Sample transport device and method for controlling sample transport device

Abstract

The invention relates to a sample transportation device and a control method of the sample transportation device. According to the device, a first transferring assembly is arranged between a first track and a second track of a first main track, and when the number of carriers on the first track reaches a first bearing capacity threshold value, the first transferring assembly is controlled to transfer a first target carrier located at the first transferring assembly and sensed by a first sensing device to a second target carrier; the first track is changed to the second track, so that the carrying capacity of the tracks can be improved to the greatest extent, the transportation pressure on the first track is relieved, the congestion condition of the first track is avoided, the operation efficiency of the carrier on the sample transportation device is improved, and the detection efficiency of samples is further improved.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] In the assembly line used for medical testing, sample transportation is the key. Generally, various analysis devices and processing devices are connected by rails or other automated transmission systems to achieve efficient and accurate transportation of samples.

[0003] In existing scenarios, samples are prone to congestion during transportation, so solving congestion is a problem that all major manufacturers need to face.

[0004] In related technologies, in order to avoid congestion, the number of samples on the track is usually monitored and the number of samples entering the track input is limited to a manageable range. Once it is detected that the number of samples on the track is close to or exceeds the preset threshold, the system will automatically prohibit more samples from entering the track. Although this method can avoid track congestion to a certain extent, the control method is single and cannot take into account the carrying capacity of the track. Therefore, how to maximize the carrying capacity of the track while preventing track congestion, and then improve the operation efficiency of samples on the assembly line is an urgent problem to be solved. Summary of the invention

[0005] Based on this, it is necessary to provide a sample transport device and a control method for the sample transport device that can prevent track congestion while maximizing the track carrying capacity in response to the above-mentioned technical problems.

[0006] In a first aspect, the present application provides a sample transport device, comprising:

[0007] A first main track, wherein the first main track includes a first track and a second track, wherein the second track is located inside the first track, and both the first track and the second track can be used for the carrier to independently circulate in the same direction;

[0008] a first transfer assembly, disposed between the first track and the second track, for moving the carrier between the first track and the second track;

[0009] A first sensing device, disposed on the first track, for sensing the carrier on the first track;

[0010] The control device is used to control the first transfer component to change the first target carrier located at the first transfer component sensed by the first sensing device from the first track to the second track when the number of carriers on the first track reaches a first carrying capacity threshold.

[0011] In another embodiment, the sample transport device further comprises:

[0012] a second main rail, the second main rail comprising a third rail and a fourth rail; the fourth rail is located inside the third rail, the third rail and the fourth rail can both be used for the carrier to independently circulate in the same direction, the transport directions of the carriers on the first main rail and the second main rail are different, and the third rail is connected to the first rail of the first main rail;

[0013] A second transfer assembly is arranged at the junction of the first track and the third track;

[0014] The control device is also used to control the second transfer component to change the second target carrier located at the second transfer component sensed by the first sensing device from the first track to the third track of the second main rail when the number of the carriers on the first main rail reaches a second carrying capacity threshold.

[0015] In another embodiment, the sample transport device further comprises:

[0016] A second sensing device, disposed on the third track, for sensing the carrier on the third track;

[0017] The control device is also used to control the second transfer component to change the second target carrier located at the second transfer group sensed by the second sensing device from the third track to the first track of the first main rail when the number of carriers on the second main rail reaches a third carrying capacity threshold.

[0018] In another embodiment, the sample transport device further comprises:

[0019] a first connecting track, wherein the first connecting track has a first sample processing position, and the first sample processing position is used to load a sample onto an empty carrier; the first connecting track has a first entrance and an exit connected to the first track, the first entrance is used for the empty carrier to enter the first connecting track from the first track, and the first connecting track is used to transfer the empty carrier to the first sample processing position, and transfer the carrier carrying the sample at the first sample processing position from the first connecting track into the first track;

[0020] a third transfer assembly, disposed at the first entrance of the first connecting track;

[0021] The control device is also used to control the third transfer component to change the empty carrier from the first track to the first connecting track when the first sensing device senses the empty carrier at the third transfer component.

[0022] In another embodiment, the sample transport device further comprises:

[0023] a second connecting track, the second connecting track being located upstream of the first connecting track and connected to the first track; the second connecting track having a second sample processing position, the second sample processing position being used to unload samples from a carrier, the second connecting track having a second entrance and an exit connected to the first track, the second entrance being used for a carrier carrying samples to enter the second connecting track from the first track, the second connecting track being used to transfer the carrier carrying samples to the second sample processing position, and to transfer an empty carrier located at the second sample processing position from the second connecting track to the first track;

[0024] The control device is also used to control the first transfer component located near the second connecting track to change the empty carrier on the second track to the first track when the relationship between the sum of the number of empty carriers between the first transfer component and the third transfer component located near the second connecting track on the first track, the number of empty carriers on the second connecting track, and the number of empty carriers on the first connecting track and the maximum carrying quantity meets the empty carrier transfer requirement; the empty carrier transfer requirement includes: the empty carrier transfer requirement includes: the sum of the number of empty carriers between the first transfer component and the third transfer component located near the second connecting track on the first track and the empty carriers on the second connecting track is less than the difference between the maximum carrying quantity and the empty carriers on the first connecting track, or the sum of the number of empty carriers between the first transfer component and the third transfer component located near the second connecting track on the first track, on the second connecting track, and on the first connecting track is less than the maximum carrying quantity.

[0025] In one embodiment, the first target carrier is an empty carrier, and / or the first target carrier is a carrier carrying a sample.

[0026] In another embodiment, the number of vehicles transported on the first track is greater than the number of vehicles transported on the second track.

[0027] In another embodiment, the second target vehicle is an empty vehicle.

[0028] In another embodiment, the control device is further used to determine whether the carrier is recorded when the first sensing device senses the carrier, and if not recorded, add 1 to the number of carriers on the first main track;

[0029] and / or,

[0030] The control device is further configured to reduce the number of carriers on the first main track by 1 when the carrier sensed by the first sensing device is transferred to a track other than the first main track.

[0031] In a second aspect, the present application further provides a control method for a sample transport device, which is applied to a sample transport device, wherein the sample transport device comprises:

[0032] A first main track, the first main track includes a first track and a second track, and the first track and the second track can both be used for the carrier to independently circulate in the same direction;

[0033] a first transfer assembly for moving the carrier between the first track and the second track;

[0034] a first sensing device, for sensing the carrier on the first track;

[0035] The method comprises:

[0036] detecting the number of vehicles on the first track;

[0037] When the number of carriers on the first track reaches a first carrying capacity threshold, the first transfer component is controlled to change the first target carrier located at the first transfer component sensed by the first sensing device from the first track to the second track.

[0038] The above-mentioned sample transport device and the control method of the sample transport device are configured to set a first transfer component between the first track and the second track of the first main track. When the number of carriers on the first track reaches a first carrying capacity threshold, the first transfer component is controlled to change the first target carrier located at the first transfer component sensed by the first sensing device from the first track to the second track. In this way, the first track can continue to load more carriers, thereby maximizing the track carrying capacity while alleviating the transportation pressure on the first track, avoiding congestion on the first track, and improving the operation efficiency of the carrier on the sample transport device, thereby improving the detection efficiency of the sample. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0039] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the layout of a sample transport device in one embodiment;

[0040] Figure 2is an overall schematic diagram of a first main track of a sample transport device in one embodiment;

[0041] Figure 3 is a partial schematic diagram of an embodiment in which the first transfer component is in a first position;

[0042] Figure 4 is a partial schematic diagram of the connection between the first main rail and the second main rail in one embodiment;

[0043] Figure 5 It is a partial schematic diagram of the connection between the first main rail, the first connecting rail and the second connecting rail in one embodiment;

[0044] Figure 6 Schematic diagram of a flow chart of a control method of a sample transport device in one embodiment.

[0045] The above drawings include the following reference numerals:

[0046] The sample transport device 100, the pre-processing module 200, the sample analyzer 300, the post-processing module 400, the control terminal 500, the carrier 60, the empty carrier 61, the carrier 62 carrying samples, the first main track 11, the first track 111, the second track 112, the first transfer component 12, the first sensing device 13, the second main track 14, the third track 141, the fourth track 142, the second transfer component 15, the second sensing device 16, the first connecting track 18, the third transfer component 17, the first sample processing position 19, the first entrance 181 and the first exit 182, the second connecting track 20, the second sample processing position 21, the partition plate 22, the lane change 113, the first end 121, the second end 122, the first transfer slot 151, the second transfer slot 171, and the fourth transfer component 23. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0047] 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.

[0048] In the field of medical testing, the sample transport device is an efficient and automated testing method, which 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 sample transport device greatly improves the testing efficiency.

[0049] 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 1As shown, the sample transport device 100 can connect the pre-processing module 200, the sample analyzer 300 and the post-processing module 400 according to the needs, and then realize the functions of data integration, process control, automated operation and data analysis through the control terminal 500, so as to be able to process and analyze biological samples more efficiently and automatically. Among them, the pre-processing module 200 may include a sample injection processing module, a centrifugal processing module and a cover opening processing module, etc., which respectively realize the functions of sample injection, centrifugation and cover opening. The sample analyzer 300 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 400 may include a film sealing processing module, a sample output processing module, etc., which are used to realize the functions of film sealing and sample output.

[0050] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the sample transport device 100 comprises: a first main rail 11, a first transfer assembly 12, a first sensing device 13 and a control device (not shown). The first transfer assembly 12 and the first sensing device 13 are both electrically connected to the control device.

[0051] The first main track 11 includes a first track 111 and a second track 112, wherein the second track 112 is located inside the first track 111, and both the first track 111 and the second track 112 can be used for the carrier 60 to independently circulate in the same direction. In one embodiment, the first track 111 and the second track 112 can both be loop tracks. The carrier 60 can be used to carry a sample container containing a sample.

[0052] The first transfer assembly 12 is disposed between the first track 111 and the second track 112, and is used to move the carrier 60 between the first track 111 and the second track 112. In order to facilitate the movement of the carrier 60 between the first track 111 and the second track 112, a plurality of first transfer assemblies 12 may be disposed between the first track 111 and the second track 112.

[0053] Specifically, Figure 3 As shown, the first track 111 and the second track 112 are separated by a separation plate 22 .

[0054] The first transfer assembly 12 may be a lever, and the first transfer assembly 12 may be rotatably disposed in a lane change intersection 113 between the first track 111 and the second track 112 .

[0055] In another embodiment, the first transfer assembly 12 can be rotatably disposed on the partition plate 22, and when the first 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.

[0056] Furthermore, the first transfer assembly 12 is connected to the first driving device via a first rotating shaft. The first transfer assembly 12 can be switched among a first working position, a second working position and a third working position when driven by the first driving device.

[0057] Furthermore, the first 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.

[0058] When the first transfer assembly 12 is in the first working position, the first transfer assembly 12 closes the lane change 113 to separate the first track 111 and the second track 112, and the first 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.

[0059] When the first 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 first transfer assembly 12 is in an inclined state to block the first track 111, and the carrier 60 on the first track 111 moves along the first track 111 and when it contacts the first transfer assembly 12, the carrier 60 will move toward the lane-changing opening 113 along the first transfer assembly 12 under the blocking and guiding action of the inclined first transfer assembly 12, 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.

[0060] When the first 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 first 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 first transfer assembly 12, the carrier 60 will move toward the lane-changing opening 113 along the first transfer assembly 12 under the blocking and guiding action of the inclined first transfer assembly 12, 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.

[0061] The first sensing device 13 is disposed on the first track 111 and is used to sense the carrier 60 on the first track 111. Specifically, the first sensing device 13 can be disposed below the first track 111, and senses the carrier 60 by reading the RFID tag on the carrier 60. The first sensing device 13 is also electrically connected to the control device. When the sample is loaded onto the carrier 60, the system binds the tag of the carrier 60 to the sample identification. After the control device obtains the tag of the carrier 60, the sample information bound to the carrier 60 can be obtained by querying.

[0062] The control device is used to control the first transfer component 12 to change the first target carrier 60 located at the first transfer component 12 sensed by the first sensing device 13 from the first track 111 to the second track 112 when the number of carriers 60 on the first track 111 reaches a first carrying capacity threshold.

[0063] The number of carriers 60 on the first track 111 may be determined according to the number of carriers 60 sensed by the first sensing device 13 of the first track 111 .

[0064] The first load capacity threshold is set according to different track lengths and is used to quantify whether the track has an excessive load capacity. Specifically, the first load capacity threshold can be determined according to the maximum load capacity of the track, for example, it can be 70% of the maximum load capacity. When the number of carriers 60 on the first track 111 reaches the first load capacity threshold, it indicates that the load capacity of the first track is too large. For example, the first load capacity threshold of the first track of a laboratory is 60. When the number of carriers 60 on the first track reaches or exceeds 60, it is determined that the load capacity of the first track is too large.

[0065] When it is detected that the carrying capacity of the first track 111 is too large, in order to avoid track congestion caused by the excessive carrying capacity, the control device controls the first transfer component 12 to change the first target carrier located at the first transfer component 12 sensed by the first sensing device 13 from the first track 111 to the second track 112. In this way, the first track 111 can continue to load more carriers, while ensuring the high carrying capacity of the track, relieving the transportation pressure on the first track and avoiding congestion on the first track.

[0066] In order to facilitate the movement of the carrier 60 between the first track 111 and the second track 112, a plurality of first transfer assemblies 12 may be arranged between the first track 111 and the second track 112. Thus, even if congestion on the first track 111 may be reflected in congestion between two first transfer assemblies, it can be dispatched on any first transfer assembly to alleviate the congestion.

[0067] Among them, the first target carrier can be any type of carrier 60 that arrives at the first transfer component 12 on the first track 111, that is, when it is detected that the number of carriers 60 on the first track 111 reaches the first carrying capacity threshold, the control device controls the first transfer component 12 to change the carrier 60 located at the first transfer component 12 sensed by the first sensing device 13 from the first track 111 to the second track 112.

[0068] The first target carrier may also be a specific type of carrier 60 that arrives at the first transfer component 12 on the first track 111. That is, when it is detected that the number of carriers 60 on the first track 111 reaches the first carrying capacity threshold, the first sensing device 13 senses the label of the carrier 60 located at the first transfer component 12, and then determines the bound sample information, and determines whether the carrier 60 sensed by the first sensing device 13 is the first target carrier. If so, the first transfer component 12 is controlled to change the carrier 60 sensed by the first sensing device 13 and located at the first transfer component 12 from the first track 111 to the second track 112.

[0069] Specifically, the first target carrier is an empty carrier 61 , and / or the first target carrier is a carrier 60 carrying a sample.

[0070] The sample transport device of the present application sets a first transfer component 12 between the first track 111 and the second track 112 of the first main track 11. When the number of carriers 60 on the first track reaches a first carrying capacity threshold, the first transfer component 12 is controlled to change the first target carrier located at the first transfer component 12 sensed by the first sensing device 13 from the first track 111 to the second track 112. In this way, the first track 111 can continue to load more carriers, thereby maximizing the track carrying capacity while alleviating the transportation pressure on the first track 111, avoiding congestion on the first track 111, and improving the operation efficiency of the carrier on the sample transport device, thereby improving the detection efficiency of the sample.

[0071] In another embodiment, Figure 4 As shown, the sample transport device further includes: a second main rail 14 and a second transfer component 15.

[0072] The second main rail 14 includes a third rail 141 and a fourth rail 142. The fourth rail 142 is located inside the third rail 141. Both the third rail 141 and the fourth rail 142 can be used for the carrier 60 to independently circulate in the same direction. The transport directions of the carrier 60 on the first main rail 11 and the second main rail 14 are different. The third rail 141 is connected to the first rail 111 of the first main rail 11.

[0073] The second transfer assembly 15 is disposed at the junction of the first track 111 and the third track 141. The second transfer assembly 15 is electrically connected to the control device, and the second transfer assembly 15 moves the carrier 60 between the first track 111 and the third track 41 according to the control signal of the control device.

[0074] A first sensing device 13 is placed on the first track 111 near the second transfer assembly 15 for sensing the carrier 60 that reaches the second transfer assembly 15 on the first track 111 .

[0075] The control device is also used to control the second transfer component 15 to change the second target carrier located at the second transfer component 15 sensed by the first sensing device 13 from the first track 111 to the third track 141 of the second main rail 14 when the number of carriers 60 on the first main rail 11 reaches a second carrying capacity threshold.

[0076] The second transfer assembly 15 may be a transfer disk, on which a first transfer slot 151 is provided. The second transfer assembly 15 rotates so that the carrier 60 entering the first transfer slot 151 from the first track 111 can be transferred to the third track 141, or the second transfer assembly 15 rotates so that the carrier 60 entering the first transfer slot 151 from the third track 141 can be transferred back to the first track 111.

[0077] The number of carriers 60 on the first main track 11 is the sum of the number of carriers 60 on the first track 111 and the number of carriers 60 on the second track 112. It is understandable that a sensing device is also provided on the second track 112 for sensing the carriers on the second track 112.

[0078] The second load threshold is set according to different track lengths, and is used to quantify whether the load on the first main track 111 is too large. When the number of carriers on the first main track 11 reaches the second load threshold, it indicates that the load on the first main track 11 is too large, and the control device controls the second transfer component 15 to change the second target carrier located at the second transfer component 15 sensed by the first sensing device 13 from the first track 111 to the third track 141 of the second main track 14. In this way, the carrying capacity of the track is improved, and the carrying pressure on the first main track 11 is relieved, avoiding congestion on the first main track 11.

[0079] The conveying directions of the first main rail 11 and the second main rail 14 are different. In one embodiment, the conveying direction of the first main rail 11 is perpendicular to the conveying direction of the second main rail 14. For example, the second main rail 14 forms a "T" shape with the first main rail. When the carrying capacity of the first main rail is too large, in order to avoid transferring the second target carrier to the first main rail and affecting the detection efficiency of the carrier 62 carrying the sample, in one embodiment, the second target carrier 60 is an empty carrier 61. That is, when the number of carriers 60 on the first main rail 11 reaches the second carrying capacity threshold, the control device controls the second transfer component 15 to change the empty carrier 61 located at the second transfer component 15 sensed by the first sensing device 13 from the first track 111 to the third track 141 of the second main rail 14. In this way, the carrying capacity of the track is maximized while the bearing pressure of the first main rail can be relieved without affecting the detection efficiency of the carrier 62 carrying the sample.

[0080] In another embodiment, the sample transport device further comprises: a second sensing device 16. The second sensing device 16 is electrically connected to the control device. The second sensing device 16 is disposed on the third track 141 and is used to sense the carrier 60 on the third track 41.

[0081] The control device is also used to control the second transfer component 15 to change the second target carrier located at the second transfer component 15 sensed by the second sensing device 16 from the third track 141 to the first track 111 of the first main rail 11 when the number of carriers 60 on the second main rail 14 reaches a third carrying capacity threshold.

[0082] The number of carriers 60 on the second main rail 14 is the sum of the number of carriers 60 on the third rail and the number of carriers 60 on the fourth rail. The third load capacity threshold is set according to different rail lengths and is used to quantify whether the second main rail 14 has an excessive load capacity. When the number of carriers 60 on the second main rail 14 reaches the third load capacity threshold, it indicates that the load capacity of the second main rail 14 is too large. At this time, the control device controls the second transfer component 15 to change the second target carrier located at the second transfer component 15 sensed by the second sensing device 16 from the third rail 141 to the first rail 111 of the first main rail 11. In this way, the carrying pressure on the second main rail 14 is relieved, and congestion on the second main rail 14 is avoided.

[0083] When the carrying capacity of the second main rail 14 is too large, in order to avoid transferring the second target carrier to the second main rail 14 and affecting the detection efficiency of the carrier 62 carrying the sample, in one embodiment, the second target carrier is an empty carrier 61. That is, when the number of carriers 60 on the second main rail 14 reaches the third carrying capacity threshold, the control device controls the second transfer component 15 to change the empty carrier 61 located at the second transfer component 15 sensed by the second sensing device 16 from the third track 141 to the first track 111 of the first main rail 11. In this way, the carrying pressure of the second main rail 14 can be alleviated without affecting the detection efficiency of the carrier 62 carrying the sample.

[0084] In another embodiment, the sample transport device 100 connects various processing devices and instruments, and the first track 111 of the first main track 11 serves as a sample loading track, and the first track 111 of the first main track 11 connects various processing devices and instruments on the sample transport device 100 and the third track 141 of the second main track 14. The second track 112 of the first main track 11 is only connected to the first track 111, thereby ensuring that the second track 112 is in a cleared state, and the carrier 60 can achieve overtaking on the second track 112.

[0085] For the second main rail 14, the third rail 141 of the second main rail 14 is connected to the first rail 111 of the first main rail 11, as well as various processing devices and instruments on the sample transport device, while the fourth rail 142 is only connected to the third rail 141, thereby ensuring that the fourth rail 142 is in an unobstructed state and the carrier 60 can overtake on the fourth rail 142.

[0086] Based on the above structural foundation, the number of carriers 60 transported on the first track 111 is greater than the number of carriers 60 transported on the second track 112. The number of carriers 60 transported on the third track 141 is greater than the number of carriers 60 transported on the fourth track 142.

[0087] Based on the above-mentioned structural foundation, the advantage of setting the carrying capacity threshold of the first track 111 and the carrying capacity threshold of the first main track 11 respectively is that when it is identified that the total carrying capacity threshold is exceeded on one main track, the scheduling of carriers 60 between different main tracks will be initiated, thereby avoiding congestion on both tracks on one main track, which is more conducive to maximizing the carrying capacity of the track and realizing automatic scheduling of carriers to solve congestion problems, thereby improving the detection efficiency of samples.

[0088] In one embodiment, Figure 5 As shown, the sample transport device further includes: a first connecting track 18 and a third transfer component 17 .

[0089] The first connecting track 18 has a first sample processing position 19, and the first sample processing position 19 is used to load the sample onto the empty carrier 61. The first connecting track 18 has a first inlet 181 and a first outlet 182 connected to the first track 111. The first inlet 181 is used for the empty carrier 61 to enter the first connecting track 18 from the first track 111. The first connecting track 18 is used to transfer the empty carrier 61 to the first sample processing position 19, and to transfer the carrier 62 carrying the sample at the first sample processing position 19 from the first connecting track 18 to the first track 111.

[0090] The third transfer assembly 17 is disposed at the first entrance 181 of the first connecting track 18. The third transfer assembly 17 is electrically connected to the control device, and is used to realize the movement of the actuator between the first track 111 and the first connecting track 18 according to the control signal of the control device.

[0091] The third transfer assembly 17 may be a transfer disk, and a second transfer slot 171 is provided on the transfer disk. The third transfer assembly 17 rotates so that the carrier 60 entering the second transfer slot 171 from the first track 111 can be transferred to the first connection track 18, or the third transfer assembly 17 rotates so that the carrier 60 entering the second transfer slot 171 from the first connection track 18 can be transferred back to the first track 111. In this embodiment, the first sample processing position 19 is used to load the sample onto the empty carrier 61, that is, the first sample processing position is used for sample loading. That is to say, the first connection track 18 is a connection track between the sample loading processing device and the first track 111, and the first track 111 delivers the empty carrier 61 to the first connection track 18 through the first entrance 181, and the empty carrier 61 is loaded with a sample by the sample loading processing device at the first sample processing position 19. At this time, the state of the carrier 60 changes from an empty carrier 61 to a state carrying a sample 62. The carrier 62 carrying the sample on the first sample processing position 19 enters the first track 111 from the first connecting track 18 through the first outlet 182, and is transported through the first track 111 to other processing devices connected to the sample transportation device, such as a centrifuge device, a detection device, etc. for processing.

[0092] The sample loading device may be a sample injection device or a centrifugal sample loading device.

[0093] Taking the sample injection device as an example, the sample injection device is used to load the sample into the carrier 60. After the sample is loaded into the carrier 60, it is transported to a processing device such as a centrifugal device, a detection device, etc. connected to the sample transport device through the sample transport device for processing.

[0094] Taking the centrifugal loading device as an example, after the centrifugation is completed, the sample is taken out from the centrifuge and loaded into the empty carrier 61 through the centrifugal sample loading device. The carrier 62 carrying the sample is transported to the detection device and other processing devices connected to the sample transport device through the sample transport device for processing.

[0095] The control device is also used to control the third transfer component 17 to change the empty carrier 61 from the first track 111 to the first connecting track 18 when the first sensing device 13 senses the empty carrier 61 at the third transfer component 17. In this way, the third transfer component 17 is configured to change the empty carrier 61 on the first track to the first connecting track according to the sample loading demand of the first sample processing position 19 of the first connecting track. In this way, on the one hand, the bearing pressure of the first track can be relieved to avoid congestion of the first track, and on the other hand, the empty carrier 61 required for sample loading can be provided for the first sample processing position on the first connecting track.

[0096] On the other hand, the sample transport device further includes: a second connecting track 20 and a fourth transfer component 23 .

[0097] The second connecting track 20 is located upstream of the first connecting track 18 and connected to the first track 111; the second connecting track 20 has a second sample processing position 21, and the second sample processing position 21 is used to unload samples from the carrier 60. The second connecting track has a second entrance 201 and a second exit 202 connected to the first track 111. The second entrance 201 is used for the carrier 62 carrying the sample to enter the second connecting track 20 from the first track 111. The second connecting track 20 is used to transfer the carrier 62 carrying the sample to the second sample processing position 21, and to transfer the empty carrier 61 located at the second sample processing position 21 from the second connecting track 20 to the first track 111.

[0098] The fourth transfer assembly 23 is disposed at the junction of the first track 111 and the second connection track 20. The fourth transfer assembly 23 may be a transfer disk, on which a second transfer slot 231 is disposed. The fourth transfer assembly 24 rotates so that the carrier 60 entering the second transfer slot 231 from the first track 111 can be transferred to the second connection track 20, or the fourth transfer assembly 23 rotates so that the carrier 60 entering the second transfer slot 231 from the second connection track 20 can be transferred back to the first track 111.

[0099] In this embodiment, the second sample processing position 21 is used to unload the carrier 60 carrying the sample, that is, to unload the sample from the carrier 60 carrying the sample. That is, the second connecting track 20 is a connecting track between the sample unloading processing device and the first track 111. The first track 111 delivers the carrier 62 carrying the sample to the second connecting track 20 through the second entrance 201. The carrier 62 carrying the sample is unloaded by the sample unloading processing device at the second sample processing position 21. At this time, the state of the carrier 60 changes from carrying the sample to an empty carrier 61. The empty carrier 61 of the second sample processing position 21 enters the first track 111 from the second connecting track 20 through the second exit 202, and is transported to other processing devices that need the empty carrier 61 through the first track 111, such as the first sample processing position 19 of the downstream first connecting track 18.

[0100] The sample discharging device may be a sample discharging device or a centrifugal sample discharging device.

[0101] Taking the sample unloading device as an example, the sample unloading device is used to unload samples from the carrier 62 carrying the samples to the sample storage module. The sample unloading device is usually used to perform sample unloading processing on the samples that have completed the inspection. The carrier 60 that has completed the sample unloading is sent out of the connecting track to the first track 111, and is transported on the first track 111 to other processing devices that require an empty carrier 61.

[0102] Take the centrifugal sample unloading device as an example. Before the sample enters the centrifuge, the carrier 62 carrying the sample is unloaded at the second sample processing position 21, the carrier 60 is untied from the sample, and the sample is grabbed into the centrifuge for processing. The untied empty carrier 61 is transported to the first track 111 through the second connecting track 20, and is transported on the first track 111 to other processing devices that require the empty carrier 61. For example, it is transported to the first connecting track 18 of the centrifugal sample loading position with a sample loading requirement that is connected to the first track 111 downstream of the second connecting track 20.

[0103] The empty carrier 61 transported from the second connection track 20 can be transported to the first connection track 18 of the downstream centrifugal loading device via the first track 111. After the centrifugation of the sample, the sample is taken out of the centrifuge, and the centrifuged sample is loaded into the empty carrier 61 by the centrifugal sample loading device, and is loaded into the empty carrier 61 at the first sample processing position 19. The carrier 62 carrying the sample is transported to the first track 111 via the first connection track 18, and is transported to the processing device such as the detection device connected to the sample transport device by the sample transport device for processing.

[0104] The control device is also used for when the first transfer assembly 12 located near the second connecting track 20 on the first track 111 is connected to the third transfer assembly 17 (such as Figure 5The empty carrier 61 on the first track segment shown in FIG. 1 ) and the empty carrier 61 on the second connecting track 20 (as shown in FIG. Figure 5 The number of second track segments from the second sample processing position 21 to the second outlet 202 as shown, and the number of second track segments on the first connecting track 18 (such as Figure 5 When the sum of the numbers of empty carriers 61 in the third track section between the first entrance 181 and the first sample processing position 19 shown in the figure and the maximum carrying number meet the requirements for the empty carriers 61 to be transferred in, the first transfer component 12 located near the second connecting track 20 is controlled to change the empty carriers 61 on the second track 112 to the first track 111.

[0105] In this embodiment, three empty carrier storage areas are formed on the first track 111, namely, the first transfer assembly 12 to the third transfer assembly 17 (such as Figure 5 The first track section shown in FIG. 1 ), the second sample processing position 21 on the second connecting track 20 to the second outlet 202 (such as Figure 5 The second track section shown in FIG. 1 ) and the first entrance 181 on the first connecting track 18 to the first sample processing position 19 (as shown in FIG. 1 ). Figure 5 The third track segment shown).

[0106] The maximum load quantity is the maximum value of the empty carrier quantity allowed to be carried between the first transfer component 12 and the third transfer component 17 on the first track 111 near the second connecting track 20, the second connecting track 20, and the first connecting track 18.

[0107] In terms of positional relationship, the first track 111 and the empty carriers on the second connection track 20 can be dispatched to the first connection track 18, and the empty carrier 61 is transported to the first sample processing position 19 through the first connection track 18. The first sample processing position 19 is used to load the sample onto the empty carrier 61. Therefore, when the empty carrier storage area is not fully loaded, the second track adjacent to the upstream will be dispatched in real time to dispatch the empty carrier 61 to the first track 111. On the one hand, the empty carrier 61 is fully utilized, and the operation efficiency of the carrier 60 on the sample transport device is improved. On the other hand, the required empty carrier 60 can be provided to the first sample processing position, and the loading efficiency of the first sample processing position is improved.

[0108] In this embodiment, the empty carrier 61 transfer requirement is a trigger condition for transferring the empty carrier 61 from the second track upstream of the empty carrier 61 to the first track. When this condition is met, the empty carrier 61 is transferred from the second track upstream of the empty carrier 61 to the first track.

[0109] Specifically, the empty carrier 61 transfer requirements include: the first transfer component 12 located near the second connecting track 20 on the first track 111 to the third transfer component 17 (such as Figure 5 the first track section shown), the second connecting track 20 (such as Figure 5 the second track section shown), and on the first connecting track 18 (such as Figure 5 the sum of the number of empty carriers 61 on the third track section shown) is less than the maximum carrying capacity. Wherein, the maximum carrying capacity is the maximum value of the number of empty carriers allowed to be carried between the first transfer assembly 12 and the third transfer assembly 17 near the second connecting track 20 on the first track 111, the second connecting track 20, and the first connecting track 18.

[0110] Wherein, let the number of empty carriers 61 on the first track section shown in the figure be X, the number of empty carriers 61 on the second track section be Y, the number of empty carriers 61 on the third track section be Z, and the maximum carrying capacity be A. Then, the requirement for transferring in the empty carrier 61 can be expressed as: X + Y + Z < A, or X + Y < A - Z.

[0111] That is, the requirement for transferring in the empty carrier 61 includes: the number of empty carriers 61 (such as Figure 5 the number X of empty carriers 61 on the first track section shown) between the first transfer assembly 12 and the third transfer assembly 17 near the second connecting track 20 on the first track 111, and the number of empty carriers 61 on the second connecting track 20 ( Figure 5 the number Y of empty carriers 61 on the second track section shown), the sum of which is less than the difference between the maximum carrying capacity (A) and the number of empty carriers 61 on the first connecting track 18 ( Figure 5 the number Z of empty carriers 61 on the third track section shown).

[0112] The requirement for transferring in the empty carrier 61 includes: between the first transfer assembly 12 and the third transfer assembly 17 near the second connecting track 20 on the first track 111 (such as Figure 5 the first track section shown), on the second connecting track 20 (such as Figure 5 the second track section shown), and on the first connecting track 18 as Figure 5 the sum of the number of empty carriers 61 (X + Y + Z) on the third track section shown) is less than the maximum carrying capacity (A).

[0113] It can be understood that the requirement for transferring in the empty carrier 61 can also include other forms of deformation of X + Y + Z < A, such as X + Z < A - Y, or X < A - Y - Z, which will not be elaborated here.

[0114] The above-mentioned scheduling requirements for empty carriers 61 all indicate that the number of empty carriers 61 currently carried by the empty carrier storage area is less than the set maximum carrying capacity, and the carrying capacity of the empty carrier storage area is within the preset carrying range. By pre-calculating whether the carrying capacity of the empty carrier storage area is less than the maximum carrying capacity, when it is less than the maximum carrying capacity, the empty carriers 61 are transferred from the second track to the first track via the upstream first transfer component, thereby avoiding congestion and providing the required empty carriers 61 for the first sample processing position.

[0115] Correspondingly, when the empty carrier 61 does not meet the transfer requirement, that is, when the empty carrier storage area is fully loaded, the third transfer assembly 17 will be stopped to transfer the empty carrier 60 into the first connection track. This solves the problem that when the empty carrier 61 exceeds the carrying load of the empty carrier 61 storage area, it is easy to continue to provide the carrier 60 to the first sample processing position, resulting in congestion in the above-mentioned empty carrier storage area.

[0116] In another embodiment, the control device is further configured to determine whether the carrier 60 is recorded when the first sensing device 13 senses the carrier 60 , and if not recorded, add 1 to the number of carriers 60 on the first main track.

[0117] The control device is further configured to reduce the number of carriers 60 on the first main track by 1 when the carrier 60 sensed by the first sensing device 13 is transferred to a track other than the first main track.

[0118] Specifically, the total number of carriers 60 on the first main track is obtained by the first sensing device 13 reading the RFID tags on the carriers 60. That is, when the first sensing device 13 on the first main 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 first sensing device 13 on the track also detects the RFID tag, the RFID tag will not be counted repeatedly. When the carrier 60 is transferred to a track outside the first main track, the counter will correspond to -1, and when it is transferred to the corresponding track outside the first main track, the corresponding track counter will correspond to +1.

[0119] Specifically, the total number of carriers 60 on the first track is obtained by the first sensing device 13 reading the RFID tags on the carriers 60. That is, when the first sensing device 13 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 first sensing device 13 on the track also detects the RFID tag, the RFID tag will not be counted repeatedly. When the carrier 60 is transferred to a track outside the first track, the counter will correspond to -1, and when it is transferred to the corresponding track outside the first track, the counter of the corresponding track to be transferred will correspond to +1.

[0120] The control device is also used to determine whether the carrier 60 is recorded when the first sensing device 13 senses the carrier 60. If not, the control device adds 1 to the number of carriers 60 on the first track.

[0121] The control device is further configured to reduce the number of carriers 60 on the first track by 1 and increase the number of carriers on the second track by 1 when the carrier 60 sensed by the first sensing device 13 is transferred from the first track to the second track.

[0122] Furthermore, similar sensing devices are also provided on the third track and the fourth track of the second main track for determining whether the carrier is recorded when the carrier is sensed. If not recorded, the number of carriers on the corresponding third track or fourth track and the number of carriers 60 on the second main track are increased by 1.

[0123] Furthermore, in order to facilitate recording the number of empty carriers in the empty carrier storage area, sensing devices are respectively provided at the entrance and exit of the empty carrier storage area. When the sensing device provided at the entrance of the empty carrier storage area senses an empty carrier 61, it is determined whether the empty carrier is recorded as an empty carrier located in the empty carrier storage area. If not, the number of empty carriers in the empty carrier storage area is increased by 1. When the sensing device provided at the exit of the empty carrier storage area senses an empty carrier, it is determined whether the empty carrier is recorded as an empty carrier located in the empty carrier storage area. If so, the number of empty carriers in the empty carrier storage area is decreased by 1.

[0124] In this way, the number of carriers 60 on the track, main rail and empty carrier storage area can be determined based on the calculation results, so as to further judge whether the carrying capacity of the carriers 60 on the track, main rail and empty carrier storage area exceeds the corresponding carrying capacity threshold, thereby determining whether the carriers 60 on the track need to be scheduled to avoid congestion and maximize the carrying capacity of the track.

[0125] The sample transport device of the present application realizes real-time load balancing according to the number of carriers 60 on the track by setting the dispatching conditions between different tracks, thereby maximizing the track carrying capacity while avoiding track congestion, improving the operating efficiency of the carriers 60 on the sample transport device, and thus improving the detection efficiency of the sample.

[0126] The present application also provides a control method for a sample transport device, which is applied to Figure 2-5 The sample transport device shown, such as Figure 6 As shown, the method includes:

[0127] Step 602, detecting the number of carriers on the first track.

[0128] Step 604, when the number of carriers on the first track reaches a first carrying capacity threshold, control the first transfer component to change the first target carrier located at the first transfer component sensed by the first sensing device from the first track to the second track.

[0129] The control method of the above-mentioned sample transport device is to set a first transfer component between the first track and the second track of the first main track. When the number of carriers on the first track reaches a first carrying capacity threshold, the first transfer component is controlled to change the first target carrier located at the first transfer component sensed by the first sensing device from the first track to the second track. In this way, the first track 111 can continue to load more carriers, while maximizing the track carrying capacity and alleviating the transportation pressure on the first track, avoiding congestion on the first track, and improving the operation efficiency of the carrier on the sample transport device, thereby improving the detection efficiency of the sample.

[0130] In another embodiment, the control method of the sample transport device also includes: when the number of carriers on the first main rail reaches a second carrying capacity threshold, controlling the second transfer component to change the second target carrier located at the second transfer component sensed by the first sensing device from the first track to the third track of the second main rail.

[0131] In another embodiment, the control method of the sample transport device also includes: when the number of carriers on the second main rail reaches a third carrying capacity threshold, controlling the second transfer component to change the second target carrier located at the second transfer group sensed by the second sensing device from the third track to the first track of the first main rail.

[0132] In another embodiment, the control method of the sample transport device further includes: when the first sensing device senses the empty carrier at the third transfer component, controlling the third transfer component to change the empty carrier from the first track to the first connecting track.

[0133] In another embodiment, the control method of the sample transport device also includes: when the relationship between the number of empty carriers between the first transfer component and the third transfer component on the first track located near the second connecting track, the number of empty carriers on the second connecting track, and the sum of the number of empty carriers on the first connecting track, and the maximum carrying quantity meets the empty carrier transfer requirement, controlling the first transfer component located near the second connecting track to change the empty carrier on the second track to the first track; the empty carrier transfer requirement includes: the sum of the number of empty carriers between the first transfer component and the third transfer component on the first track located near the second connecting track, on the second connecting track, and on the first connecting track is less than the maximum carrying quantity; the maximum carrying quantity is the maximum value of the amount of empty carriers allowed to be carried between the first transfer component and the third transfer component on the first track located near the second connecting track, the second connecting track, and the first connecting track.

[0134] In another embodiment, when the first sensing device senses a carrier, it is determined whether the carrier is recorded. If not recorded, the number of carriers on the first main rail is increased by 1, and / or when the carrier sensed by the first sensing device is transferred to a track outside the first main rail, the number of carriers on the first main rail is reduced by 1.

[0135] The control method of the sample transport device of the present application sets the scheduling conditions between different tracks and performs real-time load balancing according to the number of carriers on the track, thereby avoiding track congestion and improving the transportation efficiency and the detection efficiency of the sample analyzer.

[0136] 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.

[0137] 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.

[0138] 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.

[0139] 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 second track is located inside the first track, and both the first track and the second track can be used for the carrier to independently circulate in the same direction; a first transfer assembly, disposed between the first track and the second track, for moving the carrier between the first track and the second track; A first sensing device, disposed on the first track, for sensing the carrier on the first track; The control device is used to control the first transfer component to change the first target carrier located at the first transfer component sensed by the first sensing device from the first track to the second track when the number of carriers on the first track reaches a first carrying capacity threshold.

2. The sample transport device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The sample transport device also includes: a second main rail, the second main rail comprising a third rail and a fourth rail; the fourth rail is located inside the third rail, the third rail and the fourth rail can both be used for the carrier to independently circulate in the same direction, the transport directions of the carriers on the first main rail and the second main rail are different, and the third rail is connected to the first rail of the first main rail; A second transfer assembly is arranged at the junction of the first track and the third track; The control device is also used to control the second transfer component to change the second target carrier located at the second transfer component sensed by the first sensing device from the first track to the third track of the second main rail when the number of the carriers on the first main rail reaches a second carrying capacity threshold.

3. The sample transport device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The sample transport device also includes: A second sensing device, disposed on the third track, for sensing the carrier on the third track; The control device is also used to control the second transfer component to change the second target carrier located at the second transfer group sensed by the second sensing device from the third track to the first track of the first main rail when the number of carriers on the second main rail reaches a third carrying capacity threshold.

4. The sample transport device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The sample transport device also includes: a first connecting track, wherein the first connecting track has a first sample processing position, and the first sample processing position is used to load a sample onto an empty carrier; the first connecting track has a first entrance and an exit connected to the first track, the first entrance is used for the empty carrier to enter the first connecting track from the first track, and the first connecting track is used to transfer the empty carrier to the first sample processing position, and transfer the carrier carrying the sample at the first sample processing position from the first connecting track into the first track; a third transfer assembly, disposed at the first entrance of the first connecting track; The control device is also used to control the third transfer component to change the empty carrier from the first track to the first connecting track when the first sensing device senses the empty carrier at the third transfer component.

5. The sample transport device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The sample transport device also includes: a second connecting track, the second connecting track being located upstream of the first connecting track and connected to the first track; the second connecting track having a second sample processing position, the second sample processing position being used to unload samples from a carrier, the second connecting track having a second entrance and an exit connected to the first track, the second entrance being used for a carrier carrying samples to enter the second connecting track from the first track, the second connecting track being used to transfer the carrier carrying samples to the second sample processing position, and to transfer an empty carrier located at the second sample processing position from the second connecting track to the first track; The control device is also used to control the first transfer component located near the second connecting track to change the empty carrier on the second track to the first track when the relationship between the sum of the number of empty carriers between the first transfer component and the third transfer component located near the second connecting track on the first track, the number of empty carriers on the second connecting track, and the number of empty carriers on the first connecting track, and the maximum carrying quantity meets the empty carrier transfer requirement; the empty carrier transfer requirement includes: the empty carrier transfer requirement includes: the sum of the number of empty carriers between the first transfer component and the third transfer component located near the second connecting track on the first track, on the second connecting track, and on the first connecting track is less than the maximum carrying quantity; the maximum carrying quantity is the maximum value of the amount of empty carriers allowed to be carried on the first track between the first transfer component and the third transfer component located near the second connecting track, the second connecting track, and the first connecting track.

6. The sample transport device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first target carrier is an empty carrier, and / or the first target carrier is a carrier carrying a sample.

7. The sample transport device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The number of the vehicles transported on the first track is greater than the number of the vehicles transported on the second track.

8. The sample transport device according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that: The second target vehicle is an empty vehicle.

9. The sample transport device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The control device is further configured to determine whether the carrier is recorded when the first sensing device senses the carrier, and if not recorded, increase the number of carriers on the first main track by 1; and / or, The control device is further configured to reduce the number of carriers on the first main track by 1 when the carrier sensed by the first sensing device is transferred to a track other than the first main track.

10. A control method for a sample transport device, characterized in that: Applicable to a sample transport device, the sample transport device comprising: A first main track, the first main track includes a first track and a second track, and the first track and the second track can both be used for the carrier to independently circulate in the same direction; a first transfer assembly for moving the carrier between the first track and the second track; a first sensing device, for sensing the carrier on the first track; The method comprises: detecting the number of vehicles on the first track; When the number of carriers on the first track reaches a first carrying capacity threshold, the first transfer component is controlled to change the first target carrier located at the first transfer component sensed by the first sensing device from the first track to the second track.

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