Sample tube clamping structure and sample processing equipment

Abstract

The invention relates to a sample tube clamping structure and sample processing equipment. The sample tube clamping structure comprises: a support frame; the driving part comprises a driving main machine and a motor shaft, and the driving main machine drives the motor shaft to move in the axial direction; the motor shaft movably extends into the mounting component; the adjusting assembly is arranged on the motor shaft in a sleeving manner and can move along with the motor shaft; the two clamping assemblies are symmetrically arranged, and the ends of the clamping assemblies are rotationally connected with the end, away from the driving part, of the mounting part; the motor shaft can drive the mounting part to move through the adjusting assembly, so that the two clamping assemblies get close to each other or get away from each other to clamp or release a sample tube; after the sample tube is clamped, the motor shaft can also drive the adjusting assembly to move relative to the mounting part so as to adjust the clamping force of the clamping assembly for clamping the sample tube. In this way, the clamping force of the clamping assembly on the sample tube can be adjusted, and reliable clamping of the sample tube is achieved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of sample tube transfer, and in particular to a sample tube clamping structure and a sample processing device. Background Art

[0002] Sample processing equipment, such as immunoassay analyzers, are mainly used in clinical laboratories to detect test samples such as blood, urine or other body fluids for analysis and processing to obtain the corresponding analysis results of the test samples.

[0003] The sample processing equipment usually includes devices for sample loading, reagent loading, sample and reagent dispensing, reaction solution mixing, reaction solution incubation, magnetic separation, cleaning and separation, and sample detection. After the sample is loaded into the sample tube, it is usually necessary to transfer the sample tube to various stations of the sample processing equipment so that corresponding operations can be performed on the sample to be tested in the sample tube at the corresponding station.

[0004] Generally, the sample processing device uses a sample tube clamping structure to clamp the sample tube. At present, the sample tube clamping structure controls the two clamping claws to move closer to or farther away from each other through a motor to control a transmission component such as a ball screw structure or a gear structure.

[0005] However, when the motor drives the transmission component to control the clamping claw to clamp the sample tube, the clamping force of the clamping claw on the sample tube clamping structure is a fixed value, and the clamping force of the sample tube cannot be adjusted, which affects the accuracy of sample tube transfer. Summary of the invention

[0006] Based on this, it is necessary to provide a sample tube clamping structure and sample processing equipment to address the problem that the clamping force of the current sample tube clamping structure cannot be adjusted when clamping the sample tube, so as to achieve reliable clamping of the sample tube and ensure the accuracy of the later transfer of the sample tube.

[0007] A sample tube clamping structure, comprising:

[0008] Support rack;

[0009] A driving component, comprising a driving main unit and a motor shaft arranged on the driving main unit, wherein the driving main unit is arranged on the supporting frame and drives the motor shaft to move along its axial direction;

[0010] A mounting component, movably located in the support frame, and the motor shaft movably extends into the mounting component;

[0011] an adjusting assembly, located in the mounting component, wherein the adjusting assembly is sleeved on the motor shaft and can move with the motor shaft; and

[0012] Two clamping assemblies are symmetrically arranged, the ends of the clamping assemblies are rotatably connected to one end of the mounting component away from the driving component, and the middle area of ​​the clamping assembly is rotatably arranged on the supporting frame;

[0013] The motor shaft can drive the mounting component to move through the adjusting component, so that the two clamping components move closer to each other or farther away from each other, so as to clamp or release the sample tube;

[0014] After the two clamping assemblies clamp the sample tube, the motor shaft can also drive the adjustment assembly to move relative to the mounting component to adjust the clamping force of the clamping assembly to clamp the sample tube.

[0015] In one embodiment of the present application, the sample tube clamping structure further includes a first detection member, which is disposed on the mounting component and moves synchronously with the mounting component;

[0016] The first detection member has a first detection end, and the first detection end can abut against the adjustment component;

[0017] The motor shaft drives the adjusting component to move relative to the mounting component, and the adjusting component can touch the first detection end so that the first detection member detects the movement amount of the adjusting component relative to the mounting component.

[0018] In one embodiment of the present application, the sample tube clamping structure further includes a second detection member, and the second detection member is disposed on the support frame;

[0019] The second detection member has a second detection end, and the mounting component has a triggering member, which is arranged on a side wall of the mounting component and extends toward the second detection member;

[0020] The motor shaft drives the installation component to move, and the triggering member can trigger the second detection end, so that the second detection member detects the movement amount of the installation component.

[0021] In one embodiment of the present application, the adjustment assembly includes an elastic member and a fixing member, and the fixing member is provided with the motor shaft and is located in the mounting member;

[0022] The elastic member is sleeved on the motor shaft and abuts against the mounting component and the fixing member, and the fixing member can trigger the first detection member of the sample tube clamping structure.

[0023] In one embodiment of the present application, the sample tube clamping structure includes at least any one of the following features:

[0024] Item 1, the driving component is a stepping motor, a servo motor, an ultrasonic motor or a sonic motor;

[0025] The second item, the mounting component includes a mounting body and a mounting plate, the mounting plate is arranged on the side of the mounting body, the mounting plate penetrates the mounting hole of the mounting body along the radial direction of the motor shaft, and the mounting hole is used to install the first detection member of the sample tube clamping structure;

[0026] The third item is that the installation component has a protruding adapter on the side facing the clamping assembly, and the adapter can rotatably connect the two clamping assemblies.

[0027] In one embodiment of the present application, each of the clamping assemblies comprises a swinging member and a clamping member, one end of the swinging member is rotatably connected to the mounting member, and the other end of the swinging member is connected to the clamping member;

[0028] The swinging member has a fulcrum portion, and the swinging member is rotatably arranged on the supporting frame through the fulcrum portion. The swinging member swings around the fulcrum portion to make the clamping members of the two clamping assemblies approach each other or move away from each other.

[0029] In one embodiment of the present application, the clamping assembly includes at least one of the following features:

[0030] In the first item, the clamping assembly further comprises a rotating member, which is disposed on the mounting component and rotatably connects the two swinging members;

[0031] The second item, the clamping assembly further includes a first sliding member and a second sliding member, the first sliding member connects the swinging member and the clamping member, the second sliding member is disposed on the supporting frame, and the first sliding member is slidably disposed on the second sliding member;

[0032] The third item, the clamping assembly further comprises a blocking member, the blocking member is arranged on the rotating member of the clamping assembly, the swinging member is rotatably arranged on the rotating member, and is located between the blocking member and the adapter of the mounting member;

[0033] Fourthly, the clamping assembly further comprises a support bearing, wherein the support bearing is arranged between the swinging member and the rotating member of the clamping assembly.

[0034] In one embodiment of the present application, the sample tube clamping structure includes at least any one of the following features:

[0035] First, when the driving host loses power, the motor shaft can self-lock relative to the driving host;

[0036] In the second aspect, the mounting component further comprises a first guide member, the first guide member is disposed on the mounting component, and the motor shaft is movably disposed through the first guide member;

[0037] The third item is that the driving component also includes a second guide member, the second guide member is arranged on the supporting frame, the motor shaft passes through the second guide member, and can move along the second guide member.

[0038] In one embodiment of the present application, the driving component further includes a limiting member, the limiting member extends along the axial direction of the motor shaft, and the motor shaft can move relative to the limiting member;

[0039] The limiting member abuts against or is separated from the installation component, and the limiting member can limit the installation component when abutting against the installation component.

[0040] A sample processing device comprises a sample processing device and a transfer device, wherein the transfer device is arranged on the sample processing device;

[0041] The transfer device comprises a transfer structure and a sample tube clamping structure as described in any of the above technical features, wherein the sample tube clamping structure is arranged on the transfer structure;

[0042] The sample processing device has a plurality of processing stations distributed according to the processing sequence of the samples to be tested. The sample tube clamping structure is used to clamp the sample tube, and the transfer structure drives the sample tube clamping structure to move so as to transfer the sample tube between the plurality of processing stations.

[0043] After adopting the above technical solution, this application has at least the following technical solutions:

[0044] The sample tube clamping structure and sample processing equipment of the present application, when the sample tube clamping structure clamps the sample tube, the motor shaft drives the adjustment component to move in the direction of the driving host, the adjustment component can drive the installation component to move, and then the installation component can drive the two clamping components to rotate, so that the two clamping components are close to each other and clamp the sample tube. After the two clamping components clamp the sample tube, the installation component remains fixed, and the motor shaft drives the adjustment component to move relative to the installation component in the direction of the driving host. In this way, the adjustment component can press the installation component, and then the pressing force is applied to the two clamping components through the installation component, so that the two clamping components clamp the sample tube.

[0045] The sample tube clamping structure uses the motor shaft of the driving component to drive the adjustment component and the installation component to move, so as to control the two clamping components to clamp or release the sample tube. Moreover, after the two clamping components clamp the sample tube, the motor shaft can drive the adjustment component to move toward the driving host to adjust the clamping force of the clamping component to clamp the sample tube, thereby achieving reliable clamping of the sample tube and ensuring the accuracy of the later transfer of the sample tube. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0046] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a sample tube clamping structure according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0047] FIG. 2 is a three-dimensional view of local parts of the sample tube clamping structure shown in FIG. 1 .

[0048] Wherein: 100, sample tube clamping structure; 110, support frame; 111, support frame; 112, support top plate; 113, support shaft; 120, driving component; 121, driving host; 122, motor shaft; 123, limiter; 124, second guide; 130, mounting component; 131, stepped hole; 1311, first connecting hole; 1312, second connecting hole; 132, first guide; 133, mounting body; 134, mounting plate; 135, adapter; 136, trigger; 140, Adjusting assembly; 141, elastic member; 142, fixing member; 1421, fixing body; 1422, protruding portion; 150, clamping assembly; 151, swinging member; 1511, fulcrum portion; 1512, first swinging portion; 1513, second swinging portion; 152, clamping member; 153, rotating member; 154, first sliding member; 155, second sliding member; 156, blocking member; 157, supporting bearing; 160, first detecting member; 161, first detecting end; 170, second detecting member; 171, second detecting end. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0049] In order to make the above-mentioned purposes, features and advantages of the present application more obvious and easy to understand, the specific implementation methods of the present application are described in detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. In the following description, many specific details are set forth to facilitate a full understanding of the present application. However, the present application can be implemented in many other ways different from those described herein, and those skilled in the art can make similar improvements without violating the connotation of the present application, so the present application is not limited by the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0050] In the description of the present application, it should be understood that if the terms "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "up", "down", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inside", "outside", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential", etc. appear, the orientation or position relationship indicated by these terms is based on the orientation or position relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, which is only for the convenience of describing the present application and simplifying the description, and does not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore cannot be understood as a limitation on the present application.

[0051] In addition, if the terms "first" or "second" appear, these terms are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be understood as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of the features. In the description of this application, if the term "plurality" appears, "plurality" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise clearly and specifically defined.

[0052] In this application, unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, if the terms "installed", "connected", "connected", "fixed" and the like appear, these terms should be understood in a broad sense. For example, it can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integrated 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, unless otherwise clearly defined. For ordinary technicians in this field, the specific meanings of the above terms in this application can be understood according to the specific circumstances.

[0053] In the present application, unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, if there is a description that a first feature is "on" or "below" a second feature, etc., or the like, it may mean that the first and second features are in direct contact, or that the first and second features are in indirect contact through an intermediate medium. Moreover, the first feature being "above", "above" and "above" the second feature may mean that the first feature is directly above or obliquely above the second feature, or simply means that the first feature is higher in level than the second feature. The first feature being "below", "below" and "below" the second feature may mean that the first feature is directly below or obliquely below the second feature, or simply means that the first feature is lower in level than the second feature.

[0054] It should be noted that if an element is referred to as being "fixed to" or "disposed on" another element, it may be directly on the other element or there may be a central element. If an element is considered to be "connected to" another element, it may be directly connected to the other element or there may be a central element at the same time. If any, the terms "vertical", "horizontal", "upper", "lower", "left", "right" and similar expressions used in this application are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent the only implementation method.

[0055] It is understandable that, generally, the sample processing device adopts a sample tube clamping structure to clamp the sample tube. At present, the sample tube clamping structure controls the two clamping claws to move closer to or farther away from each other through a motor-controlled ball screw structure or gear structure and other transmission components. However, when the motor drives the transmission component to control the clamping claws to clamp the sample tube, the clamping force of the clamping claws on the sample tube clamping structure is a fixed value, and the clamping force of the sample tube cannot be adjusted, which affects the accuracy of the sample tube transfer.

[0056] To this end, referring to Figure 1, the present application provides a novel sample tube clamping structure 100. Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the sample tube clamping structure 100 of this embodiment. The sample tube clamping structure 100 is applied to a transfer device of a sample processing device. The sample tube clamping structure 100 can clamp a sample tube. The transfer device drives the sample tube clamping structure 100 to move through the transfer structure, so that the sample tube is transferred between various processing stations of the sample processing device.

[0057] The sample tube is a container containing the sample to be tested, where the sample to be tested includes but is not limited to blood, urine or other body fluids, etc., and can also be other liquids that require sample processing equipment to analyze. Usually, the sample tube is a test tube. Of course, in other embodiments of the present application, the sample tube can also be other containers that can hold the sample to be tested, such as a reaction cup, etc.

[0058] The sample processing device can analyze and process the samples to be tested in the sample container at different processing stations. The sample tube clamping structure 100 can achieve stable clamping of the sample tube, and then the transfer structure drives the sample tube clamping structure 100 to move, so that the sample tube clamping structure 100 can drive the sample tube to move to the next processing station.

[0059] The sample tube clamping structure 100 releases the sample tube, and the transfer structure moves the sample tube clamping structure 100 to the next processing station where the sample tube needs to be transferred. At the same time, the sample processing device processes the sample to be tested in the processing station to measure the sample to be tested, thereby obtaining relevant parameters of the sample to be tested.

[0060] Optionally, the sample processing device is an immunoassay analyzer (eg, an electrochemiluminescence analyzer) or a biochemical analyzer, etc. Of course, in other embodiments of the present application, the sample tube clamping structure 100 may also be applied only to the scenario of clamping a sample tube.

[0061] The sample tube clamping structure 100 can clamp or release the sample tube. Moreover, the sample tube clamping structure 100 can also adjust the clamping force of the sample tube, so as to clamp the sample tube with a suitable clamping force, thereby reliably clamping the sample tube and ensuring the accuracy of the later transfer of the sample tube. At the same time, the sample tube clamping structure 100 can also clamp sample tubes of different sizes, thereby increasing the scope of application of the sample tube clamping structure 100.

[0062] When describing the specific structure of the sample tube clamping structure 100, only the structure and principle of clamping or releasing the sample tube clamping structure 100 are described, and the specific application scenarios of the sample tube clamping structure 100 will not be repeated. The specific structure of the sample tube clamping structure 100 of an embodiment is introduced below.

[0063] Referring to FIG. 1 , in one embodiment, the sample tube clamping structure 100 includes a support frame 110, a driving component 120, a mounting component 130, an adjustment assembly 140, and two clamping components 150. The driving component 120 includes a driving host 121 and a motor shaft 122 disposed on the driving host 121. The driving host 121 is disposed on the supporting frame 110 and drives the motor shaft 122 to move along its axial direction. The mounting component 130 is movably disposed in the supporting frame 110, and the motor shaft 122 is movably extended into the mounting component 130. The adjustment assembly 140 is disposed in the mounting component 130, and the adjustment assembly 140 is sleeved on the motor shaft 122 and can move with the motor shaft 122.

[0064] The two clamping assemblies 150 are symmetrically arranged, and the ends of the clamping assemblies 150 are rotatably connected to the end of the mounting component 130 away from the driving component 120, and the middle area of ​​the clamping assemblies 150 is rotatably arranged on the support frame 110. The motor shaft 122 can drive the mounting component 130 to move through the adjustment component 140, so that the two clamping assemblies 150 are close to or away from each other to clamp or release the sample tube. After the two clamping assemblies 150 clamp the sample tube, the motor shaft 122 can also drive the adjustment component 140 to move relative to the mounting component 130 to adjust the clamping force of the clamping assembly 150 to clamp the sample tube.

[0065] The support frame 110 is the overall frame of the sample tube clamping structure 100. Each component of the sample tube clamping structure 100 is directly or indirectly mounted on the support frame 110, and can be mounted on a transfer structure or other structure of a sample processing device through the support frame 110. The support frame 110 is a fixed component, and other components of the sample tube clamping structure 100 can support and fix the support frame 110.

[0066] The driving component 120 is a power source for the sample tube clamping structure 100. The driving component 120 is disposed on the support frame 110 and provides power for the clamping of the sample tube clamping structure 100, so that the sample tube clamping structure 100 can clamp or release the sample tube. Specifically, the driving component 120 includes a driving host 121 and a motor shaft 122. The motor shaft 122 extends in the height direction. The top of the motor shaft 122 is connected to the driving host 121. The driving host 121 can drive the motor shaft 122 to perform lifting motion (up and down movement) along its axial direction.

[0067] In order to better illustrate the specific structure of the sample tube clamping structure 100, the up, down, left, and right directions are introduced here. As shown in FIG1, the motor shaft 122 extends along the height direction (up and down direction, axial direction, top and bottom direction), and the height direction of the motor shaft 122 is the axial direction of the motor shaft 122. The radial direction of the motor shaft 122 is the width direction (left and right direction) of the sample tube clamping structure 100. The up, down, left, and right directions in the following text are based on the directions shown in FIG1, and will not be repeated in the following text.

[0068] The bottom of the motor shaft 122 is provided with a mounting component 130 and extends into the mounting component 130. The adjustment component 140 is located in the mounting component 130 and sleeved on the outside of the motor shaft 122. Two clamping components 150 are rotatably mounted below the mounting component 130. The two clamping components 150 are symmetrically arranged relative to the central axis O (as shown in FIG. 1 ) of the sample tube clamping structure 100. In addition, the middle areas of the two clamping components 150 can also be rotatably arranged on the support frame 110.

[0069] When the mounting component 130 moves upward (rises), the mounting component 130 can drive the two clamping assemblies 150 to move relative to the support frame 110, so that the two clamping assemblies 150 are close to each other (close together), and at this time, the two clamping assemblies 150 can clamp the sample tube. When the mounting component 130 moves downward (descends), the mounting component 130 can drive the two clamping assemblies 150 to move relative to the support frame 110, so that the two clamping assemblies 150 are away from each other (open), and at this time, the two clamping assemblies 150 can release the sample tube.

[0070] The force for the mounting component 130 to move upward and downward is provided by the motor shaft 122. When the driving host 121 drives the motor shaft 122 to rise, the motor shaft 122 can drive the mounting component 130 to move upward, so that the mounting component 130 drives the two clamping assemblies 150 to clamp the sample tube. The driving host 121 drives the motor shaft 122 to drive the mounting component 130 to move downward, so that the mounting component 130 drives the two clamping assemblies 150 to release the sample tube.

[0071] It is understandable that the clamping force of the two clamping assemblies 150 on the sample tube cannot be adjusted. If the clamping force is too small, the two clamping assemblies 150 cannot reliably clamp the sample tube, and the sample tube is likely to slip out of the clamping assemblies 150 during the later transfer process. If the clamping force is too large, the two clamping assemblies 150 exert a large force on the sample tube, which is likely to cause damage to the sample tube.

[0072] To this end, the present application provides an adjustment component 140 in the sample tube clamping structure 100. The adjustment component 140 is located in the mounting component 130, and the adjustment component 140 is sleeved on the portion of the motor shaft 122 located inside the mounting component 130, and the adjustment component 140 abuts against the top of the mounting component 130, and the motor shaft 122 slidably penetrates the mounting component 130. The motor shaft 122 can drive the mounting component 130 to move synchronously through the adjustment component 140, and can also drive the adjustment component 140 to move relative to the mounting component 130.

[0073] When the sample tube clamping structure 100 does not clamp the sample tube, the two clamping assemblies 150 are in a state of being away from each other. When clamping the sample tube, the motor shaft 122 moves upward, and the motor shaft 122 can drive the mounting component 130 to move upward through the adjustment component 140. When the mounting component 130 moves upward, the mounting component 130 can drive the two clamping assemblies 150 to move closer to each other, so that the two clamping assemblies 150 clamp the sample tube.

[0074] At this time, the mounting component 130 moves to the position (i.e., the clamping position), and the mounting component 130 is fixed, that is, after the clamping assembly 150 clamps the sample tube, the height of the mounting component 130 remains unchanged. It can be understood that after the two clamping assemblies 150 clamp the sample tube, the two clamping assemblies 150 cannot approach each other, and thus the clamping assemblies 150 cannot rotate relative to the mounting component 130.

[0075] At the same time, since the clamping assembly 150 is also rotatably disposed on the support frame 110, after the clamping assembly 150 stops rotating, the position of the clamping assembly 150 relative to the support frame 110 is fixed. In this way, the clamping assembly 150 can relatively fix the mounting component 130 to the support frame 110, so that the mounting component 130 can no longer move upward, that is, the mounting component 130 remains fixed at the clamping position.

[0076] The driving host 121 also continues to drive the motor shaft 122 to rise. Since the mounting component 130 is fixed, the motor shaft 122 drives the adjustment component 140 to move relative to the mounting component 130, that is, the adjustment component 140 rises and the mounting component 130 does not move. After the adjustment component 140 rises, it will apply a compressive force (i.e., a clamping force) to the mounting component 130. The mounting component 130 can transmit the clamping force to the two clamping components 150, which is converted into a clamping force for the two clamping components 150 to clamp the sample tube.

[0077] It can be understood that the clamping force of the sample tube clamping structure 100 is adjustable only on the premise that the two clamping assemblies 150 clamp the sample tube, that is, after the two clamping assemblies 150 clamp the sample tube, the adjustment assembly 140 can adjust the clamping force of the two clamping assemblies 150 on the sample tube. The clamping of the sample tube by the clamping assemblies 150 will no longer be emphasized in the following text.

[0078] When the motor shaft 122 drives the adjustment assembly 140 to rise a small distance, the adjustment assembly 140 can make the two clamping assemblies 150 apply a small force to the sample tube. When the motor shaft 122 drives the adjustment assembly 140 to rise a large distance, the adjustment assembly 140 can make the two clamping assemblies 150 apply a large force to the sample tube.

[0079] Similarly, when the clamping force of the two clamping assemblies 150 on the sample tube is relatively small, the motor shaft 122 drives the adjustment assembly 140 to rise to increase the clamping force of the two clamping assemblies 150 on the sample tube. When the clamping force of the two clamping assemblies 150 on the sample tube is relatively large, the motor shaft 122 drives the adjustment assembly 140 to descend to reduce the clamping force of the two clamping assemblies 150 on the sample tube.

[0080] In this way, when the motor shaft 122 drives the adjustment assembly 140 to rise to different distances relative to the mounting component 130, the two clamping assemblies 150 apply different clamping forces to the sample tube, so that the clamping force of the sample tube clamping structure 100 when clamping the sample tube is adjustable. In this way, when the sample tube clamping structure 100 clamps the sample tube, the sample tube will not be loosened due to too small a clamping force, nor will it be damaged due to too large a clamping force, so that the sample tube can be reliably clamped.

[0081] When the sample tube is released, the clamping assembly 150 still holds the sample tube, so the clamping assembly 150 cannot rotate, and the mounting component 130 is fixed at the clamping position. The motor shaft 122 moves downward, and the motor shaft 122 can drive the adjustment assembly 140 to move downward relative to the mounting component 130. At this time, the pressing force applied by the adjustment assembly 140 to the mounting component 130 is reduced, so as to reduce the clamping force of the two clamping assemblies 150 clamping the sample tube.

[0082] When the adjustment component 140 descends into place (i.e., the adjustment component 140 returns to the initial position), the motor shaft 122 can drive the mounting component 130 to descend through the adjustment component 140. At this time, the mounting component 130 drives the two clamping components 150 to rotate around the support frame 110 to move the two clamping components 150 away from each other, so that the two clamping components 150 release the sample tube.

[0083] It is worth mentioning that the process of releasing the sample tube is the reverse process of clamping the sample tube. The following text focuses on the structure and principle of clamping the sample tube, and the structure and principle of releasing the sample tube are only mentioned where necessary.

[0084] The sample tube clamping structure 100 of the above embodiment uses the motor shaft 122 of the driving component 120 to drive the adjustment component 140 and the installation component 130 to move, so as to control the two clamping components 150 to clamp or release the sample tube. After the two clamping components 150 clamp the sample tube, the motor shaft 122 can drive the adjustment component 140 to move toward the driving host 121 to adjust the clamping force of the clamping component 150 to clamp the sample tube, thereby achieving reliable clamping of the sample tube and ensuring the accuracy of the later transfer of the sample tube.

[0085] 1 and 2, in one embodiment, the driving component 120 further includes a stopper 123, which extends along the axial direction of the motor shaft 122, and the motor shaft 122 can move relative to the stopper 123. The stopper 123 abuts against or separates from the mounting component 130. When the stopper 123 abuts against the mounting component 130, the mounting component 130 can be limited, thereby limiting the positions of the two clamping assemblies 150.

[0086] The stopper 123 is a fixed component, which extends in the height direction and is located on the side of the motor shaft 122. When the motor shaft 122 moves upward or downward, the motor shaft 122 can move relative to the stopper 123. The top of the stopper 123 is fixed to the driving host 121 or the supporting frame 110. The stopper 123 can limit the distance that the mounting component 130 moves upward, thereby preventing the mounting component 130 from rising excessively, and further preventing the two clamping assemblies 150 from colliding with each other.

[0087] The two clamping assemblies 150 can clamp sample tubes within a predetermined size range. When the mounting component 130 moves upward, the two clamping assemblies 150 can be driven to move closer to each other to clamp sample tubes within a predetermined size range. In this way, the sample tube will limit the distance between the two clamping assemblies 150, and the mounting component 130 is fixed by the clamping assemblies 150 to achieve adjustment of the clamping force.

[0088] When the size of the sample tube is significantly smaller than the predetermined size, or there is no sample tube between the two clamping assemblies 150, the rising of the mounting component 130 can drive the two clamping assemblies 150 to be closer to each other. At this time, the two clamping assemblies 150 may collide with each other, affecting the clamping performance of the two clamping assemblies 150.

[0089] To this end, the present application sets a limiter 123 on the side of the motor shaft 122. When the size of the sample tube is obviously smaller than the predetermined size, or there is no sample tube between the two clamping assemblies 150, if the mounting component 130 continues to rise, the limiter 123 can abut against the mounting component 130, limit the excessive rise of the mounting component 130, and thus avoid the two clamping assemblies 150 from colliding with each other.

[0090] It is worth noting that the structural form of the limiter 123 is not limited in principle, as long as the limiter 123 can abut against the mounting component 130. Two possible forms of the limiter 123 are introduced below, but the limiter 123 is not limited to the following structures.

[0091] Referring to FIG. 1 , in one embodiment of the present application, a stopper 123 is disposed on the driving main body 121 and sleeved on the outer side of the motor shaft 122, and a stopper step is formed between the stopper 123 and the motor shaft 122. In other words, the stopper 123 is a structure such as a shaft sleeve. The diameter of the stopper 123 is greater than the diameter of the motor shaft 122. After the stopper 123 is sleeved on the motor shaft 122, a stepped stopper step is formed between the bottom of the stopper 123 and the outer wall of the motor shaft 122.

[0092] After the motor shaft 122 passes through the mounting component 130 and extends out of the mounting component 130, there is a moving distance between the stopper 123 and the mounting component 130. When the motor shaft 122 moves upward, the motor shaft 122 can drive the mounting component 130 to rise through the adjustment component 140. When the stopper 123 abuts against the top of the mounting component 130, the stopper step abuts against the surface of the mounting component 130 to limit the distance between the two clamping components 150 and prevent the two clamping components 150 from colliding.

[0093] Referring to Figure 1, in one embodiment, the installation component 130 has a coaxially arranged first connecting hole 1311 and a second connecting hole 1312 at one end facing the driving component 120, the diameter of the second connecting hole 1312 is larger than the diameter of the first connecting hole 1311, the first connecting hole 1311 and the second connecting hole 1312 pass through the installation component 130 and form a stepped hole 131.

[0094] The first connection hole 1311 is a hole for the motor shaft 122 to pass through the mounting component 130. The motor shaft 122 passes through the first connection hole 1311 and extends into the mounting component 130. In addition, the motor shaft 122 can move along the first connection hole 1311. In order to ensure that the motor shaft 122 accurately moves along the first connection hole 1311, the present application sets a coaxial second connection hole 1312 above the first connection hole 1311, and the diameter of the second connection hole 1312 is larger than the diameter of the first connection hole 1311.

[0095] The diameter of the second connection hole 1312 matches the diameter of the stopper 123. When the motor shaft 122 drives the mounting component 130 to rise through the adjustment assembly 140, the stopper 123 can gradually move into the second connection hole 1312, and the bottom of the stopper 123 can abut against the bottom of the second connection hole 1312, that is, the stopper step cooperates with the stepped hole 131 to achieve the limit of the mounting component 130.

[0096] Of course, the limiting member 123 and the motor shaft 122 may also be the driving shafts of the driving component 120 , the limiting member 123 is a fixed shaft, the motor shaft 122 is a movable shaft, and the motor shaft 122 is movably disposed on the limiting member 123 .

[0097] In another embodiment of the present application, the stopper 123 is parallel to and spaced from the motor shaft 122. That is, the stopper 123 is a stopper rod, etc., and the stopper 123 is not sleeved on the outside of the motor shaft 122. In this case, the stopper 123 can also abut against or detach from the mounting component 130, and its principle is substantially the same as the principle of the stopper 123 being sleeved on the motor shaft 122, which will not be described in detail.

[0098] In one embodiment, when the driving host 121 loses power, the motor shaft 122 can self-lock relative to the driving host 121. When the driving component 120 loses power, the driving host 121 can lock the motor shaft 122 so that the motor shaft 122 can maintain the state before the power failure.

[0099] In this way, the positions of the motor shaft 122 and the adjustment assembly 140 will not change, so that the mounting component 130 will not slide along the motor shaft 122, and the two clamping assemblies 150 can maintain the clamping force on the sample tube before power failure, avoiding the sample tube from falling due to insufficient clamping force, thereby ensuring the reliability of clamping the sample tube when power is off and avoiding damage to the sample processing equipment.

[0100] In one embodiment of the present application, the driving host 121 has a first threaded portion, the outer wall of the motor shaft 122 has a second threaded portion, and the first threaded portion is screwed and connected with the second threaded portion, so that the driving host 121 drives the motor shaft 122 to move. In other words, the motor shaft 122 is a screw shaft, and the driving host 121 and the motor shaft 122 form a structure similar to a ball screw.

[0101] When the driving host 121 outputs a rotational motion, the motor shaft 122 is driven to move upward or downward by the cooperation of the first threaded portion and the second threaded portion. Moreover, when the driving component 120 loses power, the motor shaft 122 can be locked by the cooperation of the first threaded portion and the second threaded portion, and at this time, the motor shaft 122 can maintain the state before the power is lost.

[0102] In this way, the positions of the motor shaft 122 and the adjustment assembly 140 will not change, and the two clamping assemblies 150 can maintain the clamping force on the sample tube before power failure, preventing the sample tube from falling due to insufficient clamping force, thereby ensuring the reliability of clamping the sample tube when power is off and avoiding damage to the sample processing equipment.

[0103] Optionally, the pitch of the first threaded portion and the second threaded portion can be adjusted, such as reducing the pitch, so that the motor shaft 122 and the drive host 121 can be self-locked when the power is off. Of course, the drive host 121 also maintains the torque when the power is off, and can also support locking the position of the motor shaft 122 under a certain load, so that the mounting component 130 will not slide along the motor shaft 122.

[0104] Of course, in other embodiments of the present application, the drive host 121 may also use a rack and pinion transmission to achieve power-off self-locking with the motor shaft 122, and an electrostrictive (piezoelectric ceramic) drive host 121 may also be used, or the drive host 121 and the motor shaft 122 may use other structural forms that can achieve power-off self-locking, which will not be repeated here.

[0105] In one embodiment, the driving component 120 is a stepping motor, which can reduce the cost of the sample tube clamping structure 100. Furthermore, the driving component 120 is a through-shaft stepping motor, so that the motor shaft 122 can drive the adjustment component 140 to move.

[0106] Of course, in other embodiments of the present application, the driving component 120 may also use a servo motor, an ultrasonic motor, a sonic motor or other types of motors, as long as it can control the two clamping assemblies 150 to clamp the sample tube.

[0107] Referring to FIG. 1 , in one embodiment, the support frame 110 includes a support frame 111 and a support top plate 112. The support frame 111 is disposed around the mounting component 130 and is located above the clamping assembly 150. The support top plate 112 is disposed on the top of the support frame 111 and is used to mount the driving component 120. The support top plate 112 has a through hole extending in the axial direction, and the motor shaft 122 extends out through the through hole.

[0108] It is worth noting that the structural form of the support frame 111 and the support top plate 112 is not limited in principle, and can mainly support the driving component 120 and be installed on the transfer structure. Optionally, the support frame 111 is a shell or frame structure, and the support top plate 112 is a plate or frame structure.

[0109] Referring to FIG. 1 , in one embodiment, the mounting component 130 further includes a first guide member 132, which is disposed in the mounting component 130, and the motor shaft 122 movably passes through the first guide member 132. The first guide member 132 is disposed at the top of the mounting component 130, and further, the first guide member 132 is located in the stepped hole 131 of the mounting component 130, and the motor shaft 122 passes through the first guide member 132 and extends into the mounting component 130.

[0110] When the motor shaft 122 moves upward or downward, the motor shaft 122 can move along the first guide member 132. The first guide member 132 can guide the motor shaft 122 to ensure the accuracy of the movement of the motor shaft 122. Optionally, the first guide member 132 is a sliding sleeve or a guide block with a guide hole.

[0111] 1, in one embodiment, the driving component 120 further includes a second guide member 124, which is disposed on the supporting frame 110, and the motor shaft 122 passes through the second guide member 124 and can move along the second guide member 124. The second guide member 124 is disposed in a through hole at the top of the supporting frame 111, and the motor shaft 122 passes through the second guide member 124 and extends out.

[0112] When the motor shaft 122 moves upward or downward, the motor shaft 122 can move along the second guide member 124, and the second guide member 124 can guide the motor shaft 122 to ensure the accuracy of the movement of the motor shaft 122. Optionally, the second guide member 124 is a guide block with a guide hole or a sliding sleeve.

[0113] 1 , in one embodiment, the adjustment assembly 140 includes an elastic member 141 and a fixing member 142, and the fixing member 142 is provided with the motor shaft 122 and is located in the mounting component 130. The elastic member 141 is sleeved on the motor shaft 122 and abuts against the mounting component 130 and the fixing member 142, and the fixing member 142 can trigger the first detection member 160 (mentioned later) of the sample tube clamping structure 100.

[0114] The fixing member 142 is disposed at the bottom of the motor shaft 122, and the elastic member 141 is sleeved on the motor shaft 122. The top of the elastic member 141 abuts against the mounting component 130, and the bottom of the elastic member 141 abuts against the fixing member 142. Optionally, the fixing member 142 is a fixing block or a fixing nut. Optionally, the elastic member 141 is a spring, and further, the elastic member 141 is a compression spring.

[0115] When the motor shaft 122 moves upward, the motor shaft 122 drives the fixing member 142 to rise, and then the fixing member 142 pushes the elastic member 141 to rise, and the elastic member 141 pushes the mounting member 130 to rise. After the mounting member 130 rises and drives the two clamping assemblies 150 to clamp the sample tube, the mounting member 130 is fixed. At this time, the motor shaft 122 can drive the fixing member 142 to compress the elastic member 141, and the elastic member 141 compresses and applies a pressing force to the mounting member 130, and then transmits it to the clamping assembly 150 through the mounting member 130 to achieve the adjustment of the clamping force of the clamping assembly 150.

[0116] When the motor shaft 122 moves downward, the mounting component 130 is fixed, and the motor shaft 122 drives the fixing component 142 to descend, gradually releasing the elastic component 141, and the squeezing force of the elastic component 141 on the mounting component 130 decreases. When the elastic component 141 returns to the initial position, the elastic component 141 is no longer compressed. At this time, the motor shaft 122 can drive the mounting component 130 to descend through the fixing component 142 and the elastic component 141.

[0117] Moreover, in order to detect the clamping force of the clamping assembly 150, the present application further provides a first detection member 160 in the sample tube clamping structure 100. When the motor shaft 122 drives the fixing member 142 to rise, the fixing member 142 can touch the first detection member 160. At this time, the first detection member 160 can detect the position of the fixing member 142, and then determine the compression amount of the elastic member 141.

[0118] It can be understood that the size of the clamping assembly 150 is fixed, and the first detection member 160 can calculate the clamping force of the clamping assembly 150 on the sample tube after calculating the compression amount of the elastic member 141 according to the movement amount of the fixing member 142. In this way, the clamping force of the two clamping assemblies 150 clamping the sample tube can be obtained.

[0119] 1 , in one embodiment, the sample tube clamping structure 100 further includes a first detection member 160, which is disposed on the mounting component 130 and moves synchronously with the mounting component 130. The first detection member 160 has a first detection end 161, and the first detection end 161 can abut against the adjustment component 140. The motor shaft 122 drives the adjustment component 140 to move relative to the mounting component 130, and the adjustment component 140 can touch the first detection end 161, so that the first detection member 160 detects the movement of the adjustment component 140 relative to the mounting component 130.

[0120] The first detection member 160 is disposed on the mounting member 130, and the first detection end 161 is located at the inner side of the mounting member 130. The fixing member 142 can cooperate with the first detection end 161, and the first detection member 160 can detect the position of the fixing member 142. When the motor shaft 122 drives the mounting member 130 to rise through the fixing member 142 and the elastic member 141, the mounting member 130 can drive the first detection member 160 to rise synchronously.

[0121] When the motor shaft 122 drives the fixing member 142 and the adjusting member to rise relative to the mounting member 130, the first detecting member 160 can detect the position of the fixing member 142. Thus, the compression amount of the elastic member 141 can be determined according to the detection signal of the first detecting member 160 and the movement of the motor shaft 122, so as to calculate the clamping force of the clamping assembly 150.

[0122] Furthermore, the first detection member 160 can also adjust the clamping force of the clamping assembly 150. The first detection member 160 feeds back the clamping force information to the drive host 121. The drive host 121 controls the motor shaft 122 to move upward or downward according to the clamping force information to increase or decrease the clamping force of the clamping assembly 150.

[0123] Optionally, the first detection member 160 is an optical coupler such as a slot type optical coupler, etc. The optical coupler can detect the position of the fixing member 142, thereby determining the compression amount of the elastic member 141 according to the position of the fixing member 142, so that the controller in the sample processing device or the sample tube clamping structure 100 can obtain the clamping force of the clamping assembly 150 on the sample tube.

[0124] 1 and 2, in one embodiment, the mounting component 130 includes a mounting body 133 and a mounting plate 134, the mounting plate 134 is disposed on the side of the mounting body 133, and the mounting plate 134 penetrates the mounting hole of the mounting body 133 along the radial direction of the motor shaft 122, and the mounting hole is used to install the first detection member 160 of the sample tube clamping structure 100. FIG2 is a three-dimensional view of partial parts of the sample tube clamping structure 100 shown in FIG1.

[0125] The mounting body 133 is the main structure of the mounting component 130, and the mounting component 130 is located in the support frame 110 through the cooperation of the elastic member 141, the fixing member 142 and the motor shaft 122. The mounting plate 134 is a plate body for mounting the first detection member 160. The mounting plate 134 is arranged on the right side of the mounting body 133. The mounting plate 134 has a mounting hole connected to the inner cavity of the mounting component 130, and the first detection member 160 is mounted to the inner surface of the mounting plate 134 and exposed through the mounting hole.

[0126] On the one hand, the installation of the first detection member 160 can be facilitated by the installation plate 134, and on the other hand, the first detection member 160 is exposed through the installation hole so that the controller can receive the signal of the first detection member 160. At the same time, the weight of the installation component 130 can also be reduced. It is worth noting that the structure of the installation body 133 and the installation plate 134 is not limited in principle, as long as the installation body 133 and the installation plate 134 can accommodate the motor shaft 122 and the adjustment component 140, and realize the installation of the first detection member 160.

[0127] In this embodiment, the mounting body 133 is arranged in a U shape, and a mounting plate 134 is arranged at the opening of the U shape. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 . In this way, the top of the mounting body 133 can allow the motor shaft 122 to pass through, and the bottom of the mounting body 133 can be rotatably connected to the two clamping assemblies 150. In addition, the mounting plate 134 is fixed to the mounting body 133 by a screw. Of course, in other embodiments of the present application, the structural forms of the mounting body 133 and the mounting plate 134 can also be other.

[0128] 1 , in one embodiment, the fixing member 142 includes a fixing body 1421 and a protrusion 1422, and the fixing body 1421 is disposed on the motor shaft 122. The protrusion 1422 is disposed on the side of the fixing body 1421 and protrudes in the radial direction of the motor shaft 122, and the protrusion 1422 is used to trigger the first detection member 160 of the sample tube clamping structure 100.

[0129] As shown in FIG1 , the fixed body 1421 is disposed at the bottom of the motor shaft 122, and the protrusion 1422 is disposed on the right end surface of the fixed body 1421 and is protruded. The protrusion 1422 can extend toward the first detection end 161. When the motor shaft 122 drives the elastic member 141 to rise relative to the mounting component 130, the protrusion 1422 can touch the first detection end 161. At this time, the first detection end 161 can detect the position of the protrusion 1422, and calculate the compression amount of the elastic member 141 according to the position of the protrusion 1422, so as to determine the clamping force of the clamping assembly 150.

[0130] Optionally, the fixing body 1421 is a nut or a fixing block. The protrusion 1422 is a lug, a stopper, a stopper, etc., which is arranged on the fixing body 1421. Optionally, the fixing body 1421 and the protrusion 1422 are an integral structure or are arranged separately.

[0131] Referring to FIG. 1 , in one embodiment, the mounting component 130 has a protruding adapter 135 on one side facing the clamping assembly 150, and the adapter 135 rotatably connects the two clamping assemblies 150. In other words, the mounting component 130 further includes the adapter 135, which is disposed at the bottom of the mounting body 133 and protrudes. The adapter 135 can rotatably connect the clamping assembly 150.

[0132] Optionally, the adapter 135 is an adapter plate. Of course, in other embodiments of the present application, the adapter 135 can also be a shaft or other structure that can realize rotatable connection of the clamping assembly 150. Optionally, the adapter 135 and the installation body 133 are an integral structure or a separate structure.

[0133] 1 and 2 , in one embodiment, the sample tube clamping structure 100 further includes a second detection member 170, which is disposed on the support frame 110. The second detection member 170 has a second detection end 171, and the mounting component 130 has a trigger 136, which is disposed on a side wall of the mounting component 130 and extends toward the second detection member 170. The motor shaft 122 drives the mounting component 130 to move, and the trigger 136 can trigger the second detection end 171, so that the second detection member 170 detects the movement amount of the mounting component 130.

[0134] The second detection member 170 is disposed on the support frame 111 of the support frame 110 and is located on the side of the mounting member 130. Moreover, the second detection member 170 and the first detection member 160 are respectively located on both sides of the mounting member 130. The trigger member 136 is disposed on the left side surface of the mounting member 130 and extends toward the direction of the second detection member 170. The second detection member 170 can detect the descending distance of the mounting member 130 to determine the opening size of the two clamping assemblies 150.

[0135] When the motor shaft 122 moves downward, the motor shaft 122 drives the adjustment component 140 to move relative to the mounting component 130, and the elastic member 141 gradually reduces the pressing force on the mounting component 130. When the elastic member 141 and the fixing member 142 move to the initial position, the motor shaft 122 drives the mounting component 130 to descend through the adjustment component 140, and then the mounting component 130 drives the two clamping components 150 to gradually open, and at the same time, the mounting component 130 can also drive the trigger member 136 to descend.

[0136] When the two clamping assemblies 150 are fully opened, the trigger 136 can trigger the second detection end 171. At this time, the trigger 136 can detect the movement amount (drop distance) of the mounting component 130. Since the structure of the clamping assembly 150 is known, the opening size between the two clamping assemblies 150 can be obtained according to the movement amount of the mounting component 130. In this way, the two clamping assemblies 150 can accurately release the sample tube.

[0137] Furthermore, the second detection member 170 can also adjust the opening size of the two clamping assemblies 150. The first detection member 160 feeds back the information of the opening size to the driving host 121. The driving host 121 controls the motor shaft 122 to move downward or upward according to the information of the opening size, so as to increase or decrease the opening size of the two clamping assemblies 150.

[0138] Optionally, the second detection member 170 is an optical coupler such as a slot-type optical coupler. The optical coupler can detect the position of the mounting component 130, thereby determining the movement amount of the mounting component 130 according to the position of the mounting component 130, so that the controller in the sample processing device or the sample tube clamping structure 100 can obtain the opening size of the two clamping components 150.

[0139] 1 and 2, in one embodiment, each clamping assembly 150 includes a swinging member 151 and a clamping member 152, one end of the swinging member 151 is rotatably connected to the mounting member 130, and the other end of the swinging member 151 is connected to the clamping member 152. The swinging member 151 has a fulcrum portion 1511, and the swinging member 151 is rotatably disposed on the supporting frame 110 through the fulcrum portion 1511. The swinging member 151 swings around the fulcrum portion 1511, so that the clamping members 152 of the two clamping assemblies 150 are close to each other or away from each other.

[0140] The top of the swing member 151 is rotatably connected to the adapter 135 of the mounting component 130, and the swing member 151 is roughly in the form of a lever structure. The fulcrum 1511 in the middle area of ​​the swing member 151 is rotatably connected to the mounting bracket, and the bottom of the swing member 151 is connected to the clamping member 152. When the mounting component 130 moves upward or downward, the mounting component 130 can drive the swing member 151 to rotate through the adapter 135, and the swing member 151 can rotate around the support frame 111 through the fulcrum 1511, so that the swing member 151 drives the corresponding clamping member 152 to move, so that the two clamping members 152 are close to each other or away from each other.

[0141] When the mounting component 130 moves upward, the mounting component 130 can drive the swinging member 151 to rotate through the adapter 135, and the swinging member 151 rotates relative to the support frame 111 through the fulcrum 1511, so that the two clamping members 152 are close to each other, thereby clamping the sample tube. When the mounting component 130 moves downward, the mounting component 130 can drive the two swinging members 151 to rotate through the adapter 135, and the swinging member 151 rotates relative to the support frame 111 through the fulcrum 1511, so that the two clamping members 152 are away from each other, thereby releasing the sample tube.

[0142] Optionally, the support frame 110 further includes a support shaft 113 , the support shaft 113 is disposed on the support frame 111 , and the fulcrum portion 1511 of the swing member 151 is rotatably disposed on the support shaft 113 and can rotate around the support shaft 113 .

[0143] Referring to Figures 1 and 2, in one embodiment, the swing member 151 includes a fulcrum portion 1511, a first swing portion 1512 and a second swing portion 1513. The first swing portion 1512 and the second swing portion 1513 are connected by bending through the fulcrum portion 1511. One end of the first swing portion 1512 is rotatably connected to the adapter 135 of the mounting component 130, and the other end of the second swing portion 1513 is connected to the clamping member 152. The fulcrum portion 1511 is rotatably connected to the supporting frame 110.

[0144] When the mounting component 130 moves upward or downward, the mounting component 130 can drive the first swinging part 1512 to rotate through the adapter 135, and then the first swinging part 1512 rotates around the support shaft 113 of the support frame 110 through the fulcrum part 1511 to drive the second swinging part 1513 to rotate, and then the second swinging part 1513 can drive the clamping part 152 to move, so that the two clamping parts 152 are closer to or farther away from each other.

[0145] Referring to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 , in one embodiment, the clamping assembly 150 further includes a rotating member 153, which is disposed on the mounting member 130 and rotatably connects the two swinging members 151. Optionally, the rotating member 153 is a rotating shaft. The rotating member 153 is fixedly mounted to the adapter member 135 of the mounting member 130 and extends in the front-to-back direction (as shown in FIG. 2 ), and the rotating member 153 is perpendicular to the height direction and the width direction.

[0146] The two swing members 151 are spaced apart on the rotating shaft and can rotate around the rotating shaft. When the mounting member 130 moves upward or downward, the mounting member 130 can drive the rotating member 153 to rise or fall through the adapter 135, and then the rotating member 153 can make the swing member 151 rotate around the rotating member 153 and the support shaft 113, so that the swing member 151 drives the two clamping members 152 to move closer to or away from each other.

[0147] Referring to Figures 1 and 2, in one embodiment, the clamping assembly 150 also includes a first sliding member 154 and a second sliding member 155, the first sliding member 154 connects the swing member 151 and the clamping member 152, the second sliding member 155 is disposed on the supporting frame 110, and the first sliding member 154 is slidably disposed on the second sliding member 155.

[0148] The first sliding member 154 connects the swing member 151 and the clamping member 152 in the left-right direction, and the second sliding member 155 is disposed on the support frame 111 of the support frame 110 in the left-right direction, and the first sliding member 154 is slidably disposed on the second sliding member 155. When the mounting member 130 moves upward or downward, the mounting member 130 can drive the swing member 151 to rotate around the support shaft 113 through the adapter 135.

[0149] When the swing member 151 rotates, the swing member 151 can push the first sliding member 154 to move along the second sliding member 155 in the left and right directions. At the same time, the movement of the first sliding member 154 can drive the corresponding clamping member 152 to move, so that the two clamping members 152 are closer to or farther away from each other.

[0150] The cooperation between the first sliding member 154 and the second sliding member 155 can guide the movement of the clamping member 152 driven by the swinging member 151, thereby ensuring the accuracy of the movement trajectory of the two clamping members 152, so that the two clamping members 152 can accurately clamp the sample tube and avoid the two clamping members 152 from being offset from each other.

[0151] In this embodiment, the first sliding member 154 is a guide slider, and the second sliding member 155 is a guide rail. Of course, in other embodiments of the present application, the first guide member 132 can also be a guide slider, and the second guide member 124 can be a guide slider. Optionally, the first sliding member 154 is connected to the clamping member 152 through a screw member.

[0152] 1 and 2 , in one embodiment, the clamping assembly 150 further includes a blocking member 156 , which is disposed on the rotating member 153 of the clamping assembly 150 , and the swinging member 151 is rotatably disposed on the rotating member 153 and is located between the blocking member 156 and the adapter 135 of the mounting member 130 .

[0153] The blocking member 156 is disposed on the rotating member 153 and fixed to the adapter 135. The blocking member 156 can realize that the rotating member 153 is reliably fixed to the adapter 135. At the same time, the blocking member 156 is located on the side of the swinging member 151 away from the adapter 135, that is, the swinging member 151 is located between the blocking member 156 and the adapter 135. The blocking member 156 can axially limit the position of the swinging member 151 to prevent the blocking member 156 from axially moving along the rotating member 153. Optionally, the blocking member 156 is a blocking plate or a blocking sheet.

[0154] 1 and 2 , in one embodiment, the clamping assembly 150 further includes a support bearing 157, which is disposed between the swinging member 151 and the rotating member 153 of the clamping assembly 150. The inner ring of the support bearing 157 is fixedly sleeved on the outer wall of the rotating member 153, and the outer ring of the support bearing 157 is located in the swinging member 151.

[0155] When the mounting member 130 drives the swing member 151 to rotate, the swing member 151 can drive the outer ring of the support bearing 157 to rotate around the inner ring. In this way, the friction between the swing member 151 and the rotating member 153 can be reduced, which facilitates the rotation of the swing member 151. At the same time, the support bearing 157 can also fix the position of the swing member 151 and guide the movement of the swing member 151.

[0156] When the sample tube clamping structure 100 of the present application is in the initial position, the two clamping assemblies 150 are opened. When the sample tube clamping structure 100 clamps the sample tube, the driving host 121 drives the motor shaft 122 to move upward, and the motor shaft 122 makes an upward linear motion. At this time, the motor shaft 122 can drive the elastic member 141 to move upward through the fixing member 142. The fixing member 142 transmits the upward movement force to the mounting member 130 through the elastic member 141, so that the mounting member 130 moves upward synchronously with the motor shaft 122.

[0157] When the mounting member 130 moves upward, the swing member 151 can be driven to rotate around the rotating member 153 through the adapter 135 and the rotating member 153. When the swing member 151 rotates around the rotating member 153, the swing member 151 can also rotate around the support shaft 113 of the support frame 111 through the fulcrum 1511. When the swing member 151 rotates around the support shaft 113, the swing member 151 can drive the first sliding member 154 to guide along the second sliding member 155, so as to drive the clamping member 152 to move, so that the two clamping members 152 are close to each other.

[0158] When the two clamping members 152 approach each other and clamp the sample tube, the clamping members 152 contact the sample tube, and at this time, the two clamping members 152 cannot approach each other. In addition, the clamping members 152 are connected to the first sliding member 154, and when the two clamping members 152 cannot approach each other, the first sliding members 154 corresponding to the two clamping members 152 cannot approach each other either.

[0159] The first sliding member 154 is driven by the swinging member 151, and the swinging member 151 is rotatably arranged on the support shaft 113 of the support frame 110 through the fulcrum portion 1511. When the first sliding member 154 cannot move, the swinging member 151 cannot rotate around the support shaft 113, and then the rotating member 153 cannot move upward. The rotating member 153 is connected to the adapter 135 of the installation component 130, and the rotating member 153 will not drive the adapter 135 to move, so that the installation component 130 cannot move.

[0160] When the mounting component 130 cannot move, the mounting component 130 moves to the clamping position, and the mounting component 130 remains fixed. The motor shaft 122 continues to drive the fixing member 142 to move upward, at which time, the distance between the fixing member 142 and the top of the mounting component 130 gradually decreases, the fixing member 142 compresses the elastic member 141, and the elastic member 141 applies a pressing force to the mounting component 130.

[0161] The pressing force is transmitted to the two clamping assemblies 150 through the mounting component 130, so that the pressing force is converted into the clamping force of the two clamping assemblies 150 clamping the sample tube. As the motor shaft 122 continues to move upward, the compression amount of the elastic member 141 continues to increase, the pressing force of the elastic member 141 on the mounting component 130 becomes greater, and the clamping force acting on the two clamping assemblies 150 also becomes greater.

[0162] When the motor shaft 122 drives the fixing member 142 to compress the elastic member 141, the protrusion 1422 on the side of the fixing member 142 can touch the first detection end 161 of the first detection member 160. At this time, the first detection member 160 can detect the position of the fixing member 142 to detect the compression amount of the elastic member 141, and then calculate the clamping force of the clamping assembly 150. It can be understood that when the sample tube clamping structure 100 is assembled, the elastic member 141 is in a compressed state, and the limit is achieved by the cooperation of the limit member 123 and the stepped hole 131.

[0163] When the sample tube clamping structure 100 releases the sample tube, the driving host 121 drives the motor shaft 122 to move downward. Since the two clamping members 152 clamp the sample tube to fix the mounting member 130, the motor shaft 122 can drive the fixing member 142 to move downward relative to the mounting member 130. At this time, the elastic member 141 gradually stretches downward. When the elastic member 141 returns to the reset state, the elastic member 141 and the fixing member 142 are in the initial position. Then, the motor shaft 122 continues to descend and drives the mounting member 130 to descend through the fixing member 142 and the elastic member 141.

[0164] When the mounting member 130 moves downward, the swing member 151 can be driven to rotate around the rotating member 153 through the adapter 135 and the rotating member 153. When the swing member 151 rotates around the rotating member 153, the swing member 151 can also rotate around the support shaft 113 of the support frame 111 through the fulcrum 1511. When the swing member 151 rotates around the support shaft 113, the swing member 151 can drive the first sliding member 154 to guide along the second sliding member 155, so as to drive the clamping member 152 to move, so that the two clamping members 152 are separated from each other, so as to release the sample tube.

[0165] When the two clamping assemblies 150 completely release the sample tube, the mounting component 130 drives the triggering member 136 to trigger the second detection end 171, and then the second detection member 170 can detect the position of the mounting component 130 to detect the moving part of the mounting component 130, thereby determining the opening size of the two clamping assemblies 150.

[0166] The sample tube clamping structure 100 of the present application can convert the pressing force of the elastic member 141 in the adjustment component 140 on the mounting component 130 into the clamping force of the two clamping components 150 on the sample tube. In this way, when the motor shaft 122 drives the adjustment component 140 to rise or fall, the clamping force can be adjusted to achieve reliable clamping of the sample tube.

[0167] At the same time, the sample tube clamping structure 100 detects the clamping force of the two clamping components 150 on the sample tube through the first detection component 160, and adjusts the compression amount of the elastic component 141 through the first detection component 160 to adjust the clamping force. The second detection component 170 detects the opening size of the two clamping components 150, and adjusts the moving distance of the mounting component 130 through the second detection component 170 to adjust the opening size of the two clamping components 150.

[0168] When the driving component 120 loses power, the driving host 121 and the motor shaft 122 can achieve self-locking, the positions of the motor shaft 122 and the fixing member 142 remain unchanged, the compression amount of the elastic member 141 does not change, and the clamping force of the two clamping components 150 on the sample tube remains unchanged. In addition, the sample tube clamping structure 100 uses a stepper motor as a drive for the movement of the two clamping components 150, which can reduce the cost of the whole machine.

[0169] The present application also provides a sample processing device, including a sample processing device and a sample tube clamping structure 100 as in any of the above embodiments, the sample tube clamping structure 100 is arranged in the sample processing device. The sample processing device has a plurality of processing stations distributed according to the processing sequence of the sample to be tested, and the sample tube clamping structure 100 is used to clamp the sample tube and transfer the sample tube between the plurality of processing stations.

[0170] After the sample processing device of the present application adopts the sample tube clamping structure 100 of the above embodiment, the clamping force when clamping the sample tube can be adjusted to achieve reliable clamping of the sample tube, which is convenient for the transfer of the sample tube in the later stage. Moreover, after the sample tube is clamped, even if the power is off, the two clamping components 150 can still maintain the clamping force before the power is off to clamp the sample tube, and the sample tube will not fall, thereby avoiding damage to the sample tube.

[0171] The technical features of the above-described embodiments may be arbitrarily combined. To make the description concise, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above-described embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0172] The above-described embodiments only express several implementation methods of the present application, and the descriptions thereof are relatively specific and detailed, but they cannot be construed as limiting the scope of the patent application. It should be pointed out that, for a person of ordinary skill in the art, several variations and improvements can be made without departing from the concept of the present application, and these all belong to the protection scope of the present application. Therefore, the protection scope of the patent application shall be subject to the attached claims.

Claims

1. A sample tube clamping structure, characterized in that: include: Support rack; A driving component, comprising a driving main unit and a motor shaft arranged on the driving main unit, wherein the driving main unit is arranged on the supporting frame and drives the motor shaft to move along its axial direction; A mounting component, movably located in the support frame, and the motor shaft movably extends into the mounting component; An adjusting component is located in the mounting component, and the adjusting component is sleeved on the motor shaft and can move with the motor shaft; as well as Two clamping assemblies are symmetrically arranged, the ends of the clamping assemblies are rotatably connected to one end of the mounting component away from the driving component, and the middle area of ​​the clamping assembly is rotatably arranged on the supporting frame; The motor shaft can drive the mounting component to move through the adjusting component, so that the two clamping components move closer to each other or farther away from each other, so as to clamp or release the sample tube; After the two clamping assemblies clamp the sample tube, the motor shaft can also drive the adjustment assembly to move relative to the mounting component to adjust the clamping force of the clamping assembly to clamp the sample tube.

2. The sample tube clamping structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The sample tube clamping structure further includes a first detection member, which is disposed on the mounting component and moves synchronously with the mounting component; The first detection member has a first detection end, and the first detection end can abut against the adjustment component; The motor shaft drives the adjusting component to move relative to the mounting component, and the adjusting component can touch the first detection end so that the first detection member detects the movement amount of the adjusting component relative to the mounting component.

3. The sample tube clamping structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The sample tube clamping structure further includes a second detection member, and the second detection member is disposed on the support frame; The second detection member has a second detection end, and the mounting component has a triggering member, which is arranged on a side wall of the mounting component and extends toward the second detection member; The motor shaft drives the installation component to move, and the triggering member can trigger the second detection end, so that the second detection member detects the movement amount of the installation component.

4. The sample tube clamping structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The adjusting assembly comprises an elastic member and a fixing member, wherein the fixing member is provided with the motor shaft and is located in the mounting member; The elastic member is sleeved on the motor shaft and abuts against the mounting component and the fixing member, and the fixing member can trigger the first detection member of the sample tube clamping structure.

5. The sample tube clamping structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The sample tube clamping structure includes at least one of the following features: Item 1, the driving component is a stepping motor, a servo motor, an ultrasonic motor or a sonic motor; The second item, the mounting component includes a mounting body and a mounting plate, the mounting plate is arranged on the side of the mounting body, the mounting plate penetrates the mounting hole of the mounting body along the radial direction of the motor shaft, and the mounting hole is used to install the first detection member of the sample tube clamping structure; The third item is that the installation component has a protruding adapter on the side facing the clamping assembly, and the adapter can rotatably connect the two clamping assemblies.

6. The sample tube clamping structure according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: Each of the clamping assemblies comprises a swinging member and a clamping member, one end of the swinging member is rotatably connected to the mounting component, and the other end of the swinging member is connected to the clamping member; The swinging member has a fulcrum portion, and the swinging member is rotatably arranged on the supporting frame through the fulcrum portion. The swinging member swings around the fulcrum portion to make the clamping members of the two clamping assemblies approach each other or move away from each other.

7. The sample tube clamping structure according to claim 6, characterized in that: The clamping assembly includes at least one of the following features: In the first item, the clamping assembly further comprises a rotating member, which is disposed on the mounting component and rotatably connects the two swinging members; The second item, the clamping assembly further includes a first sliding member and a second sliding member, the first sliding member connects the swinging member and the clamping member, the second sliding member is disposed on the supporting frame, and the first sliding member is slidably disposed on the second sliding member; The third item, the clamping assembly further comprises a blocking member, the blocking member is arranged on the rotating member of the clamping assembly, the swinging member is rotatably arranged on the rotating member, and is located between the blocking member and the adapter of the mounting member; Fourthly, the clamping assembly further comprises a support bearing, wherein the support bearing is arranged between the swinging member and the rotating member of the clamping assembly.

8. The sample tube clamping structure according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: The sample tube clamping structure includes at least one of the following features: First, when the driving host loses power, the motor shaft can self-lock relative to the driving host; In the second aspect, the mounting component further comprises a first guide member, the first guide member is disposed on the mounting component, and the motor shaft is movably disposed through the first guide member; The third item is that the driving component also includes a second guide member, the second guide member is arranged on the supporting frame, the motor shaft passes through the second guide member, and can move along the second guide member.

9. The sample tube clamping structure according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: The driving component further comprises a limiting member, wherein the limiting member extends along the axial direction of the motor shaft, and the motor shaft can move relative to the limiting member; The limiting member abuts against or is separated from the installation component, and the limiting member can limit the installation component when abutting against the installation component.

10. A sample processing device, characterized in that: It comprises a sample processing device and a transfer device, wherein the transfer device is arranged on the sample processing device; The transfer device comprises a transfer structure and a sample tube clamping structure according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the sample tube clamping structure is arranged on the transfer structure; The sample processing device has a plurality of processing stations distributed according to the processing sequence of the samples to be tested. The sample tube clamping structure is used to clamp the sample tube, and the transfer structure drives the sample tube clamping structure to move so as to transfer the sample tube between the plurality of processing stations.

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