The controller is used to obtain the target orientation, determine the current orientation of the first barcode according to the scanning results of the first barcode scanner and the second barcode scanner, and determine whether the steering unit rotates the sample rack according to the current orientation of the first barcode and the target orientation.

[0039] In this sample analyzer, the orientation of the first barcode on the sample rack can be determined based on which side the barcode scanner scanned the first barcode. Compared with the current method of setting the barcode scanner on one side, in the sample analyzer of the present invention, the sample rack does not need to be rescanned, which is conducive to improving the working efficiency of the sample analyzer. In addition, when the steering unit fails to rotate the current sample rack so that the first barcode faces the target direction, it is only necessary to reverse the orientation of the current sample rack and make the sample rack pass through the first movement trajectory again for rescanning. In this way, it can be determined whether it is a barcode scanner failure or a steering unit failure, which is conducive to efficient fault troubleshooting.

[0040] Accordingly, the present invention further provides a sample rack transport method, wherein when transporting a sample rack, any of the above-described transport scanning structures is used, wherein the transport scanning structure further includes a steering unit, and the transport method includes:

[0041] Get the target direction;

[0042] Determining the current orientation of the first barcode based on the scanning results of the first barcode scanner and the second barcode scanner;

[0043] The steering unit is determined to rotate the sample rack according to the current orientation and the target orientation of the first barcode.

[0044] Accordingly, the present invention further provides a method for troubleshooting a sample analyzer, wherein the sample analyzer is any of the sample analyzers described above, and the number of barcode scanners in the transport scanning structure is two. The method comprises:

[0045] Obtain the number of sample tubes on the sample rack and the number of initial barcodes scanned by each barcode scanner;

[0046] When the initial number of barcodes corresponding to each barcode scanner is not equal to the number of sample tubes, the first barcode scanner to be verified is determined based on the initial number of barcodes scanned by each barcode scanner, and the direction of the sample rack is reversed by the steering unit, and the sample rack is controlled to be rescanned through the first path to obtain the number of verification barcodes of the first barcode rescanned by each barcode scanner, wherein the initial number of barcodes corresponding to the first barcode scanner is not equal to zero, and the barcode scanner on the other side is the second barcode scanner to be verified;

[0047] If the number of verification barcodes corresponding to the second verified barcode scanner is zero, it is determined that the steering mechanism is faulty;

[0048] If the number of verification barcodes corresponding to the second verified barcode scanner is equal to the number of sample tubes, it is determined that the first verified barcode scanner is faulty;

[0049] If the number of verification barcodes corresponding to the second verified barcode scanner is equal to the number of initial barcodes scanned by the first verified scanner, it is determined that some sample tubes on the sample rack are missing the first barcode.

[0050] Optionally, the troubleshooting method further includes:

[0051] When the number of initial barcodes corresponding to each barcode scanner is not equal to the number of sample tubes, and before the steering unit turns the direction of the sample rack, the sample rack is controlled to be re-scanned at least once along the first path to obtain a first corrected barcode corresponding to each barcode scanner;

[0052] If the number of the first correction barcodes corresponding to the first inspected barcode scanner is equal to the number of sample tubes, it is indicated that the first inspected barcode scanner has an occasional abnormality;

[0053] If the number of the first correction barcodes corresponding to the first inspected barcode scanner is not equal to the number of the sample tubes, the steering unit is executed to reverse the direction of the sample rack.

[0054] This troubleshooting method can quickly determine whether the problem is the barcode scanner, the steering unit, or some sample tubes are missing barcodes, reducing the time required for troubleshooting. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0055] FIG1 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary structure of a transport scanning structure of the present invention;

[0056] FIG2 is another exemplary structural diagram of the transport scanning structure of the present invention;

[0057] FIG3 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary three-dimensional structure of the sample holder in FIG1 or FIG2;

[0058] FIG4 is another exemplary three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of the sample holder in FIG1 or FIG2;

[0059] FIG5 is another exemplary three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of the sample holder in FIG1 or FIG2;

[0060] 6 is a schematic diagram showing a state where a sample rack is transferred from a sample rack storage unit to a rack transport unit in the sample analyzer of the present invention;

[0061] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing a state of the sample rack in the sample analyzer in FIG. 6 when the sample rack is transferred from the rack transport unit to the steering unit.

[0062] Part Number Description:

[0063] Sample rack 100, sample rack side surface 101, sample rack end surface 102, transition surface 103, barcode scanning port 104, second barcode 105, first sample rack end surface 102b, second sample rack end surface 102a;

[0064] Rack transport unit 200;

[0065] Scanner 300, scanner body 310, scanning window 311, first scanner 300a, second scanner 300b;

[0066] Steering unit 400;

[0067] Sample rack storage unit 500;

[0068] Sample tube 600, first barcode 601. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0069] The following describes the implementation of the present invention through specific embodiments. People skilled in the art can easily understand other advantages and effects of the present invention from the contents disclosed in this specification.

[0070] 1 to 5 , the transport scanning structure of the present invention includes a sample rack 100, a rack transport unit 200, and at least two barcode scanners 300. The side wall of the sample rack 100 includes two opposite sample rack side surfaces 101. The first barcode 601 on each sample tube 600 on the sample rack 100 is exposed on one of the sample rack side surfaces 101. The rack transport unit 200 is used to transport the sample rack 100. The trajectory of the sample rack 100 includes a first translation path that moves in a first direction. The first translation path is a path for the sample rack 100 to move from the front to the back. The path of a unit entering the rack transport unit 200 or the path of the sample rack 100 entering the next unit from the rack transport unit 200; each barcode scanner is respectively distributed on both sides of the first translation path, and each of the barcode scanners is facing the first translation path; when the sample rack 100 loaded with sample tubes 600 passes through the first translation path, each of the sample tubes 600 is distributed along the first direction on the sample rack 100, and the barcode scanner on one side scans the first barcode 601 exposed on the side 101 of the corresponding sample rack.

[0071] For ease of understanding, in Figures 1-2, the first direction refers to the direction from left to right or from right to left on the paper in Figures 1 and 2. For example, referring to Figure 6, when a sample rack enters the rack transport unit 200 from the sample rack storage unit 500 on the left side of the rack transport unit, the first direction is from left to right on the paper; when a sample rack enters the rack transport unit 200 from the sample rack storage unit 500 on the right side of the rack transport unit, the first direction is from right to left on the paper. Furthermore, the phrase "each of the barcode scanners is oriented toward the first translation path" in the above description includes both the method of tilting toward the first translation path as shown in Figures 1 and 2, and the method of facing the first translation path (not shown).

[0072] It should be noted that when the operator places the sample tubes 600 on the sample rack 100, the operator will, in accordance with the operating specifications, expose the first barcodes 601 of each sample tube 600 on the same side of the sample rack side 101. In actual implementation, the above-mentioned "exposing the first barcodes 601 on each sample tube 600 on the sample rack 100 on the same side of the sample rack 101" can be achieved by setting a barcode scanning port 104 on one side of the sample rack. Alternatively, the upper part of the sample tube 600 can be extended out of the sample rack 100, and the first barcode 601 can be set on the upper part of the sample tube 600 so that the first barcodes 601 on the upper part of the sample tube 600 face the same side. If this method is adopted, the corresponding side of the sample rack should be provided with a first barcode orientation mark to avoid the first barcode facing the wrong direction. It should also be noted that when the sample tubes 600 enter the detection station along with the sample rack 100, each sample tube 100 needs to enter the detection station in a specific order. For example, in Figures 1 and 2, each sample tube 600 needs to enter the detection station in the order of serial numbers 1-10. Referring to Figures 6 and 7, if the sample racks 100 are not stacked in order and no steering unit 400 is provided, each sample tube 600 may enter the detection station in the order of serial numbers 1-10 or in the order of serial numbers 10-1. Therefore, a steering unit 400 is provided in a sample analyzer provided with such a sample transport scanning structure. When the sample rack 100 is not facing the specified direction, it can be reversed by the steering unit 400. Reversal here refers to the reversal of the directions of the two sample rack sides of the sample rack 100, and the steering unit 400 rotates 180°.

[0073] When the sample rack 100 is transported and scanned using the rack transport and scanning structure of the present invention, when the sample tubes 600 have been loaded on the sample rack 100 and the first barcode 601 of the sample rack 100 is exposed on the same specific sample rack side 101 of the sample rack 100, since the barcode scanners 300 are provided on both sides of the first translation path of the sample rack 100, regardless of whether the sample rack 100 is oriented correctly during sample loading, the barcode scanner 300 on one side will be able to scan the first barcode 601, thereby enabling disordered sample loading of the sample rack 100.

[0074] It should be emphasized that the transport scanning structures of the above or following embodiments can be applied to sample analyzers. The transport scanning structure of the present invention is not only applicable to sample analyzers. As long as the sample rack 100 is translated along a certain direction, and when the sample rack 100 is translated along the first direction, the sample tubes 600 are distributed along the first direction on the sample rack 100, the transport scanning structures of the following embodiments can be adopted.

[0075] With reference to Figures 1 to 7 , an exemplary sample analyzer includes a sample rack storage unit 500 for storing sample racks 100 and a transport scanning structure, which may be any of the aforementioned transport scanning structures. The rack transport unit 200 is configured to transport the sample racks 100 from the sample rack storage unit 500 to a target location. For ease of understanding, the first direction is the X direction shown in Figures 6 and 7 .

[0076] In the sample analyzer of the present invention, since the barcode scanner 300 is provided on both sides of the first translation path of the sample rack 100, the barcode scanner 300 can scan the first barcode 601 regardless of which side of the sample rack side 101 the first barcode 601 on the sample tube 600 is exposed during sample loading, thereby enabling disordered sample loading of the sample rack 100.

[0077] For ease of understanding, referring to Figures 6 and 7 , a plurality of sample racks 100 are arranged along a second direction on the sample rack storage unit 500. The second direction in the figures is the Y direction, which is perpendicular to the first direction. To reach a target position, a sample rack 100 on the sample rack storage unit 500 must first be translated from the sample rack storage unit 500 along the first direction to the rack delivery unit. Once the rack transport unit 200 moves along the second direction to the target position, the sample rack 100 is then translated from the rack delivery unit along the first direction to the target position. The target position may be a testing position, or an intermediate position on the way to the testing position. Accordingly, the first translation path may represent the translation path of the sample rack 100 from the sample rack storage unit 500 to the steering unit 400; the first translation path may also represent the translation path of the sample rack 100 from the rack delivery unit to the steering unit 400. In this case, the barcode scanner 300 may be disposed on the rack transport unit 200 or on another component adjacent to the first translation path.

[0078] In some embodiments, referring to Figures 1 to 7 , among the barcode scanners, the barcode scanner on one side is a first barcode scanner, and the barcode scanner on the other side is a second barcode scanner. The sample analyzer also includes a steering unit 400 and a controller (not shown). The steering unit 400 is used to rotate the sample rack 100 that has been transported by the rack transport unit 200. At this time, the target position is located on the steering unit 400; the controller is used to obtain the target orientation, determine the current orientation of the first barcode 601 according to the scanning results of the first barcode scanner and the second barcode scanner, and determine whether the steering unit 400 rotates the sample rack 100 according to the current orientation and target orientation of the first barcode 601.

[0079] Specifically, for example, if the first barcode scanner 300a scans the first barcode 601 and the second barcode scanner 300b does not scan the first barcode 601, it means that the orientation of the first barcode 601 is toward the target direction, and at this time, the sample rack 100 does not rotate; if the first barcode scanner 300a does not scan the first barcode 601, and the second barcode scanner 300b scans the first barcode 601, it means that the orientation of the first barcode 601 is not toward the target direction, and it is necessary to control the steering unit 400 to rotate the sample rack 100.

[0080] It should be noted that the target direction is determined according to the subsequent process, for example, the subsequent process may be a detection process. In this sample analyzer, there are only two target directions, which are upward or downward directions on the paper in Figures 6 and 7 .

[0081] In this sample analyzer, the orientation of the first barcode 601 on the sample rack 100 can be determined based on which side the barcode scanner 300 scanned the first barcode 601. Compared with the current sample analyzers with a barcode scanner set on one side, which often require the sample rack to return for scanning, the sample analyzer of the present invention does not have scanning failures as long as the equipment is normal. The sample rack 100 does not need to be rescanned, which is conducive to improving the working efficiency of the sample analyzer. In addition, when the steering unit 400 fails to rotate the current sample rack 100 so that the first barcode 601 faces the target direction, it is only necessary to reverse the orientation of the current sample rack 100, so that the sample rack 100 passes through the first movement trajectory again and is rescanned. It can then be determined whether it is the barcode scanner 300 or the steering unit 400 that is faulty, which provides an equipment foundation for rapid fault detection. The specific fault detection method is described below.

[0082] In some embodiments, the rack transport unit 200 includes a carrier and a drive assembly. In Figures 1 to 2, only the carrier can be seen in the rack transport unit 200 labeled 200, and the drive assembly is not shown in the figure. Referring to Figure 1, the carrier is used to carry the transported sample rack 100, and the drive assembly can drive the sample rack 100 to translate along the first direction on the carrier; wherein, the barcode scanner is arranged on the carrier.

[0083] This sample rack scanning structure is equivalent to integrating the barcode scanner 300 with the rack transport unit 200. The drive assembly and the barcode scanner 300 circuits can be partially integrated, which helps reduce wiring clutter. Moreover, when the corresponding sample analyzer is equipped with the aforementioned steering unit 400, installing the barcode scanner 300 on the carrier also helps avoid interference between the barcode scanner 300 and the steering unit 400. As shown in Figure 2, the barcode scanner 300 and the rack transport unit 200 can also be installed separately.

[0084] It should also be noted that, in the above-mentioned sample analyzer and transport scanning structure, the first translation path along which the driving component can drive the sample rack 100 to translate along the first direction can be a fixed path or a non-fixed path, but the first translation path is a relatively fixed path relative to the carrier. For example, in Figures 6 and 7, the first translation paths of the sample racks 100 on the sample rack storage unit 500 do not overlap in the second direction Y, but are consistent in the first direction X.

[0085] In some embodiments, the side wall of the sample rack 100 further includes two sample rack end surfaces 102, a second barcode 105 is provided on the side wall of the sample rack 100, and the barcode scanner 300 is tilted toward the first translation path of the sample rack 100; when the sample rack 100 passes through the first translation path along the first direction, each of the sample tubes 600 is distributed along the first direction on the sample rack 100, the sample rack side surface 101 passes through the field of view of the corresponding side barcode scanner, and one of the sample rack end surfaces 102 passes within the field of view of the barcode scanner.

[0086] For a barcode scanner, if the scanner is facing the barcode being scanned, the emitted light of the scanning laser will be reflected along the original path, resulting in a high noise signal, which can easily lead to scanning failure. For some types of sample racks, due to the limited space on the sample rack side 101, the second barcode 105 cannot be attached. Even if the second barcode is forcibly attached to the sample rack side, the scanning may fail due to the signal noise caused by the reflection. This structure of the barcode scanner 300 tilted toward the first translation path can more effectively scan the barcode on the sample rack side. Regardless of whether the second barcode 105 is set on the sample rack side 101 or the sample rack end surface 102 on the outer wall of the sample rack 100, the second barcode 105 can enter the scanning field of view of the barcode scanner 300, achieving effective scanning. Moreover, a single barcode scanner 300 can scan both the first barcode 601 and the second barcode 105. Compared with the method of providing separate barcode scanners for the barcodes on the sample tube 600 and the barcodes on the sample rack 100, the present invention requires fewer barcode scanners, which helps reduce costs.

[0087] In some embodiments, see Figure 4 , the second barcode 105 is disposed on the sample rack end surface 102. In other embodiments, see Figure 5 , a transition surface 103 is provided between adjacent sample rack side surfaces 101 and sample rack end surfaces 102, and the second barcode 105 is disposed on the transition surface 103. In still other embodiments, see Figure 3 , the second barcode 105 is disposed on the sample rack side surface 101. In actual implementation, the second barcode 105 may also be disposed on both the sample rack end surface 102 and the sample rack side surface 101.

[0088] The aforementioned "one of the sample rack end surfaces 102 passing within the field of view of the barcode scanner 300" can be specifically implemented in two ways. Referring to Figures 1, 2, 4, and 5, if the two sample rack end surfaces 102 on the sample rack 100 are defined as a first sample rack end surface 102b and a second sample rack end surface 102a, respectively, then along the feed direction of the sample rack 100, the first sample rack end surface 102b is positioned in front of the second sample rack end surface 102a.

[0089] In some embodiments, when the first translation path is the path of the sample rack 100 entering the rack transport unit 200 from the previous unit, for example, see Figure 6, when the sample rack 100 enters the rack transport unit 200 from the sample rack storage unit 500, the two sample rack end surfaces 102 are respectively the first sample rack end surface 102b that enters the rack transport unit 200 earlier and the second sample rack end surface 102a that enters the rack transport unit later. When the rack transport unit is located at a part of the translation path, the barcode scanner 300 is tilted toward the first sample rack end surface 102b and can scan the second barcode 105. When scanning the second barcode, the barcode scanner 300 is located in front of the sample rack 100 along the direction in which the sample rack 100 enters the rack transport unit 200 from the sample rack storage unit 500, and the spacing distance is M (see Figure 6), so that the barcode scanner 300 is tilted toward the first sample rack end surface 102b.

[0090] In other embodiments, the barcode scanner 300 is arranged on the rack transport unit 200, and the barcode scanner 300 is tilted toward the latter unit. When the first translation path is the path of the sample rack 100 leaving the rack transport unit 200 and entering the next unit, for example, referring to Figure 7, when the sample rack leaves the rack transport unit 200 and enters the turning unit 400, the two sample rack end surfaces 102 are respectively the first sample rack end surface 102b that leaves the rack transport unit 200 earlier and the second sample rack end surface 102a that leaves the rack transport unit later. The barcode scanner 300 is tilted toward the second sample rack end surface 102a. When the rack transport unit 200 is located at a part of the translation path, the sample rack can scan the second barcode 105. That is, when the second barcode is scanned along the direction in which the sample rack leaves the rack transport unit 200 and enters the steering unit 400, the barcode scanner 300 is located behind the sample rack 100 at a distance N (see FIG. 7 ), and the barcode scanner 300 is tilted toward the second sample rack end surface 102a.

[0091] In some embodiments, the sample rack 100 is provided with multiple sample tube cavities. Each side surface 101 of the sample rack is provided with a barcode scanning port 104 for exposing the first barcode 601. A third barcode (not shown) corresponding to one of the sample tube cavities is provided between two adjacent sample tube cavities, and the third barcode is provided on the sample rack side surface 101. The third barcode aligns each sample tube 600 with a corresponding sample tube cavities. If specific processing is required for the sample in a particular sample tube 600, the specific location of the sample tube 600 on the sample rack 100 can also be determined based on the third barcode. Typically, if the third barcode is provided on the sample rack side surface 101, the second barcode 105 cannot be provided on the sample rack side surface 101. In this case, the second barcode 105 can be provided on the sample rack end surface 102 or transition surface 103. Of course, in actual implementation, the third barcode can be omitted.

[0092] In some embodiments, referring to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 , the barcode scanner 300 includes a barcode scanner body 310 and a scanning window 311 , wherein the scanning window 311 is disposed on the barcode scanner body 310 ; wherein the scanning window 311 is tilted toward the first translation path, so that when the sample rack 100 passes through the first translation path, the scanning window 311 is tilted toward the side surface 101 of the sample rack.

[0093] Accordingly, the present invention further provides a sample rack transport method. When transporting a sample rack 100, any of the above-described transport scanning structures is used. The transport scanning structure further includes a steering unit 400. The transport method includes:

[0094] Get the target direction;

[0095] Determine the current orientation of the first barcode 601 based on the scanning results of the first barcode scanner 300a and the second barcode scanner 300b;

[0096] Whether the steering unit 400 rotates the sample rack 100 is determined according to the current orientation and the target orientation of the first barcode 601 .

[0097] The sample transport method can determine the orientation of the first barcode 601 on the sample rack 100 based on which side the barcode scanner 300 scanned the first barcode 601. Compared with the current method of setting the barcode scanner 300 on one side, in the sample analyzer of the present invention, the sample rack 100 does not need to be rescanned.

[0098] Specifically, for example, if the first barcode scanner 300a scans the first barcode 601 and the second barcode scanner 300b does not scan the first barcode 601, it means that the orientation of the first barcode 601 is toward the target direction, and at this time, the sample rack 100 does not rotate; if the first barcode scanner 300a does not scan the first barcode 601, and the second barcode scanner 300b scans the first barcode 601, it means that the orientation of the first barcode 601 is not toward the target direction, and it is necessary to control the steering unit 400 to rotate the sample rack 100.

[0099] Accordingly, the present invention further provides a method for troubleshooting a sample analyzer, wherein the sample analyzer is any one of the sample analyzers described above, and the method comprises:

[0100] S100, obtaining the number L of sample tubes 600 on the sample rack 100 and the initial number C of first barcodes scanned by each barcode scanner 300;

[0101] S300: When the initial number C of barcodes corresponding to each barcode scanner 300 is not equal to the number L of sample tubes, a first inspected barcode scanner is determined based on the initial number C of barcodes scanned by each barcode scanner;

[0102] S600: When the initial number C of barcodes corresponding to each barcode scanner 300 is not equal to the number L of sample tubes, the sample rack 100 is rotated in the direction by the steering unit 400, and the sample rack 100 is controlled to be rescanned along the first path to obtain the number of verification barcodes of the first barcode rescanned by each barcode scanner 300, wherein the initial number of barcodes corresponding to the first verified barcode scanner is not equal to zero, the barcode scanner on the other side is the second verified barcode scanner, the number of verification barcodes corresponding to the first verified barcode scanner is defined as J1, and the number of verification barcodes corresponding to the second verified barcode scanner is defined as J2;

[0103] S710: If the number of verification barcodes J2 corresponding to the second verified barcode scanner is zero, it is determined that the steering mechanism is faulty, and a steering mechanism fault warning signal is generated;

[0104] S720: If the number of verification barcodes J2 corresponding to the second verified barcode scanner is equal to the number of sample tubes L, it is determined that the first verified barcode scanner is faulty, and a first verified barcode scanner fault warning signal is generated;

[0105] S730: If the number of verification barcodes J2 corresponding to the second verified barcode scanner is equal to the number of initial barcodes C of the first verified barcode scanner, it is determined that some sample tubes 600 on the sample rack 100 are missing the first barcode 601, and a barcode missing warning signal is generated.

[0106] This troubleshooting method can automatically and quickly determine whether the fault is with the barcode scanner 300 or the steering unit 400, and can also issue an alarm when the first barcode is missed. The entire troubleshooting process does not require downtime, takes less time, and is more intelligent.

[0107] In some embodiments, the troubleshooting method further includes:

[0108] S400: When the number of initial barcodes corresponding to each barcode scanner is not equal to the number of sample tubes, and before the steering unit turns the direction of the sample rack, the sample rack is controlled to be rescanned at least once along the first path to obtain a first corrected barcode corresponding to each barcode scanner;

[0109] S510: If the number of the first correction barcodes corresponding to the first inspected barcode scanner is equal to the number of sample tubes, it is indicated that the first inspected barcode scanner has an occasional abnormality;

[0110] S520: If the number of the first corrected barcodes corresponding to the first inspected barcode scanner is not equal to the number of sample tubes, then execute S600, in which the steering unit turns the direction of the sample rack, that is, sends a steering unit turn signal again.

[0111] The scanner's scanning structure may be affected by environmental factors (humidity, temperature, light, etc.). In this way, when the initial number of barcodes does not equal the number of sample tubes, the sample rack can be re-scanned without turning it around. This can promptly detect this situation and obtain more accurate troubleshooting.

[0112] The above embodiments are merely illustrative of the principles and effects of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. Anyone skilled in the art may modify or alter the above embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, all equivalent modifications or alterations made by one of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the spirit and technical principles disclosed herein are intended to be covered by the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A transport scanning structure, characterized in that: include: A sample rack, wherein the side wall of the sample rack includes two opposite sample rack side surfaces, and the first barcode on each sample tube in the sample rack is exposed on one of the sample rack side surfaces; A rack transport unit for transporting a sample rack, wherein the trajectory of the sample rack includes a first translation path along a first direction, wherein the first translation path is a path for the sample rack to enter the rack transport unit from a previous unit or a path for the sample rack to leave the rack transport unit and enter a subsequent unit; and At least two barcode scanners are distributed on both sides of the first translation path, and each of the barcode scanners faces the first translation path; When the sample rack loaded with sample tubes passes through the first translation path, the sample tubes are distributed along the first direction on the sample rack, and the barcode scanner on one side scans the first barcode exposed on the side of the corresponding sample rack.

2. The transport scanning structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The rack transport unit comprises: A carrier, used for carrying the transported sample rack; a driving assembly capable of driving the sample rack to translate along the first direction on the carrier; Wherein, the code scanner is arranged on the carrier.

3. The transport scanning structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The side wall of the sample rack further includes two sample rack end surfaces, a second barcode is provided on the side wall of the sample rack, and the barcode scanner is tilted toward the first translation path of the sample rack; When the sample rack passes through the first translation path along the first direction, the sample tubes are distributed on the sample rack along the first direction, the side surface of the sample rack passes through the field of view of the corresponding side scanner, and one of the end surfaces of the sample rack passes through the field of view of the scanner.

4. The transport scanning structure according to claim 3, characterized in that: The second barcode is provided on the end surface of the sample rack; or The second barcode is provided on the side of the sample rack; or The second barcode portion is provided on the end surface of the sample rack; or The side wall of the sample rack further includes a transition surface between the end surface of the sample rack and the side surface of the sample rack, and the second barcode is arranged on the transition surface.

5. The transport scanning structure according to claim 3, characterized in that: The barcode scanner is arranged on the rack transport unit, and the barcode scanner is tilted toward the previous unit. When the first translation path is the path of the sample rack from the previous unit into the rack transport unit, the two sample rack end faces are respectively a first sample rack end face that enters the rack transport unit earlier and a second sample rack end face that enters the rack transport unit later. When the rack transport unit is located at a part of the translation path, the barcode scanner is tilted toward the first sample rack end face. or The barcode scanner is arranged on the rack transport unit, and the barcode scanner is tilted toward the rear unit. When the first translation path is the path for the sample rack to leave the rack transport unit and enter the next unit, the two end faces of the sample rack are respectively the first sample rack end face that leaves the rack transport unit earlier and the second sample rack end face that leaves the rack transport unit later. When the rack transport unit is located at a part of the translation path, the barcode scanner is tilted toward the second sample rack end face.

6. The transport scanning structure according to claim 3, characterized in that: The sample rack is provided with a plurality of sample tube accommodating cavities, a barcode scanning port for exposing the first barcode is provided on the side of the sample rack, a third barcode corresponding to one of the sample tube accommodating cavities is provided between two adjacent sample tube accommodating cavities, and the third barcode is provided on the side of the sample rack.

7. The transport scanning structure according to claim 3, characterized in that: The code scanner includes: Scanner body; A scanning window is provided on the scanner body; The scanning window is tilted toward the first translation path, so that when the sample rack passes through the first translation path, the scanning window is tilted toward the side of the sample rack.

8. A sample analyzer, characterized in that include: a sample rack storage unit, used for storing sample racks; The transport scanning structure is the transport scanning structure according to any one of claims 1 to 7, and the rack transport unit is used to transport the sample rack on the sample rack storage unit to a target position.

9. The sample analyzer according to claim 8, wherein: Among the barcode scanners, the barcode scanner on one side is a first barcode scanner, and the barcode scanner on the other side is a second barcode scanner. The sample analyzer also includes: a steering unit, configured to rotate the sample rack that has been transported by the rack transport unit, wherein the target position is located on the steering unit; The controller is used to obtain the target orientation, determine the current orientation of the first barcode according to the scanning results of the first barcode scanner and the second barcode scanner, and determine whether the steering unit rotates the sample rack according to the current orientation of the first barcode and the target orientation.

10. A sample rack transport method, characterized in that: When transporting a sample rack, the transport scanning structure according to any one of claims 1 to 7 is used, wherein the transport scanning structure further includes a steering unit, and the transport method includes: Get the target direction; Determining the current orientation of the first barcode based on the scanning results of the first barcode scanner and the second barcode scanner; The steering unit is determined to rotate the sample rack according to the current orientation and the target orientation of the first barcode.

11. A method for troubleshooting a sample analyzer, characterized in that: The sample analyzer is the sample analyzer according to claim 9, the number of scanners in the transport scanning structure is two, and the troubleshooting method includes: Obtain the number of sample tubes on the sample rack and the number of initial barcodes scanned by each barcode scanner; When the initial number of barcodes corresponding to each barcode scanner is not equal to the number of sample tubes, the first barcode scanner to be verified is determined based on the initial number of barcodes scanned by each barcode scanner, and the direction of the sample rack is reversed by the steering unit, and the sample rack is controlled to be rescanned through the first path to obtain the number of verification barcodes of the first barcode rescanned by each barcode scanner, wherein the initial number of barcodes corresponding to the first barcode scanner is not equal to zero, and the barcode scanner on the other side is the second barcode scanner to be verified; If the number of verification barcodes corresponding to the second verified barcode scanner is zero, it is determined that the steering mechanism is faulty; If the number of verification barcodes corresponding to the second verified barcode scanner is equal to the number of sample tubes, it is determined that the first verified barcode scanner is faulty; If the number of verification barcodes corresponding to the second verified barcode scanner is equal to the number of initial barcodes scanned by the first verified scanner, it is determined that some sample tubes on the sample rack are missing the first barcode.

12. The method for troubleshooting a sample analyzer according to claim 11, wherein: The troubleshooting method further includes: When the number of initial barcodes corresponding to each barcode scanner is not equal to the number of sample tubes, and before the steering unit turns the direction of the sample rack, the sample rack is controlled to be re-scanned at least once along the first path to obtain a first corrected barcode corresponding to each barcode scanner; If the number of the first correction barcodes corresponding to the first inspected barcode scanner is equal to the number of sample tubes, it is indicated that the first inspected barcode scanner has an occasional abnormality; If the number of the first correction barcodes corresponding to the first inspected barcode scanner is not equal to the number of the sample tubes, the steering unit is executed to reverse the direction of the sample rack.

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