Container handling device and medical detection analyzer comprising same

Abstract

The invention relates to a container control device of a medical detection analyzer. The container control device comprises a clamping piece and a control piece, wherein the clamping piece comprises an elastic clamping part for clamping a container; the ejection part is arranged in the clamping part in a sliding manner; the biasing piece is configured to be used for applying force to the ejection piece so that the ejection piece can push the container out of the elastic clamping part; the locking mechanism is configured in the mode that when the container is clamped in place by the elastic clamping part, the locking mechanism enables the ejection piece to be in a standby state in which the force applied by the bias piece cannot be transmitted to the container; and the unlocking mechanism is configured to be used for releasing the standby state of the ejection piece so as to push the container out of the clamping piece under the action of the bias piece. In addition, the invention further provides a medical detection analyzer comprising the container control device. According to the container control device and the medical detection analyzer, the structure can be simplified, the cost can be reduced, and the reliability and the stability can be improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a container manipulation device for grasping and releasing a container (e.g., a reaction cup), and a medical detection analyzer (e.g., an immunoassay analyzer) including the container manipulation device. Background Art

[0002] The content of this section only provides background information related to the present disclosure, which does not necessarily constitute prior art.

[0003] A medical detection analyzer can be used to detect and analyze a certain biochemical substance in body fluids (e.g., blood), providing information basis for the immunity, diagnosis, treatment, prognosis of diseases and health status in clinical practice. A medical detection analyzer generally includes a container manipulation device, which is used to hold, transport, mix or place a container (or can be called a "reaction cup" or "test tube") containing a detection substance or reagent inside, so that the container is in an appropriate position.

[0004] Existing container manipulation devices include a clamping member, an ejecting member and a pneumatic system. The clamping member is used to pick up and hold the container. The pneumatic system applies pressurized gas to the ejecting member to push the ejecting member and thus push the container, so that the container is finally released from the clamping member and placed in an appropriate position. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Technical Problem

[0006] For the above existing container manipulation device, the pneumatic system includes various pipelines, valves, sensors, regulating devices, etc., having a complex structure, a large volume and a high cost. Therefore, the container manipulation device and the medical detection analyzer including the pneumatic system also have a complex structure and operation, a large volume and a high cost. In addition, when the container is ejected under force, it is easy to cause the fluid in the container to spill out, resulting in problems such as contamination. The pneumatic system often also has problems of air leakage and pressure regulation. This reduces the stability and reliability of the pneumatic system.

[0007] In view of at least one problem of the above pneumatic system, a container manipulation solution is proposed, which uses a novel way of applying force and ejecting the container to replace the pneumatic system, thereby simplifying the structure, making the structure more compact, reducing the cost and / or improving the stability and reliability.

[0008] Technical Solution

[0009] According to one aspect of the present application, there is provided a container manipulation device for a medical testing analyzer. The container manipulation device includes: a clamping member including an elastic clamping portion for clamping a container; a ejecting member slidably disposed in the clamping member; a biasing member configured to apply a force to the ejecting member so that the ejecting member can eject the container from the elastic clamping portion; a locking mechanism configured to: when the container is clamped in place by the elastic clamping portion, the locking mechanism places the ejecting member in a standby state where the force applied by the biasing member is not transmitted to the container; and an unlocking mechanism configured to release the standby state of the ejecting member so as to eject the container from the clamping member under the action of the biasing member.

[0010] In some embodiments according to the present application, it further includes a housing, and a bearing is provided between the housing and the clamping member. The housing is configured to be coupled to a linear drive mechanism and linearly move together with the clamping member under the drive of the linear drive mechanism. The clamping member is configured to be coupled to a rotational drive mechanism and be able to rotate relative to the housing under the drive of the rotational drive mechanism.

[0011] In some embodiments according to the present application, it further includes a cam disposed between the biasing member and the ejecting member. The locking mechanism includes a first engaging portion provided on the cam and a second engaging portion provided on the clamping member, and the first engaging portion can engage with the second engaging portion so that the ejecting member is in the standby state. The unlocking mechanism is provided on the ejecting member.

[0012] In some embodiments according to the present application, the cam includes a cylindrical cam body and cam ribs provided on the outer peripheral surface of the cam body, and the first engaging portion is provided on the cam ribs. The clamping member includes a cylindrical clamping member body and clamping ribs provided on the inner peripheral surface of the clamping member body, and the second engaging portion is provided on the clamping ribs.

[0013] In some embodiments according to the present application, the cam is configured to be able to rotate between a first circumferential position and a second circumferential position. When the cam is in the first circumferential position, each of the clamping ribs is circumferentially located between adjacent cam ribs to enable relative axial sliding between the clamping member and the cam. When the cam is in the second circumferential position, the first engaging portion engages with the second engaging portion.

[0014] In some embodiments according to the present application, the clamping ribs extend in the axial direction; and / or the cam ribs extend in the axial direction.

[0015] In some embodiments according to the present application, the first engaging portion is disposed at an end of the cam rib; the second engaging portion is disposed at an end of the clamping member rib.

[0016] In some embodiments according to the present application, the first engaging portion, the second engaging portion, and the unlocking mechanism all have inclined surfaces. The container manipulating device is configured to be able to rotate the cam between the first circumferential position and the second circumferential position under the interaction of the inclined surface of the first engaging portion and the inclined surface of the second engaging portion, and under the interaction of the inclined surface of the first engaging portion and the inclined surface of the unlocking mechanism.

[0017] In some embodiments according to the present application, the second engaging portion has a stop configured to dock the first engaging portion on the clamping member.

[0018] In some embodiments according to the present application, the ejecting member includes a cylindrical ejecting member body and ejecting member ribs disposed on an outer circumferential surface of the ejecting member body. The ejecting member ribs are circumferentially located between adjacent clamping member ribs such that the ejecting member can axially slide but cannot rotate relative to the clamping member. The unlocking mechanism is disposed on an end face of the ejecting member body facing the cam.

[0019] In some embodiments according to the present application, the ejecting member ribs extend in an axial direction.

[0020] In some embodiments according to the present application, the unlocking mechanism includes a protrusion disposed on the end face of the ejecting member.

[0021] In some embodiments according to the present application, the protrusion is circumferentially located between adjacent clamping member ribs.

[0022] In some embodiments according to the present application, the cam body includes a large-diameter section and a small-diameter section, and the ejecting member is disposed between the small-diameter section and the clamping member.

[0023] In some embodiments according to the present application, the elastic clamping portion includes a plurality of claws spaced apart circumferentially; and the ejecting member includes a plurality of legs spaced apart circumferentially.

[0024] In some embodiments according to the present application, the biasing member is a spring.

[0025] In some embodiments according to the present application, it further includes a cover, the cover having an end fixed to the clamping member and a cylindrical portion extending axially from the end. The spring is received between the cylindrical portion and the clamping member and is configured to apply a force to the cam rib portion.

[0026] In another aspect according to the present application, there is provided a medical test analyzer, which includes the above-described container manipulation device and a motor, wherein the container manipulation device is operably coupled to the motor and is capable of linear movement under the drive of the motor.

[0027] In some embodiments according to the present application, the medical test analyzer is an immunoassay analyzer.

[0028] Technical effects

[0029] According to the container manipulation device and the medical test analyzer of the present application, a biasing member capable of storing and releasing energy internally is used to replace the pneumatic system in the prior art, thereby significantly simplifying the structure, reducing costs, and / or improving reliability and stability, etc.

[0030] The container manipulation device according to the present application includes a locking mechanism, so that the transmission of the force of the biasing member can be well controlled to prevent the container from being accidentally stressed and released inappropriately.

[0031] After the container is placed in position on the container tray, the reaction force of the container acts on the unlocking mechanism, thereby releasing the standby state of the ejecting member. At this time, the biasing member applies a thrust to the ejecting member, thereby pushing the ejecting member and the container outward until the container disengages from the clamping member. During the entire release process of the container, the container abuts against the container tray, so the release process of the container is smoother. Thus, the shaking amplitude of the fluid (e.g., reaction liquid) in the container is significantly reduced, thereby effectively avoiding the fluid in the container from splashing onto external components (e.g., the ejecting member or the clamping member), and avoiding the resulting contamination.

[0032] The effects of the present disclosure are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and those skilled in the art will clearly understand additional other effects not described above from the description of the appended claims. Brief description of the drawings

[0033] Figure 1 is a perspective schematic view of a part of a medical test analyzer according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0034] Figure 2 is Figure 1 an external schematic view of the container manipulation device of the medical test analyzer, wherein the container manipulation device holds the container;

[0035] Figure 3 is Figure 2Longitudinal sectional view of the container handling device taken along line C-C;

[0036] Figure 4 is Figure 2 External view of the gripper of the container handling device;

[0037] Figure 5 is Figure 2 External view of the cam of the container handling device;

[0038] Figure 6 is Figure 2 External view of the ejector of the container handling device; and

[0039] Figures 7A to 7F is a schematic diagram showing the operation process of the container handling device according to the present disclosure. Detailed Description of the Embodiments

[0040] Hereinafter, various embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, so that those skilled in the art can easily implement these embodiments. The following detailed description of the present disclosure is for illustrative purposes only and is in no way a limitation on the present disclosure and its application or use. The embodiments described in this specification are not exhaustive and are only some of the many possible embodiments. The exemplary embodiments can be implemented in many different forms and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present disclosure. In some exemplary embodiments, well-known processes, well-known device structures, and well-known technologies may not be described in detail.

[0041] Parts irrelevant to the description will be omitted to clearly describe the present disclosure, and throughout the specification, the same reference numerals denote the same elements.

[0042] In addition, in the drawings, the size and thickness of each element are arbitrarily illustrated for ease of description, and the present disclosure is not necessarily limited to those illustrated in the drawings. In the drawings, the thickness of layers, regions, etc. is exaggerated for clarity. In the drawings, the thickness of some layers and regions is exaggerated for ease of description.

[0043] Furthermore, it should be understood that when an element such as a layer, film, region, or plate is referred to as being "on" or "above" another element, the element can be directly on the other element or there can also be an intermediate element. Conversely, when an element is referred to as being "directly on" another element, this means that there are no other intermediate elements. In addition, the words "on" or "above" mean being disposed on or below the reference part and do not necessarily mean being disposed on the upper end of the reference part in the opposite direction of gravity.

[0044] The following will be described with reference to Figure 1To describe a medical testing analyzer according to the present application. It should be understood that the medical testing analyzer of the present application should not be limited to Figure 1 the specific examples shown therein, but can be modified as long as it can apply the concept of the present invention. For example, the medical testing analyzer of the present application can be an immunoassay analyzer, such as a chemiluminescent immunoassay analyzer.

[0045] Figure 1 is a perspective schematic view of a part of a medical testing analyzer 1 according to an embodiment of the present application. As Figure 1 shown, the medical testing analyzer 1 includes a container manipulation device 10 for manipulating a container 2, an arm 20 for supporting or mounting the container manipulation device 10, a motor 30 for moving the arm 20 up and down, a transmission mechanism 40 disposed between the motor 30 and the arm 20, a guiding mechanism 50 for guiding the up and down movement of the arm 20, a rotation motor 60 for rotating the container 2 held by the container manipulation device 10, a rotation transmission mechanism 70 disposed between the rotation motor 60 and the container manipulation device 10, and a container tray 80 for storing the container 2.

[0046] The container manipulation device 10 is fixed to the arm 20. The structure of the arm 20 should not be limited in the present disclosure. For example, the arm 20 can have any suitable shape according to needs. For example, the arm 20 can be used to support or mount one or more arms 20.

[0047] The motor 30, the transmission mechanism 40, and the guiding mechanism 50 constitute a linear drive mechanism for moving the arm 20 up and down. In the illustrated example, the transmission mechanism 40 is a belt drive mechanism, and the guiding mechanism 50 is a guiding mechanism in the form of a guide rail. However, it should be understood that this linear drive mechanism should not be limited to the specific example shown in the figure, but can be changed as long as it can achieve the functions described herein.

[0048] The arm 20 moves up and down together with the container manipulation device 10 under the drive of the linear drive mechanism. As the container manipulation device 10 moves up and down, the container manipulation device 10 can grip or release the container 2, which will be described in detail later.

[0049] The rotation motor 60 and the rotation transmission mechanism 70 constitute a rotation drive mechanism for rotating the container 2 held by the container manipulation device 10. In the illustrated example, the rotation transmission mechanism 70 is a belt drive mechanism. However, it should be understood that this rotation drive mechanism should not be limited to the specific example shown in the figure, but can be changed as long as it can achieve the functions described herein.

[0050] Driven by the rotation drive mechanism, the container held on the container handling device 10 rotates, whereby the substances in the container can be mixed. It should be understood that according to the operation requirements of the medical detection analyzer for the container, the rotation drive mechanism can be replaced by a drive mechanism for realizing other operation functions (for example, a drive mechanism for horizontal movement) or can be omitted.

[0051] The container tray 80 is configured to support or place the container 2. As Figure 1 shown, the container tray 80 includes grooves or holes for storing the container 2. The container tray 80 may have an annular shape and be provided with grooves or holes for storing the container 2 at a predetermined interval in the circumferential direction. It should be understood that the structure of the container tray 80 should not be limited in the present disclosure, but can be changed as needed. For example, the structure of the grooves or holes of the container tray 80 can be changed according to the structure of the container 2.

[0052] The container 2 is used to store reaction solutions, test reagents, analysis fluids, etc., depending on the type of medical detection analyzer. It should be understood that the structure of the container 2 should not be limited in this application, but can have any suitable structure. For example, the container 2 can have a long tubular or cup shape.

[0053] For Figure 1 the medical detection analyzer 1 shown in, when it is operating, the arm 20 and the container handling device 10 are moved downward by the motor 30, the transmission mechanism 40, and the guiding mechanism 50. The container handling device 10 is further driven downward when it contacts the container 2 on the container tray 80, and the clamping member (to be described in detail later) of the container handling device 10 elastically opens and clamps the container 2 until the container 2 reaches the clamping position. The arm 20 and the container handling device 10 are moved in the opposite direction (i.e., upward) by the motor 30, the transmission mechanism 40, and the guiding mechanism 50, clamping the container 2 and moving the container 2 upward away from the container tray 80.

[0054] After the container 2 leaves the container tray 80, the clamping member of the container handling device 10 and the container 2 are rotated by the rotation motor 60 and the rotation transmission mechanism 70. The container 2 can be rotated in a single direction or alternately rotated in two opposite directions. The substances in the container 2 are mixed by rotation to, for example, promote its reaction.

[0055] Then, the drive of the rotation motor 60 is stopped, and the motor 30 is started again to move the container handling device 10 and the clamped container 2 downward. After the container 2 is placed in place in the container tray 80, the ejecting member (to be described in detail later) of the container handling device 10 ejects or pops out the container 2. Then, the container handling device 10 is moved upward away from the container tray 80 under the drive of the motor 30.

[0056] The following will refer toFigures 2 to 6 The container manipulation device 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. Figure 2 is Figure 1 An external schematic view of the container manipulation device 10 of a medical detection analyzer, where the container manipulation device 10 holds the container 2; Figure 3 is Figure 2 A schematic cross-sectional view of the container manipulation device 10 longitudinally sectioned; Figure 4 is Figure 2 An external schematic view of the clamping member 120 of the container manipulation device 10; Figure 5 is Figure 2 An external schematic view of the cam 140 of the container manipulation device 10; Figure 6 is Figure 2 An external schematic view of the ejecting member 130 of the container manipulation device 10.

[0057] Refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3 The container manipulation device 10 includes a housing 110, a clamping member 120, an ejecting member 130, a cam 140, a spring 150, and a top cover 160.

[0058] The housing 110 is configured to be fixedly mounted or connected to the arm 20. The housing 110 includes a connecting portion 112. In the illustrated example, the housing 110 has a cylindrical shape similar to that of the clamping member 120. However, it should be understood that the structure of the housing 110 should not be limited to the specific example shown in the figure, but can be changed as needed as long as it can achieve the functions described herein.

[0059] The clamping member 120 is configured to hold the container 2. As shown, the container 2 may have a limiting portion 21 provided on its outer peripheral surface. The various positions of the container 2 can be determined through the limiting portion 21. For example, the clamping position in the clamping member 120, the placing or releasing position where the container 2 is placed on the container tray 80, etc. When the end of the clamping member 120 abuts against the limiting portion 21, it can indicate that the container 2 is in an appropriate or desired clamping position in the clamping member 120.

[0060] Refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4, the clamping member 120 includes an elastic clamping portion 121 for clamping the container 2 and a cylindrical clamping member body 123. The elastic clamping portion 121 extends axially from one end of the clamping member body 123. The elastic clamping portion 121 can be elastically opened to clamp the container 2. In the example shown in the figure, the elastic clamping portion 121 may include a plurality of claws 1211 spaced apart in the circumferential direction. The plurality of claws 1211 may be equally spaced in the circumferential direction to provide a uniform clamping force to the container. The number of claws is at least two. It should be understood that the structure of the elastic clamping portion 121 should not be limited to the specific example shown in the figure, but can be changed as long as it can achieve the functions described herein.

[0061] See Figure 3 , a bearing 170 may be provided between the housing 110 and the clamping member body 123. The clamping member 120 can be coupled to a rotational drive mechanism (rotary motor 60 and rotary transmission mechanism 70) and can rotate relative to the housing 110 under the drive of the rotational drive mechanism. For this purpose, a drive portion 122 may be provided on the outer circumferential surface of the clamping member 120, for example, a pulley driven by a belt. It should be understood that when it is not necessary to rotate the container 2, the rotational drive mechanism and the drive portion can be omitted. In such a case, the housing 110 and the clamping member 120 may be formed as one body, or the housing 110 may be omitted and the clamping member 120 may be designed to be coupled to a linear drive mechanism.

[0062] The ejecting member 130 is configured to eject the container 2 out of the clamping member 120. The ejecting member 130 is slidably disposed in the clamping member 120. When it is necessary to place or release the container 2, the ejecting member 130 is subjected to a force and moves downward relative to the clamping member 120, and transmits the force to the container 2 to thereby eject the container 2 out of the clamping member 120. In the example shown in the figure, a spring 150 applies a thrust force to push the container 2 downward to the ejecting member 130.

[0063] See Figure 6 , the ejecting member 130 includes a cylindrical ejecting member body 131 and ejecting member ribs 133 extending axially on the outer circumferential surface of the ejecting member body 131. The ejecting member ribs 133 may be located between adjacent clamping member ribs 125 in the circumferential direction. The ejecting member ribs 133 are used to guide the axial relative movement of the ejecting member 130 relative to the clamping member 120, so that the ejecting member 130 can axially slide relative to the clamping member 120 but cannot rotate.

[0064] The ejecting member 130 may further include from one end of the ejecting member body 131 ( Figure 6The elastic portion 132 is configured to be elastically adapted to the reduced elastic clamping portion 121 of the clamping member 120. In the example shown in the figure, the elastic portion 132 includes a plurality of legs 1321 spaced apart in the circumferential direction. It should be understood that the structure of the elastic portion 132 should not be limited to the specific example shown in the figure, but can be changed as long as it can achieve the functions described herein.

[0065] In order to reliably control the clamping and releasing operations of the container 2, a cam 140 is provided. The cam 140 may be provided between the spring 150 and the ejection member 130. The cam 140 may be configured to engage with the clamping member 120 or the ejection member 130 to control the transmission of the force of the spring 150 or to control the relative movement between the ejection member 130 and the clamping member 120.

[0066] The following will be joined Figures 7A to 7F 140 and the clamping member 120 or the ejecting member 130 are described. In order to clearly understand the internal structure of the container manipulation device 10, the perspective method is used to draw Figures 7A to 7F .

[0067] See also Figures 7A to 7F , the clamp 120 may include a clamp rib 125 disposed on the inner circumference of the clamp body 123. The clamp rib 125 protrudes radially inward from the inner circumference of the clamp body 123. Figure 5 , Figures 7A to 7F The cam 140 includes a cylindrical cam body 141 and a cam rib 145 provided on an outer peripheral surface of the cam body 141 .

[0068] The clamping member rib 125 can extend in the axial direction. Correspondingly, the cam rib 145 can extend in the axial direction. Figure 7A and Figure 7F In the illustrated position, the cam ribs 145 are between adjacent clamp member ribs 125. In this way, the axial movement of the cam 140 relative to the clamp member 120 can be guided.

[0069] An inclined surface 1251 and a stopper 1252 may be provided on the top surface (also referred to as the free end surface) of the clamping member rib 125 (see Figures 7A to 7F ). The cam rib 145 extends radially outward from the outer circumferential surface of the cam body 141. An inclined surface 1451 may be provided on the cam rib 145. Figure 7C, the inclined surface 1451 on the cam rib 145 can slide on the inclined surface 1251 of the clamping member rib 125 and be stopped by the stop 1252 of the clamping member rib 125. In the illustrated example, the inclined surface 1451 of the cam rib 145 constitutes the first engaging portion, and the inclined surface 1251 and the stop 1252 of the clamping member rib 125 constitute the second engaging portion.

[0070] When the first engaging portion of the cam 140 engages with the second engaging portion of the clamping member 120 as Figure 7C and Figure 7D shown, the axial position of the cam 140 relative to the clamping member 120 is fixed. At this time, the elastic force of the spring 150 is offset by the clamping member 120. In this way, the ejecting member 130 is in a standby state where it does not transmit the force applied by the spring 150 to the container 2. During the process of lifting the container 2 in Figures 7C to 7D , the container 2 will not be accidentally stressed and separated from the clamping member 120. Therefore, the first engaging portion of the cam 140 and the second engaging portion of the clamping member 120 constitute the locking mechanism described in the present disclosure.

[0071] The locking mechanism according to the present disclosure is configured to enable the ejecting member 130 to be in a standby state where it does not transmit the force applied by the spring 150 to the container 2 when the container 2 is clamped in place by the clamping member 120 (specifically, the elastic clamping portion 121). It should be understood that the locking mechanism should not be limited to the specific example shown in the figure, but can be changed as long as it can achieve the functions described herein.

[0072] One end of the ejecting member body 131 opposite to the elastic portion 132 ( Figure 6 the upper end in

[0073] See Figure 6 , Figure 7B and Figure 7E , a protrusion 135 is provided on the upper end surface of the ejecting member body 131. The protrusion 135 can be located between adjacent clamping member ribs 125 in the circumferential direction. The protrusion 135 can be configured to push the cam rib 145 at the position as Figure 7B shown, so that the inclined surface 1451 of the cam rib 145 can slide onto the inclined surface 1251 of the clamping member rib 125. The protrusion 135 can be configured to be at the position as Figure 7EWhen in the position shown, the cam rib 145 can be lifted so that the cam rib 145 can cross over the stop 1252. When the cam rib 145 crosses over the stop 1252 and enters between the adjacent clamping member ribs 125, the cam 140 can axially slide relative to the clamping member 120. At this time, the elastic force of the spring 150 is applied to the cam 140, and the cam 140 transmits the force to the ejector 130, and the ejector 130 then transmits the force to the container 2, thereby pushing the container 2 out. Therefore, the protrusion 135 constitutes the unlocking mechanism described in the present disclosure.

[0074] The unlocking mechanism according to the present disclosure is configured to release the standby state of the ejector 130 so as to push the container 2 out of the clamping member 120 under the action of the spring 150. It should be understood that the unlocking mechanism according to the present disclosure should not be limited to the specific examples shown in the figures, but can be changed as long as it can achieve the functions described herein.

[0075] The protrusion 135 of the ejector 130 may have an inclined surface 1351. As Figure 6 shown, the upper end surface of the cam 140 may be provided in a serrated shape. In addition, the stop 1252 of the clamping member 120 may have an inclined surface (i.e., the top surface) 1252a. Thus, under the interaction of the inclined surface 1451 of the cam 140, the inclined surface 1351 of the ejector 130, and the inclined surfaces 1251 and 1252a of the clamping member 120, the cam 140 can move in the circumferential direction. That is, the cam 140 can be in Figure 7A , Figure 7B and Figure 7F shown first circumferential position and Figures 7C to 7E shown second circumferential position rotate between.

[0076] When the cam 140 is in the first circumferential position, each of the clamping member ribs 125 is circumferentially located between adjacent cam ribs 145. At this time, relative sliding between the clamping member 120 and the cam 140 can be achieved.

[0077] When the cam 140 is in the second circumferential position, the cam rib 145 engages with the clamping member rib 125, so that the clamping member 120 can resist the elastic force of the spring 150, thereby putting the ejector 130 in a standby state where no thrust is applied to the container 2.

[0078] Referring again to Figure 5 , the cam body 141 may include a large-diameter section 142 and a small-diameter section 144. The ejector 130 may be disposed between the small-diameter section 144 and the clamping member 120. The cam rib 145 may radially extend outward from the outer peripheral surfaces of both the large-diameter section 142 and the small-diameter section 144. Such a structure is more compact.

[0079] Return reference Figure 3 , the lid 160 may have an end portion 161 fixed to the clamping member 120 and a cylindrical portion 162 axially extending from the end portion 161. The spring 150 is received between the cylindrical portion 162 and the clamping member 120. The lower end of the spring 150 abuts against the upper end surface of the cam rib portion 145 to apply a force to the cam 140.

[0080] The spring 150 constitutes the biasing member described in the present disclosure. The biasing member according to the present disclosure is configured to apply a force to the ejecting member 130 such that the ejecting member 130 can push the container 2 out of the elastic clamping portion 121 of the clamping member 120. It should be understood that the biasing member according to the present disclosure should not be limited to the specific example shown in the figure, but can be changed as long as it can achieve the functions described herein.

[0081] The container handling device 10 according to the present disclosure can achieve the operations of clamping (or picking up) and releasing (or pushing out) the container only under the drive of a single motor 30. There is no need to additionally provide a pneumatic system. Therefore, the structure of the container handling device and the medical test analyzer can be significantly simplified, the costs of the container handling device and the medical test analyzer can be greatly reduced, and the reliability and stability of the container handling device and the medical test analyzer can be improved.

[0082] The following will refer to Figures 7A to 7F to describe the operation process of the container handling device 10 according to the present disclosure.

[0083] Figure 7A shows a state where the container handling device 10 is ready to pick up the container 2 placed in the container tray 80. As Figure 7A shown, the cam rib portion 145 of the cam 140 is between the adjacent clamping member rib portions 125. Under the action of the spring 150, the cam 140 and the ejecting member 130 are in a lower position relative to the clamping member 120. At this time, the lower end of the ejecting member 130 is substantially flush with the lower end of the clamping member 120.

[0084] Figure 7B shows a state where the container handling device 10 is picking up the container 2, wherein the container 2 reaches the clamping position. As Figure 7B shown, the container handling device 10 moves downward, and the elastic clamping portion 121 of the clamping member 120 expands to receive the container 2. As the container handling device 10 further moves downward, the container 2 pushes the ejecting member 130 and the cam 140 upward relative to the clamping member 120. When the container 2 reaches the desired clamping position, the protrusion 135 of the ejecting member 130 lifts the cam rib portion 145 above the clamping member rib portion 125.

[0085] Under the interaction between the inclined surface 1351 of the protrusion 135 and the inclined surface 1451 of the cam rib 145, the cam rib 145 can slide onto the inclined surface of the clamping rib 125 of the clamping member 120 and be stopped by the stop portion 1352, as Figure 7C shown.

[0086] Since the cam 140 is engaged with the clamping member 120, the clamping member 120 can resist the elastic force of the spring 150. Therefore, the elastic force of the spring 150 is not transmitted to the ejector 130 and the container 2. In this way, the container handling device 10 can be lifted, and the container 2 is also lifted away from the container tray 80 under the clamping of the clamping member 120, as Figure 7D shown.

[0087] When it is necessary to place or release the container 2 into the container tray 80, the container handling device 10 is lowered until the container 2 is completely placed in the groove or hole of the container tray 80. At this time, as Figure 7E shown, the protrusion 135 of the ejector 130 lifts the cam rib 145 so that it is higher than the stop portion 1252 of the clamping member 120. Under the interaction between the inclined surface 1451 of the cam rib 145 and both the inclined surface 1351 of the protrusion 135 and the inclined surface 1252a of the stop portion 1252, the cam rib 145 slides between the adjacent clamping ribs 125.

[0088] At this time, under the action of the spring 150, the cam 140 and the ejector 130 move downward and push the container 2 downward until the container 2 is completely pushed away from the clamping member 120. Then, the container handling device 10 is lifted to the initial position by the motor 30, as Figure 7F shown.

[0089] Although the present disclosure has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments described and illustrated in detail herein. Without departing from the scope defined by the claims, those skilled in the art can make various changes to the exemplary embodiments. The features in each embodiment can be combined with each other without contradiction. Or, a certain feature in the embodiment can also be omitted.

Claims

1. A container manipulation device for a medical detection analyzer, comprising: A clamping member, wherein the clamping member includes an elastic clamping portion for clamping the container; An ejection member, the ejection member being slidably disposed in the clamping member; a biasing member configured to apply a force to the ejecting member so that the ejecting member can push the container out of the elastic clamping portion; a locking mechanism, wherein the locking mechanism is configured such that when the container is clamped in place by the elastic clamping portion, the locking mechanism places the ejection member in a standby state in which the force applied by the biasing member is not transmitted to the container; as well as The unlocking mechanism is configured to release the ejection member from the standby state so as to push the container out of the clamping member under the action of the biasing member.

2. The container handling device according to claim 1, wherein, It also includes a housing, wherein a bearing is provided between the housing and the clamping member. The housing is configured to be coupled to a linear drive mechanism and to move linearly with the clamp under the drive of the linear drive mechanism. The clamping member is configured to be coupled to a rotation drive mechanism and to be rotatable relative to the housing under the drive of the rotation drive mechanism.

3. The container handling device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The device further comprises a cam, wherein the cam is disposed between the biasing member and the ejecting member. The locking mechanism includes a first engaging portion provided on the cam and a second engaging portion provided on the clamping member, wherein the first engaging portion can engage with the second engaging portion so that the ejection member is in the standby state. The unlocking mechanism is arranged on the ejection member.

4. The container handling device according to claim 3, wherein, The cam includes a cylindrical cam body and a cam rib portion provided on an outer peripheral surface of the cam body, and the first engaging portion is provided on the cam rib portion. The clamping member includes a cylindrical clamping member body and a clamping member rib portion arranged on the inner circumferential surface of the clamping member body, and the second combining portion is arranged on the clamping member rib portion.

5. The container handling device according to claim 4, wherein, The cam is configured to be rotatable between a first circumferential position and a second circumferential position, When the cam is in the first circumferential position, each of the clamping member ribs is located between adjacent cam ribs in the circumferential direction to enable relative axial sliding between the clamping member and the cam; When the cam is at the second circumferential position, the first engagement portion engages with the second engagement portion.

6. The container handling device according to claim 5, wherein, The clamping member ribs extend in the axial direction; and / or The cam rib extends in the axial direction.

7. The container handling device according to claim 5, wherein, The first engaging portion is disposed on an end portion of the cam rib; The second engaging portion is disposed on an end portion of the clamp rib.

8. The container handling device according to claim 7, wherein, The first engaging portion, the second engaging portion and the unlocking mechanism all have inclined surfaces. The container manipulation device is configured to enable the cam to rotate between the first circumferential position and the second circumferential position under the interaction of the inclined surface of the first engaging portion and the inclined surface of the second engaging portion, and under the interaction of the inclined surface of the first engaging portion and the inclined surface of the unlocking mechanism.

9. The container handling device according to claim 8, wherein, The second engaging portion has a stopper configured to stop the first engaging portion against the clamping member.

10. The container handling device according to any one of claims 4 to 9, wherein, The ejecting member includes a cylindrical ejecting member body and ejecting member ribs provided on an outer circumferential surface of the ejecting member body. The ejecting member ribs are circumferentially located between adjacent clamping member ribs, such that the ejecting member can axially slide but cannot rotate relative to the clamping member. The unlocking mechanism is provided on an end surface of the ejecting member body facing the cam.

11. The container handling device according to claim 10, wherein, The ejecting member ribs extend in an axial direction.

12. The container handling device according to claim 10, wherein, The unlocking mechanism includes protrusions provided on the end surface of the ejecting member.

13. The container handling device according to claim 12, wherein, The protrusions are circumferentially located between adjacent clamping member ribs.

14. The container handling device according to any one of claims 4 to 9, wherein, The cam body includes a large-diameter section and a small-diameter section. The ejecting member is provided between the small-diameter section and the clamping member.

15. The container handling device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The resilient clamping portion includes a plurality of claws spaced apart circumferentially; and The ejecting member includes a plurality of legs spaced apart circumferentially.

16. The container handling device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The biasing member is a spring.

17. The container handling device according to claim 16, wherein, It further includes a cover having an end fixed to the clamping member and a cylindrical portion extending axially from the end. The spring is received between the cylindrical portion and the clamping member and is configured to apply a force to the cam rib.

18. A medical test analyzer, comprising a container manipulation device and a motor according to any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein, The container manipulation device is operably coupled to a motor and is linearly movable under the drive of the motor.

19. The medical detection analyzer according to claim 18, wherein, The medical detection analyzer is an immunoassay analyzer.

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