Transfer assistance device, sample storage system, and sample transfer method

Abstract

The invention provides an auxiliary transfer device, a sample storage system and a sample transfer method.The auxiliary transfer platform is at least provided with a sample feeding station, a sample discharging station, a sample feeding cache region and a sample discharging cache region, at least one of the sample feeding station and the sample discharging station is provided with a station storage point, and the station storage point is used for arranging a sample tube; at least one of the sample feeding cache region and the sample discharging cache region is provided with a plurality of cache unit regions, the cache unit regions are used for arranging sample frames, and the auxiliary transfer mechanism is used for moving the sample frames into or out of at least one of the sample feeding cache region and the sample discharging cache region; and the tube body transfer mechanism is used for moving the sample tube into or out of at least one of the sample feeding station and the sample discharging station. The transfer auxiliary device utilizes the space outside the sample storage device, so that the transfer space of the sample frame is not limited in the storage chamber of the sample storage device, the congestion phenomenon when the sample frame is transferred in a narrow space is avoided, and the transfer efficiency of the sample frame is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the field of in vitro diagnostic technology, and in particular to a transport auxiliary device, a sample storage system, and a sample transport method. Background Art

[0002] The low-temperature sample storage device is a device used in the post-processing stage of an automated inspection and testing laboratory. It is used to automatically store samples on the automatic assembly line at low temperatures so that the samples can be preserved for a longer period of time. When re-inspection is required, the samples can be taken out again for testing. The low-temperature sample storage device is provided with a storage bin body inside. The storage bin body can store a large number of sample racks for storing sample tubes. The process of storing and removing samples is the storage or removal of sample racks inside the low-temperature sample storage device. Therefore, the low-temperature sample storage device needs to transport a large number of sample racks to realize the injection and removal of sample tubes. However, the number of sample racks inside the low-temperature sample storage device is large, which can easily cause congestion in the transportation of sample racks, resulting in slow injection and removal speeds, affecting work efficiency. Summary of the invention

[0003] Based on this, it is necessary to provide a transport auxiliary device, a sample storage system and a sample transport method to address the above-mentioned technical problems.

[0004] The present application provides a transport auxiliary device, which is configured to be used in conjunction with a sample storage device and is used to transport a sample rack relative to the sample storage device, wherein the sample rack is used to arrange sample tubes, and the transport auxiliary device comprises:

[0005] An auxiliary transport platform, wherein the auxiliary transport platform is at least provided with a sample injection station, a sample output station, a sample injection buffer area and a sample output buffer area, at least one of the sample injection station and the sample output station is provided with a station storage point, the station storage point is used to set a sample tube, at least one of the sample injection buffer area and the sample output buffer area is provided with a plurality of buffer unit areas, the buffer unit areas are used to set a sample rack;

[0006] An auxiliary transport mechanism, the auxiliary transport mechanism is used to move the sample rack into or out of at least one of the sample input buffer area and the sample output buffer area;

[0007] A tube transport mechanism is used to move the sample tube into or out of at least one of the sample injection station and the sample output station.

[0008] In one embodiment, the auxiliary transport platform is provided with a sample rewarming zone, the sample rewarming zone is used to set a sample rack, and the auxiliary transport mechanism is also used to move the sample rack into or out of the sample rewarming zone; and / or,

[0009] The auxiliary transfer platform is provided with a sample waste area for storing discarded sample tubes, and the tube transfer mechanism is also used to move the sample tubes into the sample waste area; and / or,

[0010] The auxiliary transfer mechanism is used to transfer the sample racks between the sample storage device and the sample loading buffer area, and to transfer the sample racks between the sample storage device and the sample unloading buffer area; and / or,

[0011] The tube transfer mechanism is used to transfer the sample tubes between the sample racks in the sample loading buffer area and the sample loading station, and to transfer the sample tubes between the sample racks in the sample unloading buffer area and the sample unloading station; and / or,

[0012] The sample rack or the sample tube is provided with a data storage chip for storing the sample data information of the sample rack; and / or,

[0013] The tube transfer mechanism includes a data reading device for reading the sample data information of the data storage chip of the sample rack or the sample tube; and / or,

[0014] The auxiliary transfer mechanism is connected to the auxiliary transfer platform; and / or,

[0015] The tube transfer mechanism is connected to the auxiliary transfer platform; and / or,

[0016] The auxiliary transfer mechanism includes a grasping component and a displacement component. The grasping component is used to grasp the sample rack, and the displacement component is connected to the grasping component for controlling the grasping component to move relative to the auxiliary transfer platform.

[0017] In one embodiment, the grasping component includes:

[0018] A grasping element for grasping the sample rack;

[0019] A driving device connected to the grasping element for controlling the grasping element to grasp the sample rack or move away from the sample rack.

[0020] In one embodiment, the driving device is a rotary motor. The output shaft of the rotary motor is connected to the grasping element, and the rotary motor is used to control the grasping element to rotate about the axis of the output shaft of the rotary motor, so as to grasp the sample rack or move away from the sample rack by fixed-axis rotation.

[0021] In one embodiment, the auxiliary transport platform is defined to have an X-axis direction, a Y-axis direction and a Z-axis direction, the auxiliary transport platform is configured to cooperate with the sample storage device along the Y-axis direction, and the axis of the output shaft of the rotating motor is perpendicular to the X-axis direction; and / or,

[0022] The auxiliary transport mechanism is arranged between the sample input buffer area and the sample output buffer area, the number of the grabbing elements is set to two, the output shaft of the rotary motor is connected to the two grabbing elements, the output shaft of the rotary motor has a forward direction and a reverse direction, the rotary motor is used to drive one of the grabbing elements to rotate along a fixed axis in the forward direction, thereby grabbing the sample rack in the sample input buffer area, and the rotary motor is used to drive the other grabbing element to rotate along a fixed axis in the reverse direction, thereby grabbing the sample rack in the other sample output buffer area.

[0023] In one embodiment, one end of the grasping element is a connecting portion, and the other end of the grasping element is a grasping portion, the connecting portion of the grasping element is connected to the output shaft of the rotating motor, and the grasping portion of the grasping element is used to grasp the sample rack; and / or,

[0024] The sample holder is provided with a grabbing hole.

[0025] In one embodiment, the auxiliary transport mechanism further comprises:

[0026] The propulsion assembly is connected to the displacement assembly and is used to control the moving position of the propulsion assembly relative to the auxiliary transport platform. The propulsion assembly is used to apply a driving force to the sample rack along the X-axis direction.

[0027] In one embodiment, the propulsion assembly comprises:

[0028] A propulsion device, the propulsion device is used to apply a propulsion force to the sample holder along the X-axis direction;

[0029] The guiding element is used for contacting with the sample holder to guide the sample holder to move along the X-axis direction.

[0030] The present application provides a sample storage system, the sample storage system comprising:

[0031] A sample storage device, wherein the sample storage device has a storage chamber therein;

[0032] A storage bin body, the storage bin body is arranged in the storage chamber, the storage bin body comprises a plurality of storage bins, the storage bins are used to set a sample rack, the sample rack is used to move in and out of the storage bins along the X-axis direction, and the sample rack is used to set a sample tube;

[0033] The transport assisting device is used to transport the sample rack relative to the sample storage device;

[0034] An internal transport mechanism is disposed in the storage chamber of the sample storage device, and is used to transport a sample rack in the storage chamber of the sample storage device.

[0035] The present application provides a sample transport method based on the transport auxiliary device or the sample storage system, characterized in that the sample transport method comprises:

[0036] The tube transport mechanism transfers the sample tube located at the injection station to the sample rack in the injection buffer area. When the sample tube in the injection buffer area meets the preset injection state, the auxiliary transport mechanism transports the sample rack containing the sample tube to the sample storage device for storage; or

[0037] The auxiliary transport mechanism receives the sample rack containing sample tubes transported from the sample storage device, and transports the sample rack to the sample output buffer area. The tube body transport mechanism transfers the sample tubes installed on the sample rack in the sample output buffer area to the sample output station.

[0038] In one embodiment, the preset injection state includes:

[0039] At least one sample rack located in the sample injection buffer area is filled with sample tubes, and the auxiliary transport mechanism transports the sample rack filled with sample tubes to the sample storage device; or,

[0040] If no sample tube is moved into the sample injection buffer area within a predetermined time interval, the auxiliary transport mechanism transports the sample rack containing the sample tube to the sample storage device.

[0041] In one embodiment, the tube transport mechanism transfers the single sample tube located at the injection station to the sample rack in the injection buffer area based on the injection instruction to complete the injection of the single sample tube;

[0042] Continue to repeat the above actions, and continuously cycle through the injection of a single sample tube until a preset number of sample racks are filled with sample tubes, or the injection instruction does not instruct the tube body transport mechanism to transfer the sample tube for more than three consecutive minutes, and then the injection of a single sample tube is terminated;

[0043] The auxiliary transport mechanism transports the sample rack filled with sample tubes to the sample storage device.

[0044] In one embodiment, the internal transport mechanism of the sample storage device receives the sample rack from the auxiliary transport mechanism of the transport auxiliary device, and transports the sample rack to a storage bin in the sample storage device.

[0045] In one embodiment, the auxiliary transport mechanism drives the sample rack to the intelligent automatic door of the sample storage device, and the internal transport mechanism of the sample storage device moves to the intelligent automatic door of the sample storage device;

[0046] The intelligent automatic door of the sample storage device opens, and the auxiliary transport mechanism of the transport auxiliary device pushes the sample rack onto the internal transport mechanism of the sample storage device, thereby allowing the internal transport mechanism of the sample storage device to receive the sample rack from the auxiliary transport mechanism.

[0047] In the above-mentioned transport auxiliary device, sample storage system and sample transport method, the present application adds a transport auxiliary device that can be used in conjunction with the sample storage device on the basis of the sample storage device. The transport auxiliary device can transport the sample rack relative to the sample storage device. Therefore, when the sample rack in the sample storage device needs to be transported for sample introduction or sample removal, the transport auxiliary device can be used to assist the internal transport mechanism in the sample storage device to jointly transport the sample rack. The internal transport mechanism is mainly responsible for transporting the sample rack within the storage chamber of the sample storage device. The transport auxiliary device utilizes the space outside the sample storage device to continue transporting the sample rack in the space outside the sample storage device, thereby assisting the internal transport mechanism to transport the sample rack, so that the transport space of the sample rack does not have to be limited to the storage chamber of the sample storage device, avoiding congestion when transporting the sample rack in a small space, improving the transport efficiency of the sample rack, alleviating congestion problems during transportation, and improving work efficiency. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0048] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of a sample storage system provided in one embodiment of the present application.

[0049] Figure 2 For Figure 1 The internal structure diagram of the transport assistance device of the sample storage system is shown.

[0050] Figure 3 A schematic structural diagram of a sample storage device from a first perspective provided in one embodiment of the present application.

[0051] Figure 4 A schematic structural diagram of a sample storage device from a second perspective provided by an embodiment of the present application.

[0052] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the open state of a fully open movable door of a sample storage device provided by one embodiment of the present application.

[0053] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the internal structure of a sample storage device provided in one embodiment of the present application.

[0054] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of the structure of a sample rack provided in one embodiment of the present application.

[0055] Figure 8 A schematic diagram of the state of a grabbing component grabbing a sample rack according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0056] Fig. 9 A schematic diagram of the partial structure of an auxiliary transport mechanism provided in accordance with an embodiment of the present application.

[0057] Figure Number:

[0058] 1000, transport auxiliary device; 2000, sample storage device; 3000, storage chamber; 4000, sample rack; 5000, sample tube; 6000, refrigeration device;

[0059] 1100. Auxiliary transfer platform; 1200. Auxiliary transfer mechanism; 1300. Tube transfer mechanism;

[0060] 1110, sample loading station; 1120, sample discharging station; 1130, sample loading buffer area; 1140, sample discharging buffer area; 1150, sample rewarming area; 1160, sample discarding area;

[0061] 1210, grabbing assembly; 1220, displacement assembly; 1230, propulsion assembly;

[0062] 1211. Grasping element; 1212. Driving device;

[0063] 1231. Propulsion device; 1232. Guiding element;

[0064] 2100. Internal transfer mechanism; 2101. Inspection door; 2102. Fully open movable door; 2103. Intelligent automatic door. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0065] In order to make the above-mentioned purposes, features and advantages of the present application more obvious and easy to understand, the specific implementation methods of the present application are described in detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. In the following description, many specific details are set forth to facilitate a full understanding of the present application. However, the present application can be implemented in many other ways different from those described herein, and those skilled in the art can make similar improvements without violating the connotation of the present application, so the present application is not limited by the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0066] In the description of the present application, it should be understood that if the terms "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "up", "down", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inside", "outside", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential", etc. appear, the orientation or position relationship indicated by these terms is based on the orientation or position relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, which is only for the convenience of describing the present application and simplifying the description, and does not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore cannot be understood as a limitation on the present application.

[0067] In addition, if the terms "first" or "second" appear, these terms are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be understood as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of the features. In the description of this application, if the term "plurality" appears, the meaning of "plurality" is at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise clearly and specifically defined.

[0068] In this application, unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, if the terms "installed", "connected", "connected", "fixed" and the like appear, these terms should be understood in a broad sense. For example, it can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integrated connection; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium, it can be the internal connection of two elements or the interaction relationship between two elements, unless otherwise clearly defined. For ordinary technicians in this field, the specific meanings of the above terms in this application can be understood according to the specific circumstances.

[0069] In the present application, unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, if there is a description that a first feature is "above" or "below" a second feature, etc., or similar descriptions appear, it may mean that the first and second features are in direct contact, or that the first and second features are in indirect contact through an intermediate medium. Moreover, the first feature being "above", "above" and "above" the second feature may mean that the first feature is directly above or obliquely above the second feature, or simply means that the first feature is higher in level than the second feature. The first feature being "below", "below" and "below" the second feature may mean that the first feature is directly below or obliquely below the second feature, or simply means that the first feature is lower in level than the second feature.

[0070] It should be noted that if an element is referred to as "fixed to" or "disposed on" another element, it can be directly on the other element or there may also be an intermediate element. If an element is considered to be "connected to" another element, it can be directly connected to the other element or there may be an intermediate element at the same time. If any, the terms "vertical", "horizontal", "upper", "lower", "left", "right" and similar expressions used in this application are only for illustrative purposes and do not represent the only implementation.

[0071] Referring to Figures 1 to 9 As shown, this application provides a sample storage system. The sample storage system includes a sample storage device 2000, a transfer assistance device 1000, a storage bin body 3000, and an internal transfer mechanism 2100. It is defined that the auxiliary transfer platform 1100 has an X-axis direction, a Y-axis direction, and a Z-axis direction. The auxiliary transfer platform 1100 is configured to cooperate with the sample storage device 2000 relatively along the Y-axis direction. The interior of the sample storage device 2000 has a storage chamber. The storage bin body 3000 is disposed in the storage chamber. The storage bin body 3000 includes a number of storage positions. The storage positions are used to dispose sample racks 4000. The sample racks 4000 are used to enter and exit the storage positions along the X-axis direction. The sample racks 4000 are used to dispose sample tubes 5000. The sample storage device 2000 is also provided with a refrigeration device 6000 and a temperature control device. The refrigeration device 6000 is connected to the sample storage device 2000. The temperature control device is connected to the refrigeration device 6000.

[0072] The internal transport mechanism 2100 is disposed in the storage chamber of the sample storage device 2000, and is used to transport the sample rack 4000 in the storage chamber of the sample storage device 2000. The present application adds a transport auxiliary device 1000 that can be used in conjunction with the sample storage device 2000 on the basis of the sample storage device 2000. The transport auxiliary device 1000 can transport the sample rack 4000 relative to the sample storage device 2000. Therefore, when the sample rack 4000 in the sample storage device 2000 needs to be transported for sample injection or sample removal, the transport auxiliary device 1000 can be used to assist the internal transport mechanism 2100 in the sample storage device 2000 to jointly transport the sample rack 4000. The internal transport mechanism 2100 is mainly responsible for the storage of the sample storage device 2000. The sample rack 4000 is transported in the storage chamber, and the transport auxiliary device 1000 utilizes the space outside the sample storage device 2000 to continue transporting the sample rack 4000 in the space outside the sample storage device 2000, thereby assisting the internal transport mechanism 2100 in transporting the sample rack 4000, so that the transport space of the sample rack 4000 does not have to be limited to the storage chamber of the sample storage device 2000, avoiding congestion when transporting the sample rack 4000 in a small space, improving the transport efficiency of the sample rack 4000, alleviating congestion problems during transportation, and improving work efficiency.

[0073] like Figures 1 to 5 As shown, the sample storage device 2000 may have a device front side, a device rear side, a device left side and a device right side, and the device front side, device rear side, device left side and device right side are enclosed along the circumference of the sample storage device 2000 to form the sample storage device 2000, and the device left side and device right side of the sample storage device 2000 are arranged relatively along the X-axis direction, and the device front side and device rear side of the sample storage device 2000 are arranged relatively along the Y-axis direction. The device front side of the sample storage device 2000 is provided with an inspection door 2101, and the inspection door 2101 is provided with at least one of a perspective window and a control screen. At least one of the device left side and device right side of the sample storage device 2000 is provided with a fully open movable door 2102. The device rear side of the sample storage device 2000 is provided with an intelligent automatic door 2103.

[0074] like Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, the transport assistance device 1000 is configured to be used in conjunction with the sample storage device 2000, and is used to transport the sample rack 4000 relative to the sample storage device 2000. The sample rack 4000 is used to set the sample tube 5000. The transport assistance device 1000 includes an auxiliary transport platform 1100, an auxiliary transport mechanism 1200 and a tube body transport mechanism 1300. The auxiliary transport mechanism 1200 is connected to the auxiliary transport platform 1100, and the tube body transport mechanism 1300 is connected to the auxiliary transport platform 1100. The auxiliary transport platform 1100 is at least provided with a sample injection station 1110, a sample output station 1120, a sample injection buffer area 1130 and a sample output buffer area 1140. The sample injection station 1110 and the sample output station 1120 are provided with station storage points. The station storage points are used to set the sample tube 5000, so that the sample tube 5000 can be placed at a certain point in the sample injection station 1110 and the sample output station 1120.

[0075] The sample input buffer area 1130 and the sample output buffer area 1140 are provided with a plurality of cache unit areas. For example, the sample input buffer area 1130 is provided with 3 to 8 cache unit areas, or the sample output buffer area 1140 is provided with 3 to 8 cache unit areas. Each cache unit area can be used to set a sample rack 4000. Therefore, the sample input buffer area 1130 and the sample output buffer area 1140 can place a plurality of sample racks 4000 through the plurality of cache unit areas, and a large number of sample racks 4000 can be cached in the space outside the sample storage device 2000, so that the space outside the sample storage device 2000, that is, the space of the auxiliary transfer platform 1100, is fully utilized, so as to enhance the smoothness of the transfer of the sample racks 4000 and avoid transfer congestion.

[0076] In addition, in one embodiment, the auxiliary transport platform 1100 is further provided with a sample rewarming area 1150 and a sample discarding area 1160. The sample rewarming area 1150 is used to set the sample rack 4000, and the auxiliary transport mechanism 1200 is also used to move the sample rack 4000 into or out of the sample rewarming area 1150. When rewarming is required, the auxiliary transport mechanism 1200 moves the sample rack 4000 into the sample rewarming area 1150, and after rewarming is completed, the auxiliary transport mechanism 1200 moves the sample rack 4000 out of the sample rewarming area 1150. The auxiliary transport platform 1100 is provided with a sample discarding area 1160 for storing discarded sample tubes 5000, and the tube transport mechanism 1300 is also used to move the sample tubes 5000 into the sample discarding area 1160. For example, when the storage time of the sample tube 5000 reaches a certain time (the storage time is a parameter, which can be set by the user according to the needs), the automatic discarding process of the sample tube 5000 will be started, and the sample tube 5000 will be moved into the sample discarding area 1160 for discarding by using the tube transport mechanism 1300. The sample discarding area 1160 has a counting function, and it will automatically remind when the capacity of the sample discarding area 1160 is almost full.

[0077] The auxiliary transport mechanism 1200 is used to move the sample rack 4000 into or out of at least one of the sample loading buffer area 1130 and the sample output buffer area 1140. For example, the auxiliary transport mechanism 1200 can be used to transfer the sample rack 4000 between the sample storage device 2000 and the sample loading buffer area 1130, and to transfer the sample rack 4000 between the sample storage device 2000 and the sample output buffer area 1140. The tube transport mechanism 1300 is used to move the sample tube 5000 into or out of at least one of the sample loading station 1110 and the sample output station 1120. For example, the tube transport mechanism 1300 can be used to transfer the sample tube 5000 between the sample rack 4000 in the sample loading buffer area 1130 and the sample loading station 1110, and to transfer the sample tube 5000 between the sample rack 4000 in the sample output buffer area 1140 and the sample output station 1120.

[0078] Based on the above-mentioned transport auxiliary device 1000 and sample storage system, the sample transport method includes the following steps: the tube transport mechanism 1300 transfers the sample tube 5000 located at the sample injection station 1110 to the sample rack 4000 in the sample injection buffer area 1130, and when the sample tube 5000 in the sample injection buffer area 1130 meets the preset injection state, the auxiliary transport mechanism 1200 transfers the sample rack 4000 containing the sample tube 5000 to the sample storage device 2000 for storage by the sample storage device 2000. Alternatively, the auxiliary transport mechanism 1200 receives the sample rack 4000 containing the sample tube 5000 transferred from the sample storage device 2000, and transfers the sample rack 4000 to the sample output buffer area 1140, and the tube transport mechanism 1300 transfers the sample tube 5000 contained in the sample rack 4000 in the sample output buffer area 1140 to the sample output station 1120.

[0079] In one embodiment, the auxiliary transport platform 1100 may be provided with an assembly line track, and the sample introduction station 1110 and the sample discharging station 1120 may both be provided on the assembly line track, and the assembly line track is used to cooperate with other external equipment to transport the sample tube 5000. When the sample tube 5000 is injected, when the sample introduction station 1110 on the assembly line track has a sample tube 5000 that needs to be injected and refrigerated, the control unit of the sample storage system may issue an injection instruction, and after the transport auxiliary device 1000 receives the injection instruction, the tube body transport mechanism 1300 may grab the sample tube 5000 that needs to be refrigerated from the injection station 1110 on the assembly line track into the sample rack 4000 on the injection buffer area 1130, and complete the injection of a single sample tube 5000.

[0080] Continue to repeat the above actions and continuously cycle through the injection of individual sample tubes 5000 until the injection of individual sample tubes 5000 is ended after meeting the preset injection status. The preset injection status includes: at least one sample rack 4000 located in the injection buffer 1130 is filled with sample tubes 5000, and the auxiliary transfer mechanism 1200 transfers the sample rack 4000 filled with sample tubes 5000 to the sample storage device 2000; or, no sample tube 5000 is transferred into the injection buffer 1130 within a predetermined interval, and the auxiliary transfer mechanism 1200 transfers the sample rack 4000 containing sample tubes 5000 to the sample storage device 2000. For example, the preset injection status may be that one or more sample racks 4000 are filled with sample tubes 5000, or no individual sample tube 5000 enters for three consecutive minutes. This predetermined interval can be set as a parameter and opened for users to set.

[0081] After ending the injection of individual sample tubes 5000, the injection process of the sample rack 4000 can be started. At this time, the auxiliary transfer mechanism 1200 on the auxiliary transfer platform 1100 can move to the position of the sample rack 4000 that needs to be injected into the sample storage device 2000, drag the sample rack 4000 onto the platform of the auxiliary transfer mechanism 1200, and then the auxiliary transfer mechanism 1200 takes the sample rack 4000 and reaches the entrance of the sample storage device 2000 along the Y-axis, that is, at the intelligent automatic door 2103 of the sample storage device 2000. The intelligent automatic door 2103 automatically opens, and the internal transfer mechanism 2100 of the sample storage device 2000 also moves to the intelligent automatic door 2103, so that the auxiliary transfer mechanism 1200 of the transfer auxiliary device 1000 can hand over the sample rack 4000 with the internal transfer mechanism 2100 of the sample storage device 2000. After the internal transfer mechanism 2100 of the sample storage device 2000 receives the sample rack 4000 from the auxiliary transfer mechanism 1200, it can be transferred to the storage bin 3000 in the sample storage device 2000 and sent to the designated storage position to complete the injection process.

[0082] The sample rack 4000 or the sample tube 5000 may be provided with a data storage chip, which is used to store the sample data information of the sample rack 4000 or the sample tube 5000. The tube body transport mechanism 1300 includes a data reading device, which is used to read the sample data information of the data storage chip of the sample rack 4000 or the sample tube 5000. Therefore, when the sample tube 5000 is injected and stored, the sample storage system will record the sample data information of the sample tube 5000, the sample tube 5000 will be bound to the sample rack 4000, and the coordinates of the sample tube 5000 on the sample rack 4000 (i.e., the number of rows and columns) will be recorded. The user can query the sample rack 4000 information and specific storage location of the sample tube 5000 on the touch screen of the sample storage system, and display the coordinate position of the sample rack 4000 in the storage bin (i.e., the number of rows and columns). Since the sample storage device 2000 is provided with fully-open movable doors 2102 on the left and right sides of the device, the sample storage device 2000 can support manual sampling based on the fully-open movable doors 2102. The fully-open movable doors 2102 can be opened in an emergency to conveniently remove the sample rack 4000.

[0083] When a sample needs to be re-tested or a quality control calibration sample needs to be sampled, the control unit of the sample storage system can issue a sample output instruction. After the sample storage device 2000 receives the sample output instruction, the internal transfer mechanism 2100 can move to the storage position where the sample tube 5000 needs to be taken out, the internal transfer mechanism 2100 grabs the sample rack 4000 containing the sample tube 5000, transfers it to the internal transfer mechanism 2100, and moves it with the sample rack 4000 to the intelligent automatic door 2103 of the sample storage device 2000. The intelligent automatic door 2103 opens, so that the internal transfer mechanism 2100 of the sample storage device 2000 can transfer the sample rack 4000 with the auxiliary transfer mechanism 1200 of the transfer auxiliary device 1000. After the auxiliary transfer mechanism 1200 of the transfer auxiliary device 1000 receives the sample rack 4000 from the internal transfer mechanism 2100, the auxiliary transfer mechanism 1200 can send the received sample rack 4000 to the sample output buffer area 1140.

[0084] At this time, the tube transport mechanism 1300 can grab the sample tube 5000 that needs to be sampled from the sample rack 4000 on the sample buffer area 1140 and send it to the sample output station 1120 of the assembly line track. If the sample needs to be reheated, the tube transport mechanism 1300 can first grab the sample tube 5000 into the sample reset area for reheating, and then grab the sample tube 5000 into the sample output station 1120 of the assembly line track after the reheating is completed.

[0085] After the sample tube 5000 is discharged based on the above process, the auxiliary transport mechanism 1200 of the transport auxiliary device 1000 pulls the sample rack 4000 from the sample discharge buffer area 1140 into the auxiliary transport mechanism 1200, and then moves the sample rack 4000 to the intelligent automatic door 2103 of the sample storage device 2000, ready to dock with the internal transport mechanism 2100 of the sample storage device 2000. The intelligent automatic door 2103 of the sample storage device 2000 is opened, and the internal transport mechanism 2100 in the sample storage device 2000 also moves to the intelligent automatic door 2103 to prepare to receive the sample rack 4000. The auxiliary transport mechanism 1200 of the transport auxiliary device 1000 pushes the sample rack 4000 onto the internal transport mechanism 2100 of the sample storage device 2000. The internal transport mechanism 2100 in the sample storage device 2000 then sends the sample rack 4000 to the original storage bin, completing the sample discharge process.

[0086] The data reading device on the tube transport mechanism 1300 can identify and confirm the sample tube 5000 to ensure that the sample is correct. When a sample fails and cannot be automatically sampled, emergency sampling can be performed manually by opening the fully open movable door 2102 of the sample storage device 2000, finding the sample rack 4000 where the sample tube 5000 that needs to be urgently sampled is located, taking out the sample rack 4000 to find the sample tube 5000 that needs to be sampled, and then putting it back into the sample rack 4000.

[0087] The transport mechanism can adopt a variety of transport forms. For example, the auxiliary transport mechanism 1200 includes a grabbing component 1210 and a displacement component 1220. The grabbing component 1210 is used to grab the sample rack 4000. The displacement component 1220 is connected to the grabbing component 1210 and is used to control the movement position of the grabbing component 1210 relative to the auxiliary transport platform 1100. At this time, the displacement component 1220 can be used to control the movement position of the grabbing component 1210 relative to the auxiliary transport platform 1100 along the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction. The movement position in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction can be performed synchronously or separately. This needs to be determined according to the movement requirements of the grabbing component 1210, which is not limited here. Based on the control of the grabbing component 1210 by the displacement component 1220, the grabbing component 1210 can be moved horizontally on the auxiliary transport platform 1100. The displacement component 1220 can use a mechanism such as a guide rail to perform two-dimensional movement in the horizontal direction.

[0088] In one embodiment, the grabbing assembly 1210 may include a grabbing element 1211 and a driving device 1212, wherein the grabbing element 1211 is used to grab the sample rack 4000, and the driving device 1212 is connected to the grabbing element 1211 and is used to control the grabbing element 1211 to grab the sample rack 4000 or to move away from the sample rack 4000. The grabbing element 1211 is used to grab the sample rack 4000, and the grabbing method may include hooking, snap connection, magnetic connection, bonding, clamping and other grabbing methods, which are not limited to this, as long as the grabbing requirements can be met and the sample rack 4000 can be conveniently connected or separated. The driving device 1212 is connected to the grasping element 1211, and the driving device 1212 can provide power for controlling the grasping element 1211 to grasp the sample rack 4000 or move away from the sample rack 4000, so that the grasping element 1211 grasps the sample rack 4000 when it approaches the sample rack 4000, and the grasping element 1211 releases the grasping of the sample rack 4000 and moves away from the sample rack 4000.

[0089] The driving device 1212 can be selected in a variety of ways. For example, in one embodiment, the driving device 1212 is a rotary motor, which has a rotary driving function. At this time, the output shaft of the rotary motor is connected to the grasping element 1211. The rotary motor is used to control the grasping element 1211 to rotate along the axis of the output shaft of the rotary motor, so that the grasping element 1211 approaches and grasps the sample rack 4000 through the fixed-axis rotation, and releases and moves away from the sample rack 4000 through the fixed-axis rotation. Among them, the axis of the output shaft of the rotary motor can be defined as perpendicular to the X-axis direction, so the rotation of the grasping element 1211 is fixed-axis rotation with the X-axis direction as the axis.

[0090] The auxiliary transport mechanism 1200 is arranged between the sample injection buffer area 1130 and the sample output buffer area 1140, the number of the grabbing elements 1211 is set to two, the output shaft of the rotating motor is connected to the two grabbing elements 1211, the output shaft of the rotating motor has a forward direction and a reverse direction, the rotating motor is used to drive one of the grabbing elements 1211 to rotate along a fixed axis in the forward direction, thereby grabbing the sample rack 4000 in the sample injection buffer area 1130, and the rotating motor is used to drive the other grabbing element 1211 to rotate along a fixed axis in the reverse direction, thereby grabbing the sample rack 4000 in another sample output buffer area 1140.

[0091] In one embodiment, one end of the grasping element 1211 is a connecting portion, and the other end of the grasping element 1211 is a grasping portion. The connecting portion of the grasping element 1211 is connected to the output shaft of the rotating motor, and the grasping portion of the grasping element 1211 is used to grasp the sample rack 4000. The sample rack 4000 is provided with a grasping hole. The grasping portion of the grasping element 1211 can be configured as a grasping hook that cooperates with the above-mentioned grasping hole, so that when the grasping element 1211 approaches the sample rack 4000 by rotating along a fixed axis, the grasping hook of the grasping element 1211 can hook the grasping hole on the sample rack 4000, thereby grasping the sample rack 4000. When the grasping element 1211 is away from the sample rack 4000 by rotating along a fixed axis, the grasping hook of the grasping element 1211 can be separated from the grasping hole on the sample rack 4000, thereby releasing the sample rack 4000.

[0092] In one embodiment, the auxiliary transport mechanism 1200 further includes a propulsion assembly 1230, and the displacement assembly 1220 is connected to the propulsion assembly 1230, which is used to control the moving position of the propulsion assembly 1230 relative to the auxiliary transport platform 1100. The propulsion assembly 1230 is used to apply a driving force to the sample rack 4000 along the X-axis direction, and push the sample rack 4000 into or out of the auxiliary transport mechanism 1200. The propulsion assembly 1230 includes a propulsion device 1231 and a guide element 1232. The propulsion device 1231 is used to apply a driving force to the sample rack 4000 along the X-axis direction, and the guide element 1232 is used to contact with the sample rack 4000 to guide the sample rack 4000 to move along the X-axis direction. The propulsion device 1231 can be any mechanism that can provide a linear driving force, for example, the propulsion device 1231 can be a linear cylinder, a linear telescopic rod, etc., which is not limited here. In addition, the propulsion assembly 1230 may further include a guide element 1232, and the guide element 1232 is used to contact with the sample rack 4000 to guide the sample rack 4000 to move along the X-axis direction to prevent the sample rack 4000 from deviating from its position during transportation.

[0093] The auxiliary transport mechanism 1200 may be the same as the internal transport mechanism 2100 of the sample storage device 2000, wherein the auxiliary transport mechanism 1200 may not need to be provided with movement in the Z-axis direction, but only with movement in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction, while the internal transport mechanism 2100 may be provided with movement in the X-axis direction, the Y-axis direction and the Z-axis direction at the same time. Those skilled in the art may select according to actual conditions, and no limitation is made here. The tube body transport mechanism 1300 needs to be used to transport the sample tube 5000, so based on the specific structure of the sample tube 5000, the tube body transport mechanism 1300 may adopt a clamping mechanism such as a multi-axis manipulator, or other types of mechanisms that can be used to transport the sample tube 5000, and those skilled in the art may select according to actual conditions, and no limitation is made here.

[0094] The technical features of the above-described embodiments may be arbitrarily combined. To make the description concise, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above-described embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0095] The above-described embodiments only express several implementation methods of the present application, and the descriptions thereof are relatively specific and detailed, but they cannot be construed as limiting the scope of the patent application. It should be pointed out that, for a person of ordinary skill in the art, several variations and improvements can be made without departing from the concept of the present application, and these all belong to the protection scope of the present application. Therefore, the protection scope of the patent application shall be subject to the attached claims.

Claims

1. A transport assisting device, characterized in that: The transport auxiliary device is configured to be used in conjunction with a sample storage device and is used to transport a sample rack relative to the sample storage device, wherein the sample rack is used to arrange sample tubes, and the transport auxiliary device comprises: An auxiliary transport platform, wherein the auxiliary transport platform is at least provided with a sample injection station, a sample output station, a sample injection buffer area and a sample output buffer area, at least one of the sample injection station and the sample output station is provided with a station storage point, the station storage point is used to set a sample tube, at least one of the sample injection buffer area and the sample output buffer area is provided with a plurality of buffer unit areas, the buffer unit areas are used to set a sample rack; An auxiliary transport mechanism, the auxiliary transport mechanism is used to move the sample rack into or out of at least one of the sample input buffer area and the sample output buffer area; A tube transport mechanism is used to move the sample tube into or out of at least one of the sample injection station and the sample output station.

2. The transport assisting device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The auxiliary transport platform is provided with a sample rewarming area, the sample rewarming area is used to set a sample rack, and the auxiliary transport mechanism is also used to move the sample rack into or out of the sample rewarming area; and / or, The auxiliary transport platform is provided with a sample discard area, the sample discard area is used to store discarded sample tubes, and the tube transport mechanism is also used to move the sample tubes into the sample discard area; and / or, The auxiliary transport mechanism is used to transfer the sample rack between the sample storage device and the sample input buffer area, and is used to transfer the sample rack between the sample storage device and the sample output buffer area; and / or, The tube body transfer mechanism is used to transfer sample tubes between the sample rack in the sample loading buffer area and the sample loading station, and is used to transfer sample tubes between the sample rack in the sample output buffer area and the sample output station; and / or, The sample rack or sample tube is provided with a data storage chip, and the data storage chip is used to store the sample data information of the sample rack; and / or, The tube transport mechanism includes a data reading device, which is used to read the sample data information of the data storage chip of the sample rack or the sample tube; and / or, The auxiliary transport mechanism is connected to the auxiliary transport platform; and / or, The tube transport mechanism is connected to the auxiliary transport platform; and / or, The auxiliary transport mechanism includes a grabbing component and a displacement component. The grabbing component is used to grab the sample rack. The displacement component is connected to the grabbing component and is used to control the moving position of the grabbing component relative to the auxiliary transport platform.

3. The transport assisting device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The grabbing component comprises: A gripping element, the gripping element is used to grip the sample holder; A driving device is connected to the grabbing element and is used to control the grabbing element to grab the sample rack or stay away from the sample rack.

4. The transport assisting device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The driving device is a rotary motor, the output shaft of which is connected to the grasping element, and the rotary motor is used to control the grasping element to rotate along the axis of the output shaft of the rotary motor, thereby grasping the sample rack or moving away from the sample rack through the fixed-axis rotation.

5. The transport assisting device according to claim 4, characterized in that: The auxiliary transport platform is defined to have an X-axis direction, a Y-axis direction and a Z-axis direction, the auxiliary transport platform is configured to cooperate with the sample storage device along the Y-axis direction, and the axis of the output shaft of the rotating motor is perpendicular to the X-axis direction; and / or, The auxiliary transport mechanism is arranged between the sample input buffer area and the sample output buffer area, the number of the grabbing elements is set to two, the output shaft of the rotary motor is connected to the two grabbing elements, the output shaft of the rotary motor has a forward direction and a reverse direction, the rotary motor is used to drive one of the grabbing elements to rotate along a fixed axis in the forward direction, thereby grabbing the sample rack in the sample input buffer area, and the rotary motor is used to drive the other grabbing element to rotate along a fixed axis in the reverse direction, thereby grabbing the sample rack in the other sample output buffer area.

6. The transport assisting device according to claim 5, characterized in that: One end of the grasping element is a connecting portion, and the other end of the grasping element is a grasping portion, the connecting portion of the grasping element is connected to the output shaft of the rotating motor, and the grasping portion of the grasping element is used to grasp the sample rack; and / or, The sample holder is provided with a grabbing hole.

7. A sample storage system, characterized in that: The sample storage system comprises: A sample storage device, wherein the sample storage device has a storage chamber therein; A storage bin body, the storage bin body is arranged in the storage chamber, the storage bin body comprises a plurality of storage bins, the storage bins are used to set a sample rack, the sample rack is used to move in and out of the storage bins along the X-axis direction, and the sample rack is used to set a sample tube; The transport assisting device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the transport assisting device is used to transport the sample rack relative to the sample storage device; An internal transport mechanism is disposed in the storage chamber of the sample storage device, and is used to transport a sample rack in the storage chamber of the sample storage device.

8. A sample transport method based on the sample storage system of claim 7, characterized in that: The sample transport method comprises: The tube transport mechanism transfers the sample tube located at the injection station to the sample rack in the injection buffer area. When the sample tube in the injection buffer area meets the preset injection state, the auxiliary transport mechanism transports the sample rack containing the sample tube to the sample storage device for storage; or The auxiliary transport mechanism receives the sample rack containing sample tubes transported from the sample storage device, and transports the sample rack to the sample output buffer area. The tube body transport mechanism transfers the sample tubes installed on the sample rack in the sample output buffer area to the sample output station.

9. The sample transport method according to claim 8, characterized in that: The preset injection state includes: At least one sample rack located in the sample injection buffer area is filled with sample tubes, and the auxiliary transport mechanism transports the sample rack filled with sample tubes to the sample storage device; or, If no sample tube is moved into the sample injection buffer area within a predetermined time interval, the auxiliary transport mechanism transports the sample rack containing the sample tube to the sample storage device.

10. The sample transport method according to claim 9, characterized in that: The tube transfer mechanism transfers the single sample tube located at the sampling station to the sample rack in the sampling buffer area based on the sampling instruction to complete the sampling of the single sample tube; Continue to repeat the above actions, and continuously cycle through the injection of a single sample tube until a preset number of sample racks are filled with sample tubes, or the injection instruction does not instruct the tube body transport mechanism to transfer the sample tube for more than three consecutive minutes, and then the injection of a single sample tube is terminated; The auxiliary transport mechanism transports the sample rack filled with sample tubes to the sample storage device.

11. The sample transport method according to claim 10, characterized in that: The internal transport mechanism of the sample storage device receives the sample rack from the auxiliary transport mechanism of the transport auxiliary device, and transports the sample rack to a storage bin in the sample storage device.

12. The sample transport method according to claim 11, characterized in that: The auxiliary transport mechanism drives the sample rack to the intelligent automatic door of the sample storage device, and the internal transport mechanism of the sample storage device moves to the intelligent automatic door of the sample storage device; The intelligent automatic door of the sample storage device opens, and the auxiliary transport mechanism of the transport auxiliary device pushes the sample rack onto the internal transport mechanism of the sample storage device, thereby allowing the internal transport mechanism of the sample storage device to receive the sample rack from the auxiliary transport mechanism.

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