Sample tube sorting device and assembly line system

Abstract

The invention discloses a sample tube sorting device and an assembly line system.The sample tube sorting device is characterized in that a processor controls a first conveying assembly to convey sample tubes to a scanning assembly; controlling a scanning assembly to scan the sample tube to obtain scanning information of the sample tube; and the sample tube moving assembly is controlled to move the scanned sample tubes to the sample tube loading assembly, and the sample tubes with the same sample tube type are loaded on the same sample frame based on scanning information. The scanning assembly scans the sample tubes and classifies the sample tubes, then the sample tube moving assembly loads the sample tubes to a sample frame of the sample tube loading assembly based on the scanning information of the sample tubes, a user does not need to load the sample tubes, and the labor cost for loading the sample tubes is reduced; according to the sample tube sorting device, the sample tubes are automatically classified and loaded, the practicability and convenience of the sample tube sorting device are improved, and the use experience of a user on the sample tube sorting device is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the technical field of sample tube sorting, and particularly to a sample tube sorting device and a pipeline system. Background Art

[0002] Currently, in institutions such as hospitals and physical examination centers that need to test blood, before the samples are loaded onto the machine, it is necessary to manually pre-classify the test items of the samples, and then allocate the samples corresponding to the test items to the corresponding sample analyzers for testing. Existing sorting machines can already achieve automatic sorting functions, but manual sorting and loading onto the sample racks are still required. The limitation brought by this is that the inspection personnel need to wait for the sorting machine to complete sorting or after sorting for a period of time, and then take out different types of sample tubes for loading onto the machine for testing, which will lead to an extension of the TAT time (Turn-Around Time, test turnaround time) for individual sample tests due to human factors. Especially in institutions with a large number of samples and in pipeline operations, manual loading operations will cause occupation of human resources, and it is easy to cause test failures due to human errors. In the context of the industry trend of medical diagnosis intelligence and wisdom, reducing human participation has become an inevitable trend. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This application provides a sample tube sorting device to solve the above technical problems. The sample tube sorting device is used for sorting sample tubes and includes:

[0004] A tube feeding component, including a bin for placing the sample tubes;

[0005] A first transportation component, spaced apart from the tube feeding component;

[0006] A scanning component, arranged at one end of the first transportation component away from the tube feeding component;

[0007] A sample tube moving component, spaced apart from the scanning component;

[0008] A sample tube loading component, including at least one sample rack not loaded with the sample tubes, and the sample rack is used for loading the sample tubes;

[0009] Wherein, the sample tube sorting device further includes a processor, and the processor is used for:

[0010] Controlling the first transportation component to receive the sample tubes transmitted by the tube feeding component and transporting the sample tubes to the scanning component;

[0011] Controlling the scanning component to scan the sample tubes to obtain the scanning information of the sample tubes, wherein the scanning information of the sample tubes includes the types of the sample tubes;

[0012] Control the sample tube moving assembly to move the scanned sample tube onto the sample tube loading assembly, and load the sample tubes of the same type onto the same sample rack based on the scanning information.

[0013] Wherein, the sample tube sorting device further includes a sample tube pre-classification assembly, which is arranged at an interval from the scanning assembly, and includes:

[0014] A sample tube carrier tray, having a plurality of sample tube storage positions for storing the sample tubes;

[0015] A rotation module, connected to the sample tube carrier tray, for driving the sample tube carrier tray to rotate so that the sample tube carrier tray receives a plurality of the sample tubes;

[0016] Wherein, the processor is further configured to:

[0017] Based on the scanning information of the sample tubes, control the rotation module to drive the sample tube carrier tray to rotate so as to store the sample tubes of the same type on adjacent sample tube storage positions on the sample tube carrier tray.

[0018] Wherein, the sample tube moving assembly includes a moving robotic arm, a first sample tube gripper and a second sample tube gripper, and the first sample tube gripper and the second sample tube gripper are arranged at an interval on the moving robotic arm;

[0019] The processor is further configured to control the moving robotic arm to move to the position of the sample tube carrier tray, so that the positions of the first sample tube gripper and the second sample tube gripper respectively correspond to two adjacent sample tube storage positions, and control the first sample tube gripper to grab the first sample tube on the sample tube storage position, and at the same time control the second sample tube gripper to grab the second sample tube on the sample tube storage position.

[0020] Wherein, the sample tube sorting device further includes a sample tube sorting component, and the sample tube sorting component includes:

[0021] A guiding component, arranged below the scanning component along the height direction of the sample tube sorting device; wherein, the guiding component includes a first guiding strip and a second guiding strip, the first guiding strip and the second guiding strip are arranged in parallel and extend obliquely away from the scanning component; wherein, the distance between the first guiding strip and the second guiding strip is greater than or equal to the tube diameter of the sample tube and less than the cap diameter of the sample tube;

[0022] The first end of the guiding component is arranged at an interval from the sample tube carrier tray;

[0023] A baffle member, movably arranged between the first end of the guiding component and the sample tube carrier tray;

[0024] Wherein, the processor is further configured to:

[0025] Control the movement of the baffle member so that the baffle member is disposed between the first end of the guiding assembly and the sample tube carrier tray, and control the scanning assembly to move the scanned sample tube onto the guiding assembly, and the sample tube is changed from a horizontal posture to a vertical posture.

[0026] In response to the empty sample tube storage position on the sample tube carrier tray moving to a position corresponding to the first end of the guiding assembly, control the baffle member to move away from between the guiding assembly and the sample tube carrier tray, so that the sample tube in the vertical posture moves to the sample tube storage position for temporary storage due to the action of gravity.

[0027] Wherein, the sample tube sorting device further includes a second transportation assembly for moving the sample tubes in the bin to the first transportation assembly, and the second transportation assembly includes:

[0028] A first conveyor belt extending along the height direction of the sample tube sorting device, one end thereof is disposed through the bin, and the other end is spaced from the other end of the first transportation assembly;

[0029] At least one carrier member spaced apart on the first conveyor belt to carry the sample tubes in the bin;

[0030] A driving module connected to the first conveyor belt for driving the first conveyor belt to drive, so as to drive the carrier member to transport the sample tubes in the bin;

[0031] Wherein, the transportation direction of the first conveyor belt for the sample tubes is perpendicular to the transmission direction of the first transportation assembly for the sample tubes;

[0032] Wherein, the processor is further configured to control the driving module to drive the first conveyor belt to drive, so as to drive the carrier member to transport the sample tubes in the bin to the first transportation assembly.

[0033] Wherein, the first transportation assembly includes:

[0034] A second conveyor belt disposed along the width direction of the sample tube sorting device, the first end of the second conveyor belt is spaced from the other end of the first conveyor belt, and the second end of the second conveyor belt is spaced from the scanning assembly;

[0035] A first guiding plate disposed at the first end of the second conveyor belt for guiding the sample tubes entering the second conveyor belt;

[0036] The second guide plate is arranged at the second end of the second conveyor belt. The extending direction of the second guide plate is parallel to the conveying direction of the second conveyor belt, and it is located above the second conveyor belt along the height direction of the sample tube sorting device to guide the sample tubes on the second conveyor belt.

[0037] Among them, the first guide plate includes a first plate section and a second plate section. The first plate section is arranged on the side of the second conveyor belt away from the first conveyor belt. The extending direction of the first plate section is parallel to the conveying direction of the second conveyor belt. The second plate section is arranged at one end of the first plate section away from the first end of the second conveyor belt, and the second plate section extends obliquely along the direction close to the first conveyor belt.

[0038] The distance between the second guide plate and the second conveyor belt along the height direction of the sample tube sorting device is greater than the diameter of the sample tube.

[0039] Among them, the sample tube sorting device further includes a sample tube recycling component. The sample tube recycling component includes a guide groove. One end of the guide groove is arranged at an interval from one end of the second guide plate away from the scanning component, and the other end of the guide groove is arranged at an interval from the bin.

[0040] Among them, when the orientation of the sample tube on the second conveyor belt deviates from the conveying direction of the second conveyor belt, the first guide plate and the second guide plate are used to push the sample tube into the guide groove, and the sample tube is recycled to the bin through the guide groove.

[0041] Among them, the scanning component includes:

[0042] A scanning module for scanning the sample tube to obtain the scanning information of the sample tube.

[0043] A first rubber roller and a second rubber roller. The first rubber roller and the second rubber roller are arranged in parallel, and the extending direction of the first rubber roller and the second rubber roller is parallel to the transporting direction of the first transporting component for the sample tube. Among them, the distance between the first rubber roller and the second rubber roller is less than the diameter of the sample tube.

[0044] Among them, the processor is further used for:

[0045] Controlling the first transporting component to transport the sample tube between the first rubber roller and the second rubber roller.

[0046] Controlling the rotation of the first rubber roller and / or the second rubber roller to drive the rotation of the sample tube, and controlling the scanning module to scan the rotating sample tube to obtain the scanning information of the sample tube.

[0047] Among them, the sample tube types include a detection type and a quality control type, and the sample tube sorting device further includes a sample tube refrigeration component for refrigerated storage of the sample tubes of the quality control type; among them,

[0048] Among them, the processor is further configured to:

[0049] In response to the sample tube type of the sample tube being the quality control type, control the sample tube moving component to clamp and move the sample tube to the sample tube refrigeration component for refrigerated storage.

[0050] To solve the above technical problems, the present application further provides an assembly line system, including the sample tube sorting device and a sample analyzer as described above. The sample tube sorting device is connected to the sample analyzer. The sample tube sorting device is configured to sort sample tubes, load the sample tubes on a sample rack, and transport the sample rack loaded with the sample tubes to the sample analyzer. The sample analyzer is configured to detect the samples in the sample tubes.

[0051] Beneficial effects of the present application: Different from the prior art, the sample tube sorting device of the present application includes a tube inlet component, a first transportation component, a scanning component, a sample tube moving component, a sample tube loading component, and a processor. The processor controls the first transportation component to receive the sample tubes transmitted by the tube inlet component and transport the sample tubes to the scanning component; controls the scanning component to scan the sample tubes to obtain the scanning information of the sample tubes; and controls the sample tube moving component to move the scanned sample tubes to the sample tube loading component and load the sample tubes of the same type on the same sample rack based on the scanning information. The tube inlet component and the first transportation component provide the sample tubes to the scanning component, and the scanning component scans the sample tubes and classifies the sample tubes. Then, the sample tube moving component loads the sample tubes onto the sample racks of the sample tube loading component based on the scanning information of the sample tubes, eliminating the need for users to load the sample tubes, reducing the labor cost of loading the sample tubes, achieving automatic classification and loading of the sample tubes, improving the practicability and convenience of the sample tube sorting device, and enhancing the user experience of using the sample tube sorting device. Description of the Drawings

[0052] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application, the following will briefly introduce the drawings required for the description of the embodiments. Obviously, the following drawings are only some embodiments of the present application. For those of ordinary skill in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative efforts.

[0053] Among them:

[0054] Figure 1It is a schematic structural diagram of the first embodiment of the sample tube sorting device of the present application;

[0055] Figure 2 It is a schematic structural diagram of the second embodiment of the sample tube sorting device of the present application;

[0056] Figure 3 It is Figure 1 A partial structural schematic diagram of the sample tube sorting device shown;

[0057] Figure 4 It is a schematic structural diagram of the third embodiment of the sample tube sorting device of the present application;

[0058] Figure 5 It is Figure 4 A partial structural schematic diagram of the sample tube sorting device shown;

[0059] Figure 6 It is Figure 2 A partial structural schematic diagram of the sample tube sorting device shown;

[0060] Figure 7 It is a schematic structural diagram of the fourth embodiment of the sample tube sorting device of the present application;

[0061] Figure 8 It is a schematic structural diagram of the fifth embodiment of the sample tube sorting device of the present application;

[0062] Figure 9 It is Figure 8 A partial structural schematic diagram of the sample tube sorting device shown.

[0063] Reference numerals in the drawings: sample tube sorting device 1; tube inlet assembly 11; silo 111; first transportation assembly 12; second conveyor belt 121; first guide plate 122; first plate section 1221; second plate section 1222; second guide plate 123; scanning assembly 13; scanning module 131; first rubber roller 132; second rubber roller 133; sample tube moving assembly 14; moving robotic arm 141; first sample tube gripper 142; second sample tube gripper 143; sample tube loading assembly 15; sample tube pre-sorting assembly 16; sample tube carrier tray 161; sample tube sorting assembly 17; guiding assembly 171; first guiding strip 1711; second guiding strip 1712; baffle member 172; second transportation assembly 18; first conveyor belt 181; fixing member 182; sample tube recycling assembly 19; guiding groove 191; sample tube refrigeration assembly 20. Detailed implementation manners

[0064] The following will describe the solutions of the embodiments of the present application in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings of the specification.

[0065] In the following description, specific details such as specific system architectures, interfaces, and technologies are presented for the purpose of illustration rather than limitation, in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present application.

[0066] In the present application, the mention of "embodiment" means that the specific features, structures, or characteristics described in connection with the embodiment can be included in at least one embodiment of the present application. The appearance of this phrase at various positions in the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor is it an independent or alternative embodiment that is mutually exclusive with other embodiments. Those skilled in the art will explicitly and implicitly understand that the embodiments described herein can be combined with other embodiments.

[0067] The term "and / or" in the present application is merely a description of the association relationship of associated objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, and B exists alone. In addition, the character " / " in this article generally represents an "or" relationship between the associated objects before and after. In addition, "plurality" in this article means two or more than two. In addition, the term "at least one" in this article means any one of a plurality or any combination of at least two of a plurality. For example, including at least one of A, B, and C can represent including any one or more elements selected from the set composed of A, B, and C. In addition, the terms "first", "second", and "third" in the present application are only for descriptive purposes and cannot be understood as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the quantity of the indicated technical features.

[0068] Please refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 , Figure 1 is a schematic structural diagram of the first embodiment of the sample tube sorting device of the present application, Figure 2 is a schematic structural diagram of the second embodiment of the sample tube sorting device of the present application. The sample tube sorting device 1 provided by the embodiment of the present application is applied to sort sample tubes, and includes a tube inlet assembly 11, a first transportation assembly 12, a scanning assembly 13, a sample tube moving assembly 14, a sample tube loading assembly 15, and a processor.

[0069] Among them, the tube inlet assembly 11 includes a bin 111 for placing sample tubes; the first transportation assembly 12 is arranged at an interval from the tube inlet assembly 11, the scanning assembly 13 is arranged at one end of the first transportation assembly 12 away from the tube inlet assembly 11, the sample tube moving assembly 14 is arranged at an interval from the scanning assembly 13, and the sample tube loading assembly 15 includes at least one sample rack without loaded sample tubes, and the sample piece is used for loading sample tubes.

[0070] The processor is used to control the first transportation component 12 to receive the sample tubes transmitted by the tube feeding component 11 and transport the sample tubes to the scanning component 13; further, the processor controls the scanning component 13 to scan the sample tubes to obtain the scanning information of the sample tubes, wherein the scanning information of the sample tubes includes the sample tube information of the sample tubes; finally, the processor controls the sample tube moving component 14 to move the scanned sample tubes to the sample tube loading component 15 and load the sample tubes with the same sample tube type on the same sample rack based on the scanning information, so as to realize the sorting and loading of the sample tubes.

[0071] Specifically, before the sample tubes are tested on the machine, the user places the sample tubes in the bin 111 of the tube feeding component 11. At this time, the user does not need to sort the sample tubes and can directly pour the sample tubes into the bin 111, reducing the user's participation in the process of sorting the sample tubes. Then, the processor controls the tube feeding component 11 to move the sample tubes in the bin 111 to the first transportation component 12 and controls the first transportation component 12 to receive the sample tubes and transport the sample tubes to the scanning component 13. The scanning component 13 scans the sample tubes to obtain the scanning information of the sample tubes, that is, the classification of the sample tubes can be realized on the scanning component 13, and the sample tube type of the sample tubes can be obtained. Furthermore, the processor controls the sample tube moving component 14 to move the scanned sample tubes to the sample tube loading component 15 and load the sample tubes with the same sample tube type on the same sample rack based on the scanning information, so as to realize the loading of the sample tubes based on the sample tube type of the sample tubes.

[0072] In summary, the sample tube sorting device 1 provided by the embodiment of the present application realizes the automatic classification of the sample tubes and the loading of the sample tubes based on the sample tube type of the sample tubes, reduces the human participation, reduces the possibility of errors caused by human factors, improves the safety of the sample tube sorting device 1 for sorting the sample tubes, and at the same time can improve the efficiency of sorting the sample tubes, improve the practicability of the sample tube sorting device 1, and enhance the user experience of using the sample tube sorting device 1.

[0073] Optionally, as Figure 2 shown, the sample tube sorting device 1 further includes a sample tube pre-classification component 16. The sample tube pre-classification component 16 is arranged at an interval from the scanning component 13 and includes a sample tube carrier 161 and a rotation module (not shown in the figure).

[0074] Among them, the sample tube carrier 161 has a plurality of sample tube storage positions for storing sample tubes; the rotation module is connected to the sample tube carrier 161 and is used to drive the sample tube carrier 161 to rotate so that the sample tube carrier 161 can receive a plurality of sample tubes.

[0075] Specifically, based on the scanning information of the sample tube, the processor controls the rotation module to drive the sample tube carrier tray 161 to rotate, and then stores the sample tubes with the same sample tube type in the sample tube storage positions adjacent to the sample tube carrier tray 161. For example, the sample tube types include sample tube type A and sample tube type B. The processor records in real time the placement positions of the sample tubes on the sample tube carrier tray 161 and the corresponding sample tube types. When the scanning component 13 scans that the sample tube type of the sample tube is sample tube type A, the processor controls the rotation module to drive the sample tube carrier tray 161 to rotate, so as to rotate the vacant sample tube storage position adjacent to the sample tube of sample tube type A to correspond to the scanning component 13. Then, the sample tube carrier tray 161 receives the sample tube of sample tube type A that has been scanned on the scanning component 13, which facilitates the sample tube moving component 14 to clamp the sample tubes with the same sample tube type, improves the clamping efficiency of the sample tube moving component 14 for the sample tubes, and improves the loading efficiency of the sample tubes in the sample tube sorting device 1.

[0076] In another embodiment, if the processor responds that the sample tube type of the sample tube scanned on the scanning component 13 does not match the sample tube type of the sample tube stored on the sample tube carrier tray 161, that is, there is no sample tube on the sample tube carrier tray 161 with the same sample tube type as the sample tube on the scanning component 13, the processor controls the driving module to drive the sample tube carrier tray 161 to rotate, so that any vacant sample tube storage position on the sample tube carrier tray 161 corresponds to the scanning component 13, and receives the sample tube.

[0077] Meanwhile, in the embodiment of the present application, by setting the sample tube pre-classification component 16 to carry the scanned sample tubes, the scanned sample tubes can be temporarily stored on the sample tube pre-classification component 16 based on the scanning information, avoiding the situation that the scanned sample tubes are blocked on the scanning component 13 and waiting for the movement of the sample tube moving component 14, while the subsequent sample tubes cannot enter the scanning component 13 for scanning, and improving the scanning efficiency of the sample tubes.

[0078] Optionally, please continue to refer to Figure 1 and Figure 3 , Figure 3 is Figure 1 a partial structural schematic diagram of the sample tube sorting device shown. The sample tube moving component 14 includes a moving robotic arm 141, a first sample tube gripper 142, and a second sample tube gripper 143. The first sample tube gripper 142 and the second sample tube gripper 143 are arranged at intervals on the moving robotic arm 141.

[0079] Specifically, the processor controls the mobile robotic arm 141 to move to the sample tube carrier tray 161, positions the first sample tube gripper 142 and the second sample tube gripper 143 respectively corresponding to two adjacent sample tube storage positions, controls the first sample tube gripper 142 to grasp the first sample tube on the sample tube storage position, and simultaneously controls the second sample tube gripper 143 to grasp the second sample tube on the sample tube storage position.

[0080] As described above, on the sample tube carrier tray 161, sample tubes of the same type are stored in adjacent sample tube storage positions. Therefore, the first sample tube grasped by the first sample tube gripper 142 and the second sample tube grasped by the second sample tube gripper 143 are sample tubes of the same type. Then, the mobile robotic arm 141 drives the first sample tube gripper 142 and the second sample tube gripper 143 to move to the sample tube loading assembly 15 and loads the first sample tube and the second sample tube onto the same sample rack. By arranging the first sample tube gripper 142 and the second sample tube gripper 143 on the mobile robotic arm 141 to simultaneously grasp two sample tubes, the efficiency of grasping and loading the sample tubes in the sample tube sorting device 1 is improved. At the same time, the sample tube pre-classification assembly 14 stores sample tubes of the same type in adjacent sample tube storage positions, which also provides a way to enable the first sample tube gripper 142 and the second sample tube gripper 143 to simultaneously grasp the first sample tube and the second sample tube of the same type, further improving the efficiency of the sample tube moving assembly 14 for clamping the sample tubes.

[0081] In one embodiment, the set distance between the first sample tube gripper 142 and the second sample tube gripper 143 on the mobile robotic arm 141 can be equal to the distance between two adjacent sample tube storage positions on the sample tube carrier tray 161. Thus, the first sample tube gripper 142 and the second sample tube gripper 143 can grasp two adjacent sample tubes on the sample tube carrier tray 161.

[0082] It should be understood that two adjacent sample tube storage positions on the sample tube carrier tray 161 do not necessarily mean that the two sample tube storage positions are immediately adjacent. There may be other sample tube storage positions between the two sample tube storage positions, which depends on the set distance between the first sample tube gripper 142 and the second sample tube gripper 142 on the mobile robotic arm 141. This application does not limit the set distance between the first sample tube gripper 142 and the second sample tube gripper 143 on the mobile robotic arm 141, as long as it can ensure that the first sample tube gripper 142 and the second sample tube gripper 142 can simultaneously grasp two sample tubes from the sample tube carrier tray.

[0083] Optionally, please refer to Figure 4 、 Figure 5 and Figure 6 , Figure 4 which is a schematic structural diagram of the third embodiment of the sample tube sorting device of this application;Figure 5 is Figure 4 a partial structural schematic diagram of the sample tube sorting device shown; Figure 6 is Figure 2 a partial structural schematic diagram of the sample tube sorting device shown. The sample tube sorting device 1 provided by the embodiment of the present application further includes a sample tube sorting component 17.

[0084] Among them, the sample tube sorting component 17 includes a guiding component 171 and a baffle member 172.

[0085] The guiding component 171 is arranged below the scanning component 13 along the height direction of the sample tube sorting device 1 to reduce the volume of the sample tube sorting device 1. Among them, as Figure 5 shown, the guiding component 171 includes a first guiding strip 1711 and a second guiding strip 1712. The first guiding strip 1711 and the second guiding strip 1712 are arranged in parallel and extend obliquely away from the scanning component 13. The distance between the first guiding strip 1711 and the second guiding strip 1712 is greater than or equal to the tube diameter of the sample tube and less than the cap diameter of the sample tube, and the first end of the guiding component 171 is spaced from the sample tube carrier 161.

[0086] Specifically, since the distance between the first guiding strip 1711 and the second guiding strip 1712 is greater than or equal to the tube body diameter of the sample tube and less than the cap diameter of the sample tube, that is, when the scanning component 13 moves the scanned sample tube onto the guiding component 171, due to the action of gravity, the tube body of the sample tube will enter between the first guiding strip 1711 and the second guiding strip 1712, while the cap of the sample tube is stuck above the gap formed by the first guiding strip 1711 and the second guiding strip 1712, so that the sample tube changes from the original horizontal posture during transmission to a vertical posture, which is convenient for the sample tube moving component 14 to clamp the sample tube and improves the moving efficiency of the sample tube moving component 14 for the sample tube.

[0087] At the same time, since the first guiding strip 1711 and the second guiding strip 1712 extend obliquely away from the scanning component 13 and the first end of the guiding component 171 is spaced from the sample tube carrier 161, that is, the first guiding strip 1711 and the second guiding strip 1712 are arranged horizontally and obliquely downward. The sample tube in the vertical posture in the guiding component 171 will gradually approach the sample tube carrier 161 due to the action of gravity and finally move to a position spaced from the sample tube carrier 161 and enter the sample tube carrier 161 for storage.

[0088] Furthermore, as Figure 6 shown, the baffle member 172 is movably arranged between the first end of the guiding component 171 and the sample tube carrier 161.

[0089] Specifically, after the scanning component 13 finishes scanning, the processor controls the baffle member 172 to move so that the baffle member 172 is disposed between the first end of the guiding component 171 and the sample tube carrier tray 161, and controls the scanning component 13 to move the scanned sample tube onto the guiding component 171. The sample tube changes from a horizontal posture to a vertical posture, and under the action of gravity, moves to the first end of the guiding component 171.

[0090] Furthermore, the processor controls the rotation of the sample tube carrier tray 161 based on the scanning information of the sample tube, so as to move the sample tube storage position controlled on the sample tube carrier tray 161 to a position corresponding to the first end of the guiding component 171.

[0091] When the processor responds to the movement of the sample tube storage position controlled on the sample tube carrier tray 161 to a position corresponding to the first end of the guiding component 171, it controls the baffle member 172 to move away from between the guiding component 171 and the sample tube carrier tray 161, so that the sample tube in the vertical posture moves to the sample tube storage position for temporary storage under the action of gravity.

[0092] Further, the scanning component 13 can move the scanned sample tube into the guiding component 171 for sorting. The sample tube in the vertical posture can be sorted between the first guiding strip 1711 and the second guiding strip 1712. When the sample tube closest to the sample tube carrier tray 161 on the guiding component 171 moves onto the sample tube carrier tray 161, the next sample tube adjacent to this sample tube moves to the position closest to the sample tube carrier tray 161 on the guiding component 171 and is blocked by the baffle member 172, waiting to enter the sample tube carrier tray 161 after the next rotation of the sample tube carrier tray 161.

[0093] In summary, the guiding component 171 changes the horizontal posture of the sample tube to a vertical posture, which is convenient for the sample tube to enter the sample tube carrier tray 161 for storage, and also convenient for the sample tube moving component 14 to clamp the sample tube, improving the moving efficiency of the sample tube. At the same time, the sample tubes in the vertical posture can be sorted between the first guiding strip 1711 and the second guiding strip 1712, creating a scanning space for the scanning component 13. The scanning component 13 can move the scanned sample tube to the guiding component 171 for sorting and receive the next sample tube for scanning, improving the scanning efficiency of the scanning component 13 and the sorting efficiency of the sample tube sorting device 1.

[0094] The processor controls the movement of the baffle member 172 only when the sample tube storage position controlled on the sample tube carrier tray 161 moves to a position corresponding to the first end of the guiding component 171, avoiding the situation where the sample tube falls off the guiding component 171 due to gravity when the sample tube carrier tray 161 has not moved in place, improving the safety of the sample tube sorting device 1.

[0095] Optionally, please refer to Figure 2 and Figure 7 , Figure 7 which is a schematic structural diagram of the fourth embodiment of the sample tube sorting device of the present application. The sample tube sorting device 1 further includes a second transportation component 18 for moving the sample tubes in the bin 111 onto the first transportation component 12.

[0096] Among them, the second transportation component 18 includes a first conveyor belt 181, at least one carrier 182, and a drive module.

[0097] The first conveyor belt 181 extends along the height direction of the sample tube sorting device 1, one end passes through the bin 111, and the other end is spaced from the other end of the first transportation component 12. The transmission direction of the first conveyor belt 181 for the sample tubes is perpendicular to the transmission direction of the first transportation component 12 for the sample tubes. That is, the bin 111 is arranged below the first transportation component 12 along the height direction of the sample tube sorting device 1. At least one carrier 182 is spaced on the first conveyor belt 181. When the first conveyor belt 181 drives, it passes through the bin 111 for driving. The carrier 182 is used to carry the sample tubes. Then the sample tubes are transported to the other end of the first conveyor belt 181 along with the carrier 182 and transported onto the first transportation component 12. The drive module is connected to the first conveyor belt 181 and is used to drive the first conveyor belt 181 to drive, so as to drive the carrier 182 to transport the sample tubes in the bin 111.

[0098] Specifically, the processor controls the drive module to drive the first conveyor belt 181 to drive. Then the first conveyor belt 181 passes through the bin 111. The carrier 182 on the first conveyor belt 181 picks up and carries the sample tubes in the bin 111 and moves to the end where the first conveyor belt 181 is spaced from the first transportation component 12 along with the transmission of the first conveyor belt 181. Then the first conveyor belt 181 moves the sample tubes onto the first transportation component 12.

[0099] In one embodiment, the first conveyor belt 181 is fitted and installed with the bin 111. The carrier 182 is an L-shaped claw fixed on the first conveyor belt 181. The claw and the bottom of the bin 111 are made into a trapezoidal tooth structure and mesh with each other to ensure that the sample tubes can be picked up without falling.

[0100] In another embodiment, the bottom of the silo 111 can be designed with a large inclination angle. That is, the bottom of the silo 111 shrinks, so that the area where the silo 111 is in contact with the first conveyor belt 181 is the lowest point of the silo 111. Thus, the sample tubes always move closer to the lowest point under the action of gravity and are picked up and carried by the carriers 182 on the first conveyor belt 181 to be transported onto the first transport component 12, thereby achieving the purpose of emptying the silo 111. Further, a detection module can be provided at the bottom of the silo 111 to detect whether there are residual sample tubes in the silo 111, further ensuring that the sample tubes in the silo 111 are emptied and improving the practicability of the sample tube sorting device 1.

[0101] Optionally, please continue to refer to Figure 2 and Figure 7 , the first transport component 12 includes a second conveyor belt 121, a first guide plate 122, and a second guide plate 123.

[0102] The second conveyor belt 121 is arranged along the width direction of the sample tube sorting device 1. The first end of the second conveyor belt 121 is spaced from the other end of the first conveyor belt 181, and the second end of the second conveyor belt 121 is spaced from the scanning component 13. The first guide plate 122 is arranged at the first end of the second conveyor belt 121 for guiding the sample tubes entering the second conveyor belt 121. The second guide plate 123 is arranged at the second end of the second conveyor belt 121. The extending direction of the second guide plate 123 is parallel to the conveying direction of the second conveyor belt 121, and it is located above the second conveyor belt 121 along the height direction of the sample tube sorting device 1 to guide the sample tubes on the second conveyor belt 121.

[0103] Specifically, the first guide plate 122 includes a first plate segment 1221 and a second plate segment 1222. The first plate segment 1221 is arranged on the side of the second conveyor belt 121 away from the first conveyor belt 181, and the extending direction of the first plate segment 1221 is parallel to the conveying direction of the second conveyor belt 121. The second plate segment 1222 is arranged at one end of the first plate segment 1221 away from the first end of the second conveyor belt 121, and the second plate segment 1222 extends obliquely along the direction close to the first conveyor belt 181. Thus, the second plate segment 1222 of the first guide plate 122 can guide the sample tubes located on the second conveyor belt 121 with the tube body facing away from the conveying direction of the second conveyor belt 121, adjust the orientation of the sample tubes, avoid the sample tubes falling off the second conveyor belt 121 during transportation, and improve the safety and stability of the first transport component 12 for transporting the sample tubes.

[0104] Furthermore, the distance between the second guiding plate 123 and the second conveyor belt 121 in the height direction of the sample tube sorting device 1 is greater than the tube diameter of the sample tube and the cap diameter of the sample tube. Thus, the sample tubes on the second conveyor belt 121 can be transported to the scanning assembly 13 through the space between the second guiding plate 123 and the second conveyor belt 121.

[0105] In an embodiment, the distance between the second guiding plate 123 and the second conveyor belt 121 in the height direction of the sample tube sorting device 1 can be slightly greater than the tube diameter of the sample tube and equal to the cap diameter of the sample tube. Thus, the sample tubes deviating in the height direction of the sample tube sorting device 1 are guided to make the sample tubes on the second conveyor belt 121 face the conveying direction parallel to the second conveyor belt 121, further improving the safety and stability of the first transport assembly 12 in transporting the sample tubes.

[0106] Through the cooperation of the first guiding plate 122 and the second guiding plate 123, the sample tubes on the second conveyor belt 121 are guided to ensure that the orientation of the sample tubes on the second conveyor belt 121 is parallel to the conveying direction of the second conveyor belt 121, preventing the sample tubes from deviating and detaching from the second conveyor belt 121 during transportation, and improving the safety and stability of the first transport assembly 12 in transporting the sample tubes.

[0107] Optionally, the sample tube sorting device 1 further includes a sample tube recycling assembly 19.

[0108] Among them, the sample tube recycling assembly 19 includes a guiding groove 191. One end of the guiding groove 191 is spaced from one end of the second guiding plate 123 away from the scanning assembly 13, and the other end of the guiding groove 191 is spaced from the storage bin 111. In an embodiment, as Figure 7 shown, the width of the guiding groove 191 can span the second plate segment 1222 of the first guiding plate 122.

[0109] When the orientation of the sample tube on the second conveyor belt 121 deviates from the conveying direction of the second conveyor belt 121, specifically, when the orientation of the sample tube on the second conveyor belt 121 seriously deviates from the conveying direction of the second conveyor belt 121, the first guide plate 122 and the second guide plate 123 cannot effectively guide the sample tube to make the orientation of the sample tube parallel to the conveying direction of the second conveyor belt 121. In this case, since the second conveyor belt 121 conveys the sample tube, the sample tube moves relative to the first guide plate 122 and the second guide plate 123, and cannot be guided by the first guide plate 122 and the second guide plate 123, the sample tube will touch the first guide plate 122 and the second guide plate 123, and the first guide plate 122 and the second guide plate 123 will generate a force on the sample tube to push the sample tube into the guide groove 191, and recycle the sample tube into the bin 111, and the sample tube waits to be transported by the second transportation component 18 next time. This avoids the situation that the sample tube with a deviated orientation detaches from the second conveyor belt 121 during transportation, or is transported to the scanning component 13, but due to the deviated orientation, the scanning component 13 cannot scan the sample tube, resulting in blockage of the sample tube at the scanning component 13, improving the transportation efficiency, safety and stability of the sample tube sorting device 1 for the sample tube, and enhancing the user experience of using the sample tube sorting device 1.

[0110] Optionally, please refer to Figure 8 and Figure 9 , Figure 8 which is a schematic structural diagram of the fifth embodiment of the sample tube sorting device of the present application; Figure 9 is Figure 8 a partial structural diagram of the sample tube sorting device shown in. The scanning component 13 includes a scanning module 131, a first rubber roller 132 and a second rubber roller 133.

[0111] The scanning module 131 is used to scan the sample tube to obtain the scanning information of the sample tube. The first rubber roller 132 and the second rubber roller 133 are arranged in parallel, and the extending direction of the first rubber roller 132 and the second rubber roller 133 is parallel to the transportation direction of the sample tube by the first transportation component 12. Among them, the distance between the first rubber roller 132 and the second rubber roller 133 is less than the tube diameter of the sample tube, specifically, the distance between the first rubber roller 132 and the second rubber roller 133 is less than the body tube diameter of the sample tube.

[0112] Specifically, the first transportation component 12 transports the sample tube between the first rubber roller 132 and the second rubber roller 133. Since the distance between the first rubber roller 132 and the second rubber roller 133 is less than the tube diameter of the sample tube, the sample tube will be located between the first rubber roller 132 and the second rubber roller 133. Then the processor controls the rotation of the first rubber roller 132 and / or the second rubber roller 133 to drive the sample tube to rotate, and controls the scanning module 131 to scan the rotating sample tube to obtain the scanning information of the sample tube.

[0113] In one embodiment, the processor may control the first rubber roller 132 and the second rubber roller 133 to rotate in the same direction at the same speed to drive the sample tube to rotate. In another embodiment, the processor may only control the first rubber roller 132 to rotate, and then the first rubber roller 132 rotates to drive the second rubber roller 133 and the sample tube to rotate. In other embodiments, the processor may also only control the second rubber roller 133 to rotate.

[0114] Through the cooperation of the first rubber roller 132 and the second rubber roller 133, the sample tube is driven to rotate, and the scanning module 131 scans the rotating sample tube, improving the success rate of the scanning module 131 in scanning the sample tube and enhancing the scanning efficiency of the scanning assembly 13 for the sample tube.

[0115] In one embodiment, the second rubber roller 133 can move relative to the first rubber roller 132 along a direction perpendicular to the extension direction of the first rubber roller 132 to increase the distance between the first rubber roller 132 and the second rubber roller 133. Specifically, as described above, the guiding assembly 17 is disposed below the scanning assembly 13, and the processor can further control the second rubber roller 132 to move closer to the first rubber roller 133 so that the distance between the first rubber roller 132 and the second rubber roller 133 is less than the diameter of the sample tube. Then, the first transportation assembly 12 transports the sample tube between the first rubber roller 132 and the second rubber roller 133, and the first rubber roller 132 and / or the second rubber roller 133 drives the sample tube to rotate, and the scanning module 131 scans the rotating sample tube. After the scanning is completed, the second rubber roller 133 can move away from the first rubber roller 132 so that the distance between the first rubber roller 132 and the second rubber roller 133 is greater than the diameter of the sample tube, and then the sample tube drops onto the guiding assembly 171 to change its posture and be sorted.

[0116] In another embodiment, the sample tube sorting device 1 may further include a lateral pushing assembly. The scanning assembly 13 is disposed on one side of the second conveyor belt 121, and the lateral pushing assembly is disposed on the other side corresponding to the position of the second conveyor belt 121 and the scanning assembly 13. Then, when the sample tube is transported to the position corresponding to the scanning assembly 13, the lateral pushing assembly pushes the sample tube between the first rubber roller 132 and the second rubber roller 133 so that the sample tube is scanned in the scanning assembly 13.

[0117] In other embodiments, the scanning assembly 13 may further include a position detection assembly. When it is detected that the sample tube enters between the first rubber roller 132 and the second rubber roller 133, the first rubber roller 132 and / or the second rubber roller 133 is controlled to rotate, avoiding the first rubber roller 132 and / or the second rubber roller 133 from rotating before the sample tube arrives or delaying rotation after the sample tube arrives, and improving the overall efficiency of the sample tube sorting device 1.

[0118] Optionally, please continue to refer to Figure 1, the sample tube types include the detection type and the quality control type. The sample tube sorting device 1 further includes a sample tube refrigeration assembly 20, and the sample tube refrigeration assembly 20 is used for refrigerated storage of sample tubes of the quality control type.

[0119] In one embodiment, the sample tube refrigeration assembly 20 is disposed above the sample tube loading assembly 15 along the height direction of the sample tube sorting device 1, so as to reduce the volume of the sample tube sorting device 1, and at the same time shorten the distance between the sample tube refrigeration assembly 20 and the sample tube loading assembly 15, and improve the efficiency of the sample tube moving assembly 14 moving the sample tubes of the quality control type in the sample tube refrigeration assembly 20 to the sample tube loading assembly 15 for loading.

[0120] Among them, since the sample tubes of the quality control type need to be refrigerated and stored, when the scanning assembly 13 scans the sample tubes and obtains that the sample tube type of the sample tube is the quality control type, after the sample tubes of the quality control type are moved to the sample tube carrier tray 161 for storage, the processor controls the sample tube moving assembly 14 to clamp the sample tubes of the quality control type on the sample tube carrier tray 161 and move them to the sample tube refrigeration assembly 20 for refrigerated storage.

[0121] In summary, the sample tube sorting device 1 provided by the embodiment of the present application includes a tube inlet assembly 11, a first transportation assembly 12, a scanning assembly 13, a sample tube moving assembly 14, a sample tube loading assembly 15, a sample tube pre-classification assembly 16, a sample tube sorting assembly 17, a second transportation assembly 18, etc. The first transportation assembly 12 moves the sample tubes in the tube inlet assembly 11 to the scanning assembly 13 for scanning to obtain the scanning information of the sample tubes, so as to classify the sample tubes. Furthermore, the sample tube sorting assembly 17 changes the sample tubes from a horizontal posture to a vertical posture to improve the clamping efficiency of the sample tube moving assembly 14 for the sample tubes. The sample tube pre-classification assembly 16 receives the sample tubes in the vertical posture and stores the sample tubes of the same type in adjacent sample tube storage positions to improve the moving efficiency of the sample tube moving assembly 14 for the sample tubes. Furthermore, the sample tube moving assembly 14 moves the sample tubes to the sample tube loading assembly 15 for loading, realizes the automatic loading of the sample tubes in the sample tube sorting device 1, improves the sorting efficiency of the sample tube sorting device 1, and improves the user experience of using the sample tube sorting device 1.

[0122] The present application also provides a pipeline system (not shown in the figure), including a sample tube sorting device 1 and a sample analyzer. The sample tube sorting device 1 is connected to the sample analyzer. The sample tube sorting device 1 is used for sorting sample tubes, loading the sample tubes on a sample rack, and transporting the sample rack loaded with the sample tubes to the sample analyzer. The sample analyzer is used for detecting the samples in the sample tubes.

[0123] The above are only the embodiments of the present application, and do not limit the patent scope of the present application accordingly. Any equivalent structure or equivalent process transformation made by using the content of the specification and drawings of the present application, or directly or indirectly applied in other related technical fields, shall be equally included in the patent protection scope of the present application.

Claims

1. A sample tube sorting device, characterized in that, Applied to the sorting of sample tubes, including: A tube feeding component, including a bin for placing the sample tubes; A first transportation component, arranged at an interval from the tube feeding component; A scanning component, arranged at one end of the first transportation component away from the tube feeding component; A sample tube moving component, arranged at an interval from the scanning component; A sample tube loading component, including at least one sample rack not loaded with the sample tubes, and the sample rack is used for loading the sample tubes; Wherein, the sample tube sorting device further includes a processor, and the processor is used for: Controlling the first transportation component to receive the sample tubes transmitted by the tube feeding component and transporting the sample tubes to the scanning component; Controlling the scanning component to scan the sample tubes to obtain the scanning information of the sample tubes, wherein the scanning information of the sample tubes includes the type of the sample tubes; Controlling the sample tube moving component to move the scanned sample tubes onto the sample tube loading component and loading the sample tubes with the same type onto the same sample rack based on the scanning information.

2. The sample tube sorting device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sample tube sorting device further includes a sample tube pre-classification component, arranged at an interval from the scanning component, including: A sample tube carrying tray, having a plurality of sample tube storage positions for storing the sample tubes; A rotating module, connected to the sample tube carrying tray, for driving the sample tube carrying tray to rotate so that the sample tube carrying tray receives a plurality of the sample tubes; Wherein, the processor is further used for: Based on the scanning information of the sample tubes, controlling the rotating module to drive the sample tube carrying tray to rotate so as to store the sample tubes with the same type in adjacent sample tube storage positions on the sample tube carrying tray.

3. The sample tube sorting device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The sample tube moving component includes a moving robotic arm, a first sample tube gripper and a second sample tube gripper, and the first sample tube gripper and the second sample tube gripper are arranged at an interval on the moving robotic arm; The processor is further used for controlling the moving robotic arm to move to the sample tube carrying tray, so that the positions of the first sample tube gripper and the second sample tube gripper respectively correspond to two adjacent sample tube storage positions, and controlling the first sample tube gripper to grab the first sample tube on the sample tube storage position, and simultaneously controlling the second sample tube gripper to grab the second sample tube on the sample tube storage position.

4. The sample tube sorting device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The sample tube sorting device further includes a sample tube sorting component, and the sample tube sorting component includes: A guiding component, arranged below the scanning component along the height direction of the sample tube sorting device; wherein, the guiding component includes a first guiding strip and a second guiding strip, the first guiding strip and the second guiding strip are arranged in parallel and extend obliquely away from the scanning component; wherein, the distance between the first guiding strip and the second guiding strip is greater than or equal to the tube diameter of the sample tube and less than the diameter of the tube cap of the sample tube; A first end of the guiding component is arranged at an interval from the sample tube carrying tray; A baffle member, movably arranged between the first end of the guiding component and the sample tube carrying tray; Wherein, the processor is further used for: Control the movement of the baffle member so that the baffle member is disposed between the first end of the guiding assembly and the sample tube carrier tray, and control the scanning assembly to move the scanned sample tube onto the guiding assembly, where the sample tube changes from a horizontal posture to a vertical posture; In response to the empty sample tube storage position on the sample tube carrier tray moving to a position corresponding to the first end of the guiding assembly, control the baffle member to move away from between the guiding assembly and the sample tube carrier tray, so that the sample tube in the vertical posture moves to the sample tube storage position for temporary storage due to gravity.

5. The sample tube sorting device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sample tube sorting device further includes a second transportation assembly for moving the sample tubes in the bin to the first transportation assembly. The second transportation assembly includes: A first conveyor belt extending along the height direction of the sample tube sorting device, with one end passing through the bin and the other end spaced from the other end of the first transportation assembly; At least one carrier member spaced on the first conveyor belt to carry the sample tubes in the bin; A driving module connected to the first conveyor belt for driving the first conveyor belt to drive, so as to drive the carrier member to transport the sample tubes in the bin; Wherein, the transportation direction of the first conveyor belt for the sample tubes is perpendicular to the transmission direction of the first transportation assembly for the sample tubes; Wherein, the processor is further configured to control the driving module to drive the first conveyor belt to drive, so as to drive the carrier member to transport the sample tubes in the bin to the first transportation assembly.

6. The sample tube sorting device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The first transportation assembly includes: A second conveyor belt disposed along the width direction of the sample tube sorting device, with the first end of the second conveyor belt spaced from the other end of the first conveyor belt, and the second end of the second conveyor belt spaced from the scanning assembly; A first guiding plate disposed at the first end of the second conveyor belt for guiding the sample tubes entering the second conveyor belt; A second guiding plate disposed at the second end of the second conveyor belt, the extending direction of the second guiding plate being parallel to the conveying direction of the second conveyor belt, and being located above the second conveyor belt along the height direction of the sample tube sorting device to guide the sample tubes on the second conveyor belt; Wherein, the first guiding plate includes a first plate segment and a second plate segment. The first plate segment is disposed on the side of the second conveyor belt away from the first conveyor belt, the extending direction of the first plate segment being parallel to the conveying direction of the second conveyor belt, and the second plate segment is disposed at one end of the first plate segment away from the first end of the second conveyor belt, and the second plate segment extends obliquely along the direction close to the first conveyor belt; The distance between the second guiding plate and the second conveyor belt along the height direction of the sample tube sorting device is greater than the diameter of the sample tube.

7. The sample tube sorting device according to claim 6, wherein, The sample tube sorting device further includes a sample tube recycling component, and the sample tube recycling component includes a guiding groove. One end of the guiding groove is spaced from one end of the second guiding plate away from the scanning component, and the other end of the guiding groove is spaced from the bin. Wherein, when the orientation of the sample tube on the second conveyor belt deviates from the conveying direction of the second conveyor belt, the first guiding plate and the second guiding plate are used to push the sample tube into the guiding groove, and the sample tube is recycled to the bin through the guiding groove.

8. The sample tube sorting device according to claim 2, wherein, The scanning component includes: A scanning module for scanning the sample tube to obtain the scanning information of the sample tube; A first rubber roller and a second rubber roller, the first rubber roller and the second rubber roller are arranged in parallel, and the extending direction of the first rubber roller and the second rubber roller is parallel to the transporting direction of the first transporting component for the sample tube; wherein, the distance between the first rubber roller and the second rubber roller is less than the tube diameter of the sample tube. Wherein, the processor is further configured to: Control the first transporting component to transport the sample tube between the first rubber roller and the second rubber roller; Control the rotation of the first rubber roller and / or the second rubber roller to drive the rotation of the sample tube, and control the scanning module to scan the rotating sample tube to obtain the scanning information of the sample tube.

9. The sample tube sorting device according to claim 1, wherein, The sample tube types include a detection type and a quality control type. The sample tube sorting device further includes a sample tube refrigeration component for refrigerated storage of the sample tubes of the quality control type. Wherein, Wherein, the processor is further configured to: In response to the sample tube type of the sample tube being the quality control type, control the sample tube moving component to clamp and move the sample tube onto the sample tube refrigeration component for refrigerated storage.

10. A pipeline system, wherein, Comprising the sample tube sorting device and a sample analyzer according to any one of claims 1-9, the sample tube sorting device is connected to the sample analyzer. The sample tube sorting device is used to sort sample tubes, load the sample tubes onto a sample rack, and transport the sample rack loaded with the sample tubes to the sample analyzer. The sample analyzer is used to detect the samples in the sample tubes.

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