Sample liquid transfer device, sample liquid transfer method and sample liquid detection system

Abstract

The invention discloses a sample liquid transfer device, a sample liquid transfer method and a sample liquid detection system, and relates to the technical field of medical instruments and information intelligent equipment.According to the sample liquid transfer device, the sample liquid transfer method and the sample liquid detection system, double working parts are switched through 90-degree rotation of a receiving device, so that the open waiting time of a sample is shortened; through synchronous treatment of sample tube transfer, cover opening, pipetting and cover closing at double stations and in combination with the layout of paired devices, the treatment efficiency is greatly improved, and the pollution risk and the efficiency bottleneck caused by serial cover opening and closing operations are fundamentally solved; the pipettors matched with the working positions in number in the pipetting device are matched with the distance adjusting device, so that the situation that the distance between the pipettors is too small, and the pipettors with higher precision and smaller size need to be matched is avoided, and the traceability of the system is enhanced by keeping the initial sequence of the sample tubes.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of medical devices and intelligent information equipment, and in particular to a sample liquid transfer device and transfer method, and a detection system. Background Art

[0002] With the rapid development of molecular diagnostic technology, especially its widespread application in the field of disease diagnosis, technology based on nucleic acid sequence fragment amplification has become an increasingly popular and important in vitro diagnostic method. The above technological development and outbreak have brought about a very large number of testing needs. For example, in hospital diagnosis and treatment during respiratory disease outbreaks, in large-scale screening of blood safety, and other scenarios, molecular diagnosis of a large number of samples requires very high detection speed and accuracy. Current detection equipment divides molecular diagnosis into independent operating equipment such as nucleic acid extraction equipment and amplification detection equipment, requiring human intervention to complete the entire test. In scenarios with huge sample volumes, the detection error rate caused by repetitive labor will be very high, and these scenarios also need to ensure fast and efficient detection efficiency.

[0003] In recent years, various companies have wanted to develop systems with higher automation and less testing intervention to meet the needs of large-scale sample testing. US20210132097A1 protects from the perspective of the setting of the area for adding consumable samples and other reagents of the whole machine. It adopts an integrated design concept to divide the reagents and consumables into different modules, so as to achieve the effect of flexible assembly of the system. The whole system can obtain more flexible and targeted replenishment of consumables. However, the cost and complexity of this design are also higher. EP3474018B1 protects a solution that can perform pipetting on any tube in the stored sample tube in the storage system, and after the pipetting is completed, the sample tube can be placed back to its original position according to the previous removal rules. However, the solution itself requires a large flow space, and more cache bits, transfer bits and other similar operation bits need to be laid out. EP2455 766B1 protects a reagent storage solution in a test kit, which can be used in conjunction with cooling and low-temperature storage, and update the storage timestamps of related samples. This solution is used in conjunction with the refrigeration unit to adapt to longer storage times and complex operation solutions under demand scenarios. It is necessary to add additional functional modules to the system. EP2647998B1 adds an expiration date control function to the control module, which can first perform the statistics of the opening and closing cover operation time, and then add a sample expiration threshold time judgment solution. It arranges the sample reasonably within the valid time to achieve timely transfer of the sample liquid. This solution can prevent the sample tube from being undetected for too long from the software side. JP2021001886A also protects a priority sorting solution and an experimental time evaluation and adjustment solution in the equipment to ensure that the system can take into account both higher-priority samples and other types of samples to operate within the valid time period during operation.

[0004] In summary, the existing technology mostly uses software time management solutions to make corresponding adjustments to the priority detection order of samples. Although this approach can ensure the rationality of the detection schedule to a certain extent, it hardly makes any improvements to the existing pipetting and transfer. This leads to the current system requiring the sample tube to be exposed for a relatively long time, which is still very risky for detection projects with higher contamination. It is urgent to develop a device and method that can open and close the lid in a short time and quickly complete the pipetting to adapt to the application scenarios of rapid detection of large sample volumes, meet the needs of shortening the sample exposure time, and increase the sample processing volume. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of the present invention is: to address the above-mentioned problems, the present invention provides a sample liquid transfer device and transfer method, and a detection system, which switches the dual working parts by rotating the receiving device 90° to reduce the waiting time for sample exposure, and simultaneously processes sample tube transfer, opening the cover, pipetting, and closing the cover at the dual workstations. Combined with the paired device layout and adjustable pipette, the processing efficiency is greatly improved, fundamentally solving the contamination risk and efficiency bottleneck caused by the serial opening and closing cover operations.

[0006] The technical solution adopted in the present invention is as follows:

[0007] A sample liquid transfer device comprises a transfer device, a receiving device, a relative motion mechanism, a switch cover device and a pipetting device; a pair of switch cover devices are relatively arranged on both sides of the receiving device in a first direction, and the transfer device and the pipetting device are relatively arranged on both sides of the receiving device in a second direction, and the first direction is perpendicular to the second direction; the receiving device comprises at least a pair of working parts arranged on opposite sides of the receiving device, and the working parts can carry sample tubes; the relative motion mechanism can drive the receiving device to rotate relative to the transfer device, the switch cover device and the pipetting device, so that the working parts can correspond to the transfer device, the switch cover device and the pipetting device respectively; the transfer device can load sample tubes on the working part, or remove sample tubes loaded in the working part, the switch cover device can perform a cover opening or closing operation on the sample tubes in the working part, and the pipetting device can perform a pipetting operation on the sample tubes in the working part that are in an open cover state.

[0008] Due to the adoption of the above technical solution, the sample liquid transfer device enables sample tubes to flow in an orderly manner between different operating areas through the coordinated operation of multi-directional modules and a rotatable receiving device, without the need to frequently change the device layout, significantly improving the degree of automation and processing efficiency, and reducing the risk of errors in human operation; wherein the working part is arranged on opposite sides of the receiving device, while the paired switch cover devices are relatively arranged on both sides of the first direction of the receiving device, while the transfer device and the pipetting device are relatively arranged on both sides of the second direction of the receiving device, and the first direction and the second direction are perpendicular to each other. This spatial layout design enables the receiving device to accurately align the working parts on both sides with each operating device in turn through rotational movement. Through this layout, the transfer, opening / closing of the cover and pipetting operations of the sample tube can be performed alternately between different working parts, realizing multi-station processing of the sample tube, significantly improving processing efficiency.

[0009] Furthermore, a sample tube transfer area is formed between the transfer device and the receiving device, and when the working part is located in the sample tube transfer area, it can match with the transfer device to perform sample tube loading or removing operations; a switch cover operation area is formed between the switch cover device and the receiving device, and when the working part is located in the switch cover operation area, it can match with the switch cover device to perform sample tube opening or closing operations; a pipetting operation area is formed between the pipetting device and the receiving device, and when the working part is located in the pipetting operation area, it can match with the pipetting device to perform pipetting operations.

[0010] Due to the adoption of the above technical solution, the operating environment of each process is effectively isolated through specially divided different operating areas, avoiding interference between device components. The working part flows in an orderly manner between the operating areas through the rotational movement of the receiving device, significantly shortening the device switching time and ensuring the independence and stability of each operation.

[0011] Furthermore, it also includes a sample tube storage portion containing sample tubes, and the sample tubes can be transferred between the sample tube storage portion and the working portion under the action of the transfer device.

[0012] Due to the adoption of the above technical solution, centralized storage and unified scheduling of sample tubes are achieved by setting up a sample tube storage unit.

[0013] Furthermore, each of the working parts includes a working position capable of carrying a plurality of sample tubes.

[0014] Due to the adoption of the above technical solution, the multi-workstation design of the dual working parts effectively improves the parallel processing capability of the device. Multiple sample tubes can be processed in a single operation, which greatly improves the overall efficiency of sample liquid transfer.

[0015] Furthermore, the relative motion mechanism can drive the receiving device to rotate clockwise or counterclockwise, and the travel angle of a single rotation of the receiving device is 90°.

[0016] Thanks to the adoption of the above technical solution, precise 90-degree rotation control ensures the accurate positioning of the receiving device in each operating range, ensures the stability of the matching between each device and the workstation, and at the same time reduces energy consumption and movement time during the rotation process, thereby improving operational accuracy and operating reliability.

[0017] A sample liquid transfer method, applied to the above-mentioned sample liquid transfer device, comprises the following steps:

[0018] First process step: The receiving device rotates to an initial position under the action of the relative motion mechanism, so that one working part corresponds to the transfer device, denoted as the first working part, and the other working part corresponds to the pipetting device, denoted as the second working part. The transfer device loads the sample tube into the first working part. If the second working part contains an uncapped sample tube that has not been pipetted, the pipetting device performs a pipetting operation on the uncapped sample tube in the second working part.

[0019] Second process step: The relative motion mechanism drives the receiving device to rotate 90° clockwise / counterclockwise, so that the first working portion rotates to correspond with the cover opening and closing device, and the second working portion rotates to correspond with another cover opening and closing device. The cover opening and closing device performs an opening and closing operation on the sample tube in the first working portion. If the second working portion contains an open-cover sample tube, the cover opening and closing device closes the cover on the sample tube in the second working portion.

[0020] Third process step: The relative motion mechanism drives the receiving device to rotate 90° clockwise / counterclockwise, so that the first working part rotates to correspond with the pipetting device. The pipetting device performs a pipetting operation on the sample tubes in the first working part that are in the open state. At the same time, the second working part rotates to correspond with the transfer device. The transfer device loads the next batch of sample tubes into the second working part. If the second working part is already loaded with sample tubes that have completed the pipetting operation, the transfer device first removes the sample tubes loaded in the second working part and then loads the next batch of sample tubes into the second working part.

[0021] Fourth process step: The relative motion mechanism drives the receiving device to rotate 90° counterclockwise / clockwise, so that the first working part that has completed the pipetting operation is aligned with the cover opening and closing device again, and the cover opening and closing device performs a cover closing operation on the sample tube in the first working part; at the same time, the second working part rotates to correspond with the other cover opening and closing device, and the cover opening and closing device performs a cover opening operation on the sample tube in the second working part;

[0022] Fifth process step: The relative motion mechanism drives the receiving device to rotate 90° counterclockwise / clockwise, causing the first working portion, which has completed the cover closing operation, to re-align with the transfer device, which then removes the sample tube from the first working portion. Simultaneously, the second working portion rotates to align with the pipetting device, which then performs a pipetting operation on the sample tube in the second working portion that is in the open state.

[0023] Repeat the first to fifth steps until all sample tubes have been pipetted.

[0024] Due to the adoption of the above technical solution, through the staged rotation workflow design, the automatic circulation operation of the sample tube between multiple processing steps is realized, ensuring the simultaneous execution and orderly connection of steps such as opening the cover, pipetting, and closing the cover. Through the alternating cooperation of the first working part and the second working part, the throughput of the equipment is maximized and the transfer efficiency of the sample liquid is improved.

[0025] Furthermore, it also includes a sample tube storage portion including a sample tube;

[0026] In the first process step, the transfer device transfers the sample tubes that have not been pipetted in the sample tube storage part to the first working part;

[0027] In the third process step, the transfer device transfers the sample tubes that have not been pipetted in the sample tube storage section to the second working section. If the second working section is already loaded with sample tubes that have completed pipetting, the transfer device first transfers the sample tubes loaded in the second working section to the sample tube storage section, and then transfers the sample tubes that have not been pipetted in the sample tube storage section to the second working section.

[0028] In the fifth process step, the transfer device transfers the sample tubes loaded in the first working section to the sample tube storage section.

[0029] Due to the adoption of the above technical solution, the intelligent flow mechanism of the sample tubes between the sample tube storage part and the working part enables the sample liquid transfer device to continuously and efficiently process a large number of samples, significantly improving the overall work efficiency.

[0030] Furthermore, each of the working parts includes a working position capable of carrying a plurality of sample tubes; in the first process step, the third process step and the fifth process step, the transfer device can transfer a number of sample tubes matching the number of the working positions at a time.

[0031] Due to the adoption of the above technical solution, the transfer device can process multiple sample tubes in a single operation, shortening the overall operation time and further improving the work efficiency and automation level of the system.

[0032] Furthermore, when the transfer device transfers multiple sample tubes, there is at least one sample tube between two adjacent sample tubes; the pipetting device includes pipettes that match the number of working positions, and each pipette is equipped with a spacing adjustment device so that the spacing between pipettes can be adjusted.

[0033] Due to the adoption of the above-mentioned technical solution, the safe distance maintained between sample tubes and the multi-pipette design not only avoids physical contact and cross-contamination between samples, but also ensures that all sample tubes can be pipetted synchronously. It also ensures that when multiple pipettes are used for simultaneous transfer, the distance between pipettes is not too small and requires matching pipettes with higher precision and smaller volume. In this way, commercially mature pipettes can be used to simultaneously transfer the sample liquid to be tested in multiple sample tubes. The adjustable distance between pipettes also ensures that the pipette can adapt to the corresponding container for subsequent operations, ensuring that the original order in the original sample tube rack can be maintained during pipetting, making the system more traceable and not causing pipetting confusion.

[0034] Furthermore, it also includes a sample liquid carrying device, an extraction device and a PCR detection device. The sample liquid carrying device is used to receive the sample liquid sucked by the pipetting device, the extraction device can extract the sample liquid to form a detection reagent, and the PCR detection device can perform PCR detection on the detection reagent.

[0035] By adopting the above-mentioned technical solutions and integrating the full-process equipment for sample processing and testing, the system has built a complete automated testing platform, achieving seamless connection between sample transfer, liquid processing and testing analysis, greatly improving the testing efficiency and the accuracy of experimental results.

[0036] In summary, due to the adoption of the above-mentioned technical solution, the beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows: by relatively arranging the paired switch cover devices on either side of the receiving device in a first direction, and relatively arranging the transfer device and the pipetting device on either side of the receiving device in a second direction, with the first direction being perpendicular to the second direction, combined with the paired working parts on the receiving device and the 90° rotation control driven by the relative motion mechanism, precise coordinated operation of the sample tube between the transfer device, the switch cover device, and the pipetting device is achieved. The working parts are arranged on opposite sides of the receiving device, and cooperate with the spatial layout in the first and second directions, so that the receiving device can alternately switch the two working parts to different operating areas with a single 90° rotation, forming an efficient flow path between the sample tube transfer area, the switch cover operation area, and the pipetting operation area. The collaborative design of the transfer device and the sample tube storage unit enables batch loading, removal, and cyclic scheduling of sample tubes. The parallel processing capabilities of the multiple workstations in the dual working units, combined with the transfer device's single transfer of sample tubes that match the number of workstations, significantly improves the efficiency of sample liquid transfer. The pipettes that match the number of workstations in the pipetting device are combined with a spacing adjustment device to ensure that the spacing between pipettes is not too small, requiring the matching of pipettes with higher precision and smaller volumes, and to enhance the system's traceability by maintaining the initial order of the sample tubes. The phased rotational workflow design enables multiple sample tubes to be processed synchronously and alternately during processes such as opening the lid, pipetting, and closing the lid. Combined with the integration of the sample liquid carrying device, extraction device, and PCR detection device, a complete automated platform from sample transfer and liquid processing to detection and analysis has been constructed, reducing manual intervention and operational errors. Through the coordinated operation of each module and the optimization of spatial layout, a seamless connection between the entire process of high-precision, high-throughput sample liquid processing and detection has been achieved. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0037] Figure 1 It is a schematic structural diagram of the sample liquid transfer device of the present invention;

[0038] Figure 2 It is a schematic diagram of the motion process of the receiving device of the present invention;

[0039] Figure 3 2. It is a structural diagram of the cover opening and closing operation of the cover opening and closing device of the present invention;

[0040] Figure 4 It is a structural schematic diagram of the pipette of the present invention.

[0041] Markings in the figure: 1-transfer device, 2-receiving device, 3-relative motion mechanism, 4-opening and closing cover device, 5-pipetting device, 6-deep well plate, 7-deep well plate carrier, 8-Tip head consumables placement area, 9-sample tube storage part, 10-sample tube transfer area, 11-opening and closing cover operation area, 12-pipetting operation area, 13-pipette. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0042] The present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0043] In order to make the purpose, technical solutions and advantages of the present invention more clearly understood, the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only used to explain the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention.

[0044] Example 1

[0045] A sample liquid transfer device 1, such as Figure 1-Figure 4 As shown, it includes a transferring device 1, a receiving device 2, a relative motion mechanism 3, a switch cover device 4 and a pipetting device 5; the pair of switch cover devices 4 are relatively arranged on both sides of the receiving device 2 in a first direction, and the transferring device 1 and the pipetting device 5 are relatively arranged on both sides of the receiving device 2 in a second direction, and the first direction is perpendicular to the second direction; the receiving device 2 includes at least a pair of working parts arranged on opposite sides of the receiving device 2, and the working parts can carry sample tubes; the relative motion mechanism 3 can drive the receiving device 2 to rotate relative to the transferring device 1, the switch cover device 4 and the pipetting device 5, so that the working parts can correspond to the transferring device 1, the switch cover device 4 and the pipetting device 5 respectively; the transferring device 1 can load sample tubes on the working part, or remove sample tubes loaded in the working part, the switch cover device 4 can perform cover opening or closing operations on the sample tubes in the working part, and the pipetting device 5 can perform pipetting operations on sample tubes in the open state in the working part.

[0046] Preferably, the working part of the receiving device 2 is a circular turntable structure, and the relative motion mechanism 3 includes a high-precision servo motor and a transmission mechanism. When the high-precision servo motor is started, the transmission mechanism can drive the receiving device 2 to rotate around the rotating axis where the center of the circle is located.

[0047] Specifically, the sample liquid transfer device 1, through the coordinated operation of multi-directional modules and a rotatable receiving device 2, enables sample tubes to flow in an orderly manner between different operating areas without the need for frequent changes to the device layout, significantly improving the degree of automation and processing efficiency, and reducing the risk of errors caused by human operation. The working parts are arranged on opposite sides of the receiving device 2, while the paired opening and closing cover devices 4 are relatively arranged on both sides of the first direction of the receiving device 2, while the transfer device 1 and the pipetting device 5 are relatively arranged on both sides of the second direction of the receiving device 2, and the first direction and the second direction are perpendicular to each other. This spatial layout design enables the receiving device 2 to accurately align the working parts on both sides with each operating device in sequence through rotation. Through this layout, the transfer, opening / closing of the cover, and pipetting operations of the sample tubes can be performed alternately between different working parts, realizing multi-station processing of the sample tubes and significantly improving processing efficiency.

[0048] A sample tube transfer area 10 is formed between the transfer device 1 and the receiving device 2. When the working part is located in the sample tube transfer area 10, it can match with the transfer device 1 to perform sample tube loading or removing operations; a switch cover operation area 11 is formed between the switch cover device 4 and the receiving device 2. When the working part is located in the switch cover operation area 11, it can match with the switch cover device 4 to perform sample tube opening or closing operations; a pipetting operation area 12 is formed between the pipetting device 5 and the receiving device 2. When the working part is located in the pipetting operation area 12, it can match with the pipetting device 5 to perform pipetting operations.

[0049] Specifically, the operating environment of each process is effectively isolated by specially divided different operating areas, avoiding interference between device components. The working part flows in an orderly manner between the operating areas through the rotational movement of the receiving device 2, significantly shortening the device switching time and ensuring the independence and stability of each operation.

[0050] The sample tube storage portion 9 containing sample tubes is also included. The sample tubes can be transferred between the sample tube storage portion 9 and the working portion under the action of the transfer device 1 .

[0051] Specifically, by providing the sample tube storage unit 9, centralized storage and unified scheduling of sample tubes are achieved.

[0052] Each of the working parts includes a working position capable of carrying two sample tubes.

[0053] Specifically, the multi-workstation design of the dual working section effectively improves the parallel processing capability of the device, and multiple sample tubes can be processed in a single operation, greatly improving the overall efficiency of sample liquid transfer.

[0054] The relative motion mechanism 3 can drive the receiving device 2 to rotate clockwise or counterclockwise, and the travel angle of the receiving device 2 in a single rotation is 90°.

[0055] Specifically, precise 90-degree rotation control ensures that the receiving device 2 is accurately positioned in each operating range, ensures the stability of the matching between each device and the workstation, and at the same time reduces energy consumption and movement time during the rotation process, thereby improving operational accuracy and operating reliability.

[0056] Example 2

[0057] A sample liquid transfer method, applied to the sample liquid transfer device 1 provided in Example 1, comprises the following steps:

[0058] First process step: The receiving device 2 rotates to its initial position under the action of the relative motion mechanism 3, so that one working portion corresponds to the transfer device 1, denoted as the first working portion, and the other working portion corresponds to the pipetting device 5, denoted as the second working portion. The transfer device 1 loads the sample tube into the first working portion. If the second working portion contains an uncapped sample tube that has not been pipetted, the pipetting device 5 pipets the uncapped sample tube in the second working portion.

[0059] Second process step: The relative motion mechanism 3 drives the receiving device 2 to rotate 90° clockwise / counterclockwise, so that the first working part rotates to correspond to the cover-opening and closing device 4, and the second working part rotates to correspond to the other cover-opening and closing device 4. The cover-opening and closing device 4 performs an opening and closing operation on the sample tube in the first working part. If the second working part contains an open cover sample tube, the cover-opening and closing device 4 performs a closing operation on the sample tube in the second working part.

[0060] The third process step: the relative motion mechanism 3 drives the receiving device 2 to rotate 90° clockwise / counterclockwise, so that the first working part rotates to correspond to the pipetting device 5, and the pipetting device 5 performs a pipetting operation on the sample tubes in the open state in the first working part. At the same time, the second working part rotates to correspond to the transfer device 1, and the transfer device 1 loads the next batch of sample tubes into the second working part. If the second working part is already loaded with sample tubes that have completed the pipetting operation, the transfer device 1 first moves out the sample tubes loaded in the second working part, and then loads the next batch of sample tubes into the second working part; the fourth process step: the relative motion mechanism 3 drives the receiving device 2 to rotate 90° counterclockwise / clockwise, so that the first working part that has completed the pipetting operation corresponds to the opening and closing cover device 4 again, and the opening and closing cover device 4 performs a closing operation on the sample tubes in the first working part; at the same time, the second working part rotates to correspond to another opening and closing cover device 4, and the opening and closing cover device 4 performs an opening operation on the sample tubes in the second working part;

[0061] Fifth process step: The relative motion mechanism 3 drives the receiving device 2 to rotate 90° counterclockwise / clockwise, so that the first working portion, which has completed the cover closing operation, is aligned with the transfer device 1 again. The transfer device 1 removes the sample tube in the first working portion. Simultaneously, the second working portion rotates to align with the pipetting device 5. The pipetting device 5 performs a pipetting operation on the sample tube in the second working portion that is in the open state.

[0062] Repeat the first to fifth steps until all sample tubes have been pipetted.

[0063] Specifically, through the phased rotation workflow design, the automatic circulation operation of the sample tube between multiple processing steps is realized, ensuring the simultaneous and orderly connection of steps such as opening the lid, pipetting, and closing the lid. Through the alternating cooperation of the first working part and the second working part, the throughput of the equipment is maximized and the transfer efficiency of the sample liquid is improved.

[0064] Also included is a sample tube storage portion 9 containing a sample tube;

[0065] In the first process step, the transfer device 1 transfers the sample tubes that have not been pipetted in the sample tube storage part 9 to the first working part;

[0066] In the third process step, the transfer device 1 transfers the sample tubes that have not been pipetted in the sample tube storage section 9 to the second working section. If the second working section is already loaded with sample tubes that have completed pipetting, the transfer device 1 first transfers the sample tubes loaded in the second working section to the sample tube storage section 9, and then transfers the sample tubes that have not been pipetted in the sample tube storage section 9 to the second working section.

[0067] In the fifth process step, the transfer device 1 transfers the sample tubes loaded in the first working section to the sample tube storage section 9 .

[0068] Specifically, through the intelligent flow mechanism of the sample tubes between the sample tube storage portion 9 and the working portion, the sample liquid transfer device 1 can continuously and efficiently process a large number of samples, significantly improving the overall working efficiency.

[0069] Each of the working parts includes a working position capable of carrying two sample tubes; in the first process step, the third process step, and the fifth process step, the transfer device 1 can transfer a number of sample tubes that matches the number of the working positions at a time.

[0070] Specifically, the transfer device 1 can process multiple sample tubes in a single operation, shortening the overall operation time and further improving the work efficiency and automation level of the system.

[0071] When the transfer device 1 transfers multiple sample tubes, there is at least one sample tube between adjacent sample tubes; assuming that the sample tubes are numbered 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 in sequence, the transfer device 1 grabs the sample tubes numbered 1 and 3 for the first time, and grabs the sample tubes numbered 2 and 4 for the second time. The pipetting device 5 includes a pipette 13 that matches the number of working positions. In this embodiment, there are two pipettes 13, and each pipette 13 is equipped with a spacing adjustment device so that the spacing between the pipettes 13 is adjustable to adapt to the specifications of deep-well plates 6 with different capacities of 5μL-2mL. Each time the pipette 13 pipettes, a disposable pipette Tip is first assembled from the Tip consumable placement area 8 for pipetting operation. After each pipetting is completed, the used disposable pipette Tip needs to be unloaded, and then a new disposable pipette Tip is assembled from the Tip consumable placement area 8 to avoid sample contamination.

[0072] Specifically, the safe distance maintained between the sample tubes is combined with the design of multiple pipettes 13, which not only avoids physical contact and cross-contamination between samples, but also ensures that all sample tubes can perform pipetting operations synchronously. It also ensures that when multiple pipettes 13 are used for simultaneous transfer, the distance between the pipettes 13 and 13 is not too small and requires matching pipettes 13 with higher precision and smaller volume. In this way, commercially mature pipettes 13 can be used to simultaneously transfer the sample liquid to be tested in multiple sample tubes. The adjustable distance between the pipettes 13 and 13 also ensures that the pipette 13 can adapt to the corresponding container for subsequent operations. For example, the corresponding container is a deep-well plate 6 assembled on a deep-well plate carrier 7. The adjustable distance between the pipettes 13 and 13 can adapt to deep-well plates 6 of different specifications, thereby completing the orderly transfer of the sample liquid and ensuring that the original order in the original sample tube rack can be maintained during pipetting, making the system more traceable and not causing pipetting confusion.

[0073] Example 3

[0074] A detection system uses the sample liquid transfer device 1 provided in Example 1. The detection system also includes a sample liquid carrying device, an extraction device and a PCR detection device. The sample liquid carrying device is used to receive the sample liquid sucked by the pipetting device 5. The extraction device can extract the sample liquid by magnetic bead nucleic acid extraction to form a detection reagent. The PCR detection device can perform PCR detection on the detection reagent.

[0075] Specifically, by integrating the entire process of sample processing and testing equipment, the system has built a complete automated testing platform, achieving seamless connection between sample transfer, liquid processing and testing analysis, greatly improving testing efficiency and the accuracy of experimental results.

[0076] The principles and implementation methods of the present invention are described herein using specific embodiments. The description of the above embodiments is intended only to facilitate understanding of the method and core concept of the present invention. It should be noted that those skilled in the art may make various improvements and modifications to the present invention without departing from the principles of the present invention, and such improvements and modifications also fall within the scope of protection of the claims of the present invention.

[0077] In the description of the present invention, it should be noted that the terms "center", "up", "down", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "inside", "outside", etc., indicating the orientation or position relationship, are based on the orientation or position relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, or are the orientation or position relationship in which the product of the invention is usually placed when in use. They are only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be understood as limiting the present invention.

[0078] In the description of the present invention, it should also be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, the terms "disposed," "installed," "connected," and "connected" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, they may refer to fixed connections, detachable connections, or integral connections; they may refer to mechanical connections or electrical connections; they may refer to direct connections or indirect connections through an intermediate medium; and they may refer to internal communication between two components. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention based on the specific circumstances.

Claims

1. A sample liquid transfer device, characterized in that: It includes a transferring device, a receiving device, a relative motion mechanism, a switch cover device and a pipetting device; the pair of switch cover devices are relatively arranged on both sides of the receiving device in a first direction, and the transferring device and the pipetting device are relatively arranged on both sides of the receiving device in a second direction, and the first direction is perpendicular to the second direction; the receiving device includes at least a pair of working parts arranged on opposite sides of the receiving device, and the working parts can carry sample tubes; the relative motion mechanism can drive the receiving device to rotate relative to the transferring device, the switch cover device and the pipetting device, so that the working parts can correspond to the transferring device, the switch cover device and the pipetting device respectively; the transferring device can load the sample tube on the working part, or remove the sample tube loaded in the working part, the switch cover device can perform an opening or closing operation on the sample tube in the working part, and the pipetting device can perform a pipetting operation on the sample tube in the working part that is in an open state.

2. The sample liquid transfer device according to claim 1, wherein A sample tube transfer area is formed between the transfer device and the receiving device. When the working part is located in the sample tube transfer area, it can match with the transfer device to perform sample tube loading or removing operations; a switch cover operation area is formed between the switch cover device and the receiving device. When the working part is located in the switch cover operation area, it can match with the switch cover device to perform sample tube opening or closing operations; a pipetting operation area is formed between the pipetting device and the receiving device. When the working part is located in the pipetting operation area, it can match with the pipetting device to perform pipetting operations.

3. The sample liquid transfer device according to claim 1, wherein: It also includes a sample tube storage portion containing sample tubes, and the sample tubes can be transferred between the sample tube storage portion and the working portion under the action of the transfer device.

4. The sample liquid transfer device according to claim 1, wherein: Each of the working parts includes a working position capable of carrying a plurality of sample tubes.

5. The sample liquid transfer device according to claim 1, wherein: The relative motion mechanism can drive the receiving device to rotate clockwise or counterclockwise, and the travel angle of the receiving device in a single rotation is 90°.

6. A sample liquid transfer method, applied to the sample liquid transfer device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: The steps include: First process step: The receiving device rotates to an initial position under the action of the relative motion mechanism, so that one working part corresponds to the transfer device, denoted as the first working part, and the other working part corresponds to the pipetting device, denoted as the second working part. The transfer device loads the sample tube into the first working part. If the second working part contains an uncapped sample tube that has not been pipetted, the pipetting device performs a pipetting operation on the uncapped sample tube in the second working part. Second process step: The relative motion mechanism drives the receiving device to rotate 90° clockwise / counterclockwise, so that the first working portion rotates to correspond with the cover opening and closing device, and the second working portion rotates to correspond with another cover opening and closing device. The cover opening and closing device performs an opening and closing operation on the sample tube in the first working portion. If the second working portion contains an open-cover sample tube, the cover opening and closing device closes the cover on the sample tube in the second working portion. Third process step: The relative motion mechanism drives the receiving device to rotate 90° clockwise / counterclockwise, so that the first working part rotates to correspond with the pipetting device. The pipetting device performs a pipetting operation on the sample tubes in the first working part that are in the open state. At the same time, the second working part rotates to correspond with the transfer device. The transfer device loads the next batch of sample tubes into the second working part. If the second working part is already loaded with sample tubes that have completed the pipetting operation, the transfer device first removes the sample tubes loaded in the second working part and then loads the next batch of sample tubes into the second working part. Fourth process step: The relative motion mechanism drives the receiving device to rotate 90° counterclockwise / clockwise, so that the first working part that has completed the pipetting operation is aligned with the cover opening and closing device again, and the cover opening and closing device performs a cover closing operation on the sample tube in the first working part; at the same time, the second working part rotates to correspond with the other cover opening and closing device, and the cover opening and closing device performs a cover opening operation on the sample tube in the second working part; Fifth process step: The relative motion mechanism drives the receiving device to rotate 90° counterclockwise / clockwise, causing the first working portion, which has completed the cover closing operation, to re-align with the transfer device, which then removes the sample tube from the first working portion. Simultaneously, the second working portion rotates to align with the pipetting device, which then performs a pipetting operation on the sample tube in the second working portion that is in the open state. Repeat the first to fifth steps until all sample tubes have been pipetted.

7. The sample liquid transfer method according to claim 6, wherein: Also included is a sample tube storage portion containing a sample tube; In the first process step, the transfer device transfers the sample tubes that have not been pipetted in the sample tube storage part to the first working part; In the third process step, the transfer device transfers the sample tubes that have not been pipetted in the sample tube storage section to the second working section. If the second working section is already loaded with sample tubes that have completed pipetting, the transfer device first transfers the sample tubes loaded in the second working section to the sample tube storage section, and then transfers the sample tubes that have not been pipetted in the sample tube storage section to the second working section. In the fifth process step, the transfer device transfers the sample tubes loaded in the first working section to the sample tube storage section.

8. The sample liquid transfer method according to claim 7, wherein: Each of the working parts includes a working position capable of carrying a plurality of sample tubes; in the first process step, the third process step and the fifth process step, the transfer device can transfer a number of sample tubes matching the number of the working positions at a time.

9. The sample liquid transfer method according to claim 8, wherein: When the transfer device transfers multiple sample tubes, there is at least one sample tube between two adjacent sample tubes; the pipetting device includes pipettes that match the number of working positions, and each pipette is equipped with a spacing adjustment device so that the spacing between pipettes can be adjusted.

10. A detection system using the sample liquid transfer device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: It also includes a sample liquid carrying device, an extraction device and a PCR detection device. The sample liquid carrying device is used to receive the sample liquid sucked from the pipetting device. The extraction device can extract the sample liquid in the sample liquid carrying device to form a detection reagent. The PCR detection device can perform PCR detection on the detection reagent.

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