Pneumatic transmission equipment and application thereof

Abstract

The invention provides pneumatic conveying equipment and application thereof, the pneumatic conveying equipment comprises a detection unit and a pneumatic conveying channel, and after being detected by the detection unit, a sample is conveyed to the pneumatic conveying channel and conveyed along the pneumatic conveying channel under the action of aerodynamic force.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of sample transmission, and in particular to a pneumatic transmission device and its application. Background Art

[0002] The sample transmission process is very important for some testing institutions. For example, in hospitals, there are a large number of samples to be tested and a large number of patients waiting for test results. The sample collection site and the test site corresponding to the patient are often far apart, so sample transmission equipment is needed. Once there is a problem in the sample transmission process, it will greatly reduce the test efficiency and prolong the patient's waiting time.

[0003] Specifically, currently commonly used sample transmission equipment requires operators to pre-arrange samples during the sampling process so that the samples can be transmitted in an orderly manner. However, when the number of samples is large, the operator needs to spend more energy on arranging the samples.

[0004] On the other hand, the items that need to be tested for each sample are not the same. When the number of samples is large, the samples that need to be sent to different locations for testing may be mixed together and then transported to the wrong destination by the sample transmission equipment. In this process, once an error occurs, the cost of correction will be very high. For waiting patients, the test results may not be obtained for a long time, because the samples have been transmitted to the wrong place, and they need to wait for the testers to find and then transport them to the correct test location before they can be tested smoothly. What's more serious is that if the testers do not actively discover the error in the sample delivery, but passively trace the samples at the request of patients who have been waiting for a long time, it is also quite difficult. Especially when there are multiple test items, it is necessary to go to these locations to find the samples that were transported incorrectly.

[0005] These factors will have a significant impact on the efficiency of the entire testing process and are not conducive to efficient testing. Summary of the invention

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide a pneumatic transmission device and its application, wherein the pneumatic transmission device can automatically and regularly inject chaotic samples.

[0007] Another object of the present invention is to provide a pneumatic transmission device and application thereof, wherein the pneumatic transmission device is capable of detecting and identifying samples.

[0008] Another object of the present invention is to provide a pneumatic transmission device and application thereof, wherein the pneumatic transmission device can automatically identify non-target samples.

[0009] Another object of the present invention is to provide a pneumatic transmission device and application thereof, wherein the pneumatic transmission device can automatically perform error correction processing on non-target samples.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to provide a pneumatic transmission device and application thereof, wherein the pneumatic transmission device is capable of automatically recovering non-target samples.

[0011] Another object of the present invention is to provide a pneumatic transmission device and application thereof, wherein the pneumatic transmission device can accurately identify the label of the sample.

[0012] Another object of the present invention is to provide a pneumatic transport device and application thereof, wherein the pneumatic transport device is capable of identifying labels disposed around the sample.

[0013] Another object of the present invention is to provide a pneumatic transmission device and application thereof, wherein the pneumatic transmission device can transmit samples in an orderly manner based on the head-to-tail order of the samples.

[0014] Another object of the present invention is to provide a pneumatic transmission device and its application, wherein the pneumatic transmission device can adjust the head-to-tail sequence of samples.

[0015] According to one aspect of the present invention, a pneumatic transmission device is provided for transmitting at least one sample, wherein the pneumatic transmission device comprises a detection unit and a pneumatic transmission channel, wherein after the sample is detected by the detection unit, it is transported to the pneumatic transmission channel and is transmitted along the pneumatic transmission channel under the action of pneumatic force.

[0016] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the pneumatic transmission device has a sample inlet channel, and the sample inlet channel has an open state and a closed state. When the sample inlet channel is in the open state, the sample inlet channel is connected to the pneumatic transmission channel, and the sample enters the pneumatic transmission channel through the sample inlet channel.

[0017] According to an embodiment of the present invention, when the detection unit detects that the sample is in the target state, the sample inlet channel is switched to the open state.

[0018] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the pneumatic transmission equipment has a detection transmission channel, and the detection unit includes at least one detector, wherein the detector is held above, below or to the side of the detection transmission channel to detect the sample passing through the detection transmission channel.

[0019] According to an embodiment of the present invention, when the detector detects that the sample is a non-target sample, the sample is transported to a predetermined recovery location through the detection transmission channel.

[0020] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the pneumatic transmission device includes two transmission bars, wherein the detection transmission channel is formed between the transmission bars.

[0021] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the number of the detectors is two, one of the detectors is held above the detection transmission channel, and one of the detectors is held on the side of the detection transmission channel, wherein the detection unit further includes a detection assistant, wherein the detection assistant is located below the transmission strip and is capable of reflecting light from the sample surface outward.

[0022] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the detection transmission channel comprises a transmission belt, wherein the detection transmission channel is formed on the transmission belt, and at least a portion of the transmission belt is configured to be light-transmissive.

[0023] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the pneumatic transmission device has a detection transmission channel, the position of the detection transmission channel is not lower than the position of the sample inlet channel, and the pneumatic transmission device further includes a transmission plate, which is located between the detection transmission channel and the sample inlet channel, and the sample is transferred from the detection transmission channel to the sample inlet channel along the transmission plate.

[0024] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the detection transmission channel and the pneumatic transmission channel are located in the same transmission direction.

[0025] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the pneumatic transmission device includes a steering unit, wherein the steering unit has a steering channel, when the steering channel is connected to the pneumatic transmission channel, the sample inlet channel is in the open state, and the sample enters the pneumatic transmission channel through the sample inlet channel.

[0026] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the pneumatic transmission device includes an air inlet member, wherein the air inlet member has an air inlet port, wherein the air inlet port of the air inlet member is connected to the pneumatic transmission channel, and the air inlet port is located before the sample inlet channel or after the sample inlet channel.

[0027] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the pneumatic transmission equipment further includes a transmission pusher and a turning transmission channel, wherein the sample after being detected by the detection unit is transported to the turning unit after passing through the turning transmission channel, wherein the transmission pusher is configured to be movable back and forth, when the transmission pusher pushes the sample to leave the turning transmission channel and enter the turning channel of the turning unit.

[0028] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the pneumatic transmission device further includes a movable rod, wherein the movable rod is located behind the steering unit, and the air inlet is located in front of the steering unit, and when the steering channel of the steering unit is aligned with the movable rod, the movable rod can push the sample in the steering channel forward into the pneumatic transmission channel.

[0029] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the pneumatic transmission device further includes a holding unit, wherein the holding unit includes an inner holding member and an outer tube member, wherein the outer tube member is located outside the inner holding member, the inner holding member is connected to the pneumatic transmission channel, the air inlet is located on the outer tube member, and the gas entering from the air inlet passes through the inner holding member and is ejected toward the pneumatic transmission channel.

[0030] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the pneumatic transmission device includes a sample injection unit, wherein the sample injection unit includes a hopper and a tidying mechanism, wherein the hopper is used to accommodate the sample, and the tidying mechanism is lifted upward from the hopper to transport at least one sample toward the detection unit.

[0031] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the structuring mechanism includes a structuring member and a driving member, wherein the structuring member is drivably connected to the driving member.

[0032] According to another aspect of the present invention, the present invention provides a pneumatic transmission method, which comprises the following steps: Conduct testing on at least one sample; and The sample after transport and testing enters a pneumatic transmission channel, so that the sample is transported in the pneumatic transmission channel under the action of pneumatic force.

[0033] According to an embodiment of the present invention, in the above method, the following steps are further included: Switching a sample inlet channel in a closed state to an open state; and The sample is transported through the sample inlet channel toward the pneumatic transport channel.

[0034] According to an embodiment of the present invention, in the above method, the following steps are further included: transporting the tested sample to a diverting channel of a diverting unit; and The steering unit is switched to connect the steering channel to the pneumatic transmission channel.

[0035] According to an embodiment of the present invention, in the above method, the steering channel is rotated based on the detected head-to-tail sequence of the samples to control the head-to-tail sequence of the samples entering the pneumatic transmission channel.

[0036] According to an embodiment of the present invention, in the above method, the following steps are further included: A movable rod located at the rear of the diverting channel moves toward the diverting channel to provide a forward force to the sample; and An air inlet member located in front of the turning channel ejects air forward in the pneumatic transmission channel to push the sample forward.

[0037] According to an embodiment of the present invention, in the above method, the following steps are further included: When the sample is detected as a non-target sample, the sample is transported to a predetermined recovery location.

[0038] According to an embodiment of the present invention, in the above method, the sample is loaded into the detection unit through a sample injection unit. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0039] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a pneumatic transmission device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] Figure 2A Schematic diagram of the pneumatic transmission equipment according to the above preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] Figure 2B It is a schematic diagram of the pneumatic transmission device according to the above preferred embodiment of the present invention from another perspective.

[0042] Figure 3 is an application schematic diagram of the pneumatic transmission equipment according to the above preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] Figure 4 is an application schematic diagram of the pneumatic transmission equipment according to the above preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] Figure 5 It is a partial application schematic diagram of the pneumatic transmission equipment according to the above preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0045] Fig. 6A It is a partial application schematic diagram of the pneumatic transmission equipment according to the above preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] Figure 6B It is a partial application schematic diagram of a pneumatic transmission device according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0047] Fig. 7A It is a partial application schematic diagram of the pneumatic transmission equipment according to the above preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0048] Figure 7BIt is a partial application schematic diagram of the pneumatic transmission equipment according to the above preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0049] Fig. 8A It is a partial application schematic diagram of the pneumatic transmission equipment according to the above preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0050] Figure 8B It is a partial application schematic diagram of the pneumatic transmission equipment according to the above preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0051] Fig. 9A It is a partial application schematic diagram of the pneumatic transmission equipment according to the above preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0052] Fig. 9B It is a partial application schematic diagram of the pneumatic transmission equipment according to the above preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0053] Fig.10 It is a partial application schematic diagram of the pneumatic transmission equipment according to the above preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0054] Fig.11 It is a partial application schematic diagram of the pneumatic transmission equipment according to the above preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0055] Fig.12 It is a partial application schematic diagram of the pneumatic transmission equipment according to the above preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0056] Fig.13 It is a schematic diagram of the combination of a pneumatic transmission device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0057] The following description is used to disclose the present invention so that those skilled in the art can implement the present invention. The preferred embodiments described below are only examples, and those skilled in the art can think of other obvious variations. The basic principles of the present invention defined in the following description can be applied to other embodiments, variations, improvements, equivalents, and other technical solutions that do not deviate from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0058] Those skilled in the art should understand that, in the disclosure of the present invention, the terms "longitudinal", "lateral", "up", "down", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inside", "outside" and the like indicating the orientation or position relationship are based on the orientation or position relationship shown in the drawings, which are only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operate in a specific orientation. Therefore, the above terms should not be understood as limiting the present invention.

[0059] It is to be understood that the term "one" should be understood as "at least one" or "one or more", that is, in one embodiment, the number of an element may be one, while in another embodiment, the number of the element may be multiple, and the term "one" should not be understood as a limitation on the quantity.

[0060] Although ordinals such as "first," "second," and the like will be used to describe various components, those components are not limited herein. The term is used only to distinguish one component from another. For example, a first component may be referred to as a second component, and likewise, a second component may be referred to as a first component without departing from the teachings of the inventive concept. The term "and / or" as used herein includes any and all combinations of one or more associated listed items.

[0061] The terms used herein are only used for the purpose of describing various embodiments and are not intended to be limiting. As used herein, singular forms are intended to also include plural forms, unless the context clearly indicates an exception. In addition, it will be understood that the terms "including" and / or "having" when used in this specification specify the presence of the described features, numbers, steps, operations, components, elements or combinations thereof, without excluding the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, elements or groups thereof.

[0062] Reference Figure 1 To Attachment Figure 2B As shown, a pneumatic transmission device 1 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention is illustrated, Figure 3 , Attachment Figure 4 , Attachment Figure 5 , Attachment Fig. 6A , Attachment Fig. 7A , Attachment Fig. 8A , Attachment Fig. 9A , Attachment Fig.10 And attached Fig.11 A complete working process of the pneumatic conveying device 1 is explained in sequence.

[0063] The pneumatic transmission device 1 can transmit and detect samples. In particular, when there are multiple samples, the pneumatic transmission device 1 can transmit chaotic samples in an orderly manner.

[0064] Specifically, the pneumatic transmission device 1 includes an injection unit 10, a detection unit 20 and a steering unit 30. The injection unit 10 is used for sample injection, the detection unit 20 is used for detecting the sample to identify the sample, and the steering unit 30 can steering the sample to adapt to the orderly transmission of different samples.

[0065] The pneumatic transmission device 1 further has a transmission channel 100, wherein the transmission channel 100 has a detection transmission channel 101, a sample inlet channel 102 and a pneumatic transmission channel 103, wherein the detection transmission channel 101 is located between the sample injection unit 10 and the detection unit 20, and the sample is transmitted from the sample injection unit 10 to the detection unit 20 along the detection transmission channel 101. The sample inlet channel 102 is located between the detection unit 20 and the pneumatic transmission channel 103. The sample inlet channel 102 has an open state and a closed state. When the sample inlet channel 102 is in the open state, the sample can enter the pneumatic transmission channel 103 through the sample inlet channel 102, and when the sample inlet channel 102 is in the closed state, the sample cannot enter the pneumatic transmission channel 103 through the sample inlet channel 102.

[0066] The diverting unit 30 has a diverting channel 300 , wherein the diverting channel 300 can be located in the sample inlet channel 102 . When the diverting channel 300 is connected to the pneumatic transmission channel 103 , the sample inlet transmission channel 102 is in the open state.

[0067] The transmission channel 100 has a turning transmission channel 104, wherein the turning transmission channel 104 is located between the detection unit 20 and the turning unit 30. The turning transmission channel 104 is located at the sample inlet channel 102.

[0068] The pneumatic transmission channel 103 can be connected to the steering unit 30, and thus can be connected to the sample inlet channel 102, so that the sample can enter the pneumatic transmission channel 103 after passing through the steering unit 30, and thus be transmitted under the action of the pneumatic force in the pneumatic transmission channel 103.

[0069] The detection unit 20 can detect the sample that comes from the sample injection unit 10 and enters the diverting unit 30 .

[0070] Further, the sample injection unit 10 includes a hopper 11 and a structured member 12, wherein the hopper 11 has a receiving chamber 110 and an inlet 1100, wherein the inlet 1100 is connected to the receiving chamber 110. A large amount of the sample can enter the receiving chamber 110 of the hopper 11 through the inlet 1100.

[0071] The structuring member 12 can obtain at least one sample from the containing cavity 110. More specifically, the structuring member 12 includes at least one structuring piece 121 and a driving piece 122, wherein at least a portion of the structuring piece 121 is drivably connected to the driving piece 122. The structuring piece 121 can be located in the containing cavity 110 of the hopper 11.

[0072] Driven by the driving member 122 , at least a portion of the structuring member 121 is lifted upward from the accommodating chamber 110 , and at least one of the large number of disordered samples located in the accommodating chamber 110 is lifted upward following the structuring member 121 under the support of the structuring member 121 .

[0073] Further, the regulating member 121 includes at least one supporting member 1211 and a limiting groove 1210, wherein the supporting member 1211 forms the limiting groove 1210. The limiting groove 1210 can limit the sample falling therein so that the sample remains in a relatively fixed position. The supporting member 1211 can support the sample. Preferably, the supporting member 1211 is configured to be tiltable to prevent the sample from falling due to the obstruction of other samples during the ascending process.

[0074] The support member 1211 of the organizer 121 is drivably connected to the driving member 122, so that the driven support member 1211 can move to transport the sample from one position to another position.

[0075] The tidying member 121 further includes a baffle 1212, wherein the baffle 1212 is rotatably maintained at a preset height. When the support member 1211 is continuously lifted to the position of the baffle 1212, the baffle 1212 can block the excess sample located in the limiting groove 1210 of the support member 1211 back to the containing chamber 110 of the hopper 11, so that one support member 1211 can stably transport one sample at a time.

[0076] Of course, there can be multiple supports 1211 , and they are kept at a certain distance from each other, so that the organizing member 12 can organize multiple samples at a time and transport the samples outward one by one to be detected by the detection unit 20 .

[0077] The plurality of support members 1211 may be supported on a frame, wherein the frame may be provided with a connecting belt, and the connecting belt drives the support members 1211 to move, so that the support members 1211 can follow the movement of the connecting belt to transfer the sample. The sample supported by the support members 1211 moves from bottom to top under the drive of the support members 1211 to leave the position of the hopper 11.

[0078] When the support 1211 moves upward, the sample supported by the support 1211 moves upward to be lifted, and when the support 1211 moves downward from the highest point, the sample located on the support 1211 leaves the support 1211 and moves toward the detection transmission channel 101 under the action of gravity, and then falls into the detection transmission channel 101 to be transmitted.

[0079] In this way, the arranging part 121 of the sample injection unit 10 can automatically arrange at least one orderly arranged sample from the chaotic samples in the hopper 11. The staff can put the samples to be transmitted into the hopper 11 at one time without summarizing and arranging the samples, thereby greatly saving the working time of the staff and improving the transmission efficiency.

[0080] Further, the sample follows the movement of the regulated piece 121 and is transmitted to the detection transmission channel 101 of the transmission channel 100. In this example, the sample first follows the regulated piece 121 and is transmitted upward, then goes around to the other side and is transmitted downward to the detection transmission channel 101 of the transmission channel 100.

[0081] When the sample leaves the injection unit 10 and is transported toward the diverting unit 30 , the detection unit 20 can detect the sample.

[0082] The detection unit 20 may be disposed around the detection transmission channel 101 of the transmission channel 100 to detect the transmission channel 100 .

[0083] It is worth noting that the surface of the sample is usually provided with a label to facilitate the operator to distinguish during detection. Some labels have a large area and thus cover more of the surface of the sample, so it is necessary to detect the surface of the sample as much as possible to accurately read the label information, because when the sample is being transmitted, at least part of the surface of the sample is located below, making it difficult to detect. Furthermore, some labels have a small area and may only be detected on one side of the sample. Once the label of the sample is set downward during the transmission of the sample, it may be difficult to detect.

[0084] In this example, the detection unit 20 includes at least one detector 21, and the detector 21 is used to detect the label of the sample. Preferably, the number of the detectors 21 is multiple, so that the detectors 21 can be distributed around the sample to perform as comprehensive detection as possible on the label on the surface of the sample.

[0085] In this example, the number of the detectors 21 is two. When the sample is transmitted in the detection transmission channel 101 of the transmission channel 100, one detector 21 is located above the sample to detect the surface of the sample from above, and the other detector 21 is located on the side of the sample to detect the surface of the sample from the side.

[0086] Further, the detection unit 20 includes an auxiliary detection member 22, wherein the auxiliary detection member 22 is located below the detection transmission channel 101 of the transmission channel 100. When the sample is located in the detection transmission channel 101 and is transmitted, the auxiliary detection member 22 can transmit at least part of the information about the sample.

[0087] Specifically, the pneumatic transmission device 1 further includes a transmission member 40, and the transmission member 40 includes a first sub-transmission component 41 and a second sub-transmission component 42, wherein the detection transmission channel 101 is formed in the first sub-transmission component 41, and the diverting transmission channel 104 is formed in the second sub-transmission component 42. In the detection transmission channel 101, the sample is transported from the injection unit 10 toward the detection unit 20, and after the sample is detected by the detection unit 20, the sample leaves the detection transmission channel 101, is transmitted to the diverting transmission channel 104, and then is transmitted toward the diverting unit 30 through the diverting transmission channel 104.

[0088] In this embodiment, the detection transmission channel 101 and the steering transmission channel 104 of the transmission channel 100 are independent of each other, and the detection transmission channel 101 is connected to the steering transmission channel 104 .

[0089] The first transmission sub-assembly 41 includes two transmission bars 411, wherein the transmission bars 411 are respectively located at two sides. The sample can be supported by the transmission bars 411. The sample follows the movement of the transmission bars 411 to be transmitted.

[0090] The detection transmission channel 101 of the transmission channel 100 is formed between two transmission bars 411. The auxiliary detection member 22 is disposed below the transmission bar 411. The auxiliary detection member 22 may be another detector 21. Because there are two transmission bars 411 between the sample, a gap may be left between the transmission bars 411 for the detector 21 located below the sample to detect at least a portion of the surface of the sample.

[0091] In this example, the auxiliary detection member 22 is a reflective member, which is located below the sample and can reflect at least a portion of the surface of the sample, so that the detector 21 located at other positions of the sample can detect at least a portion of the surface of the sample that cannot be directly detected based on the light reflected by the auxiliary detection member 22. The auxiliary detection member 22 can be a plane mirror, a concave mirror, or a convex mirror.

[0092] It is worth noting that, in this example, the two detectors 21 located above the sample are arranged to be maintained above the sample in an inclined manner, which is beneficial for the detectors 21 to receive the reflected light from the auxiliary detection member 22 .

[0093] In some other embodiments of the present invention, the first sub-transmission component 41 of the transmission member 40 includes at least one transmission belt. At least a portion of the transmission belt may be transparent to allow detection of at least a portion of the surface of the sample below the transmission belt. The number of the detectors 21 is three, one of the detectors 21 is located below the sample, and two of the detectors 21 are located on the upper side of the sample.

[0094] In other embodiments of the present invention, the number of the detector 21 may be one, and the sample located in the detection transmission channel 101 may be rotated by a rotating mechanism, so that a single detector 21 may also detect the label attached to the sample. For example, the sample may be lifted first and then rotated, and the detector 21 located on one side of the sample may obtain label information from the rotating sample surface.

[0095] Further, see Attachment Fig. 7A To Attachment Fig. 9A Or attached Fig. 7A To Attachment Fig. 9B , attached Fig. 8A , 9A and attached Figure 8B , 9B The difference mainly lies in the head-to-tail orientation of the sample. After being detected by the detection unit 20, the sample is transferred toward the steering unit 30 to be transferred outward in subsequent operations.

[0096] After being detected by the detection unit 20, the sample is transported toward the sample inlet channel 102, which is located between the detection unit 20 and the pneumatic transmission channel 103. The sample inlet channel 102 has an open state and a closed state. When the sample inlet channel 102 is in the open state, the sample can pass through the sample inlet channel 102 and then be transported to the pneumatic transmission channel 103. When the sample inlet channel 102 is in the closed state, the sample cannot pass through the sample inlet channel 102, and thus cannot reach the pneumatic transmission channel 103.

[0097] The sample inlet channel 102 is operably switched between the open state and the closed state.

[0098] In this example, the steering channel 300 can become a part of the sample inlet channel 102, and the steering unit 30 itself is equivalent to playing the role of a switch. When the steering unit 30 is rotated to the steering channel 300 being connected to the pneumatic transmission channel 103, the sample inlet channel 102 is in the open state, and the sample is transported from the sample inlet channel 102 to the pneumatic transmission channel 103. When the steering unit 30 is rotated to the steering channel 300 not being connected to the pneumatic transmission channel 103, the sample inlet channel 102 is in the closed state, and the sample cannot be transported to the pneumatic transmission channel 103 through the sample inlet channel 102.

[0099] The transmission member 40 further includes a transmission pusher 43, wherein the transmission pusher 43 is held movably back and forth at the outside of the diverting channel 300 of the diverting unit 30. When the sample is transferred in the diverting transmission channel 104, the transmission pusher 43 can push the sample to be transferred along the diverting transmission channel 104 toward the diverting channel 300 of the diverting unit 30.

[0100] A certain gap is left between the steering transmission channel 104 and the steering channel 300 of the steering unit 30 for the steering of the steering unit 30. When the sample leaves the steering transmission channel 104 and enters the steering channel 300 of the steering unit 30, on the one hand, the sample can move to the steering channel 300 of the steering unit 30 by virtue of its own certain speed, and on the other hand, the transmission pusher 43 can apply a thrust toward the sample to assist the sample in moving to the steering channel 300 of the steering unit 30, so as to avoid the sample being unable to completely enter the steering channel 300 of the steering unit 30 due to unexpected factors, for example, the sample is stuck between the steering transmission channel 104 and the steering unit 30.

[0101] It is worth noting that, based on the detection result of the detection unit 20, it can be determined whether the current sample is a target sample.

[0102] For example, the samples of this batch need to be transported to location A for testing. The testing unit 20 can determine whether the sample is a target sample based on the label of the sample. If the testing unit 20 detects that a sample belongs to location B, then the sample is a non-target sample. Based on the test results of the testing unit 20, the operator can directly operate on the non-target sample, for example, directly remove it.

[0103] In this example, the pneumatic transmission device 1 can directly perform error correction processing on non-target samples to prevent non-target samples from being transmitted outward.

[0104] Specifically, the first sub-transmission component 41 has a first transmission end 412 and a second transmission end 413, wherein the first transmission end 412 is close to the detection unit 20, and the sample from the injection unit 10 is transported from the second transmission end 413 toward the first transmission end 412, and then leaves the transmission component 40 at the first transmission end 412 to be transported toward the turning unit 30.

[0105] Reference Fig. 6A To Attachment Figure 7B When the detection unit 20 detects that the sample is a non-target sample, the transmission direction of the sample is changed, and the sample is transported from the first transmission end 412 toward the second transmission end 413, and falls into a recovery unit 50 at the second transmission end 413, wherein the non-target sample leaves the transmission component 40 and is recovered by the recovery unit 50.

[0106] After the non-target sample leaves the transmission member 40 , another sample falls into the detection transmission channel 101 of the transmission member 40 and is transported along the second transmission end 413 toward the first transmission end 412 .

[0107] Further, see Attachment Fig. 6A To Attachment Fig. 7A When the sample is a target sample, the sample leaves the transmission member 40 at the first transmission end 412 and falls into the diverting transmission channel 104 to be transported toward the diverting unit 30 .

[0108] In other words, when the sample located in the detection transmission channel 101 is a non-target sample based on the detection result of the detection unit 20, the first sub-transmission component 41 changes the transmission direction to take the sample away from the transmission channel 100. When the sample located in the detection transmission channel 101 is a target sample based on the detection result of the detection unit 20, the sample is transported from the detection transmission channel 101 to the diverting transmission channel 104 to be transported in the subsequent pneumatic transmission channel 103.

[0109] The diverting transmission channel 104 is formed in the second transmission sub-assembly 42 of the transmission member 40, and the second transmission sub-assembly 42 can be at least two transmission strips 411, a transmission belt or other transmission components. In this example, the second transmission sub-assembly 42 is the same as the first transmission sub-assembly 41. Of course, the first transmission sub-assembly 41 and the second transmission sub-assembly 42 can be different.

[0110] The sample can fall from the detection transmission channel 101 to the diverting transmission channel 104 via a slope. Specifically, in this example, the detection transmission channel 101 is located at a higher position relative to the diverting transmission channel 104, and the detection transmission channel 101 and the diverting transmission channel 104 are respectively arranged in parallel so that the sample can fall from the detection transmission channel 101 to the diverting transmission channel 104 by pushing the sample outward.

[0111] Specifically, the transmission member 40 includes a transmission blocking member 44 and a transmission plate 45, wherein the transmission blocking member 44 is located in the detection transmission channel 101 and located at the first transmission end 412 of the first sub-transmission component 41. The transmission blocking member 44 is arranged to be inclined and spans the detection transmission channel 101. When the sample is transmitted along the detection transmission channel 101, it will encounter the transmission blocking member 44 after being detected by the detection unit 20. There is an inclination between the transmission blocking member 44 and the sample, and when the sample continues to move forward, it will leave the detection transmission channel 101 due to the obstruction of the transmission blocking member 44.

[0112] The transmission plate 45 is located between the detection transmission channel 101 and the diverting transmission channel 104 , and the sample leaving the detection transmission channel 101 automatically reaches the diverting transmission channel 104 along the transmission plate 45 .

[0113] In this embodiment, the detection transmission channel 101 is not lower than the steering transmission channel 104, and the detection transmission channel 101 and the steering transmission channel 104 are arranged in parallel, and the transmission directions of the two are opposite. In other words, the detection transmission channel 101 is not lower than the sample inlet channel 102, and the transmission directions of the detection transmission channel 101 and the sample inlet channel 102 are opposite.

[0114] In some other embodiments of the present invention, the transmission directions of the detection transmission channel 101 and the sample inlet channel 102 may be the same.

[0115] Of course, it is understandable that the sample can be moved from the detection transmission channel 101 to the diversion transmission channel 104 by a robot.

[0116] In some other embodiments of the present invention, the detection transmission channel 101 and the steering transmission channel 104 may be located at the same horizontal position and in the same column.

[0117] Again, refer to the attached Fig. 7A To Attachment Fig. 9A Or attached Fig. 7A To Attachment Fig. 9B , attached Fig. 8A , 9A and attached Figure 8B , 9BThe difference lies mainly in the head-to-tail orientation of the sample. The steering unit 30 has a steering channel 300, wherein the steering unit 30 has a first working position and a second working position. In the first working position, the sample from the injection unit 10 can enter the steering channel 300 of the steering unit 30, and in the second working position, the sample entering the steering unit 30 can be transported under pneumatic force.

[0118] The steering unit 30 is controllably switchable between the first working position and the second working position.

[0119] Specifically, the steering unit 30 is configured to be rotatable, for example, driven by a motor. In the first working position, the steering channel 300 of the steering unit 30 is aligned with the steering transmission channel 104 of the transmission channel 100 so that the sample detected by the detection unit 20 can enter the steering channel 300. In the second working position, the steering channel 300 is aligned with the pneumatic transmission channel 103 of the transmission channel 100 so that the pneumatic force of the pneumatic transmission channel 103 can drive the sample in the steering unit 30 to be transported.

[0120] More specifically, the steering unit 30 is drivably connected to a steering drive member so as to be rotatable, and the steering unit 30 can be switched between the first working position and the second working position under the action of the steering drive member.

[0121] The position of the steering channel 300 is different in the first working position and the second working position. In this way, the sample can rotate in the steering unit 30 following the rotation of the steering unit 30, thereby adjusting the head-to-tail order of the sample.

[0122] For example, in the first working position, the turning channel 300 is located in a horizontal position, and the sample is transported to the turning channel 300 of the turning unit 30 along the horizontal direction. In the second working position, the turning channel 300 of the turning unit 30 is located in a vertical direction, and the sample can be transported along the vertical direction.

[0123] Furthermore, it is worth mentioning that the steering unit 30 can perform a specific steering on the sample based on the sample, see the attached Figures 9A to 10 and attached Figures 9B to 10 .

[0124] For example, when the sample is transported to the steering unit 30, since the injection unit 10 randomly lifts the sample, the sample may enter the steering channel 300 of the steering unit 30 with its head first or with its tail first.

[0125] Based on the detection result of the detection unit 20, it can be identified in what posture the sample enters the steering channel 300 of the steering unit 30. If the sample enters the steering channel 300 with its head, then rotating the steering unit 30 upward can allow the sample to enter the pneumatic transmission channel 103 with its head entering first, and rotating the steering unit 30 downward can allow the sample to enter the pneumatic transmission channel 103 with its tail entering first.

[0126] The sample can enter the pneumatic transmission channel 103 with its head or tail by controlling the rotation direction of the steering unit 30 .

[0127] Further, see Attachment Fig.10 To Attachment Fig.12 The pneumatic transmission device 1 includes a pneumatic driving component 60, wherein the pneumatic driving component 60 is connected to the pneumatic transmission channel 103, and the pneumatic driving component 60 can drive the sample to be transmitted in the pneumatic transmission channel 103 by pneumatic force.

[0128] The pneumatic driving component 60 includes a driving assembly 61 and an air inlet 62 , wherein the air inlet 62 has an air inlet 620 , and the air inlet 620 is connected to the pneumatic transmission channel 103 and is located above the steering unit 30 .

[0129] The driving component 61 is located below the steering unit 30 , and can provide power to enable the sample located in the steering channel 300 of the rotating unit 30 to enter a transmission pipeline, thereby continuing to be transported forward under the action of the air inlet 62 .

[0130] In this example, the driving assembly 61 is implemented as a cylinder. Specifically, the driving assembly 61 includes a movable rod 611 and a sleeve 612, wherein the movable rod 611 is held in the sleeve 612 so as to be movable back and forth. The sleeve 612 has a first air inlet 6121 and a second air inlet 6122, wherein the sleeve 612 has a receiving channel, and the steering channel 300 of the steering unit 30 can be aligned with the receiving channel of the sleeve 612, wherein the first air inlet 6121 and the second air inlet 6122 are respectively connected to the receiving channel. The first air inlet 6121 is located at a high end of the sleeve 612, and the second air inlet 6122 is located at a low end of the sleeve 612. The high end of the sleeve 612 is located higher than the low end of the sleeve 612.

[0131] When air is introduced into the second air inlet 6122, the movable rod 611 is pushed upward, and when air is introduced into the first air inlet 6121, the movable rod 611 moves downward. Of course, it can be understood that the first air inlet 6121 is not necessary, and the movable rod 611 can also automatically fall under the action of gravity when the second air inlet 6122 does not provide air.

[0132] More specifically, when the turning channel 300 of the turning unit 30 is rotated to align with the accommodating channel of the sleeve 612, the movable rod 612 located in the accommodating channel is pushed forward to enter the turning channel 300 of the rotating unit 30, so that the sample located in the turning channel 300 of the turning unit 30 can be pushed by the movable rod 612, so that the sample moves upward to leave the turning channel 300 of the turning unit 30 and enter the transmission pipeline.

[0133] In other embodiments of the present invention, the driving component 61 may be implemented as an air pump, and the sample in the steering channel 300 of the steering unit 30 may be pushed by the pneumatic force from the driving component 61 to leave the steering unit 30 .

[0134] Furthermore, after the sample enters the transmission pipeline, compressed air can be sprayed into the pneumatic transmission channel 103 at the air inlet 620 so that the sample leaving the steering unit 30 can overcome the gravity and be transmitted forward and upward under the action of aerodynamic force.

[0135] After pushing the sample into the transmission pipeline, the movable rod 611 leaves the steering channel 300 of the steering unit 30 and returns to the accommodating channel of the sleeve 612, so that the steering unit 30 can be turned to connect to the steering transmission channel 104 to continue receiving the sample.

[0136] After the steering unit 30 receives the sample to the steering channel 300, the steering unit 30 is turned to align with the driving assembly 61, and the sample in the steering channel 300 is pushed by the movable rod 611 of the driving assembly 61 to enter the pneumatic transmission channel 103. That is, the above process is repeated, and in this way, the transmission of the sample can be achieved.

[0137] It is worth noting that in this example, the steering unit 30 is arranged vertically, that is, the steering unit 30 occupies a larger space in the height direction, but occupies a smaller space in the length and width direction. In other embodiments of the present invention, the steering unit 30 can be arranged horizontally, that is, the steering unit 30 occupies a smaller space in the height direction, but occupies a larger space in the length and width direction.

[0138] For example, the steering unit 30 is located in a horizontal position, and the driving assembly 61 and the air inlet 620 of the pneumatic driving member 60 are respectively located on both sides of the steering unit 30 .

[0139] The air pump assembly 61 is located behind the sample in the turning channel 300 of the turning unit 30 , and the air inlet 620 is located in front of the sample in the turning channel 300 of the turning unit 30 .

[0140] The accommodating channel of the sleeve 612 of the driving component 61 can be aligned with the pneumatic transmission channel 103, and the movable rod 611 of the driving component 61 can push the sample forward behind the sample to assist the sample to leave the steering unit 30 and enter the pneumatic transmission channel 103.

[0141] The air inlet 620 is connected to the pneumatic transmission channel 103 and is located in front of the sample. Compressed air enters the pneumatic transmission channel 103 from the air inlet 620 and is ejected toward the front of the sample, so that a negative pressure area can be formed between the sample and the air inlet 620, so that the sample that leaves the steering unit 30 and enters the pneumatic transmission channel 103 can be pushed forward under the action of the movable rod 611, and then after the sample passes through the air inlet 620, it can continue to move forward under the push of the compressed air from the air inlet 620.

[0142] It is worth mentioning that when the steering unit 30 moves to the point where the steering channel 300 and the pneumatic transmission channel 103 are separated from each other, the sample in the pneumatic transmission channel 103 can continue to be pushed forward because the air inlet 620 sprays air inward. At this time, the driving assembly 61 leaves the steering channel 300 of the steering unit 30 and returns to the accommodating channel of the sleeve 612.

[0143] It is worth mentioning that, when there are multiple samples in the pneumatic transmission channel 103 , the subsequent sample entering the pneumatic transmission channel 103 from the diverting channel 300 of the diverting unit 30 will not affect the transmission of the previous sample.

[0144] Specifically, the steering channel 300 of the steering unit 30 has a first communication port 301 and a second communication port 302, wherein the first communication port 301 is connected to the second communication port 302, and as the steering unit 30 rotates, the first communication port 301 can be connected to the steering transmission channel 104. When the first communication port 301 is connected to the sleeve 612 of the drive assembly 61 and is close to the drive assembly 61, the second communication port 302 is connected to the pneumatic transmission channel 103 and is close to the air inlet 620.

[0145] The pneumatic transmission device 1 further includes a holding unit 70, wherein the holding unit 70 includes an inner holding member 71 and an outer tube member 72, wherein the holding unit 70 is connected to the pneumatic transmission channel 103. The air inlet 620 is connected to the outer tube member 72, and at least part of the pneumatic transmission channel 103 is formed in the inner holding member 71. The inner holding member 71 is configured to be fence-shaped, and the gas ejected inwardly from the inlet 1100 can pass through the inner holding member 71 and then enter the pneumatic transmission channel 103. The inner holding member 71 can hold the sample to prevent the sample from being stuck at the air inlet 620 position, so that the sample can be smoothly transported forward.

[0146] When the sample enters the pneumatic transmission channel 103 from the steering channel 300 of the steering unit 30 , the air inlet 620 will not be blocked due to the holding effect of the inner retainer 71 , and the gas ejected from the air inlet 620 is always allowed to enter the pneumatic transmission channel 103 .

[0147] In this way, the air inlet 620 can avoid being blocked by the sample, thereby avoiding affecting the transmission of the sample that has been transmitted before. The gas ejected from the air inlet 620 can continuously enter the pneumatic transmission channel 103 to transmit the sample.

[0148] According to one aspect of the present invention, the present invention provides a pneumatic transmission method, which comprises the following steps: Organizing one of the samples from the plurality of samples and transporting the sample; identifying the sample before the sample is transported to the diversion unit 30; and The sample in the diverting channel 300 of the diverting unit 30 is transported outward under the action of pneumatic force.

[0149] According to some embodiments of the present invention, in the above method, the following steps are further included: Based on the detection result of the detection unit 20, if the sample is a non-target sample, the sample is recovered.

[0150] According to some embodiments of the present invention, in the above method, the following steps are further included: Based on the detection result of the detection unit 20 , if the sample is a target sample, the sample continues to be transported toward the diverting unit 30 .

[0151] According to some embodiments of the present invention, in the above method, the following steps are further included: Based on the detection result of the detection unit 20 , the rotation direction of the steering unit 30 is adjusted so that the samples enter the pneumatic transmission channel 103 in a certain head-to-tail order.

[0152] Reference Figure 6B FIG. 2 is another modified embodiment of the pneumatic transmission device 1 according to the present invention. Figure 6B A partial schematic diagram is shown in the figure.

[0153] The difference between this embodiment and the above-mentioned embodiments lies in the first sub-transmission component 41A of the transmission member 40, wherein the first sub-transmission component 41A is implemented as a transmission belt 411A that is at least partially transparent.

[0154] The detectors 21 of the detection unit 20 are respectively disposed at three of the detection transmission channels 101 to detect labels on the surface of the sample.

[0155] One of the detectors 21 may be held below the sample, and two of the detectors 21 may be held above the sample.

[0156] The detector 21 can move back and forth along a preset track to perform scanning detection on the surface of the sample.

[0157] In this example, the detector 21 is rotatably held around the sample to detect the sample surface at various angles.

[0158] Reference Fig.13 As shown, an application scenario of the pneumatic transmission device 1 according to the present invention is explained.

[0159] The pneumatic transmission device 1 can be used in conjunction with other devices, such as a test tube receiving device 2, which can receive the sample from the pneumatic transmission device 1. A staff member located near the test tube receiving device 2 can test the sample transmitted by the pneumatic transmission device 1 and then feedback the test results.

[0160] The pneumatic conveying device 1 may also be used in conjunction with a sorting device, which is connected to the containing chamber 110 of the hopper 11 of the sample injection unit 10 of the pneumatic conveying device 1 .

[0161] The sample sorted by the sorting device can be transported to other locations through the pneumatic transmission device 1, and the sample from the sorting device can be re-detected and identified at the location of the pneumatic transmission device 1 to determine whether the sample is a target sample.

[0162] It should be understood by those skilled in the art that the embodiments of the present invention described above and shown in the accompanying drawings are only examples and do not limit the present invention. The purpose of the present invention has been fully and effectively achieved. The functional and structural principles of the present invention have been demonstrated and explained in the embodiments, and the embodiments of the present invention may be deformed or modified in any way without departing from the principles.

Claims

1. A pneumatic conveying device for conveying at least one sample, characterized in that: The invention has a pneumatic transmission channel and a steering unit, wherein the steering unit has a steering channel, the steering unit has a first working position and a second working position, the steering unit is controlled to switch between the first working position and the second working position, in the first working position, the sample can enter the steering channel of the steering unit, in the second working position, the steering channel of the steering unit is aligned with the pneumatic transmission channel, the sample in the steering channel of the steering unit can enter the pneumatic transmission channel, and the pneumatic force in the pneumatic transmission channel can drive the sample to be transmitted. 2 . The pneumatic conveying device according to claim 1 , wherein the diverting unit is configured to be rotatable.

3. The pneumatic transmission device according to claim 1, wherein the pneumatic transmission device comprises a pneumatic driving component, the pneumatic driving component comprises a driving assembly and an air inlet, the driving assembly is located below the steering unit, and is used to provide a driving force to make the sample located in the steering channel of the steering unit enter the driving transmission channel, the air inlet has an air inlet, the air inlet is located above the steering unit and is connected to the pneumatic transmission channel, and is used to generate aerodynamic force in the pneumatic transmission channel, wherein when the steering unit moves to the point where the steering channel and the pneumatic transmission channel are separated from each other, the sample in the pneumatic transmission channel is continuously transmitted because the air inlet sprays air inward.

4. The pneumatic transmission device according to claim 3, wherein the driving assembly includes a movable rod and a sleeve, the movable rod is held in the sleeve so as to be movable back and forth, the sleeve has a accommodating channel and a first air inlet and a second air inlet connected to the accommodating channel at the high end and the low end of the sleeve respectively, wherein when air is admitted to the first air inlet, the movable rod moves downward, and when air is admitted to the second air inlet, the movable rod is pushed upward to enter the turning channel of the turning unit, and the sample located in the turning channel of the turning unit is pushed by the movable rod into the pneumatic transmission channel.

5. The pneumatic transmission device according to claim 3, wherein the driving assembly includes a movable rod and a sleeve, the movable rod is held in the sleeve so as to be movable back and forth, the sleeve has a accommodating channel and a second air inlet at the bottom end of the sleeve connected to the accommodating channel, wherein when air is taken in through the second air inlet, the movable rod is pushed upward to enter the turning channel of the turning unit, and the sample located in the turning channel of the turning unit is pushed into the pneumatic transmission channel by the movable rod, and when air is not taken in through the second air inlet, the movable rod automatically falls down under the action of gravity.

6. The pneumatic transmission device according to claim 3, wherein the pneumatic transmission device comprises a holding unit, the holding unit comprises an inner holding member and an outer tube member, the holding unit is connected to the pneumatic transmission channel, the air inlet is connected to the outer tube member, at least part of the pneumatic transmission channel is formed in the inner holding member, the inner holding member is configured to be fence-shaped, and the gas ejected inwardly from the air inlet enters the pneumatic transmission channel through the thickness of the inner holding member.

7. The pneumatic transmission device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the pneumatic transmission device has a detection transmission channel and a sample inlet channel and includes a sample injection unit and a detection unit, the detection transmission channel is located between the sample injection unit and the detection unit, the sample is transmitted from the sample injection unit to the detection unit along the detection transmission channel, the sample inlet channel is located between the detection unit and the pneumatic transmission channel, the sample inlet channel has an open state and a closed state, when the sample inlet channel is in the open state, the sample can enter the pneumatic transmission channel through the sample inlet channel, when the sample inlet channel is in the closed state, the sample cannot enter the pneumatic transmission channel through the sample inlet channel.

8. The pneumatic conveying device according to claim 7, wherein the sample injection unit comprises a hopper and a regular component, the hopper having a accommodating chamber and an inlet connected to the accommodating chamber, the regular component comprising at least one regular component and a driving component, the regular component being at least partially drivably connected to the driving component, the regular component being capable of being located in the accommodating chamber of the hopper, and under the drive of the driving component, at least part of the regular component is lifted upward from the accommodating chamber.

9. The pneumatic transmission equipment according to claim 9, wherein the regulating member includes at least one support member and a baffle and has a limiting groove, the support member forms the limiting groove to limit the sample falling therein, the baffle is maintained at a preset height, and when the support member is continuously lifted to the position of the baffle, the baffle can block the excess sample in the limiting groove of the support member back to the accommodating cavity of the hopper.

10. The pneumatic conveying device according to claim 9, wherein the support member is arranged to be inclined.

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