Sample transportation device and control method of sample transportation device

Abstract

The invention relates to a sample transportation device and a control method of the sample transportation device. The sample transportation device comprises a first main rail, the first main rail comprises a first rail and a second rail, the first rail and the second rail can be used for allowing a carrier to independently move in the same direction, and the carrier can be used for bearing samples; a plurality of crossing changing ports for vehicles to pass through are arranged between the first track and the second track; the plurality of transfer assemblies are arranged at the lane changing opening and used for opening or closing the lane changing opening and enabling the carrier to change lanes at the lane changing opening when the lane changing opening is opened; the upstream of each transfer assembly is provided with the corresponding first induction assembly, and the first induction assemblies are used for inducting the carriers, reaching the current variable crossing, on the first track; and the controller is used for controlling the transfer assembly corresponding to the at least one lane changing opening to open the lane changing opening when the first track is detected to be congested, and the target carrier is changed to the second track through the corresponding lane changing opening. The device can improve the operation efficiency of the sample.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the field of medical testing technology, and in particular to a sample transport device and a control method for the sample transport device. Background Art

[0002] In the sample analysis pipeline of medical testing, the transportation of samples is a key link, especially when using the sample analysis pipeline. The sample analysis pipeline usually connects various analysis devices and processing devices through rails or other automated transmission systems to achieve efficient and accurate transmission of samples.

[0003] Therefore, how to improve the operating efficiency of samples in the sample analyzer assembly line is an urgent problem to be solved. Summary of the invention

[0004] Based on this, it is necessary to provide a sample transport device and a control method of the sample transport device that can improve the operation efficiency of samples in a sample analyzer assembly line in order to solve the above technical problems.

[0005] In a first aspect, the present application provides a sample transport device, comprising:

[0006] A first main track, wherein the first main track includes a first track and a second track, wherein the first track and the second track can be used for a carrier to move independently in the same direction, and the carrier can be used to carry a sample; and a plurality of lane changes are provided between the first track and the second track for the carrier to pass through;

[0007] A plurality of transfer components are disposed at the lane change gate, and are used to open or close the lane change gate, and when the lane change gate is opened, the carrier changes lanes at the lane change gate;

[0008] A plurality of first sensing components, wherein a corresponding first sensing component is disposed upstream of each of the transfer components, and is used to sense the carrier on the first track that has reached a current lane-changing intersection;

[0009] The controller is in communication with the first sensing component and the transfer component, and is used to control the transfer component corresponding to at least one of the lane changing intersections to open the lane changing intersection when congestion is detected in the first track, so as to change lanes of the target carrier to the second track through the corresponding lane changing intersection.

[0010] In one embodiment, the sample transport device further comprises:

[0011] A plurality of second sensing components, wherein a corresponding second sensing component is disposed downstream of each of the transfer components, and is used to sense a vehicle located downstream of the current lane change intersection;

[0012] The second sensing component is connected to the controller, and the controller is used to detect whether congestion occurs on the first track when it is detected that a vehicle located downstream of any one of the lane change intersections is in a stranded state.

[0013] In one of the embodiments, the controller is further used to control the carrier arriving at the lane change intersection where the detention condition occurs to wait on the first track when it is detected that the carrier located downstream of any lane change intersection is in a detention state and the first track is not congested.

[0014] In one of the embodiments, the controller is configured to determine that congestion occurs on the first track when it is detected that the number of the vehicles on the first track is greater than a threshold.

[0015] In one embodiment, the sample transport device further comprises a third sensing component, which is arranged upstream of the transfer component and is used to sense the information of the carrier, and the third sensing component is in communication with the controller; the controller is further used to determine whether the carrier is recorded according to the information of the carrier when any one of the third sensing components senses the carrier, and if not, the number of carriers on the first track is increased by 1;

[0016] and / or,

[0017] The controller is further configured to reduce the number of carriers on the first track by 1 when it is determined based on the information of the carrier that any carrier sensed by the third sensing component is transferred to a track other than the first track.

[0018] In one embodiment, the sample transport device further includes: a first functional module, at least one of the first functional modules is connected to the first track and is disposed between two adjacent track change intersections;

[0019] The controller is also used to control the transfer component corresponding to the current lane changing intersection to open the lane changing intersection and change lanes of the target carrier to the second track through the corresponding lane changing intersection when congestion is detected in the first track, if it is detected through the first sensing component that the carrying sample of the target carrier arriving at the current lane changing intersection does not need to enter the first functional module between the current lane changing intersection and another adjacent lane changing intersection downstream for processing.

[0020] In one embodiment, the controller is also used to, when congestion is detected in the first track, control the transfer component corresponding to the lane changing intersection to close the lane changing intersection if it is detected through the first sensing component that the carried sample of the carrier arriving at the current lane changing intersection needs to enter the first functional module between the current lane changing intersection and another adjacent lane changing intersection downstream thereof for processing, so that the carrier continues to be transported on the first track.

[0021] In one embodiment, the transfer assembly is a lever, the lever is rotatable and can be used to open or close the lane change, and the lever has a first working position and a second working position;

[0022] When the lever is located at the first working position, the lever closes the lane change entrance;

[0023] When the lever is located at the second working position, the lever is deflected to open the lane-changing opening and block the first track, and the vehicle on the first track can change lanes to the second track through the lane-changing opening.

[0024] In one embodiment, the sample transport device further comprises:

[0025] The first stopper is arranged upstream of the transfer assembly and can be used to stop or release the carrier on the first track.

[0026] In one of the embodiments, the controller is used to control the first stopper to stop the next carrier when the carrier preceding the first stopper after being sensed by the first sensing component and before being sensed by any sensing component, and to control the first stopper to release the next carrier after the carrier preceding the first stopper after being sensed by any sensing component.

[0027] In one embodiment, the controller is further used to control the transfer component to switch from the current working position to the working position required for the next carrier to change lanes when the next carrier needs to change lanes and the previous carrier is sensed by any sensing component, and control the first stopper to release the next carrier after the transfer component completes the working position switching;

[0028] When the next vehicle needs to change lanes and before the previous vehicle is sensed by any of the sensing components, the transfer component cannot switch its working position.

[0029] In a second aspect, the present application also provides a control method for a sample transport device, which is applied to the sample transport device of the above embodiment. The method comprises:

[0030] When congestion is detected on the first track, a transfer assembly corresponding to at least one lane-changing opening is controlled to open the lane-changing opening, and the target carrier is changed to the second track through the corresponding lane-changing opening.

[0031] The above-mentioned sample transport device and control method of the sample transport device, by setting a transfer component between the first track and the second track of the first main track, when the first track is detected to be congested, the transfer component corresponding to at least one of the lane change openings is controlled to open the lane change opening, and the target carrier is changed to the second track through the corresponding lane change opening. In this way, when congestion occurs on the first track, the target carrier can be changed from the lane change opening to the second track by using the transfer component, thereby alleviating the transportation pressure on the first track, thereby improving the operation efficiency of the sample in the sample analyzer assembly line. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the layout of a sample analysis pipeline in one embodiment;

[0033] Figure 2 is an overall schematic diagram of a sample transport device in one embodiment;

[0034] Figure 3 is a partial schematic diagram of an embodiment in which the first transfer component is in a first position;

[0035] Figure 4 It is a partial schematic diagram of a sample transport device in one embodiment.

[0036] The above drawings include the following reference numerals:

[0037] Sample transport device 100, pre-processing module 200, sample analyzer 300, post-processing module 400, control terminal 500, carrier 60, first main rail 11, first rail 111, second rail 112, lane change 113, transfer component 12, first sensing component 13, second sensing component 16, third sensing component 17, partition plate 22, first end 121, second end 122, first functional module 30, connecting rail 31, processing device 32, transfer turntable 33, first stopper 115, second stopper 116, avoidance groove 117, blocking portion 118. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0038] In order to make the purpose, technical solution and advantages of the present application more clearly understood, the present application is further described in detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only used to explain the present application and are not used to limit the present application.

[0039] In the field of medical testing, the assembly line is an efficient and automated testing method that connects sample pre-processing, analytical testing, and post-processing through automated equipment and control systems to automate the testing process. Therefore, the application of the assembly line has greatly improved the testing efficiency.

[0040] In the present application, a sample transport device 100 is provided that can connect sample pre-processing, analysis and detection, and post-processing in series. Figure 1 As shown, the sample transport device 100 is a part of the sample assembly line. According to the needs, the pre-processing module 200, the sample analyzer 300 and the post-processing module 400 can be connected through the sample transport device 100, and then the functions of data integration, process control, automated operation and data analysis can be realized through the control terminal 500, so that the biological sample can be processed and analyzed more efficiently and automatically. Among them, the pre-processing module may include a sample injection module, a centrifugal module and a cover opening module, etc., which respectively realize the functions of sample injection, centrifugation and cover opening. The sample analyzer can be configured with a biochemical analyzer, an immunoassay analyzer, etc. according to the inspection requirements, so as to realize the analysis function of different detection items of the sample. The post-processing module may include a film sealing module, a sample output module, etc., which are used to realize the functions of film sealing and sample output.

[0041] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the sample transport device 100 comprises: a first main rail 11, a plurality of transfer components 12, a plurality of first sensing components 13 and a controller (not shown). The transfer components 12 and the first sensing components 13 are both electrically connected to the controller.

[0042] The first main track 11 includes a first track 111 and a second track 112. The second track 112 is located inside the first track 111. Both the first track 111 and the second track 112 can be used for the carrier 60 to independently circulate in the same direction, and the carrier 60 can be used to carry a sample container containing a sample. In one embodiment, the first track 111 and the second track 112 can both be loop tracks.

[0043] There are a plurality of lane change gates 113 between the first track 111 and the second track 112 for vehicles 60 to pass through. The vehicles 60 on the first track 111 can change lanes to the second track 112 through the lane change gates 113, and the vehicles 60 on the second track 112 can change lanes to the second track 112 through the lane change gates 113.

[0044] In order to enable the carrier on the first track 111 and the second track 112 to change lanes at the lane change intersection 113, the transfer component 12 is set at the lane change intersection 113 between the first track 111 and the second track 112, and is used to open or close the lane change intersection 113, and when the lane change intersection 113 is opened, the carrier 60 changes lanes at the lane change intersection 113.

[0045] A corresponding first sensing component 13 is provided upstream of each transfer component 12, for sensing the carrier on the first track 111 that has arrived at the current lane change intersection 113. In one embodiment, the RFID tag provided on the carrier, the first sensing component 13 can be provided below the first track 111 upstream of the transfer component 12, and the carrier is sensed by reading the RFID tag on the carrier. The first sensing component is also electrically connected to the controller. When the sample is loaded onto the carrier, the system binds the label of the carrier to the sample identification. After the controller obtains the label of the carrier, the sample information bound to the carrier can be obtained by querying. In another embodiment, the first sensing component can be an optical coupler sensor. The optical coupler sensor includes a transmitter and a receiver, and the transmitter and the receiver are arranged oppositely on both sides of the track. When a carrier arrives, the receiver cannot receive the light signal due to the obstruction of the carrier, so that it can detect that a carrier has reached the position.

[0046] Among them, there are various types of components, functional modules and other objects in the sample analyzer pipeline, so the concepts of "upstream" and "downstream" are relative. For a specific object, in the sample analyzer pipeline, upstream refers to the part before the current position of the object in the conveying direction, and downstream refers to the part after the current position of the object in the conveying direction. For example, for the first carrier object, in the sample analyzer pipeline, upstream refers to the part that the first carrier passes through before running to the current position in the conveying direction, and downstream refers to the part that the first carrier will reach after leaving the current position in the conveying direction.

[0047] The controller is used to control the transfer assembly 12 corresponding to at least one lane-changing opening 113 to open the lane-changing opening 113 when congestion is detected on the first track, so as to change the lane of the target carrier to the second track through the corresponding lane-changing opening.

[0048] Whether the first track is congested can be determined based on the running speed of the carrier on the first track, or based on the number of carriers on the track. For example, the controller determines the total number of carriers on the first track based on the number of carriers sensed by the first sensing component, and when the total number of carriers on the first track is greater than a preset carrying capacity threshold on the first track, it is determined that the first track is congested.

[0049] The sample transport device of the present application sets a transfer component between the first track and the second track of the first main track. When congestion is detected on the first track, the transfer component corresponding to at least one lane change is controlled to open the lane change, and the target carrier is changed to the second track through the corresponding lane change. In this way, when congestion occurs on the first track, the target carrier can be changed from the lane change to the second track by using the transfer component, thereby alleviating the transportation pressure on the first track, thereby improving the operation efficiency of the sample in the sample analyzer assembly line.

[0050] In another embodiment, the sample transport device further includes: a plurality of second sensing components 16. A corresponding second sensing component 16 is disposed downstream of each transfer component 12, for sensing the carrier 60 located downstream of the current lane change 113. The second sensing component is connected to a controller, and the controller is used to detect whether congestion occurs on the first track when it is obtained that the carrier located downstream of any lane change is in a stranded state.

[0051] like Figure 3 As shown, a transfer component 12 is provided at each lane-changing intersection, a first sensing component 13 is provided upstream of the transfer component 12, and a second sensing component 16 is provided downstream. The first sensing component 13 is used to sense the carrier 60 on the first track 111 that has reached the current lane-changing intersection 113, and the second sensing component 16 is used to sense the carrier 60 located downstream of the current lane-changing intersection 113, that is, the second sensing component 16 is used to sense the carrier that has reached the downstream after passing through the lane-changing intersection 113.

[0052] In one embodiment, the second sensing component 16 can be disposed below the first track 111 downstream of the transfer component 12, and senses the carrier by reading the RFID tag on the carrier. The second sensing component 16 is also electrically connected to the controller. When the tag of the carrier sensed by the second sensing component 16 does not change within a period of time, that is, the tag of the carrier sensed within a period of time is the same, it indicates that the carrier is in a retention state downstream of the current lane change intersection.

[0053] In one embodiment, the second sensing component 16 can be an optical coupling sensor. The optical coupling sensor includes a transmitter and a receiver, which are arranged opposite to each other on both sides of the track. When a vehicle arrives, the receiver cannot receive the optical signal due to the obstruction of the vehicle, thereby being able to detect that the vehicle has arrived at the location. Furthermore, when the optical signal is not received for a long time, it can be confirmed that the vehicle downstream of the current lane change is in a stranded state.

[0054] At this time, it is further triggered to determine whether the first track is congested. If the first track is congested at this time, it can be confirmed that the reason why the carrier downstream of the current lane change is in a stranded state is due to the congestion of the first track, so it can be determined that a local congestion has occurred on the first track downstream of the current lane change. In this embodiment, in order to alleviate the local congestion problem on the first track, at least one transfer component corresponding to the lane change is controlled to open the lane change, and the target carrier is changed to the second track through the corresponding lane change.

[0055] In one embodiment, when local congestion is detected on the first track, the transfer component at the lane change intersection where the local congestion is currently occurring can be controlled to open the lane change intersection to implement lane change to alleviate the congestion at the current lane change intersection. Further, the transfer components at other lane change intersections on the first track can be controlled to open the lane change intersection to implement lane change to alleviate the congestion at the current lane change intersection.

[0056] In one embodiment, when local congestion is detected on the first track, the transfer components of other non-congested lane change intersections on the first track can be controlled to open the lane change intersections to achieve lane change to alleviate the congestion at the current lane change intersection.

[0057] That is, in this embodiment, when congestion occurs locally on the first track, it is not necessary to limit the dispatching to solve the congestion problem only from the track change intersection of the congested section of the track, but it can be dispatched from any one or more track change intersections to solve the congestion problem. Therefore, when congestion occurs locally on the first track, it is possible to dispatch from the entire track to solve the congestion problem.

[0058] In another embodiment, the controller is further configured to control the carrier arriving at the lane change where the stranded condition occurs to wait on the first track when it is detected that the carrier downstream of any lane change is in a stranded state and the first track is not congested.

[0059] In this embodiment, when it is obtained that the carrier downstream of the current lane change is in a stranded state, but it is detected that there is no congestion on the first track, it can be inferred that the reason why the carrier downstream of the current lane change is in a stranded state is not due to congestion on the first track, so the carrier arriving at the lane change where the stranded condition occurs is allowed to wait on the first track without changing lanes, until the stranded carrier at the lane change leaves and the stranded condition at the lane change is resolved.

[0060] In this embodiment, when it is found that the carrier located downstream of any lane change is in a stranded state, different control methods can be adopted according to whether the first track is congested. Therefore, when congestion occurs on the first track, the target carrier can be transferred from the lane change to the second track by using the transfer component, thereby alleviating the transportation pressure on the first track, thereby improving the operation efficiency of the sample in the sample analyzer assembly line. And when there is no congestion on the first track, the carrier that arrives at the lane change where the stranded situation occurs is controlled to wait on the first track, avoiding unnecessary track changes, and improving the transfer success rate and accuracy.

[0061] In one embodiment, whether the first track is congested can be determined according to the number of vehicles on the first track. Specifically, the controller is configured to determine that the first track is congested when it is detected that the number of vehicles on the first track is greater than a threshold.

[0062] The threshold is set according to different track lengths to quantify whether the track is congested. Specifically, the threshold can be determined according to the maximum carrying capacity of the track, for example, it can be 70% of the maximum carrying capacity. When the number of carriers on the first track 111 reaches the threshold, it indicates that the first track is congested. For example, the threshold of the first track of a laboratory is 60. When the number of carriers on the first track reaches or exceeds 60, it is determined that the first track is congested.

[0063] In this embodiment, by comparing the number of vehicles on the first track with the threshold, it can be quickly and accurately determined whether congestion occurs on the first track.

[0064] In another embodiment, the sample transport device further includes a third sensing component 17, which is disposed upstream of the transfer component 12 and is used to sense information of the carrier 60. The third sensing component 17 is in communication with the controller. The controller is also used to determine whether the carrier is recorded according to the information of the carrier when any third sensing component 17 senses the carrier, and if not, the number of carriers on the first track is increased by 1.

[0065] The controller is also used to reduce the number of carriers on the first track by 1 when it is determined based on the information of the carrier that any carrier sensed by the third sensing component 17 is transferred to a track other than the first track.

[0066] The third sensing component 17 may be an RFID sensor, and the information of the carrier includes the RFID tag of the carrier. Specifically, the number of carriers on the first track is obtained by the third sensing component 17 reading the RFID tag on the carrier. That is, when the third sensing component 17 on the first track detects an RFID tag that is not recorded by the system or uploaded by the host computer, the counter will be +1. When another third sensing component 17 on the track also detects the RFID tag, the RFID tag will not be counted repeatedly. When the carrier is transferred to a track outside the first main track, the counter will correspond to -1.

[0067] In this way, the number of vehicles on the first track can be determined based on the calculation result to further determine whether the carrying capacity of the vehicles on the first track exceeds the corresponding threshold, thereby determining whether congestion occurs on the first track.

[0068] In another embodiment, Figure 4 As shown, the first functional module 30 , at least one first functional module 30 is connected to the first track 111 and is disposed between two adjacent lane change intersections 113 .

[0069] The controller is also used to control the transfer component 12 corresponding to the current lane changing intersection 113 to open the lane changing intersection and change lanes to the second track through the corresponding lane changing intersection when congestion is detected in the first track 111, if it is detected through the first sensing component 13 that the carried sample of the target carrier arriving at the current lane changing intersection 113 does not need to enter the first functional module 30 between the current lane changing intersection 113 and another adjacent lane changing intersection 113 downstream thereof for processing.

[0070] Among them, the first functional module 30 includes at least one of a pre-processing module, a detection module and a post-processing module. The pre-processing module includes, but is not limited to, a centrifugation module for centrifuging samples, an opening module for opening samples, a quality inspection module for quality inspection of centrifuged samples, and an in-and-out sample module for entering and exiting samples. The detection module refers to a module for detecting samples. The detection module includes, but is not limited to, a biochemical analysis module, an immunological analysis module, a molecular biology analysis module, a hematological analysis and detection module, and a microbial detection module. The post-processing module can be used to perform a series of operations after the sample detection is completed. The post-processing module includes, but is not limited to, a sample storage module and a waste treatment module. Among them, the sample storage module is used to store samples for a long time, such as serum, plasma or cell suspension; the waste treatment module is used to sterilize waste samples at high temperature and high pressure to disinfect infectious substances that may be contained in the samples.

[0071] Whether the sample carried by the carrier needs to enter the first functional module for processing can be determined according to one or more of the sample type, state, detection requirements, and functions of the first functional module. For example, if the current state of the sample is centrifuged, and the first functional module between the current lane change and another lane change downstream is a centrifugal module, the sample does not need to enter the centrifugal module between the current lane change and another lane change downstream for processing, and can be transferred to the second track through the transfer component.

[0072] like Figure 4 As shown, the first functional module 30 has a connecting track 31, a processing device 32 and a transfer turntable 33. The connecting track 31 of the first functional module is connected to the first track 111 through the transfer turntable 33. If the carrier 60 on the first track 111 reaches the transfer turntable 33, and the sample carried by the carrier needs to enter the first functional module for processing, the carrier is transferred to the connecting track 31 through the transfer turntable 33, and the carrier is transported to the processing device 32 for processing through the connecting track 31. For example, the processing device can be a centrifugal device, a decapping device, etc.

[0073] In the case of congestion on the first track, in order to avoid the influence of track change on the normal processing of samples in this case, in this embodiment, if it is detected by the first sensing component 13 that the sample carried by the target carrier arriving at the current lane change 113 does not need to enter the first functional module 30 between the current lane change 113 and another adjacent lane change 113 downstream for processing, in order to alleviate the congestion on the first track, the strategy adopted by the present application is to control the transfer component corresponding to at least one lane change to open the lane change, and change the lane of the target carrier to the second track through the corresponding lane change. Thus, the congestion state of the first track can be alleviated without affecting the normal processing of samples. Correspondingly, the controller is also configured as follows: when the congestion of the first track is detected, if it is detected by the first sensing component that the sample carried by the carrier arriving at the current lane change needs to enter the first functional module between the current lane change and another adjacent lane change downstream for processing, then the transfer component corresponding to the lane change is controlled to close the lane change, so that the carrier continues to be transported on the first track, so that the sample carried on the carrier can be timely transported to the first functional module downstream of the current lane change for processing. For example, if the current state of the sample is not centrifuged, and the first functional module between the current lane-changing intersection and another lane-changing intersection downstream is a centrifugal module, the sample needs to enter the centrifugal module between the current lane-changing intersection and another lane-changing intersection downstream for processing, then the current lane-changing intersection can be closed by controlling the transfer component, so that the carrier continues to be transported on the first track. After the carrier is sent to the transfer turntable 33, it is transferred to the connecting track 31 through the transfer turntable 33, and the carrier is transported to the centrifugal module through the connecting track 31 for centrifugal processing.

[0074] In another embodiment, when the second sensing component senses that the carrier located downstream of the lane change has not crossed the current lane change, and the first track is congested, and the carrier sample does not need to enter the first functional module 30 between the current lane change 113 and another adjacent lane change 113 downstream thereof for processing, the controller controls the carrier arriving at the current lane change to change lanes to the second track through the transfer component.

[0075] When the second sensing component senses that the carrier has not passed the current lane change, the first track is congested, and the sample carried needs to enter the first functional module 30 between the current lane change 113 and another adjacent lane change 113 downstream for processing, the controller controls the carrier that has arrived at the current lane change to wait in place. Thus, when local congestion occurs on the first track, intelligent scheduling can be achieved based on the sample carried by the carrier and the carrier position.

[0076] In another embodiment, Figure 3 As shown, the first track 111 and the second track 112 are separated by a partition plate 22. The transfer assembly 12 is a lever, which can be rotatably arranged and can be used to open or close the lane change gate 113, and the lever has a first working position and a second working position. When the lever is in the first working position, the lever closes the lane change gate 113. When the lever is in the second working position, the lever deflects to open the lane change gate and blocks the first track 111, and the carrier on the first track 111 can change lanes to the second track 112 through the lane change gate.

[0077] In one embodiment, the transfer assembly 12 is rotatably disposed in the lane change opening 113 between the first track 111 and the second track 112. That is, the transfer assembly 12 is sunk in the lane change opening 113 so that the transfer assembly 12 does not protrude from the partition plate 22 in the vertical direction.

[0078] In another embodiment, the transfer assembly 12 can be rotatably disposed on the partition plate 22, and when the transfer assembly 12 is in the first position, the lane change intersection 113 can be at least partially blocked to prevent the carrier 60 on the first track 111 or the second track 112 from passing through the lane change intersection 113.

[0079] Furthermore, the transfer assembly 12 is connected to the first driving device via a first rotating shaft. The transfer assembly 12 can be switched among the first working position, the second working position and the third working position under the drive of the first driving device.

[0080] Furthermore, the transfer assembly 12 includes a first end 121 and a second end 122 which are arranged opposite to each other. The first end 121 is rotatably arranged between the first track 111 and the second track 112, and the second end 122 is rotatable relative to the first end 121, that is, the second end 122 is a free end. The first end 121 can be rotatably arranged in the lane change intersection 113, or can be rotatably arranged on the partition plate 22.

[0081] When the transfer assembly 12 is in the first working position, the transfer assembly 12 closes the lane change 113 to separate the first track 111 and the second track 112, and the transfer assembly 12 does not interfere with the first track 111 and the second track 112. At this time, the first track 111 and the second track 112 are two independent tracks, and the carrier 60 on the first track 111 can only move on the first track 111, and the carrier 60 on the second track 112 can only move on the second track 112.

[0082] When the transfer assembly 12 is in the second working position, the second end 122 deflects toward the first track 111 to block the first track 111 and open the lane-changing opening 113. At this time, the transfer assembly 12 is in an inclined state and blocks the first track 111. The carrier 60 on the first track 111 moves along the first track 111 and when it contacts the transfer assembly 12, the carrier 60 will move toward the lane-changing opening 113 along the transfer assembly 12 under the blocking and guiding action of the transfer assembly 12 in the inclined state, and finally pass through the lane-changing opening 113 to enter the second track 112, thereby realizing the lane change from the first track 111 to the second track 112.

[0083] When the transfer assembly 12 is in the third working position, the second end 122 deflects toward the second track 112 to block the second track 112 and open the lane-changing opening 113. At this time, the transfer assembly 12 is in an inclined state and blocks the second track 112. The carrier 60 on the second track 112 moves along the second track 112 and when it contacts the transfer assembly 12, the carrier 60 will move toward the lane-changing opening 113 along the transfer assembly 12 under the blocking and guiding action of the transfer assembly 12 in the inclined state, and finally pass through the lane-changing opening 113 to enter the first track 111, thereby realizing the lane change from the second track 112 to the first track 111.

[0084] like Figure 3 The transfer assembly at the lane change intersection 113 is shown in the first working position. Figure 4 The transfer assembly of the left lane change intersection 113 is shown in the second working position. Figure 4 The transfer assembly of the right lane change 113 is shown in the third working position.

[0085] The controller is configured to send a first control signal to a lever corresponding to the lane change when it is necessary to change the vehicle from the first track to the second track, the first control signal being used to control the lever to rotate to the second working position, and to send a second control signal to the lever corresponding to the lane change when it is necessary to continue to transport the vehicle on the first track, the second control signal being used to control the lever to be in the first working position.

[0086] In another embodiment, Figure 3 As shown, the sample transport device further includes: a first stopper 115 and a second stopper 116. The first stopper 115 is disposed upstream of the transfer assembly 12 and can be used to stop or release the carrier on the first track 111. The second stopper 116 is disposed upstream of the transfer assembly 12 and can be used to stop or release the carrier on the first track 111.

[0087] In one embodiment, the first stopper 115 is connected to the second driving device via a second rotating shaft. Under the drive of the second driving device, the first stopper 115 can rotate to release the carriers 60 on the first track 111 one by one, or the first stopper 115 stops rotating to stop the carriers on the first track 111 that have not passed the first stopper 115.

[0088] The second stopper 116 is connected to the third driving device via a third rotating shaft. Under the drive of the third driving device, the second stopper 116 can rotate to release the carriers on the second track 112 one by one, or the second stopper 116 stops rotating to stop the carriers on the second track 112 that have not passed the second stopper 116.

[0089] Further, in one embodiment, the first stopper 115 is a disc-shaped structure, and the outer edge structure of the first stopper 115 is formed with a plurality of avoidance grooves 117, and a stopper 118 is provided between two adjacent avoidance grooves 117. The first stopper 115 or the second stopper 116 rotates to allow the carrier 60 entering the avoidance groove 117 to pass over the first stopper 115 or the second stopper 116. The first stopper 115 or the second stopper 116 stops rotating to allow the stopper 118 to stop the carrier 60 that has not passed over the first stopper 115 or the second stopper 116.

[0090] The controller is configured to: when the previous carrier 60 of the first stopper 115 after being sensed by the first sensing component 13 is sensed by any sensing component (including the sensing components on the first track and the sensing components on the second track), control the first stopper 115 to stop the next carrier 60; when the previous carrier 60 of the first stopper 115 after being sensed by the first sensing component 13 is sensed by any sensing component of the second sensing component 16 (including the sensing components on the first track and the sensing components on the second track), control the first stopper to release the next carrier.

[0091] That is to say, a rotation range of the lever is always reserved between any two sensing groups. For example, when the trigger detects that the second sensing component downstream continues to receive signals of the arrival of the carrier, the stopper prevents the next carrier from moving forward and reserves a rotation range of the lever, so that the lever can dispatch the carrier at the stopper in real time according to the signal.

[0092] In another embodiment, the controller is further configured to: when the next carrier 60 needs to change lanes, and the previous carrier is sensed by any sensing component, control the transfer component 12 to switch from the current working position to the working position required for the next carrier 60 to change lanes, and after the transfer component 12 completes the working position switching, control the first stopper 115 to release the next carrier; when the next carrier needs to change lanes, and before the previous carrier is sensed by any sensing component in the second sensing component, the transfer component cannot switch the working position. Therefore, when the transfer component realizes the track change, the stopper component only releases one carrier at a time.

[0093] This control method not only achieves accurate scheduling of each vehicle, but also ensures that the lever will not be stuck continuously.

[0094] The present application also provides a control method for a sample transport device, which is applied to the above-mentioned sample transport device. The method includes: when congestion is detected in the first track, controlling a transfer component corresponding to at least one lane change to open the lane change, and changing lanes of the target carrier to the second track through the corresponding lane change.

[0095] In another embodiment, the method further includes: when it is obtained that a carrier located downstream of any lane change intersection is in a stranded state, detecting whether congestion occurs on the first track.

[0096] In another embodiment, the method further includes: when it is detected that a carrier located downstream of any lane change intersection is in a stranded state and it is detected that the first track is not congested, controlling the carrier arriving at the lane change intersection where the stranded carrier occurs to wait on the first track.

[0097] In another embodiment, the method further includes determining that the first track is congested when it is detected that the number of vehicles on the first track is greater than a threshold.

[0098] In another embodiment, the method further includes: when any one of the third sensing components senses a carrier, determining whether the carrier is recorded, and if not recorded, adding 1 to the number of carriers on the first track; and / or, when any one of the third sensing components senses a carrier and is transferred to a track outside the first track, subtracting 1 from the number of carriers on the first track.

[0099] In another embodiment, the method further includes: when congestion is detected in the first track, if it is detected through the first sensing component that the carried sample of the target carrier arriving at the current lane changing intersection does not need to enter the first functional module between the current lane changing intersection and another adjacent lane changing intersection downstream for processing, the transfer component corresponding to the current lane changing intersection is controlled to open the lane changing intersection, and the target carrier is changed to the second track through the corresponding lane changing intersection.

[0100] In another embodiment, the method further includes: when congestion is detected on the first track, if it is detected through the first sensing component that the carried sample of the carrier arriving at the current lane changing intersection needs to enter the first functional module between the current lane changing intersection and another adjacent lane changing intersection downstream thereof for processing, then the transfer component corresponding to the lane changing intersection is controlled to close the lane changing intersection so that the carrier continues to be transported on the first track.

[0101] In another embodiment, the method further includes: when the preceding carrier of the first stopper after being sensed by the first sensing component is sensed by any sensing component, controlling the first stopper to stop the next carrier; when the preceding carrier of the first stopper after being sensed by the first sensing component is sensed by any sensing component of any sensing component, controlling the first stopper to release the next carrier.

[0102] In another embodiment, the method further comprises: when the next carrier needs to change lanes, and the previous carrier is sensed by any sensing component, controlling the transfer component to switch from the current working position to the working position required for the next carrier to change lanes, and after the transfer component completes the working position switching, controlling the first stopper to release the next carrier;

[0103] When the next vehicle needs to change lanes and before the previous vehicle is sensed by any sensing component, the transfer component cannot switch the working position.

[0104] It should be understood that, although the various steps in the flowcharts involved in the above-mentioned embodiments are displayed in sequence according to the indication of the arrows, these steps are not necessarily executed in sequence according to the order indicated by the arrows. Unless there is a clear explanation in this article, the execution of these steps does not have a strict order restriction, and these steps can be executed in other orders. Moreover, at least a part of the steps in the flowcharts involved in the above-mentioned embodiments can include multiple steps or multiple stages, and these steps or stages are not necessarily executed at the same time, but can be executed at different times, and the execution order of these steps or stages is not necessarily to be carried out in sequence, but can be executed in turn or alternately with other steps or at least a part of the steps or stages in other steps.

[0105] Those skilled in the art can understand that all or part of the processes in the above-mentioned embodiment methods can be completed by instructing the relevant hardware through a computer program, and the computer program can be stored in a non-volatile computer-readable storage medium. When the computer program is executed, it can include the processes of the embodiments of the above-mentioned methods. Among them, any reference to the memory, database or other medium used in the embodiments provided in the present application can include at least one of non-volatile and volatile memory. Non-volatile memory can include read-only memory (ROM), magnetic tape, floppy disk, flash memory, optical memory, high-density embedded non-volatile memory, resistive random access memory (ReRAM), magnetoresistive random access memory (MRAM), ferroelectric random access memory (FRAM), phase change memory (PCM), graphene memory, etc. Volatile memory can include random access memory (RAM) or external cache memory, etc. As an illustration and not limitation, RAM can be in various forms, such as static random access memory (SRAM) or dynamic random access memory (DRAM). The database involved in each embodiment provided in this application may include at least one of a relational database and a non-relational database. Non-relational databases may include distributed databases based on blockchains, etc., but are not limited to this. The processor involved in each embodiment provided in this application may be a general-purpose processor, a central processing unit, a graphics processor, a digital signal processor, a programmable logic device, a data processing logic device based on quantum computing, etc., but are not limited to this.

[0106] The technical features of the above embodiments may be combined arbitrarily. To make the description concise, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above 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.

[0107] 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 understood as limiting the scope of the present 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 present application shall be subject to the attached claims.

Claims

1. A sample transport device, characterized in that: include: A first main track, wherein the first main track includes a first track and a second track, wherein the first track and the second track can both be used for a carrier to move independently in the same direction, and the carrier can be used to carry a sample; and a plurality of lane changes are provided between the first track and the second track for the carrier to pass through; A plurality of transfer components are disposed at the lane change gate, and are used to open or close the lane change gate, and when the lane change gate is opened, the carrier changes lanes at the lane change gate; A plurality of first sensing components, wherein a corresponding first sensing component is disposed upstream of each of the transfer components, and is used to sense the carrier on the first track that has reached a current lane-changing intersection; The controller is in communication with the first sensing component and the transfer component, and is used to control the transfer component corresponding to at least one of the lane changing intersections to open the lane changing intersection when congestion is detected in the first track, so as to change lanes of the target carrier to the second track through the corresponding lane changing intersection.

2. The sample transport device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The sample transport device also includes: A plurality of second sensing components, wherein a corresponding second sensing component is disposed downstream of each of the transfer components, and is used to sense a vehicle located downstream of the current lane change intersection; The second sensing component is connected to the controller, and the controller is used to detect whether congestion occurs on the first track when it is detected that a vehicle located downstream of any one of the lane change intersections is in a stranded state.

3. The sample transport device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The controller is further configured to control the carrier arriving at the lane change intersection where the stranded condition occurs to wait on the first track when it is detected that the carrier located downstream of any lane change intersection is in a stranded state and the first track is not congested.

4. The sample transport device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The controller is configured to determine that congestion occurs on the first track when it is detected that the number of the vehicles on the first track is greater than a threshold.

5. The sample transport device according to claim 4, characterized in that: The sample transport device further comprises a third sensing component, which is arranged upstream of the transfer component and is used to sense the information of the carrier, and the third sensing component is in communication with the controller; the controller is further used to determine whether the carrier is recorded according to the information of the carrier when any one of the third sensing components senses the carrier, and if not, the number of carriers on the first track is increased by 1; and / or, The controller is further configured to reduce the number of carriers on the first track by 1 when it is determined based on the information of the carrier that any carrier sensed by the third sensing component is transferred to a track other than the first track.

6. The sample transport device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: Also includes: A first functional module, at least one of which is connected to the first track and is disposed between two adjacent lane change intersections; The controller is also used to control the transfer component corresponding to the current lane changing intersection to open the lane changing intersection and change lanes of the target carrier to the second track through the corresponding lane changing intersection when congestion is detected in the first track, if it is detected through the first sensing component that the carrying sample of the target carrier arriving at the current lane changing intersection does not need to enter the first functional module between the current lane changing intersection and another adjacent lane changing intersection downstream for processing.

7. The sample transport device according to claim 6, characterized in that: The controller is also used to, when congestion is detected on the first track, control the transfer component corresponding to the lane changing intersection to close the lane changing intersection if it is detected through the first sensing component that the carried sample of the carrier arriving at the current lane changing intersection needs to enter the first functional module between the current lane changing intersection and another adjacent lane changing intersection downstream thereof for processing, so that the carrier continues to be transported on the first track.

8. The sample transport device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The transfer assembly is a lever, which is rotatably arranged and can be used to open or close the lane change opening, and the lever has a first working position and a second working position; When the lever is located at the first working position, the lever closes the lane change entrance; When the lever is located at the second working position, the lever is deflected to open the lane-changing opening and block the first track, and the vehicle on the first track can change lanes to the second track through the lane-changing opening.

9. The sample transport device according to any one of claim 2, characterized in that: Also includes: The first stopper is arranged upstream of the transfer assembly and can be used to stop or release the carrier on the first track.

10. The sample transport device according to claim 9, characterized in that: The controller is used for controlling the first stopper to stop the next carrier when the carrier preceding the first stopper after being sensed by the first sensing component and before being sensed by any sensing component, and for controlling the first stopper to release the next carrier after the carrier preceding the first stopper after being sensed by any sensing component.

11. The sample transport device according to claim 10, characterized in that: The controller is further used for controlling the transfer component to switch from the current working position to the working position required for the next carrier to change lanes when the next carrier needs to change lanes and the previous carrier is sensed by any sensing component, and controlling the first stopper to release the next carrier after the transfer component completes the switching of the working position; When the next vehicle needs to change lanes and before the previous vehicle is sensed by any of the sensing components, the transfer component cannot switch its working position.

12. A control method for a sample transport device, characterized in that: Applicable to the sample transport device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, The method comprises: When congestion is detected on the first track, a transfer assembly corresponding to at least one lane-changing opening is controlled to open the lane-changing opening, and the target carrier is changed to the second track through the corresponding lane-changing opening.

Images