A vhp transfer lock sample automated delivery device
By designing an automated delivery device, the problems of low sample transfer efficiency and high labor costs in the VHP transfer chamber were solved, realizing automated cyclic disinfection and transfer of samples, improving efficiency and saving labor costs.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Patents(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- JIANGSU DINGYOU FLUID TECH CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-05-07
- Publication Date
- 2026-08-04
AI Technical Summary
The existing VHP transfer chamber requires staff to manually open the low-level area doors and high-level area doors when transferring samples. Due to limited space, this results in low sample transfer efficiency and high labor costs.
Design an automated sample transport device for VHP transfer chambers, including a mobile frame, a support frame, a transfer component, and a transport component. The device achieves automated sample transport and disinfection through a limiting component and a drive component, avoiding interference from the single opening of the door.
It enables automated cyclic disinfection and transfer of samples, improving transfer efficiency, saving labor costs, and maintaining the stability and safety of sample transportation.
Smart Images

Figure CN120504139B_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates to the field of VHP transfer chambers, and more particularly to an automated sample transport device for VHP transfer chambers. Background Technology
[0002] VHP transfer chamber is a device used for biological decontamination treatment of the outer surface of materials. It is mainly used for various clean and dry items that need to be transferred in aseptic production, such as outer packaging of packaging materials, instruments, outer packaging of raw and auxiliary materials, accessories, environmental monitoring equipment, etc. This device uses hydrogen peroxide vapor (VHPS) as a biological decontaminant and is a decontamination process under low temperature and normal pressure conditions.
[0003] During operation, samples are sent into the VHP transfer chamber from the lower-level area and retrieved from the higher-level area after disinfection. To prevent cross-infection between the lower and higher-level areas, the doors of the lower and higher-level areas are interlocked to ensure that only one door can be opened at a time. Since the space inside the transfer chamber is limited, when a large number of items need to be transferred, staff need to be on one side of the VHP transfer chamber to alternately open the doors of the lower and higher-level areas and to place and retrieve samples. Summary of the Invention
[0004] The purpose of this invention is to address the shortcomings of existing technologies by proposing an automated sample transport device for VHP transfer chambers.
[0005] This invention provides an automated sample transport device for a VHP transfer chamber, comprising a VHP transfer chamber body, the VHP transfer chamber body including a transfer chamber, the two ends of the transfer chamber being a low-level area and a high-level area respectively, a low-level area door and a high-level area door respectively installed inside the low-level area and the high-level area door, the low-level area door and the high-level area door being equipped with an interlocking mechanism, and further comprising: Two first movable frames are respectively installed inside the transfer chamber via a movable drive assembly; The first support frame has two ends connected to the two first movable frames via limiting components. When the first support frame is connected to the corresponding first movable frame only through the limiting component at one end, the first support frame moves out synchronously with the first movable frame. A transfer assembly, mounted above the first support frame, is used to transport and move samples; Two transport components are located on both sides of the VHP transport chamber body, respectively for storing and transporting unsterilized and sterilized samples, and for aligning and connecting with the removed transport components to transport the samples. Staff place the samples to be transferred sequentially on the conveyor assembly located on the lower-level area side, then open the lower-level area door. While the lower-level area door is open, the higher-level area door remains closed. Subsequently, the limiting component under the first moving frame near the lower-level area maintains the engagement limit between the first moving frame and the first support frame, while the limiting component under the first moving frame near the higher-level area releases the engagement limit between the first moving frame and the first support frame. This allows the first support frame to move synchronously with the first moving frame near the lower-level area through the engagement limit. Afterward, the movement drive is activated. The component, a motion drive component, moves the first movable frame (closer to the lower-level area) towards the lower-level area. The first movable frame moves the first support frame synchronously, thereby moving the conveying component (closer to the higher-level area) on the first support frame until it aligns with the transfer component on the first support frame. At this point, the conveying and transfer components are activated, allowing the sample placed on the conveying component to be transported into the transfer component, thus achieving automated sample transport. After the sample is transported above the transfer component, the motion drive component is activated again, moving the first support frame and the first movable frame (closer to the lower-level area) towards the higher-level area. The moving frame resets, thereby resetting the transfer assembly and allowing the transferred sample to enter the transfer chamber. After the first support frame resets, the limiting assembly is activated to restore the limiting position on the first moving frame and the first support frame. Then, the low-level area door closes, and the sample is disinfected through the VHP transfer chamber body. After disinfection, the high-level area door opens. The limiting assembly under the first moving frame near the high-level area maintains the locking position between the first moving frame and the first support frame, while the limiting assembly under the first moving frame near the low-level area releases the locking position, allowing the moving drive assembly to move the sample into the transfer chamber. The first moving frame on the side near the higher-level area moves towards the higher-level area. Similarly, the transport component near the higher-level area aligns with the transfer component, allowing the sample to be transported to the transport component near the higher-level area for disinfection and retrieval. Repeating the above steps enables automated cyclic disinfection and transfer of large numbers of samples, eliminating the need for manual sample placement and retrieval by staff. It also does not interfere with the single opening of the low-level and high-level area doors of the VHP transfer chamber, thus improving the efficiency of sample transport and saving labor costs by eliminating the need for staff setup.
[0006] Preferably, the transfer component includes: Multiple sets of support plates, each set of support plates is fixed to the top of the first support frame in a linear array, and two support plates form a set; The first conveyor belt, one first conveyor belt corresponds to a group of support plates, and the first conveyor belt is driven by a transfer drive assembly on the same group of support plates. The gap between adjacent first conveyor belts is a locking gap, and the locking gap is matched with the conveying assembly. Multiple sets of support plates can support and install the first conveyor belt. After the transfer drive component is started, it can drive the first conveyor belt to transfer the sample during the transmission process. The locking gap between the first conveyor belts can align the first conveyor belt with the conveying component, so that the sample on the conveying component can be transferred to the first conveyor belt for transfer.
[0007] Preferably, the conveying assembly includes: A mobile base, on which a lifting frame is mounted via a lifting drive assembly; The second support frame is fixed to the top of the lifting frame. Multiple second conveyor belts are installed on the top of the second support frame through a conveying drive assembly. The multiple second conveyor belts are arranged in a linear array. A matching gap is left between the ends of adjacent second conveyor belts. The matching gap is adapted to the locking gap. The movable base can be moved for position adjustment, and the lifting drive assembly can adjust the vertical height of the lifting frame, thereby adjusting the height of the second conveyor belt to align it appropriately with the first conveyor belt after it moves out. The second support frame can support the entry and exit of the second conveyor belt. The conveying drive assembly drives the second conveyor belt to transport the sample. The matching gap and locking gap between the second and first conveyor belts are adapted to fit together, allowing the second and first conveyor belts to engage and align. This allows the first conveyor belt to be inserted into the matching gap of the second conveyor belt, ensuring that the sample moving to the end of the second conveyor belt is also located on top of the first conveyor belt after alignment. The sample is then transported by the first conveyor belt, moving from the top of the second conveyor belt to the top of the first conveyor belt. This helps to prevent the sample from falling during transport and improves the stability of sample transport.
[0008] Preferably, it further includes: The pressure sensor is fixed to the side wall of the second support frame; When the pressure sensor is pressed, the control unit controls the lifting drive assembly to start and drive the lifting frame to move downward. When the first moving frame is driven to move outward from the transfer chamber, it moves the first support frame closer to the second support frame until the first support frame presses against the pressure sensor. After being pressed, the pressure sensor sends the pressure information to the control unit. Subsequently, the control unit controls the lifting drive assembly to make vertical fine adjustments to the second support frame and the second conveyor belt, so that the second conveyor belt is aligned with the first conveyor belt. The edge of the second support frame is equipped with a position sensor, which can detect the alignment between the second and first conveyor belts. This helps to adjust the alignment of the first conveyor belt after it extends and aligns with the second conveyor belt, thus facilitating the stable transport of samples.
[0009] Preferably, it also includes two sets of first infrared detectors, which are symmetrically fixed on the inner wall of the transfer chamber. When the first support frame drives the first conveyor belt to move to the ends respectively, the two first infrared detectors detect the ends of the first conveyor belt to detect whether the sample has reached the end. When the first support frame drives the first conveyor belt to move, taking the first conveyor belt moving towards the lower-level area as an example, when the first conveyor belt is fully extended, the end of the first conveyor belt facing the inside of the transfer chamber is aligned with the first infrared detector, so that the first infrared detector can detect the sample that has moved to the end of the first conveyor belt. When the first infrared detector detects that the sample has been transferred to the end of the first conveyor belt, the control unit controls the transfer drive component to shut down, so that the first conveyor belt stops transferring. This helps to avoid the first conveyor belt transferring too much sample, which could cause the sample to fall. This also helps to identify the maximum amount of sample transferred during sample transfer, thus helping to maintain the stability of sample transfer while improving the efficiency of sample transfer.
[0010] Preferably, the first conveyor belt, the first support frame, and the first movable frame are all porous structures that allow airflow to pass through normally; Both the first conveyor belt and the first support frame are porous structures, meaning that, as shown in the figure, several ventilation holes are provided on the surface of the first conveyor belt and the first support frame so that airflow can pass through the first conveyor belt and the first support frame normally. This helps to ensure that the airflow is not disturbed by the internal structures of the first conveyor belt, the first support frame, and the first moving frame when passing through the interior of the transfer chamber.
[0011] Preferably, it further includes: Multiple electric push rods, one of the electric push rods corresponding to a set of support plates, the electric push rod is fixed to the side wall of one side of the support plate by a mounting bracket, and a second movable frame is fixed to the telescopic rod end of the electric push rod; A synchronous conveyor belt, one synchronous conveyor belt corresponding to one second movable frame, the synchronous conveyor belt being driven and installed on the side wall of the corresponding second movable frame through a third support roller, and a first meshing tooth being provided on the outer ring side wall of the synchronous conveyor belt; Multiple clearance openings, one of which corresponds to one of the second conveyor belts, are respectively opened on the side wall of the second support frame; The second meshing tooth is disposed on the inner side wall of the first conveyor belt, and the second meshing tooth meshes with the first meshing tooth. The third meshing tooth is disposed on the inner side wall of the second conveyor belt, and the third meshing tooth meshes with the first meshing tooth. After the first and second conveyor belts are aligned, the electric push rod is activated. The electric push rod, upon activation, propels the second moving frame via a telescopic rod. The second moving frame then moves the synchronous conveyor belt, causing it to pass through the clearance opening and enter the inner ring of the second conveyor belt. Simultaneously, the synchronous conveyor belt's first meshing tooth on its outer ring meshes with the second meshing tooth on the inner ring of the first conveyor belt, and at the same time, it meshes with the third meshing tooth on the inner ring of the second conveyor belt. This causes the first conveyor belt to drive the synchronous conveyor belt, which in turn drives the second conveyor belt, resulting in synchronized transmission between the two belts. This ensures that the samples above the first and second conveyor belts are transported synchronously after alignment, thus contributing to the stability of the sample transport process.
[0012] Preferably, it also includes a second infrared detector, fixed to the end of the second support frame, for identifying the arrival of the sample when the sample moves to the end of the second conveyor belt; The second infrared detector can identify the sample that has moved to the end of the second conveyor belt. This allows the second conveyor belt to transport the sample above it to the end of the second conveyor belt after the first conveyor belt separates from the second conveyor belt. This ensures that when the second conveyor belt aligns with the first conveyor belt again, the sample above the second conveyor belt will be simultaneously above the first conveyor belt, which is beneficial for sample transfer.
[0013] Preferably, the motion drive component includes: The first motor is fixed to the inner wall of the transfer chamber; Two fixing plates are fixed to the inner wall of the transfer chamber; A screw is rotatably mounted between the two fixed plates, and the output shaft of the first motor drives the screw to rotate. A threaded sleeve is fixed to the bottom of the first movable frame and is threadedly engaged with the screw. After the first motor starts, it drives the screw to rotate through the output shaft. After the screw rotates, it drives the threaded sleeve connected to it to move. The threaded sleeve drives the first moving frame connected to it to move, thereby driving the first moving frame to move.
[0014] Preferably, the limiting component includes: Two first cylinders are respectively fixed to the bottom of the two first movable frames; Two connecting plates are slidably installed on the bottom of the two first movable frames respectively. The two first cylinders drive the two connecting plates to move through the telescopic rods respectively. Multiple plug-in plates are fixed in a linear array on the side walls of the two connecting plates. Two sets of limiting sleeves are fixed in a linear array at the bottom of the first support frame. Each set of limiting sleeves is engaged with a corresponding plug plate fixed on the side wall of the connecting plate. The top of both first movable frames is provided with a clearance groove for the limiting sleeves to slide. After the first cylinder is started, it drives the connecting plate to move via the telescopic rod. The moving connecting plate then drives the insertion plate to move. When the insertion plate moves to the inside of the limiting sleeve, the first support frame and the first moving frame are engaged through the engagement between the limiting sleeve and the insertion plate. When the insertion plate moves away from the inside of the limiting sleeve, the engagement between the first support frame and the first moving frame is released, allowing the first support frame to move freely away from the first moving frame. By adjusting the engagement between the first support frame and the two first moving frames, the first support frame can be adjusted to move with the two first moving frames to move to the lower-level area and the higher-level area respectively, thereby realizing the transfer and loading of samples.
[0015] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects: 1. This invention, through the setting of transfer and delivery components, can automatically perform cyclic disinfection and transfer of a large number of samples, thereby eliminating the need for staff to manually place and retrieve samples. It also does not interfere with the single opening of the low-level and high-level area doors of the VHP transfer chamber main body, which is conducive to improving the efficiency of sample transportation and saving labor costs by eliminating the need for staff to set up the system.
[0016] 2. The invention, by setting up a first infrared detector, helps to avoid excessive sample transported by the first conveyor belt, which could cause samples to fall off. This helps to identify the maximum amount of sample transported during sample transport, thereby improving the efficiency of sample transport while maintaining the stability of sample transport. Attached Figure Description
[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the present invention.
[0018] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the VHP transfer chamber of the present invention.
[0019] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the transfer chamber of the present invention.
[0020] Figure 4 For the present invention Figure 3 A magnified structural diagram of point A in the middle.
[0021] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional structural diagram of the transfer chamber of the present invention.
[0022] Figure 6 For the present invention Figure 5 A magnified structural diagram at point B in the middle.
[0023] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view of the first movable frame of the present invention.
[0024] Figure 8 For the present invention Figure 7 A magnified structural diagram at point C.
[0025] Figure 9 This is a cross-sectional structural diagram of the conveying component of the present invention.
[0026] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the two first movable frames of the present invention.
[0027] Figure 11 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of the first conveyor belt of the present invention.
[0028] In the diagram: 1. VHP transfer chamber main body; 101. Transfer chamber; 1011. Low-level area; 1012. High-level area; 102. Low-level area door; 103. High-level area door; 2. First moving frame; 201. First motor; 202. Fixing plate; 203. Screw; 204. Threaded sleeve; 3. First support frame; 301. First cylinder; 302. Limiting sleeve; 303. Insertion plate; 304. Connecting plate; 305. Clearance groove; 4. First conveyor belt; 401. Support plate; 402. Second motor; 403, First gear; 404, Second gear; 405, Synchronous chain belt; 406, First support roller; 5, Lifting frame; 501, Telescopic rod; 502, Moving base; 503, Second cylinder; 6, Second conveyor belt; 601, Second support frame; 602, Third motor; 603, Second support roller; 7, Pressure sensor; 8, Synchronous conveyor belt; 801, Third support roller; 802, Second moving frame; 803, Electric push rod; 9, Clearing opening; 10, First infrared detector; 11, Second infrared detector. Detailed Implementation
[0029] The following description is intended to disclose the invention and enable those skilled in the art to implement it. The preferred embodiments described below are merely examples, and other obvious variations will occur to those skilled in the art.
[0030] like Figures 1 to 11 The illustrated automated sample transport device for a VHP transfer chamber includes a VHP transfer chamber body 1, which comprises a transfer chamber 101. The two ends of the transfer chamber 101 are a low-level area 1011 and a high-level area 1012, respectively. A low-level area door 102 and a high-level area door 103 are respectively installed inside the low-level area 1011 and the high-level area 1012. An interlocking mechanism is provided between the low-level area door 102 and the high-level area door 103. The device also includes: Two first mobile frames 2 are respectively installed inside the transfer chamber 101 via mobile drive components; The first support frame 3 is connected to two first movable frames 2 at both ends by limiting components. When the first support frame 3 is connected to the corresponding first movable frame 2 only at one end by the limiting component, the first support frame 3 moves out synchronously with the first movable frame 2. The transfer assembly, installed above the first support frame 3, is used to transport and move samples; Two transport components are located on both sides of the VHP transport chamber body 1, which are used to store and transport unsterilized and sterilized samples respectively, and are used to align and connect with the removed transport components to transport the samples. During operation, samples are sent into the VHP transfer chamber from the lower-level area and taken out from the higher-level area after disinfection. To prevent cross-infection between the lower-level and higher-level areas, the doors of the lower-level and higher-level areas are interlocked to ensure that only one door can be opened at a time. Since the space inside the transfer chamber is limited, when a large number of items need to be transferred, staff need to be on one side of the VHP transfer chamber to alternately open the doors of the lower-level and higher-level areas and to place and take out the samples. This embodiment of the invention can solve the above problems. The specific implementation is as follows: The staff places the samples to be transferred sequentially on the conveying assembly located on the side of the low-level area 1011. Then, the low-level area door 102 is opened. While the low-level area door 102 is open, the high-level area door 103 remains closed. Subsequently, the limiting assembly below the first movable frame 2 near the low-level area 1011 maintains the locking and limiting of the first movable frame 2 and the first support frame 3, while the limiting assembly below the first movable frame 2 near the high-level area 1012 cancels the locking and limiting of the first movable frame 2 and the first support frame 3, thereby allowing the first support frame 3 to pass through the first support frame 3 near the low-level area 1011. The first movable frame 2 moves synchronously with its locking limit. Then, the movement drive assembly is activated, moving the first movable frame 2 (near the lower-level area 1011) towards the lower-level area 1011. The first movable frame 2 moves the first support frame 3 synchronously, thereby moving the first support frame 3 towards the conveying assembly (near the higher-level area 1012) until the conveying assembly aligns with the transfer assembly on the first support frame 3. At this point, the conveying assembly and transfer assembly are activated, allowing the sample placed on the conveying assembly to be transported into the transfer assembly, thus achieving automated sample transport. After the sample is transported above the transfer assembly, the movement drive assembly is activated again, moving the first support frame 3 and the conveying assembly (near the higher-level area 1012) towards the higher-level area 1012. The first movable frame 2 on one side of the low-level area 1011 resets, thereby resetting the transfer assembly and allowing the transferred sample to enter the interior of the transfer chamber 101. After the first support frame 3 resets, the limiting assembly is activated to restore the limiting of the first movable frame 2 and the first support frame 3. Then, the low-level area door 102 is closed, and the sample is disinfected through the VHP transfer chamber body 1. After disinfection, the high-level area door 103 is opened. The limiting assembly below the first movable frame 2 on the side near the high-level area 1012 maintains the locking limit of the first movable frame 2 and the first support frame 3, while the limiting assembly below the first movable frame 2 on the side near the low-level area 1011 cancels the locking limit of the first movable frame 2 and the first support frame 3, thus... The moving drive component drives the first moving frame 2, which is close to the high-level area 1012, to move towards the high-level area 1012. Similarly, the conveying component of the high-level area 1012 is aligned with the transfer component, so that the sample is conveyed to the conveying component of the high-level area 1012 to complete the removal of the disinfected sample. Repeating the above steps can automatically perform cyclic disinfection and transfer of a large number of samples, so that staff do not need to manually place and remove the samples. It does not interfere with the single opening of the low-level area door 102 and the high-level area door 103 of the VHP transfer chamber body 1, which is conducive to improving the efficiency of sample transfer and saving labor costs by eliminating the need for staff to set it up. The interlocking mechanism between the low-level area door 102 and the high-level area door 103 is existing technology and will not be described in detail here.
[0031] As an optional embodiment, the transfer component includes: Multiple sets of support plates 401 are fixed to the top of the first support frame 3 in a linear array, with two support plates 401 forming a group. The first conveyor belt 4, one first conveyor belt 4 corresponds to a set of support plates 401, the first conveyor belt 4 is driven by the transfer drive component on the same set of support plates 401, the gap between adjacent first conveyor belts 4 is the locking gap, the locking gap is matched with the conveying component. Multiple sets of support plates 401 can support and install the first conveyor belt 4. After the transfer drive component is started, it can drive the first conveyor belt 4 to transfer the sample during the transmission process. The locking gap between the first conveyor belts 4 can align the first conveyor belt 4 with the conveying component, so that the sample on the conveying component can be transferred to the first conveyor belt 4 for transfer.
[0032] As an optional embodiment, the transfer drive component includes: The second motor 402 is fixed on the side wall of the support plate 401, and the output shaft end of the second motor 402 is fixed with a second gear 404. Two first support rollers 406 are rotatably mounted between two support plates 401 for transmission support of the first conveyor belt 4. One of the first support rollers 406 has a first gear 403 fixed at its end. The first gear 403 and the second gear 404 are connected by a synchronous chain belt 405. After the second motor 402 starts, it drives the second gear 404 to rotate through the output shaft. After the second gear 404 rotates, it drives the first gear 403 to rotate through the synchronous chain belt 405. The first gear 403 drives the first support roller 406 to rotate. The first support roller 406 drives the first conveyor belt 4 to drive. Another first support roller 406 supports the transmission of the first conveyor belt 4, thereby driving the first conveyor belt 4 to drive.
[0033] As an optional embodiment, the delivery component includes: A movable base 502, and a lifting frame 5 is installed on top of the movable base 502 via a lifting drive assembly; The second support frame 601 is fixed to the top of the lifting frame 5. Multiple second conveyor belts 6 are installed on the top of the second support frame 601 through the conveying drive assembly. The multiple second conveyor belts 6 are arranged in a linear array. There is a matching gap between the ends of adjacent second conveyor belts 6. The matching gap is adapted to the positioning gap. The movable base 502 can be moved for position adjustment, and the lifting drive assembly can adjust the vertical height of the lifting frame 5, thereby adjusting the height of the second conveyor belt 6 through the lifting frame 5. After the first conveyor belt 4 moves out, it is adjusted to a suitable height to align with the first conveyor belt 4. The second support frame 601 can support the second conveyor belt 6 as it moves in and out. The conveying drive assembly drives the second conveyor belt 6 to transport the sample. The matching gap and locking gap between the second conveyor belts 6 are adapted so that the second conveyor belt 6 and the first conveyor belt 4 are aligned through the matching gap and locking gap. This allows the first conveyor belt 4 to be inserted into the matching gap of the second conveyor belt 6, so that the sample that has moved to the end of the second conveyor belt 6 can be aligned with the first conveyor belt 4 and also located on the top of the first conveyor belt 4. Thus, the sample is moved by the transmission of the first conveyor belt 4 and transferred by the first conveyor belt 4, realizing the transfer of the sample from the top of the second conveyor belt 6 to the top of the first conveyor belt 4. This helps to avoid the sample falling during the transfer process and improves the stability of the sample transfer.
[0034] As an optional embodiment, the lifting drive assembly includes: Multiple telescopic rods 501 are fixed between the movable base 502 and the lifting frame 5; The second cylinder 503 is fixed to the top of the movable base 502 and pushes the lifting frame 5 to move vertically through the telescopic rod; After the second cylinder 503 is started, it drives the lifting frame 5 to move vertically through the end of the telescopic rod. The telescopic rod 501 can restrict the end of the lifting frame 5, thereby maintaining the horizontal lifting of the lifting frame 5, which helps to maintain the stability of the lifting of the lifting frame 5.
[0035] As an optional embodiment, the conveyor drive component includes: The third motor 602 is fixed to the side wall of the second support frame 601; Multiple second support rollers 603 are rotatably mounted on the side wall of the second support frame 601 to provide transmission support for the second conveyor belt 6. One end of the second support roller 603 is synchronously connected through a connecting shaft, and the third motor 602 drives the second support roller 603 synchronously connected through the connecting shaft to rotate through the output shaft.
[0036] After the third motor 602 starts, it drives the second support roller 603, which is synchronously connected to the connecting shaft, to rotate through the output shaft. After the second support roller 603 rotates, it drives the second conveyor belt 6 to drive. The second support roller 603 at the other end supports the transmission of the second conveyor belt 6, thereby realizing the transmission drive of the second conveyor belt 6.
[0037] As an optional embodiment, it also includes: Pressure sensor 7 is fixed to the side wall of the second support frame 601; When the pressure sensor 7 is pressed, the control unit controls the lifting drive assembly to start and drive the lifting frame 5 to move downward. When the first moving frame 2 is driven to move outward from the transfer chamber 101, the first moving frame 2 drives the first support frame 3 to move closer to the second support frame 601 until the first support frame 3 presses against the pressure sensor 7. After being pressed, the pressure sensor 7 sends the pressure information to the control unit. Subsequently, the control unit controls the lifting drive assembly to drive the second support frame 601 and the second conveyor belt 6 to make vertical fine adjustments so that the second conveyor belt 6 is aligned with the first conveyor belt 4. The edge of the second support frame 601 is equipped with a position sensor, which can detect the alignment of the second conveyor belt 6 with the first conveyor belt 4. This is beneficial for adjusting the alignment of the first conveyor belt 4 after it extends with the second conveyor belt 6, thereby facilitating the stable transport of samples.
[0038] As an optional embodiment, it also includes two sets of first infrared detectors 10, which are symmetrically fixed on the inner wall of the transfer chamber 101. When the first support frame 3 drives the first conveyor belt 4 to move to the ends respectively, the two first infrared detectors 10 detect the ends of the first conveyor belt 4 to detect whether the sample has reached the end. When the first support frame 3 drives the first conveyor belt 4 to move, taking the first conveyor belt 4 moving towards the lower level area 1011 as an example, when the first conveyor belt 4 is fully extended, the end of the first conveyor belt 4 facing the inside of the transfer chamber 101 is aligned with the first infrared detector 10, so that the first infrared detector 10 can detect the sample that has moved to the end of the first conveyor belt 4. When the first infrared detector 10 detects that the sample has been transferred to the end of the first conveyor belt 4, the control unit controls the transfer drive assembly to shut down, so that the first conveyor belt 4 stops transferring. This helps to avoid the first conveyor belt 4 transferring too much sample, which could cause the sample to fall. This also helps to identify the maximum amount of sample transferred during sample transfer, thus helping to maintain the stability of sample transfer while improving the efficiency of sample transfer.
[0039] As an optional embodiment, the first conveyor belt 4, the first support frame 3, and the first movable frame 2 are all porous structures, allowing airflow to pass through normally; Both the first conveyor belt 4 and the first support frame 3 have a porous structure, which means that... Figure 11 The surfaces of the first conveyor belt 4 and the first support frame 3 are provided with several ventilation holes so that the airflow can pass through the first conveyor belt 4 and the first support frame 3 normally. This helps to ensure that the airflow is not disturbed by the internal structures of the first conveyor belt 4, the first support frame 3, and the first moving frame 2 when it passes through the interior of the transfer chamber 101.
[0040] As an optional embodiment, it also includes: Multiple electric push rods 803, one electric push rod 803 corresponds to a set of support plates 401, the electric push rod 803 is fixed to the side wall of one side support plate 401 by a mounting bracket, and a second movable frame 802 is fixed to the telescopic rod end of the electric push rod 803; Synchronous conveyor belt 8, one synchronous conveyor belt 8 corresponds to one second moving frame 802, the synchronous conveyor belt 8 is driven and installed on the side wall of the corresponding second moving frame 802 through the third support roller 801, and the outer ring side wall of the synchronous conveyor belt 8 is provided with first meshing teeth. Multiple clearance openings 9, each clearance opening 9 corresponding to a second conveyor belt 6, are respectively opened on the side wall of the second support frame 601; The second meshing tooth is disposed on the inner side wall of the first conveyor belt 4, and the second meshing tooth meshes with the first meshing tooth. The third meshing tooth is disposed on the inner side wall of the second conveyor belt 6, and the third meshing tooth meshes with the first meshing tooth. After the first conveyor belt 4 and the second conveyor belt 6 are aligned, the electric push rod 803 is activated. After activation, the electric push rod 803 pushes the second moving frame 802 to move via the telescopic rod. The second moving frame 802 drives the synchronous conveyor belt 8 to move, so that the synchronous conveyor belt 8 passes through the clearance opening 9 and enters the inner ring of the second conveyor belt 6. At the same time, the synchronous conveyor belt 8 engages with the second engagement tooth of the inner ring of the first conveyor belt 4 through the first engagement tooth of the outer ring, and engages with the third engagement tooth of the inner ring of the second conveyor belt 6 through the first engagement tooth of the outer ring. Thus, when the first conveyor belt 4 is driven, it drives the synchronous conveyor belt 8 to drive, and the synchronous conveyor belt 8 drives the second conveyor belt 6 to drive, so that the second conveyor belt 6 and the first conveyor belt 4 are driven synchronously. This ensures that the samples above the first conveyor belt 4 and the second conveyor belt 6 are transported synchronously after they are aligned, which helps to maintain the stability of the sample transport process.
[0041] As an optional embodiment, the second infrared detector 11 is fixed to the end of the second support frame 601 and is used to identify the arrival of the sample when the sample moves to the end of the second conveyor belt 6. The second infrared detector 11 can identify the sample that has moved to the end of the second conveyor belt 6, so that after the first conveyor belt 4 is separated from the second conveyor belt 6, the second conveyor belt 6 can drive the sample above the second conveyor belt 6 to the end of the second conveyor belt 6 through its own transmission. So that when the second conveyor belt 6 is aligned with the first conveyor belt 4 next time, the sample above the second conveyor belt 6 will be located above the first conveyor belt 4 at the same time, which is beneficial for the transfer of the sample.
[0042] As an optional embodiment, the mobile driving component includes: The first motor 201 is fixed to the inner wall of the transfer chamber 101; Two fixing plates 202 are fixed to the inner wall of the transfer chamber 101; The screw 203 is rotatably mounted between two fixed plates 202, and the output shaft of the first motor 201 drives the screw 203 to rotate. The threaded sleeve 204 is fixed to the bottom of the first movable frame 2 and is threadedly engaged with the screw 203; After the first motor 201 starts, it drives the screw 203 to rotate through the output shaft. After the screw 203 rotates, it drives the threaded sleeve 204 connected to it to move. The threaded sleeve 204 drives the first movable frame 2 connected to it to move, thereby driving the first movable frame 2 to move.
[0043] As an optional embodiment, the limiting component includes: Two first cylinders 301 are respectively fixed to the bottom of two first movable frames 2; Two connecting plates 304 are slidably installed on the bottom of two first movable frames 2 respectively. Two first cylinders 301 drive the two connecting plates 304 to move through telescopic rods respectively. Multiple plug-in plates 303 are fixed in a linear array on the side walls of the two connecting plates 304. Two sets of limiting sleeves 302 are fixed in a linear array at the bottom of the first support frame 3. Each set of limiting sleeves 302 is engaged with a corresponding plug plate 303 fixed on the side wall of a connecting plate 304. The tops of the two first movable frames 2 are provided with clearance grooves 305 for the limiting sleeves 302 to slide. After the first cylinder 301 is started, it drives the connecting plate 304 to move via the telescopic rod. After the connecting plate 304 moves, it drives the insertion plate 303 to move. When the insertion plate 303 moves to the inside of the limiting sleeve 302, the first support frame 3 and the first moving frame 2 are connected by the insertion of the limiting sleeve 302 and the insertion plate 303. When the insertion plate 303 moves away from the inside of the limiting sleeve 302, the connection between the first support frame 3 and the first moving frame 2 is released, so that the first support frame 3 can move freely away from the first moving frame 2. By adjusting the connection between the first support frame 3 and the two first moving frames 2, the first support frame 3 can move with the two first moving frames 2 to move to the lower level area 1011 and the higher level area 1012 respectively, thereby realizing the transfer and loading of samples.
[0044] The working principle of this invention is as follows: Workers place the samples to be transferred sequentially on the conveying assembly located on the side of the lower-level area 1011. Then, the lower-level area door 102 is opened. While the lower-level area door 102 is open, the higher-level area door 103 remains closed. Subsequently, the limiting component below the first movable frame 2 near the lower-level area 1011 maintains a locking limit between the first movable frame 2 and the first support frame 3. Meanwhile, the limiting component below the first movable frame 2 near the higher-level area 1012 releases the locking limit between the first movable frame 2 and the first support frame 3, thereby synchronizing the locking limit of the first support frame 3 with that of the first movable frame 2 near the lower-level area 1011. The process begins with the movement of the first support frame 3. The first support frame 2, located near the lower-level area 1011, moves synchronously towards the lower-level area 1011. This movement, in turn, moves the first support frame 3 towards the higher-level area 1012, until the conveying component aligns with the transfer component on the first support frame 3. At this point, the conveying and transfer components are activated, allowing the sample placed on the conveying component to be transported into the transfer component, thus achieving automated sample transport. After the sample is transported above the transfer component, the movement drive component is activated again, moving the first support frame 3 and the component near the higher-level area 1012 towards the higher-level area 1012. The first movable frame 2 on the side resets, thereby driving the transfer assembly to reset and allowing the transferred sample to enter the interior of the transfer chamber 101. After the first support frame 3 resets, the limiting assembly is activated to restore the limiting of the first movable frame 2 and the first support frame 3. Then, the low-level area door 102 is closed, and the sample is disinfected through the VHP transfer chamber body 1. After disinfection, the high-level area door 103 is opened. The limiting assembly below the first movable frame 2 on the side near the high-level area 1012 maintains the locking limit of the first movable frame 2 and the first support frame 3, while the limiting assembly below the first movable frame 2 on the side near the low-level area 1011 cancels the locking limit of the first movable frame 2 and the first support frame 3, allowing the moving drive assembly to move freely. The component moves the first movable frame 2, which is closer to the high-level area 1012, toward the high-level area 1012. Similarly, the conveying component and the transfer component of the high-level area 1012 are aligned, so that the sample is conveyed to the conveying component of the high-level area 1012 and the sample is taken out after disinfection. Repeating the above steps can automatically carry out the cyclic disinfection and transfer of a large number of samples, so that the staff do not need to manually place and take out the samples. It does not interfere with the single opening of the low-level area door 102 and the high-level area door 103 of the VHP transfer chamber body 1, which is conducive to improving the efficiency of sample transfer and saving labor costs by eliminating the need for staff to set it up.
[0045] The foregoing has shown and described the basic principles, main features, and advantages of the present invention. Those skilled in the art should understand that the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. The embodiments and descriptions in the specification are merely principles of the invention. Various changes and modifications can be made to the invention without departing from its spirit and scope, and all such changes and modifications fall within the scope of the claimed invention.
Claims
1. An automated sample transport device for a VHP transfer chamber, comprising a VHP transfer chamber body (1), the VHP transfer chamber body (1) comprising a transfer chamber (101), the two ends of the transfer chamber (101) being a low-level area (1011) and a high-level area (1012) respectively, a low-level area door (102) and a high-level area door (103) respectively installed inside the low-level area (1011) and the high-level area door (1012), wherein an interlocking mechanism is provided between the low-level area door (102) and the high-level area door (103), characterized in that, Also includes: Two first mobile frames (2) are respectively installed inside the transfer cabin (101) via mobile drive components; The first support frame (3) is connected to the two first movable frames (2) at both ends by limiting components. When the first support frame (3) is connected to the corresponding first movable frame (2) only through the limiting component at one end, the first support frame (3) moves out synchronously with the first movable frame (2). A transfer assembly is installed above the first support frame (3) for transporting samples. Two transport components are disposed on both sides of the VHP transport chamber body (1), respectively for storing and transporting unsterilized and sterilized samples, and for aligning and connecting with the removed transport components to transport the samples; The transfer component includes: Multiple sets of support plates (401) are fixed to the top of the first support frame (3) in a linear array, and two support plates (401) form a group; The first conveyor belt (4) corresponds to a set of support plates (401). The first conveyor belt (4) is driven by a transfer drive assembly on the same set of support plates (401). The gap between adjacent first conveyor belts (4) is the locking gap, which is matched with the conveying assembly. The conveying assembly includes: A movable base (502) is provided, and a lifting frame (5) is mounted on the top of the movable base (502) via a lifting drive assembly. The second support frame (601) is fixed to the top of the lifting frame (5). Multiple second conveyor belts (6) are installed on the top of the second support frame (601) through the conveying drive assembly. The multiple second conveyor belts (6) are arranged in a linear array. A matching gap is left between the ends of adjacent second conveyor belts (6). The matching gap is adapted to the locking gap. Also includes: Multiple electric push rods (803), one of the electric push rods (803) corresponds to a set of support plates (401), the electric push rod (803) is fixed to the side wall of one side of the support plate (401) by a mounting bracket, and a second movable frame (802) is fixed to the telescopic rod end of the electric push rod (803). Synchronous conveyor belt (8), one synchronous conveyor belt (8) corresponds to one second moving frame (802), the synchronous conveyor belt (8) is driven and installed on the side wall of the corresponding second moving frame (802) through the third support roller (801), and the outer ring side wall of the synchronous conveyor belt (8) is provided with first meshing teeth; Multiple clearance openings (9), one clearance opening (9) corresponding to one second conveyor belt (6), are respectively opened on the side wall of the second support frame (601); The second meshing tooth is disposed on the inner ring side wall of the first conveyor belt (4), and the second meshing tooth meshes with the first meshing tooth. The third meshing tooth is disposed on the inner ring side wall of the second conveyor belt (6), and the third meshing tooth meshes with the first meshing tooth; The limiting component includes: Two first cylinders (301) are respectively fixed to the bottom of the two first movable frames (2); Two connecting plates (304) are slidably installed on the bottom of the two first movable frames (2). The two first cylinders (301) drive the two connecting plates (304) to move through the telescopic rod. Multiple plug-in plates (303) are fixed in a linear array on the side walls of the two connecting plates (304). Two sets of limiting sleeves (302) are fixed in a linear array at the bottom of the first support frame (3). Each set of limiting sleeves (302) is engaged with the plug plate (303) fixed on the side wall of the corresponding connecting plate (304). The top of the two first moving frames (2) is provided with a relief groove (305) for the limiting sleeves (302) to slide.
2. The automated sample conveying device for a VHP transfer chamber according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: The pressure sensor (7) is fixed to the side wall of the second support frame (601); When the pressure sensor (7) is pressed, the control unit controls the lifting drive assembly to start and drive the lifting frame (5) to move downward.
3. The automated sample conveying device for a VHP transfer chamber according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes two sets of first infrared detectors (10), which are symmetrically fixed on the inner wall of the transfer chamber (101). When the first support frame (3) drives the first conveyor belt (4) to move to the ends respectively, the two first infrared detectors (10) detect the ends of the first conveyor belt (4) to detect whether the sample has reached the end.
4. The automated sample conveying device for a VHP transfer chamber according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first conveyor belt (4), the first support frame (3), and the first movable frame (2) are all porous structures that allow airflow to pass through normally.
5. The automated sample conveying device for a VHP transfer chamber according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a second infrared detector (11), fixed to the end of the second support frame (601), for identifying sample arrival when the sample moves to the end of the second conveyor belt (6).
6. The automated sample conveying device for a VHP transfer chamber according to claim 1, characterized in that, The mobile drive component includes: The first motor (201) is fixed to the inner wall of the transfer chamber (101); Two fixing plates (202) are fixed to the inner wall of the transfer chamber (101); The screw (203) is rotatably mounted between the two fixed plates (202), and the output shaft of the first motor (201) drives the screw (203) to rotate; The threaded sleeve (204) is fixed to the bottom of the first movable frame (2) and is threadedly engaged with the screw (203).