Sample processing system

Abstract

A sample processing system disclosed by the present invention comprises a transmission track, a sample management unit, a centrifugation unit and a cover removing unit, the transmission track is used for conveying a first sample bearing component, the sample management unit is provided with a first sample transfer mechanism and a sample storage unit, and the sample storage unit is provided with multiple layers of sample storage mechanisms which are vertically distributed. The sample storage mechanism is used for storing a second sample bearing part, the first sample bearing part and the second sample bearing part can bear sample containers, and the first sample transfer mechanism transfers single sample containers in the sample storage mechanism to the first sample bearing part on the transmission track. According to the sample management unit, the samples placed in the drawer by a user are stored in the input area, the samples can be placed in the sample storage mechanisms on different layers, the vertical space of the sample storage unit can be fully utilized, the storage requirement of a large sample size is met, the occupied area of the sample storage unit is small, and the average efficiency ratio of the sample management unit is increased.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of medical facilities, and particularly to a sample processing system. Background Art

[0002] In a laboratory automation pipeline, a sample to be detected provided by a user is loaded onto an input / output module. According to the detection requirements of the sample, the sample is scheduled by a second sample transfer mechanism to corresponding modules for processing and detection analysis. The input / output module needs to interact with the user, receive the sample to be detected, and at the same time load the samples waiting for scheduling and output, which requires a relatively large capacity for the input / output module. Currently, the floor area of the input / output module is relatively large, and it cannot meet the requirements of storing and scheduling a large number of samples and high efficiency ratio. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The present invention aims to at least solve one of the technical problems existing in the prior art. For this purpose, the present invention provides a sample processing system with a relatively large capacity and high efficiency ratio.

[0004] The sample processing system according to the first aspect embodiment of the present invention includes:

[0005] A transfer track for conveying a first sample carrier for carrying a single sample container for containing a sample;

[0006] A sample management unit having a first sample transfer mechanism and a sample storage unit. The sample storage unit has a multi-layer sample storage mechanism vertically distributed. The sample storage mechanism is used for storing a second sample carrier that can carry the sample container. At least one layer of the sample storage mechanism is provided with an input area, and a movable drawer is provided in the input area. The drawer has a sample loading state in which at least a part of it moves out of the input area and exposes a placement opening for the user to manually place the sample. The first sample transfer mechanism can at least transfer a single sample container in the sample storage mechanism to the first sample carrier on the transfer track;

[0007] A lid-removing unit for removing the lid from the sample container conveyed by the transfer track.

[0008] The sample processing system according to the embodiment of the present invention has at least the following beneficial effects:

[0009] The sample storage unit in the sample processing system includes multiple layers of sample storage mechanisms distributed vertically. At least one layer of the sample storage mechanism is provided with an input area where samples placed by the user in the drawer are stored. The samples can be placed in the sample storage mechanisms of different layers, which can make full use of the vertical space of the sample storage unit to meet the storage requirements of a large sample volume. Moreover, the occupied area of the sample storage unit is small, improving the space utilization ratio of the sample management unit.

[0010] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the sample processing system further includes a centrifugation unit configured to centrifuge the samples in the sample containers transported by the transport track.

[0011] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the sample processing system further includes a controller. The input area includes a centrifugation area and a non - centrifugation area;

[0012] The controller is configured to control the first sample transfer mechanism to transfer the sample containers in the non - centrifugation area to the transport track, and control the transport track to transport the sample containers to the centrifugation unit to centrifuge the samples in the sample containers, and transport the samples centrifuged by the centrifugation unit to the analysis device for analysis;

[0013] The controller is further configured to control the first sample transfer mechanism to transfer the sample containers in the centrifugation area to the transport track, and control the transport track to transport the sample containers to the analysis device to analyze the samples.

[0014] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the sample processing system further includes a controller configured to control the first sample transfer mechanism to transfer the sample containers in the input area to the transport track;

[0015] And / or, the sample processing system further includes a controller and a second sample transfer mechanism. A buffer area is provided in at least one layer of the sample storage mechanism. The controller is configured to control the second sample transfer mechanism to transfer the second sample carrier components in the input area to the buffer area, and control the first sample transfer mechanism to transfer the sample containers in the buffer area to the transport track;

[0016] And / or, the sample processing system further includes a controller and a second sample transfer mechanism. The controller is configured to control the second sample transfer mechanism to transfer the second sample carrier components in the input area, and control the first sample transfer mechanism to transfer the sample containers in the second sample transfer mechanism to the transport track.

[0017] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the first transfer mechanism is located above the sample storage unit, and the sample processing system further includes a controller;

[0018] The input area is located in the sample storage mechanism at the highest level, and the controller is configured to control the first sample transfer mechanism to transfer the sample container located in the input area to the transfer track;

[0019] And / or, the sample processing system further includes a second sample transfer mechanism. A buffer area is provided in the sample storage mechanism at the highest level. The controller is configured to control the second sample transfer mechanism to transfer the second sample carrier member in the input area to the buffer area, and control the first sample transfer mechanism to transfer the sample container in the buffer area to the transfer track;

[0020] And / or, the sample processing system further includes a second sample transfer mechanism. The controller is configured to control the second sample transfer mechanism to transfer the second sample carrier member in the input area upward, and control the first sample transfer mechanism to transfer the sample container in the second sample transfer mechanism to the transfer track.

[0021] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the sample processing system further includes a second sample transfer mechanism for transferring the second sample carrier member. The sample storage unit and the transfer track are located on opposite sides of the second sample transfer mechanism;

[0022] The input area is located in the sample storage mechanism at the highest level, and the controller is configured to control the first sample transfer mechanism to transfer the sample container located in the input area to the transfer track;

[0023] Alternatively, a buffer area is provided in the sample storage mechanism at the highest level. The input area is located below the sample storage mechanism at the highest level. The controller is configured to control the second sample transfer mechanism to transfer the second sample carrier member in the input area to the buffer area, and control the first sample transfer mechanism to transfer the sample container in the buffer area to the transfer track;

[0024] Alternatively, the input area is located below the sample storage mechanism at the highest level. The controller is configured to control the second sample transfer mechanism to transfer the second sample carrier member in the input area, and control the first sample transfer mechanism to transfer the sample container in the second sample transfer mechanism to the transfer track.

[0025] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the sample processing system further includes a second sample transfer mechanism for transferring the second sample carrier member. The second sample transfer mechanism is disposed on one side of the sample storage unit along a first direction, and the transfer track is disposed on one side of the sample storage unit along a second direction, where the first direction is perpendicular to the second direction;

[0026] Alternatively, the second sample transfer mechanism and the transfer track are disposed on opposite sides of the sample storage unit;

[0027] Alternatively, the second sample transfer mechanism and the transfer track are disposed on the same side of the sample storage unit, and the second sample transfer mechanism is located between the transfer track and the sample storage unit.

[0028] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the sample processing system further includes a second sample transfer mechanism for transferring the second sample carrier member. A plurality of sample storage units are arranged along a first direction, the second sample transfer mechanism is disposed between adjacent sample storage units, and the transfer track is located on one side of the sample storage unit along a second direction, where the first direction is perpendicular to the second direction.

[0029] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the sample processing system further includes a second sample transfer mechanism and a controller. The controller is configured to control the second sample transfer mechanism to transfer the empty second sample carrier member in the input area and form a first empty position for a user to place the second sample carrier member loaded with the sample container;

[0030] Alternatively, the controller is configured to control the first sample transfer mechanism to transfer the sample container on the second sample carrier member in the input area to the transfer track, and the empty second sample carrier member in the input area is for a user to load the sample container.

[0031] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the sample processing system further includes a sample analysis device for analyzing the sample in the sample container conveyed by the transfer track. An output area for a user to take out the second sample carrier member is provided in at least one layer of the sample storage mechanism. The sample processing system further includes a controller configured to control the first sample transfer mechanism to transfer the sample container carrying the sample analyzed by the analysis device on the transfer track to the second sample carrier member in the output area.

[0032] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the sample processing system further includes a second sample transfer mechanism and a controller, and the controller is further configured to control the second sample transfer mechanism to transfer the fully loaded second sample carrier member in the output area, and form a second empty position, and control the second sample transfer mechanism to transfer the empty second sample carrier member to the second empty position;

[0033] Alternatively, the controller is further configured to instruct the user to take out the fully loaded second sample carrier member in the output area, and form a second empty position, and control the second sample transfer mechanism to transfer the empty second sample carrier member to the second empty position.

[0034] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the controller is further configured to, when there is an empty second sample carrier member in the input area, the second sample carrier member in the output area is fully loaded, and the first sample transfer mechanism transfers the sample container carrying the sample analyzed by the analysis device to the output area, the controller controls the first sample transfer mechanism to transfer the sample container carrying the sample analyzed by the analysis device to the empty second sample carrier member in the input area;

[0035] Alternatively, the controller is further configured to, when there is a second empty position in the output area where the second sample carrier member is not placed, and the input area is fully loaded with the second sample carrier member, the controller issues a signal to instruct the user to place the second sample carrier member carrying the sample container in the second empty position.

[0036] Additional aspects and advantages of the present invention will be given in part in the following description, become apparent in part from the following description, or be learned through the practice of the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0037] The present invention will be further described below in conjunction with the drawings and embodiments, where:

[0038] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a sample management unit in the sample processing system of the present invention;

[0039] Figure 2 is Figure 1 a side view of the sample management unit in

[0040] Figure 3 is Figure 1 a top view of the sample management unit in

[0041] Figure 4 is a schematic distribution diagram of an embodiment of the input area, output area, and buffer area in the sample storage mechanism;

[0042] Figure 5 Distribution schematic diagram of the first embodiment of the transfer track, the second sample transfer mechanism and the sample storage unit;

[0043] Figure 6 Distribution schematic diagram of the second embodiment of the transfer track, the second sample transfer mechanism and the sample storage unit;

[0044] Figure 7 Distribution schematic diagram of the third embodiment of the transfer track, the second sample transfer mechanism and the sample storage unit.

[0045] Reference numerals:

[0046] Transfer track 100, first sample carrier member 110, sample container 120; sample management unit 200, sample storage unit 210, sample storage mechanism 211, input area 2111, buffer area 2112, output area 2113, second sample carrier member 212; first sample transfer mechanism 300; second sample transfer mechanism 400. Detailed implementation manners

[0047] The embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below. Examples of the embodiments are shown in the drawings, where the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain the present invention and should not be construed as a limitation of the present invention.

[0048] In the description of the present invention, it should be understood that the orientation or positional relationship indicated by terms such as up, down, front, back, left, right, etc. is based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the drawings, and is only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, rather than indicating or implying that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of the present invention.

[0049] In the description of the present invention, the meaning of several is more than one, the meaning of multiple is more than two, greater than, less than, exceeding, etc. are understood as not including the present number, and above, below, within, etc. are understood as including the present number. If there is a description of first and second, it is only for the purpose of distinguishing technical features and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly indicating the quantity of the indicated technical features or implicitly indicating the sequence relationship of the indicated technical features.

[0050] In the description of the present invention, unless otherwise clearly defined, terms such as setting, installation, connection, etc. should be understood in a broad sense, and those skilled in the art can reasonably determine the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention in combination with the specific content of the technical solution.

[0051] In the description of the present invention, the description with reference to the terms "one embodiment", "some embodiments", "illustrative embodiments", "examples", "specific examples", or "some examples" means that the specific features, structures, materials or characteristics described in conjunction with the embodiment or example are included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the schematic representation of the above terms does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Moreover, the specific features, structures, materials or characteristics described may be combined in any one or more embodiments or examples in a suitable manner.

[0052] In TLA (total laboratory automation), users need to frequently interact with input and output modules. For example, users load samples to be tested into the input and output modules, where the samples are stored and can be dispatched by a dispatching agency to different modules of the pipeline for processing and detection and analysis, such as centrifugation, decapping, biochemical analysis, and immunoassay. The internal capacity of the input and output modules directly affects the sample loading volume and detection and analysis efficiency. In related technologies, in order to meet the storage requirements of large sample volumes, the input and output modules have a large internal capacity and occupy a large area, resulting in a relatively low per unit area of ​​the input and output modules.

[0053] For ease of understanding, the relevant concepts in the present invention are explained as follows:

[0054] "Horizontal", "vertical" and "vertical" refer to the general trend of components, planes or directions, not completely horizontal or vertical; when describing two components, two directions or two planes that are perpendicular to each other, the angle between the two is not limited to an absolute 90°, and a certain angle deflection is allowed.

[0055] In one embodiment of the present invention, a sample processing system is provided, referring to Figures 1 to 3 The sample processing system includes a transfer track 100 and a sample management unit 200. The transfer track 100 is used to transport a first sample carrying component 110. The first sample carrying component 110 is used to carry a single sample container 120, that is, each first sample carrying component 110 carries a sample container 120. The sample container 120 is not limited to being a sample tube. The sample container 120 is used to contain samples. The samples in the first sample carrying component 110 can be samples that need to be processed and analyzed and are output from the sample management unit 200, or samples that have been processed and analyzed and transported back to the sample management unit 200. The first sample carrying component 110 moves under the transport action of the transfer track 100 to transport a single sample container 120 to a corresponding position, and store, process, detect and analyze the samples in the sample container 120 in a targeted manner.

[0056] The sample management unit 200 includes a sample storage unit 210 for storing samples. The sample storage unit 210 has a multi-layer sample storage mechanism 211 distributed vertically. The sample storage mechanism 211 is used to store the second sample carrier member 212. The second sample carrier member 212 can carry the sample container 120. After the second sample carrier member 212 is placed in the sample storage mechanism 211, the storage of the sample into the sample storage mechanism 211 is realized. The second sample carrier member 212 can be placed in the sample storage mechanisms 211 of different layers to make full use of the vertical space of the sample storage unit 210, meet the storage requirements of a large sample volume, and the occupied area of the sample storage unit 210 is small. Further, the second sample carrier member 212 can carry multiple sample containers 120. After the second sample carrier member 212 is placed in the sample storage mechanism 211, the arrangement of the sample containers 120 in the sample storage mechanism 211 is more compact, the storage capacity of the sample storage mechanism 211 can be increased, and the flat efficiency ratio of the sample management unit 200 can be further improved.

[0057] Such as Figure 2 , in at least one layer of the sample storage mechanism 211, there is an input area 2111 where samples loaded by the user can be placed. The input area 2111 is provided with a movable drawer. The inside of the drawer has an accommodation space for placing the second sample carrier member 212 and the sample container 120. And the drawer has an object placement opening communicating with the accommodation space. The object placement opening allows the user to take and place samples into the inside of the drawer. When the drawer moves into the inside of the input area 2111, the object placement opening of the drawer is blocked, and at this time the drawer is in a storage state. When at least part of the drawer moves outside the input area 2111, the object placement opening is exposed, and the drawer is in a sample loading state. At this time, the user can manually place samples into the drawer. When the drawer moves into the inside of the input area 2111 again, the drawer switches to the storage state, and the samples loaded by the user into the drawer are stored in the input area 2111. In this way, through the interaction between the user and the drawer, the sample is loaded into the input area 2111 and stored in the sample storage mechanism 211. And because the input area 2111 is located in at least one layer of the sample storage mechanism 211, the user can directly load samples into the drawers of the sample storage mechanisms 211 on different layers, so that the samples are stored in the sample storage mechanisms 211 on different layers, making full use of the vertical space for sample loading of the sample storage unit 210 and facilitating the interaction between the user and the sample management unit 200.

[0058] It should be noted that when the user loads the sample, the second sample carrier 212 carrying the sample container 120 can be directly placed in the drawer through the placement opening, or the sample container 120 can be placed on the second sample carrier 212 in the drawer through the placement opening. The drawer moves in a pullable and movable manner, enabling the drawer to switch between the storage state and the loading state. It can be understood that each layer of the sample storage mechanism 211 includes at least one rack body. An installation space is defined within the rack body for accommodating the drawer. The drawer is movably connected to the rack body, and the rack body supports the drawer. When at least a part of the drawer moves outside the rack body, the placement opening of the drawer is exposed, and at this time the drawer is in the loading state, and the user inserts the sample into the drawer through the placement opening; when the drawer is completely accommodated within the installation space, the placement opening is shielded, and at this time the drawer is in the storage state, and the sample placed in the drawer is stored in the input area 2111.

[0059] The sample management unit 200 further includes a first sample transfer mechanism 300. The first sample transfer mechanism 300 can at least transfer a single sample container 120 in the sample storage mechanism 211 to the first sample carrier 110 on the transfer track 100, realizing the transfer of the sample container 120 from the sample storage unit 210 to the transfer track 100. For samples with processing, detection, and analysis requirements, such as initial detection samples, retest samples, etc., through the transfer of the sample container 120 by the first sample transfer mechanism 300 and the conveyance of the first sample carrier 110 by the transfer track 100, the sample container 120 can be conveyed to the corresponding position for processing, detection, and analysis. Through the cooperation of the first sample transfer mechanism 300 and the transfer track 100, the automatic transfer and conveyance of the sample are realized, improving the processing efficiency of the sample processing system for the sample.

[0060] The sample processing system further includes a processing module for processing the sample. When the transfer track 100 conveys the first sample carrier 110 to the corresponding processing module, the processing module performs corresponding processing on a single sample container 120 in the first sample carrier 110 or the sample in the sample container 120; by way of example, the processing module can be a centrifugation unit, a de-capping unit, etc. The centrifugation unit is used for centrifuging the sample in the sample container 120 conveyed by the transfer track 100, the de-capping unit is used for removing the cap from the sample container 120 conveyed by the transfer track 100, or the processing module can be a liquid separation unit, and the liquid separation unit is used for sucking the sample in the sample container 120 conveyed by the transfer track 100 and performing liquid separation. The processing module can also be a capping unit, and the capping unit is used for capping the sample container 120 conveyed by the transfer track 100.

[0061] The input area 2111 includes a centrifuged area and a non-centrifuged area. The centrifuged area is used to store the samples that have been centrifuged, and the non-centrifuged area is used to store the samples that have not been centrifuged. When the user loads the samples, the centrifuged samples can be directly placed in the drawer in the centrifuged area, and the non-centrifuged samples can be placed in the drawer in the non-centrifuged area. Identification with an indication function can be set in the centrifuged area and the non-centrifuged area to indicate to the user to place the samples at the corresponding positions in the input area 2111 according to the centrifugation status of the current samples. The sample processing system further includes a controller, which is configured to control the first sample transfer mechanism 300 to transfer the sample container 120 in the non-centrifuged area to the transfer track 100, and control the transfer track 100 to transfer the sample container 120 to the centrifugation unit to centrifuge the samples in the sample container 120, and transfer the samples centrifuged by the centrifugation unit to the analysis device for analysis. The controller is also configured to control the first sample transfer mechanism 300 to transfer the sample container 120 in the centrifuged area to the transfer track 100, and control the transfer track 100 to transfer the sample container 120 to the analysis device to analyze the samples. In this way, the sample processing system can, according to the centrifugation status of the samples loaded in the input area 2111, through the controller, cause the transfer track 100 to transfer the sample container 120 to the centrifugation unit to first centrifuge the samples and then analyze them, or the controller directly causes the transfer track 100 to transfer the sample container 120 to the analysis device to analyze the samples, realizing the classification processing of the samples.

[0062] The first sample transfer mechanism 300 can be a manipulator with a grasping function, and can simultaneously translate horizontally and lift. The first sample transfer mechanism 300 can grasp sample containers 120 at different positions in the same-layer sample storage mechanism 211 through horizontal translation, and the first sample transfer mechanism 300 can grasp sample containers 120 in the sample storage mechanisms 211 at different layers through lifting, enabling the first sample transfer mechanism 300 to take into account the transfer of sample containers 120 at different positions in the sample storage unit 210; at the same time, the manipulator has an opening and closing function and can clamp and release the sample container 120, enabling the sample container 120 to be stably transferred between the sample management unit 200 and the transfer track 100. Exemplarily, the first sample transfer mechanism 300 includes a horizontal movement module, and the horizontal movement module enables the first sample transfer mechanism 300 to move in two mutually perpendicular directions in the horizontal plane, enabling the first sample transfer mechanism 300 to move to different positions of the sample storage mechanism 211 in the horizontal plane. The horizontal movement module can be set in a gantry form, or the horizontal movement module is installed on the top of the sample management unit 200, and the driving form of the horizontal movement module is not limited to ball screw drive, synchronous belt drive, etc.; further, the first sample transfer mechanism 300 includes a gripper and a lifting module, the lifting module is installed on the horizontal movement module, the gripper is installed on the lifting module, the lifting module can drive the gripper to lift vertically, the gripper realizes the clamping and releasing of the sample container 120 through opening and closing, and the lifting module can move in the horizontal plane under the drive of the horizontal movement module, enabling the gripper to move simultaneously in the vertical direction and two mutually perpendicular directions in the horizontal plane, and grasp sample containers 120 in the sample storage mechanisms 211 at different layers and at different positions in the same-layer sample storage mechanism 211.

[0063] In one embodiment, the controller is configured to control the first sample transfer mechanism 300 to directly transfer the sample container 120 stored in the input area 2111 to the transfer track 100, that is, after the user manually loads the sample into the input area 2111, the first sample transfer mechanism 300 directly grasps the sample container 120 in the input area 2111 and transfers the sample container 120 to the first sample carrier 110 on the transfer track 100, and the transfer track 100 conveys the first sample carrier 110 to convey the sample in the sample container 120 to the corresponding position for further processing and detection analysis. In this case, the sample container 120 is directly transferred from the input area 2111 to the transfer track 100, and the transfer path of the sample container 120 in the sample management unit 200 is shorter, which can improve the transfer efficiency of the sample.

[0064] It can be understood that the first sample transfer mechanism 300 can be arranged on one side of the sample storage unit 210, and the first sample transfer mechanism 300 can move around the outer contour of the sample storage unit 210 to grasp the sample containers 120 in different sample storage mechanisms 211; alternatively, the first sample transfer mechanism 300 is arranged above the sample storage unit 210, and the first sample transfer mechanism 300 can more conveniently grasp the sample containers 120 in the sample storage mechanism 211 at the top layer.

[0065] For example Figure 2 , when the input area 2111 is located in the sample storage mechanism 211 at the top layer and the first sample transfer mechanism 300 is arranged above the sample storage unit 210, the user directly loads the sample into the sample storage mechanism 211 at the top layer. The input area 2111 is not blocked by the sample storage mechanisms 211 on other layers. The first sample transfer mechanism 300 can directly grasp the sample container 120 in the input area 2111 and transfer the sample container 120 to the transfer track 100. The first sample transfer mechanism 300 only needs to transfer the sample containers 120 in the sample storage mechanism 211 at the top layer, without entering between the sample storage mechanisms 211 on other adjacent layers to grasp the sample containers 120. Therefore, the sample storage mechanisms 211 on adjacent layers can be arranged more closely to make full use of the space of the sample storage unit 210 and increase the sample storage capacity of the sample storage unit 210; moreover, the activity range of the first sample transfer mechanism 300 in height is small, so that a larger space can be reserved in the sample management unit 200 to set the sample storage unit 210, thereby further increasing the sample storage capacity of the sample storage unit 210.

[0066] In another embodiment, for example Figure 4, within at least one layer of the sample storage mechanism 211, there is a buffer area 2112. The second sample carrier component 212 can be stored within the buffer area 2112. The sample processing system further includes a second sample transfer mechanism 400, and the second sample transfer mechanism 400 is used to transfer the second sample carrier component 212 within the sample management unit 200. The controller is configured to control the second sample transfer mechanism 400 to transfer the second sample carrier component 212 within the input area 2111 to the buffer area 2112, and control the first sample transfer mechanism 300 to transfer the sample container 120 within the buffer area 2112 to the first sample carrier component 110 on the transfer track 100. The transfer track 100 conveys the first sample carrier component 110 to convey the sample within the sample container 120 to the corresponding position for further processing and detection analysis. In this case, through the transfer of the second sample carrier component 212 by the second sample transfer mechanism 400, the sample container 120 is transferred to a position where it is easily grasped by the first sample transfer mechanism 300, so as to shorten the movement path when the first sample transfer mechanism 300 transfers the sample container 120 and ensure the transfer efficiency of the sample container 120.

[0067] It can be understood that the positions of the input area 2111 and the buffer area 2112 can be adjusted according to the grasping requirements of the first sample transfer mechanism 300 and the requirements of the user for loading samples into the drawers within the input area 2111. For example, the buffer area 2112 is arranged within the high-layer sample storage mechanism 211 to facilitate the first sample transfer mechanism 300 located above the sample storage unit 210 to grasp the sample container 120 within the buffer area 2112. Or, the input area 2111 is arranged within the low-layer sample storage mechanism 211 to meet the requirements of users of different heights for loading samples into the input area 2111. On the other hand, by transferring the second sample carrier component 212 within the input area 2111 to the buffer area 2112 by the second sample transfer mechanism 400, a first vacant position is formed within the input area 2111, and the user can directly place the second sample carrier component 212 into the first vacant position, with high sample loading efficiency. Moreover, during the period when there is a large sample storage requirement, placing the second sample carrier component 212 in the buffer area 2112 can relieve the sample storage pressure of the input area 2111, keep the input area 2111 in a state where it can always be loaded with samples, and improve the loading efficiency of the sample management unit 200.

[0068] When the buffer 2112 is located in the sample storage mechanism 211 at the highest layer, the input area 2111 is located below the sample storage mechanism 211 at the highest layer, and the first sample transfer mechanism 300 is disposed above the sample storage unit 210, the controller is configured to control the second sample transfer mechanism 400 to transfer the second sample carrier member 212 in the input area 2111 to the buffer 2112, and control the first sample transfer mechanism 300 to transfer the sample container 120 in the buffer 2112 to the transfer track 100. The first sample transfer mechanism 300 only needs to transfer the sample container 120 in the sample storage mechanism 211 at the highest layer, without entering between the sample storage mechanisms 211 in other adjacent layers to grab the sample container 120. Therefore, the sample storage mechanisms 211 in adjacent layers can be arranged more closely to make full use of the space of the sample storage unit 210 and increase the sample storage capacity of the sample storage unit 210; and, the first sample transfer mechanism 300 has a smaller activity range in height, enabling a larger space to be reserved in the sample management unit 200 for arranging the sample storage unit 210, thereby further increasing the sample storage capacity of the sample storage unit 210.

[0069] In other embodiments, the sample processing system further includes a second sample transfer mechanism 400. The second sample transfer mechanism 400 is used to transfer the second sample carrier member 212 within the sample management unit 200. The controller is configured to control the second sample transfer mechanism 400 to transfer the second sample carrier member 212 in the input area 2111, and control the first sample transfer mechanism 300 to transfer the sample container 120 in the second sample transfer mechanism 400 to the first sample carrier member 110 on the transfer track 100. The transfer track 100 conveys the first sample carrier member 110 to convey the sample in the sample container 120 to the corresponding position for further processing and detection analysis. In this case, through the transfer of the second sample carrier member 212 by the second sample transfer mechanism 400, the sample container 120 is moved out of a position that is not conducive to the first sample transfer mechanism 300 to grab. The first sample transfer mechanism 300 can directly grab the sample container 120 in the second sample carrier member 212 on the second sample transfer mechanism 400. The first sample transfer mechanism 300 is more convenient to grab the sample container 120, shortening the movement path when the first sample transfer mechanism 300 transfers the sample container 120 and ensuring the transfer efficiency of the sample container 120.

[0070] When the input area 2111 is located below the sample storage mechanism 211 at the highest layer and the first sample transfer mechanism 300 is arranged above the sample storage unit 210, when the first sample transfer mechanism 300 grabs the sample container 120 in the input area 2111, it is blocked by the upper-layer sample storage mechanism 211. In this case, the controller is configured to control the second sample transfer mechanism 400 to transfer the second sample carrier 212 in the input area 2111 upward, and control the first sample transfer mechanism 300 to transfer the sample container 120 in the second sample transfer mechanism 400 to the transfer track 100. In this way, through the transfer of the second sample carrier 212 in the input area 2111 by the second sample transfer mechanism 400, the samples in the second sample carrier 212 are no longer blocked by the upper-layer sample storage mechanism 211, which is beneficial for the first sample transfer mechanism 300 to directly grab; and the second sample transfer mechanism 400 can convey the second sample carrier 212 upward, which can reduce the distance between the second sample carrier 212 and the first sample transfer mechanism 300, shorten the moving path of the first sample transfer mechanism 300 when transferring the sample container 120, and improve the transfer efficiency of the sample container 120.

[0071] It can be understood that different embodiments of the transfer of the sample container 120 by the first sample transfer mechanism 300 described above can be combined with each other. Exemplarily, the first sample transfer mechanism 300 is located above the sample storage unit 210. Input areas 2111 are provided in both the highest-level sample storage mechanism 211 and the non-highest-level sample storage mechanism 211. The user manually loads the sample into the drawer in the input area 2111. When the sample container 120 in the highest-level sample storage mechanism 211 needs to be transferred, the first sample transfer mechanism 300 directly grabs the sample container 120 in the highest-level sample storage mechanism 211 and transfers the sample container 120 to the first sample carrier member 110 on the transfer track 100. When the sample container 120 in the non-highest-level sample storage mechanism 211 needs to be transferred, the second sample transfer mechanism 400 transfers the corresponding second sample carrier member 212 to the buffer area 2112 provided in the highest-level sample storage mechanism 211. The first sample transfer mechanism 300 grabs the sample container 120 in the buffer area 2112 and transfers the sample container 120 to the first sample carrier member 110 on the transfer track 100. Or, when the sample container 120 in the non-highest-level sample storage mechanism 211 needs to be transferred, the second sample transfer mechanism 400 moves out the corresponding second sample carrier member 212, and the first sample transfer mechanism 300 directly grabs the sample container 120 on the second sample transfer mechanism 400 and transfers the sample container 120 to the first sample carrier member 110 on the transfer track 100. By combining different embodiments of the transfer of the sample container 120 by the first sample transfer mechanism 300, for the transfer requirements of the sample containers 120 at different positions, it can be selected that the first sample transfer mechanism 300 directly grabs the sample container 120 in the input area 2111 and transfers it to the transfer track 100, or after the second sample transfer mechanism 400 transfers the second sample carrier member 212, the first sample transfer mechanism 300 grabs the sample container 120 and transfers it to the transfer track 100.

[0072] It should be noted that the second sample carrier 212 has multiple placement positions for placing the sample containers 120. One sample container 120 can be placed in each placement position. For the case where the controller controls the first sample transfer mechanism 300 to directly grab the sample container 120 in the input area 2111, when the first sample transfer mechanism 300 grabs one of the sample containers 120 on the second sample carrier 212 and transfers the sample container 120 to the first sample carrier 110 on the transfer track 100, the placement position originally used to place the sample container 120 in the second sample carrier 212 becomes vacant, and the user can directly place the sample container 120 in this placement position; when all the sample containers 120 on a certain second sample carrier 212 have been transferred by the first sample transfer mechanism 300 to the first sample carrier 110 on the transfer track 100, the second sample carrier 212 is empty, and the user can load the sample container 120 into the second sample carrier 212, or take out the second sample carrier 212, load the sample container 120 in the second sample carrier 212, and then load the full second sample carrier 212 into the drawer in the input area 2111.

[0073] Alternatively, for the case where the controller controls the second sample transfer mechanism 400 to transfer the second sample carrier 212 in the input area 2111, the second sample transfer mechanism 400 transfers the second sample carrier 212 in the input area 2111. The second sample carrier 212 can be transferred to the buffer area 2112 or temporarily stored in the second sample transfer mechanism 400. After the second sample carrier 212 is removed, a first vacant position is formed in the input area 2111. The first vacant position is used for the user to directly place the second sample carrier 212 loaded with the sample container 120; thus, the user can directly place the second sample carrier 212 in the input area 2111 without placing the sample containers 120 one by one, the sample loading efficiency is high, and the user does not need to take the second sample carrier 212 from the sample management unit 200 when loading the sample, avoiding frequent replacement of the second sample carrier 212 during sample loading and making sample loading more convenient.

[0074] The second sample transfer mechanism 400 can move in two mutually perpendicular directions, namely the vertical direction and the horizontal plane. Therefore, the second sample transfer mechanism 400 can transfer the second sample carrier components 212 in the sample storage mechanisms 211 located on different layers and the second sample carrier components 212 at different positions of the sample storage mechanisms 211 on the same layer. The second sample transfer mechanism 400 includes a first drive structure, a second drive structure, a third drive structure, and a pick-and-place structure for picking and placing the second sample carrier components 212. The first drive structure is used to drive the pick-and-place structure to move along a first direction in the horizontal plane, the second drive structure is used to drive the pick-and-place structure to move along a second direction in the horizontal plane, and the third drive structure is used to drive the pick-and-place structure to move in the vertical direction. The first direction, the second direction, and the vertical direction are pairwise perpendicular. The drive modes of the first drive structure, the second drive structure, and the third drive structure are not limited to synchronous belt drive mechanisms, gear-rack drive mechanisms, chain drive mechanisms, ball screw drive mechanisms, link assemblies, etc.

[0075] In one embodiment, the second sample transfer mechanism 400 and the transfer track 100 are located on different sides of the sample storage unit 210. Specifically, referring to Figure 5 , the second sample transfer mechanism 400 is arranged on one side of the sample storage unit 210 along the first direction, and the transfer track 100 is located on one side of the sample storage unit 210 along the second direction. The first direction and the second direction are mutually perpendicular. Thus, the second sample transfer mechanism 400 and the transfer track 100 are respectively located on two adjacent sides of the sample storage unit 210. The second sample transfer mechanism 400 is adjacent to the sample storage unit 210 and can pick and place the second sample carrier components 212 from the side in the first direction. The first sample transfer mechanism 300 is located above the sample storage unit 210 and grabs the sample container 120 in the highest-layer sample storage mechanism 211 and transfers the sample container 120 to the transfer track 100 on the side in the second direction of the sample storage unit 210. The drawer in the first sample storage mechanism 211 can move to the outside of the sample storage unit 210 on the side facing away from the second sample transfer mechanism 400 for the user to place samples into the drawer; or, the drawer in the first sample storage mechanism 211 can move to the outside of the sample storage unit 210 on the side facing away from the transfer track 100 for the user to place samples into the drawer.

[0076] Or, as Figure 6As shown, the second sample transfer mechanism 400 and the transfer track 100 are arranged on opposite sides of the sample storage unit 210. Both the second sample transfer mechanism 400 and the transfer track 100 are adjacent to the sample storage unit 210. The first sample transfer mechanism 300 is located above the sample storage unit 210. The moving paths of the first sample transfer mechanism 300 when transferring the sample container 120 in the sample storage unit 210 and the moving path of the second sample transfer mechanism 400 when transferring the second sample carrier member 212 in the sample storage unit 210 are both short, enabling the sample container 120 and the second sample carrier member 212 to be transferred quickly. Exemplarily, the second sample transfer mechanism 400 and the transfer track 100 are arranged on opposite sides in the first direction of the sample storage unit 210. The drawer in the first sample storage mechanism 211 can move to one side in the second direction of the sample storage unit 210 for the user to place samples into the drawer. The first direction is perpendicular to the second direction.

[0077] Alternatively, as Figure 7 shown, there are multiple sample storage units 210 arranged along the first direction. The second sample transfer mechanism 400 is arranged between adjacent sample storage units 210, and the transfer track 100 is located on one side of the sample storage units 210 along the second direction. The first direction is perpendicular to the second direction. Therefore, multiple sample storage units 210 can share a second sample transfer mechanism 400 for transferring the second sample carrier member 212. A relatively large space can be reserved in the sample management unit 200 for placing the sample storage units 210, which can increase the sample storage capacity of the sample storage units 210 and further improve the space utilization ratio of the sample management unit 200. Taking two sample storage units 210 arranged along the first direction as an example, the second sample transfer mechanism 400 is located between the two sample storage units 210, and the transfer track 100 is located on one side of the sample storage units 210 in the second direction. At least one layer of the sample storage mechanism 211 in each sample storage unit 210 can be provided with an input area 2111, or at least one layer of the sample storage mechanism 211 in each sample storage unit 210 can be provided with a buffer area 2112. The first sample transfer mechanism 300 is located above the sample storage unit 210 and can grab the sample container 120 in the input area 2111, the buffer area 2112 or the second sample transfer mechanism 400 and transfer it to the first sample carrier member 110 on the transfer track 100.

[0078] In other embodiments, such as Figure 3, the second sample transfer mechanism 400 and the transfer track 100 are arranged on the same side of the sample storage unit 210, and the second sample transfer mechanism 400 is located between the transfer track 100 and the sample storage unit 210. The second sample transfer mechanism 400 is adjacent to the sample storage unit 210 and can directly transfer the second sample carrier component 212 in the sample storage unit 210. The first sample transfer mechanism 300 is located above the sample storage unit 210 and can directly grasp the sample container 120 on the sample storage unit 210 or the second sample transfer mechanism 400 and transfer the sample container 120 to the first sample carrier component 110 on the transfer track 100. Since the transfer track 100 is adjacent to the second sample transfer mechanism 400, the transfer paths of the first sample transfer mechanism 300 for the sample container 120 and the second sample transfer mechanism 400 for the second sample carrier component 212 are both short, which can ensure the transfer efficiency of the sample. Exemplarily, if the second sample transfer mechanism 400 and the transfer track 100 are arranged on one side in the first direction of the sample storage unit 210, the drawer in the sample storage mechanism 211 can move to the other side in the first direction of the sample storage unit 210 or to one side in the second direction of the sample storage unit 210 for the user to place samples into the drawer. The first direction is perpendicular to the second direction; thus, the user can interact with the sample management unit 200 from multiple sides of the sample storage unit 210, making the sample loading more flexible.

[0079] Taking the second sample transfer mechanism 400 arranged between the transfer track 100 and the sample storage unit 210 as an example, the second sample transfer mechanism 400 transfers the second sample carrier component 212. The first sample transfer mechanism 300 is located above the sample storage unit 210, and the input area 2111 is arranged in the topmost sample storage mechanism 211. The user can directly place samples into the drawer in the input area 2111. The controller is configured to control the first sample transfer mechanism 300 to transfer the sample container 120 in the input area 2111 to the first sample carrier component 110 in the transfer track 100. The sample container 120 in the input area 2111 is not blocked by the sample storage mechanisms 211 on other layers, and the first sample transfer mechanism 300 can directly grasp the sample container 120 in the input area 2111 and transfer it to the transfer track 100, making the transfer of the sample container 120 more convenient.

[0080] Alternatively, the buffer 2112 is disposed within the sample storage mechanism 211 at the highest level, the input area 2111 is located below the sample storage mechanism 211 at the highest level, and the controller is configured to control the second sample transfer mechanism 400 to transfer the second sample carrier member 212 within the input area 2111 to the buffer 2112, and control the first sample transfer mechanism 300 to transfer the sample container 120 within the buffer 2112 to the first sample carrier member 110 on the transfer track 100; the user places the sample into the drawer within the input area 2111, the sample container 120 within the input area 2111 is blocked by the sample storage mechanisms 211 on other levels, the second sample transfer mechanism 400 is adjacent to the sample storage unit 210, and can directly transfer the second sample carrier member 212 within the input area 2111 to the buffer 2112, so that the sample container 120 to be transferred is not blocked by the sample storage mechanisms 211 on other levels, and the first sample transfer mechanism 300 can more conveniently transfer the sample container 120 to the first sample carrier member 110 on the transfer track 100.

[0081] Alternatively, the input area 2111 is located below the sample storage mechanism 211 at the highest level, and the controller is configured to control the second sample transfer mechanism 400 to transfer the second sample carrier member 212 within the input area 2111, and control the first sample transfer mechanism 300 to transfer the sample container 120 within the second sample transfer mechanism 400 to the first sample carrier member 110 on the transfer track 100. The user places the sample into the drawer within the input area 2111, the sample container 120 within the input area 2111 is blocked by the sample storage mechanisms 211 on other levels, and by transferring the second sample carrier mechanism within the input area 2111 through the second sample transfer mechanism 400, the sample container 120 to be transferred is not blocked by the sample storage mechanisms 211 on other levels, and the first sample transfer mechanism 300 can more conveniently transfer the sample container 120 on the second sample transfer mechanism 400 to the first sample carrier member 110 on the transfer track 100. Additionally, since the second sample transfer mechanism 400 is adjacent to the transfer track 100, the path traveled by the first sample transfer mechanism 300 during the transfer of the sample container 120 is shorter, which is beneficial to improving the transfer efficiency of the sample container 120.

[0082] The sample processing system further includes an analysis device for analyzing the sample within the sample container 120 conveyed by the transfer track 100. The analysis device can be a biochemical analysis device, an immunoassay device, etc., refer to Figure 4, in the sample storage mechanism 211 of at least one layer, there is an output area 2113 for the user to take out the second sample carrier 212. The controller is configured to control the first sample transfer mechanism 300 to transfer the sample container 120 carrying the sample analyzed by the analysis device on the transfer track 100 to the second sample carrier 212 in the output area 2113. The user can place the sample to be detected into the drawer in the input area 2111, and can take out the second sample carrier 212 in the output area 2113, realizing the interaction between the user and the sample management unit 200, as well as the input and output of the sample. It can be understood that the sample output from the output area 2113 can be the sample that has completed the detection, the sample waiting for retesting, the sample to be archived, etc.

[0083] The second sample carrier 212 has a plurality of placement positions for the sample container 120 to be placed. When the user directly takes out the second sample carrier 212 from the input area 2111, multiple samples can be output at one time, improving the sample output efficiency. In addition, a movable drawer can also be set in the output area 2113. When the drawer moves into the output area 2113, it is in the storage state, and the first sample transfer mechanism 300 can transfer the sample container 120 to the second sample carrier 212 in the drawer. When the drawer moves outside the output area 2113, it is in the output state, and the user can take out the second sample carrier 212 loaded with the sample container 120 from the drawer.

[0084] In one embodiment, the first sample transfer mechanism 300 is located above the sample storage unit 210, and the output area 2113 is located in the topmost sample storage mechanism 211. The second sample carrier 212 in the output area 2113 is not blocked by the sample storage mechanisms 211 of other layers, and the first sample transfer mechanism 300 can directly transfer the sample container 120 to the second sample carrier 212 in the output area 2113, making the transfer of the sample container 120 more convenient. Further, the direction in which the drawer in the input area 2111 moves outside the input area 2111 is the same as the direction in which the drawer in the output area 2113 moves outside the output area 2113. In this way, the user can place the sample into the drawer in the input area 2111 or take out the second sample carrier 212 from the output area 2113 on the same side of the sample management unit 200, making the interaction between the user and the sample management unit 200 more convenient.

[0085] Exemplarily, one sample storage unit 210 is provided. Both the input area 2111 and the output area 2113 are located in the sample storage mechanism 211 at the highest layer, facilitating the first sample transfer mechanism 300 to transfer the sample container 120 in the input area 2111 to the first sample carrier component 110 on the transfer track 100, and to transfer the sample container 120 carrying the sample analyzed by the analysis device on the transfer track 100 to the second sample carrier component 212 in the output area 2113. Alternatively, multiple sample storage units 210 are provided. The input area 2111 and the output area 2113 are respectively located in different sample storage units 210, and both the input area 2111 and the output area 2113 are located in the sample storage mechanism 211 at the highest layer.

[0086] When the second sample carrier component 212 in the output area 2113 is empty or there is a placement position in the second sample carrier component 212 available for placing the sample container 120, the first sample transfer mechanism 300 can transfer the sample container 120 into the second sample carrier component 212. When the second sample carrier component 212 in the output area 2113 is full, the second sample carrier component 212 is taken out from the output area 2113, creating a second empty position in the output area 2113. An empty second sample carrier component 212 can be placed in this second empty position for the first sample transfer mechanism 300 to transfer the sample container 120 into the second sample carrier component 212.

[0087] Further, the way to create the second empty position in the output area 2113 can be that the user takes out the full second sample carrier component 212 in the output area 2113, creating the second empty position in the output area 2113. In this case, the controller can also be configured to, when there is a full second sample carrier component 212 in the output area 2113, the controller sends a signal to instruct the user to take out the full second sample carrier component 212 in the output area 2113. Or, the controller is configured to control the second sample transfer mechanism 400 to transfer the second sample carrier component 212, and the second sample transfer mechanism 400 transfers the full second sample carrier component 212 in the output area 2113 to other areas, creating the second empty position in the output area 2113. In this case, the full second sample carrier mechanism is temporarily stored in other areas, and the user does not need to frequently take out the second sample carrier mechanism from the output area 2113. The full second sample carrier mechanisms in the output area 2113 and other areas can be taken out uniformly during a specific time period, making the output of samples more convenient.

[0088] Further, the method of placing the second sample carrier member 212 without load into the second empty position may be that the user places the second sample carrier member 212 without load into the second empty position for the first sample transfer mechanism 300 to transfer the sample container 120 to the second sample carrier member 212 without load. Alternatively, the controller is further configured to control the second sample transfer mechanism 400 to transfer the second sample carrier member 212 without load to the second empty position, and control the first sample transfer mechanism 300 to transfer the sample container 120 to the second sample carrier member 212 without load; in this case, there is no need for the user to place the second sample carrier member 212 into the second empty position, reducing the replacement times of the second sample carrier member 212 during the sample output process and making the sample output more convenient; in addition, when there is a second sample carrier member 212 without load on the input area 2111, the buffer area 2112 or the second sample transfer mechanism 400, the controller may also be configured to control the second sample transfer mechanism 400 to directly transfer the second sample carrier member 212 without load in the input area 2111, the buffer area 2112 or the second sample transfer mechanism 400 to the second empty position, enabling the second sample carrier member 212 to flow inside the sample management unit 200 without the need for the user to frequently insert or take out, making the use of the sample management unit 200 more convenient.

[0089] In a specific embodiment, both the input area 2111 and the output area 2113 are located in the sample storage mechanism 211 at the top layer. The first sample transfer mechanism 300 is located above the sample management unit 200. When sampling, the drawer in the input area 2111 moves to the sampling state. The user places the second sample carrier unit loaded with the sample container 120 into the drawer. After the drawer moves into the interior of the input area 2111, the sample is stored in the input area 2111. The first sample transfer mechanism 300 grabs the sample container 120 in the input area 2111 and transfers it to the first sample carrier component 110 on the transfer track 100. The transfer track 100 conveys the sample to the centrifugation unit for centrifugation, or conveys it to the capping removal unit for capping removal, or conveys it to the analysis device for analysis. When all the sample containers 120 on the second sample carrier component 212 in the input area 2111 are completely transferred, the second sample carrier component 212 is empty. The first sample transfer mechanism 300 grabs the sample container 120 loaded with the sample analyzed by the analysis device on the transfer track 100 and transfers the sample container 120 to the second sample carrier component 212 in the output area 2113. When the second sample carrier component 212 in the output area 2113 is full, the user takes out the full second sample carrier component 212 and forms a second empty position in the output area 2113. The second sample transfer mechanism 400 transfers the empty second sample carrier component 212 in the input area 2111 to the second empty position for the first sample transfer mechanism 300 to transfer the sample container 120 to the empty second sample carrier component 212, and a first empty position is formed in the input area 2111 for the user to directly place the second sample carrier component 212 loaded with the sample container 120 into the input area 2111.

[0090] In addition, the controller is further configured that when there is an empty second sample carrier component 212 in the input area 2111, the second sample carrier component 212 in the output area 2113 is full, and the first sample transfer mechanism 300 needs to transfer the sample container 120 loaded with the sample analyzed by the analysis device to the output area 2113, the controller controls the first sample transfer mechanism 300 to transfer the sample container 120 loaded with the sample analyzed by the analysis device into the empty second sample carrier component 212 in the input area 2111. In this way, there is no need to transfer the full second sample carrier component 212 in the output area 2113 through the second sample transfer component and transfer the empty second sample carrier component 212 to the second empty position. The first sample transfer component can directly use the empty second sample carrier component 212 in the input area 2111 to load the sample container 120, and the transfer efficiency of the sample is high.

[0091] It can be understood that the above-described transfer method of the sample container 120 is applicable to the situation where, within a certain period of time, the sample loading amount in the input area 2111 is small, and the output area 2113 frequently receives the sample container 120 carrying the sample analyzed by the analysis device transferred by the first sample transfer mechanism 300. Further, in this case, the controller can also be configured such that after the first sample transfer mechanism 300 transfers the sample container 120 carrying the sample analyzed by the analysis device to the empty second sample carrier 212 in the input area 2111, the controller controls the input signal of the input area 2111 to be switched to an output signal, and after the second sample carrier 212 is full, a signal is sent to instruct the user to take out the full second sample carrier 212.

[0092] Further, the controller is also configured such that when there is a second empty position in the output area 2113 where the second sample carrier 212 is not placed and the input area 2111 is full of the second sample carriers 212, the controller sends a signal to instruct the user to place the second sample carrier 212 carrying the sample container 120 at the second empty position in the output area 2113. In this way, there is no need to transfer the second sample carrier 212 in the input area 2111 to the buffer area, and the second empty position in the output area 2113 is directly used for the user to place the second sample carrier 212 carrying the sample container 120, which is convenient for sample loading.

[0093] It can be understood that the above-described sample loading method of the second sample carrier 212 carrying the sample container 120 is applicable to the situation where, within a certain period of time, the user frequently places samples in the input area 2111 and the number of sample containers 120 carrying the samples analyzed by the analysis device conveyed by the transfer track 100 is small. Further, the controller is also configured such that after the second sample carrier 212 carrying the sample container 120 is placed in the second empty position, the controller controls the first sample transfer mechanism 300 to transfer the sample container 120 in the second empty position of the output area 2113 to the first sample carrier 110 on the transfer track 100.

[0094] The embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various changes can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention within the scope of knowledge possessed by those of ordinary skill in the art. In addition, the embodiments of the present invention and the features in the embodiments can be combined with each other without conflict.

Claims

1. A sample processing system, characterized in that, Comprising: A transfer track for conveying a first sample carrier for carrying a single sample container for containing a sample; A sample management unit having a first sample transfer mechanism and a sample storage unit. The sample storage unit has a multi-layer sample storage mechanism distributed vertically. The sample storage mechanism is used for storing a second sample carrier which can carry the sample container. At least one layer of the sample storage mechanism is provided with an input area. An activatable drawer is provided in the input area. The drawer has a sample loading state in which at least part of it moves out of the input area and exposes a placement opening for the user to manually place the sample. The first sample transfer mechanism can at least transfer a single sample container in the sample storage mechanism to the first sample carrier on the transfer track; A lid-removing unit for removing the lid from the sample container conveyed by the transfer track.

2. The sample processing system according to claim 1, wherein The sample processing system further includes a centrifugation unit for centrifuging the sample in the sample container conveyed by the transfer track.

3. The sample processing system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The sample processing system further includes a controller. The input area includes a centrifugation area and a non-centrifugation area; The controller is configured to control the first sample transfer mechanism to transfer the sample container in the non-centrifugation area to the transfer track, and control the transfer track to convey the sample container to the centrifugation unit to centrifuge the sample in the sample container, and convey the sample centrifuged by the centrifugation unit to an analysis device for analysis; The controller is further configured to control the first sample transfer mechanism to transfer the sample container in the centrifugation area to the transfer track, and control the transfer track to convey the sample container to the analysis device to analyze the sample.

4. The sample processing system according to claim 1, wherein The sample processing system further includes a controller configured to control the first sample transfer mechanism to transfer the sample container in the input area to the transfer track; And / or, the sample processing system further includes a controller and a second sample transfer mechanism. A buffer area is provided in at least one layer of the sample storage mechanism. The controller is configured to control the second sample transfer mechanism to transfer the second sample carrier in the input area to the buffer area, and control the first sample transfer mechanism to transfer the sample container in the buffer area to the transfer track; And / or, the sample processing system further includes a controller and a second sample transfer mechanism. The controller is configured to control the second sample transfer mechanism to transfer the second sample carrier in the input area, and control the first sample transfer mechanism to transfer the sample container in the second sample transfer mechanism to the transfer track.

5. The sample processing system according to claim 1, wherein The first transfer mechanism is located above the sample storage unit. The sample processing system further includes a controller; The input area is located in the topmost layer of the sample storage mechanism. The controller is configured to control the first sample transfer mechanism to transfer the sample container located in the input area to the transfer track; And / or, the sample processing system further includes a second sample transfer mechanism. A buffer area is provided in the sample storage mechanism at the highest level. The controller is configured to control the second sample transfer mechanism to transfer the second sample carrier member in the input area to the buffer area, and control the first sample transfer mechanism to transfer the sample container in the buffer area to the transfer track; And / or, the sample processing system further includes a second sample transfer mechanism. The controller is configured to control the second sample transfer mechanism to transfer the second sample carrier member in the input area upward, and control the first sample transfer mechanism to transfer the sample container in the second sample transfer mechanism to the transfer track.

6. The sample processing system according to claim 1, wherein The sample processing system further includes a second sample transfer mechanism for transferring the second sample carrier member. The sample storage unit and the transfer track are located on opposite sides of the second sample transfer mechanism; The input area is located in the sample storage mechanism at the highest level. The controller is configured to control the first sample transfer mechanism to transfer the sample container in the input area to the transfer track; Alternatively, a buffer area is provided in the sample storage mechanism at the highest level. The input area is located below the sample storage mechanism at the highest level. The controller is configured to control the second sample transfer mechanism to transfer the second sample carrier member in the input area to the buffer area, and control the first sample transfer mechanism to transfer the sample container in the buffer area to the transfer track; Alternatively, the input area is located below the sample storage mechanism at the highest level. The controller is configured to control the second sample transfer mechanism to transfer the second sample carrier member in the input area, and control the first sample transfer mechanism to transfer the sample container in the second sample transfer mechanism to the transfer track.

7. The sample processing system according to claim 1, wherein The sample processing system further includes a second sample transfer mechanism for transferring the second sample carrier member. The second sample transfer mechanism is provided on one side of the sample storage unit along a first direction, and the transfer track is provided on one side of the sample storage unit along a second direction. The first direction is perpendicular to the second direction; Alternatively, the second sample transfer mechanism and the transfer track are provided on opposite sides of the sample storage unit; Alternatively, the second sample transfer mechanism and the transfer track are provided on the same side of the sample storage unit, and the second sample transfer mechanism is located between the transfer track and the sample storage unit.

8. The sample processing system according to claim 1, wherein The sample processing system further includes a second sample transfer mechanism for transferring the second sample carrier member. A plurality of sample storage units are arranged along a first direction. The second sample transfer mechanism is provided between adjacent sample storage units, and the transfer track is located on one side of the sample storage unit along a second direction. The first direction is perpendicular to the second direction.

9. The sample processing system according to claim 1, wherein The sample processing system further includes a second sample transfer mechanism and a controller, and the controller is configured to control the second sample transfer mechanism to transfer the empty second sample carrier member in the input area and form a first empty position for a user to place the second sample carrier member loaded with the sample container; Alternatively, the controller is configured to control the first sample transfer mechanism to transfer the sample container on the second sample carrier member in the input area to the transfer track, and the empty second sample carrier member in the input area is for a user to load the sample container.

10. The sample processing system according to claim 1, wherein The sample processing system further includes a sample analysis device for analyzing the sample in the sample container conveyed by the transfer track. An output area for a user to take out the second sample carrier member is provided in at least one layer of the sample storage mechanism. The sample processing system further includes a controller configured to control the first sample transfer mechanism to transfer the sample container carrying the sample analyzed by the analysis device on the transfer track to the second sample carrier member in the output area.

11. The sample processing system according to claim 10, wherein, The sample processing system further includes a second sample transfer mechanism, and the controller is further configured to control the second sample transfer mechanism to transfer the fully loaded second sample carrier member in the output area and form a second empty position, and control the second sample transfer mechanism to transfer the empty second sample carrier member to the second empty position; Alternatively, the controller is further configured to instruct the user to take out the fully loaded second sample carrier member in the output area and form a second empty position, and control the second sample transfer mechanism to transfer the empty second sample carrier member to the second empty position.

12. The sample processing system according to claim 10, wherein The controller is further configured that when there is an empty second sample carrier member in the input area, the second sample carrier member in the output area is fully loaded, and the first sample transfer mechanism transfers the sample container carrying the sample analyzed by the analysis device to the output area, the controller controls the first sample transfer mechanism to transfer the sample container carrying the sample analyzed by the analysis device to the empty second sample carrier member in the input area; Alternatively, the controller is further configured that when there is a second empty position without the second sample carrier member placed in the output area and the input area is fully loaded with the second sample carrier members, the controller issues a signal to instruct the user to place the second sample carrier member loaded with the sample container in the second empty position.

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