Sample storage module

CN120644255BActive Publication Date: 2026-09-01SHENZHEN MINDRAY BIO MEDICAL ELECTRONICS CO LTD
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202410297574.3
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Patents(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2024-03-14
Publication Date
2026-09-01
Estimated Expiration
2044-03-14

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

低温存储模块通常包括具有多个存储位的存储架,以及将样本容器移入或者移出存储位的转移机构,相关技术中,转移机构需要占据较大的空间以执行转移操作,影响了低温存储模块的存储量

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Abstract

This invention discloses a sample storage module, which includes a housing mechanism, a storage mechanism, and a transfer mechanism. The transfer mechanism is disposed within the housing and includes a support component, an execution component, and a first drive component. When a sample rack is moved into the storage rack, the first drive component is configured to drive the execution component to perform at least two first transfer actions and to perform a first reset action between adjacent first transfer actions. When a sample rack is moved out of the storage rack, the first drive component is configured to drive the execution component to perform at least two second transfer actions and to perform a second reset action between adjacent second transfer actions. The sample storage module of this invention can reduce the reserved space required by the transfer mechanism through the multi-stage action setting of the transfer mechanism, thereby improving the storage capacity of the sample storage module.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of medical device technology, and in particular to a sample storage module. Background Technology

[0002] In current testing departments or research laboratories, samples need to be stored in cryogenic storage modules for long-term preservation to ensure sample quality when retrieved for retesting or in-depth research. Cryogenic storage modules typically include storage racks with multiple storage positions and transfer mechanisms for moving sample containers into or out of the storage positions. In related technologies, the transfer mechanism requires a large space to perform the transfer operation, which affects the storage capacity of the cryogenic storage module. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This invention aims to at least solve one of the technical problems existing in the prior art. To this end, this invention proposes a sample storage module that can reduce the space occupied by the transfer mechanism.

[0004] According to the sample storage module in the first embodiment of the present invention, the sample storage module includes a housing mechanism, a storage mechanism, and a transfer mechanism;

[0005] The housing mechanism includes the housing itself;

[0006] A storage mechanism, disposed within a housing, includes a storage rack for storing a sample rack containing sample containers;

[0007] The transfer mechanism, disposed within a housing, includes a support component, an execution component, and a first drive component. The support component carries a sample rack, and the execution component is driven by the first drive component to move the sample rack on the support component into a storage rack, or to move the sample rack from the storage rack and transfer it to the support component. The execution component includes a first execution part and a second execution part, which are arranged sequentially along the direction of sample rack movement and are driven by the first drive component to move along the direction of sample rack movement or the direction of sample rack movement.

[0008] Wherein, when the sample rack is moved into the storage rack, the first driving component is configured to drive the execution component to perform at least two first transfer actions, and to perform a first reset action between two adjacent first transfer actions. When the execution component performs the first transfer action, it can drive the sample rack to move along the moving-in direction. When the execution component performs the first reset action, it can move relative to the sample rack along the moving-out direction opposite to the moving-in direction. The first driving component is configured to drive the execution component to perform at least two first transfer actions, and to perform a first reset action between two adjacent first transfer actions, including: the first driving component is configured to drive the first execution component to perform at least one first transfer action to drive the sample rack to move a first distance along the moving-in direction, and after the sample rack moves the first distance, drive the second execution component to perform at least one first transfer action to drive the sample rack to move a second distance along the moving-in direction.

[0009] And / or, when the sample rack is removed from the storage rack, the first driving component is configured to drive the execution component to perform at least two second transfer actions, and to perform a second reset action between two adjacent second transfer actions, wherein the execution component is capable of driving the sample rack to move along the removal direction when performing the second transfer action, and is capable of moving relative to the sample rack along the removal direction when performing the second reset action; the first driving component is configured to drive the execution component to perform at least two second transfer actions, and to perform a second reset action between two adjacent second transfer actions, including: the first driving component is configured to drive the second execution component to perform at least one second transfer action to drive the sample rack to move a third distance along the removal direction, and after the sample rack has moved the third distance, drive the first execution component to perform at least one second transfer action to drive the sample rack to move a fourth distance along the removal direction.

[0010] The sample storage module according to embodiments of the present invention has at least the following beneficial effects:

[0011] The outer casing houses a storage mechanism and a transfer mechanism. The transfer mechanism includes a support component for carrying the sample rack, an execution component for picking up and placing the sample rack, and a first drive component for driving the execution component. Thus, when the sample rack is moved into or out of the storage rack, the execution component can break down the overall transfer action into at least two transfer actions and perform a reset action between the two transfer actions. This allows for adjustment of the execution component's position between multiple actions, preventing the execution component from occupying excessive space and causing interference during the overall operation. Therefore, the sample storage module of this invention, through the multi-stage action design of the transfer mechanism, reduces the reserved space required by the transfer mechanism, thereby improving the storage capacity of the sample storage module.

[0012] In other embodiments of the present invention, the first execution component and the second execution component are configured to be driven by the first drive component to move synchronously along the insertion direction or the removal direction of the sample holder.

[0013] In other embodiments of the invention, the first distance is equal to the second distance.

[0014] In other embodiments of the invention, the third distance is equal to the fourth distance.

[0015] In other embodiments of the present invention, the third distance is equal to the first distance;

[0016] In other embodiments of the invention, the fourth distance is equal to the second distance.

[0017] In other embodiments of the present invention, when the sample holder is moved into the storage rack, the first execution component performs a first transfer action to drive the sample holder to move a first distance along the moving direction, and the second execution component performs a first transfer action to drive the sample holder to move a second distance along the moving direction. The first execution component and the second execution component abut against the same part of the sample holder when the first transfer action is performed.

[0018] And / or, when the sample holder is removed from the storage rack, the second actuator performs a second transfer action to drive the sample holder to move a third distance along the removal direction, the first actuator performs a second transfer action to drive the sample holder to move a fourth distance along the removal direction, and the first actuator abuts against the same part of the sample holder when performing the second transfer action as the second actuator does when performing the second transfer action.

[0019] In other embodiments of the present invention, the support component has a support surface for placing a sample holder, the first execution component and the second execution component are lower than the support surface before performing the first transfer action or the second transfer action, and the transfer mechanism further includes a second drive component, the first execution component and the second execution component are connected to the first drive component through the second drive component, and the second drive component is used to drive the first execution component and the second execution component to move in the vertical direction;

[0020] Wherein, when the sample rack is moved into the storage rack, the second driving component is configured to drive the first execution component or the second execution component to move upward before performing the first transfer action, and then perform the first transfer action after moving upward; and the second driving component is also configured to drive the first execution component or the second execution component to move downward after performing the first transfer action, and then perform the first reset action after moving downward.

[0021] And / or, when the sample rack is removed from the storage rack, the second drive component is configured to drive the first or second execution component to move upward before performing the second transfer action, and to perform the second transfer action after moving upward; and the second drive component is also configured to drive the first or second execution component to move downward after performing one second transfer action, and to perform the second reset action after moving downward.

[0022] In other embodiments of the present invention, the bottom surface of the sample holder is provided with a groove, and when the second driving component drives the first execution component or the second execution component to move upward, the first execution component or the second execution component extends into the groove.

[0023] In other embodiments of the present invention, the second drive assembly includes a first power component, a second power component, a first transmission component, and a second transmission component. The first execution component is connected to the first power component through the first transmission component and can be driven by the first power component alone to move in the up-down direction. The second execution component is connected to the second power component through the second transmission component and can be driven by the second power component alone to move in the up-down direction.

[0024] Alternatively, the second drive assembly includes a third power component and a third transmission component, and both the first and second actuation components are connected to the third power component through the third transmission component. When the third power component drives one of the first and second actuation components to move upward, the other moves downward synchronously.

[0025] In other embodiments of the present invention, the first power component has a rotary drive shaft, the first transmission component includes a first gear and a first rack, the first gear is connected to the rotary drive shaft, and the first rack is connected to the first actuation component and meshes with the first gear;

[0026] Alternatively, the second power component has a rotary drive shaft, and the second transmission component includes a second gear and a second rack, the second gear being connected to the rotary drive shaft, and the second rack being connected to the second actuating component and meshing with the second gear.

[0027] In other embodiments of the present invention, the third power component has a rotary drive shaft, the third transmission component includes a third gear and two third racks, the third gear is connected to the rotary drive shaft, the two third racks are respectively connected to the first actuating component and the second actuating component, and the two third racks are respectively meshed on opposite sides of the third gear.

[0028] In other embodiments of the present invention, the first driving component is configured to drive the execution component to move between a first position and a second position;

[0029] The execution component moves from the first position to the second position after performing a single first transfer action, and moves from the second position to the first position after performing a single first reset action;

[0030] And / or, the execution component moves from the second position to the first position after performing a single second transfer action, and moves from the first position to the second position after performing a single second reset action.

[0031] In other embodiments of the present invention, the sample storage module further includes a detection device for detecting the position of the execution component;

[0032] Specifically, when the detection device detects that the execution component performing the first transfer action has moved to the second position, the first drive component drives the execution component to move to the first position to perform the first reset action; and when the detection device detects that the execution component performing the first reset action has moved to the first position, the first drive component drives the execution component to move to the second position to perform the first transfer action.

[0033] And / or, when the detection device detects that the execution component performing the second transfer action has moved to the first position, the first drive component drives the execution component to move to the second position to perform the second reset action; and when the detection device detects that the execution component performing the second reset action has moved to the second position, the first drive component drives the execution component to move to the first position to perform the second transfer action.

[0034] In other embodiments of the present invention, the detection device includes a first sensor and a second sensor. The first sensor is disposed at a first position and can be triggered by an execution component that moves to the first position. The second sensor is disposed at a second position and can be triggered by an execution component that moves to the second position.

[0035] In other embodiments of the invention, the distance the execution component moves along the insertion direction is greater than or equal to half the length of the carrying component along the insertion direction;

[0036] And / or, the distance the executing component moves along the removal direction is greater than or equal to half the length of the carrying component along the removal direction.

[0037] In other embodiments of the present invention, the sample holder includes a support body and a gripping rod, the support body having a placement hole for placing a sample container, and the gripping rod being connected to the support body and extending from the top of the support body;

[0038] The sample holder has multiple abutment parts, which are used to abut against the execution component when the execution component performs the first transfer action or the second transfer action. The multiple abutment parts are symmetrically distributed about the axis of the gripping rod.

[0039] In other embodiments of the present invention, the storage mechanism includes two sets of storage racks spaced apart along a first horizontal direction, and a transfer mechanism is disposed between the two sets of storage racks. The storage racks have a plurality of storage positions for storing sample racks.

[0040] The transfer mechanism also includes a third drive assembly, a fourth drive assembly, a first transmission assembly, and a second transmission assembly. The execution assembly is connected to the carrier assembly, the carrier assembly is connected to the first transmission assembly, and the first transmission assembly is connected to the second transmission assembly. The third drive assembly is configured to drive the carrier assembly to move relative to the first transmission assembly in one of the vertical direction and the horizontal direction. The fourth drive assembly is configured to drive the first transmission assembly to move relative to the second transmission assembly in the other of the vertical direction and the horizontal direction, so that the carrier assembly moves to dock with any storage position of the two sets of storage racks, with the second direction perpendicular to the first direction.

[0041] In other embodiments of the invention, the housing has a third opening for a sample holder carrying a sample container to enter or exit the housing; a transfer mechanism is used to transfer a sample holder entering from the third opening to a storage rack, or to transfer a sample holder exiting from the storage rack to the third opening;

[0042] The housing has a first opening on the side closest to one of the two sets of storage shelves. The housing mechanism also includes a first door connected to the housing and used to open and close the first opening. The housing also has a second opening on the side closest to the other of the two sets of storage shelves. The housing mechanism also includes a second door connected to the housing and used to open and close the second opening.

[0043] In other embodiments of the present invention, the side of the housing closest to one of the two sets of storage shelves is a first side, and the side closest to the other of the two sets of storage shelves is a second side. The housing also includes a third side and a fourth side, wherein the first side, the third side, the second side and the fourth side are connected in sequence to form the periphery of the housing. A third opening is provided on one of the third side and the fourth side. The housing mechanism also includes a third door body, which is connected to the housing and used to open and close the third opening.

[0044] In other embodiments of the invention, the housing also has a fourth opening, which is disposed on the other of the third and fourth sides, and the housing mechanism further includes a fourth door body connected to the housing and used to open and close the fourth opening.

[0045] According to the sample storage module in the second embodiment of the present invention, the sample storage module includes a housing mechanism, a storage mechanism, and a transfer mechanism; the housing mechanism includes a shell.

[0046] A storage mechanism, disposed within a housing, includes a storage rack for storing a sample rack containing sample containers;

[0047] The transfer mechanism, disposed within the housing, includes a carrier component, a first execution component, a fifth drive component, a second execution component, and a sixth drive component. The carrier component carries a sample rack. The first execution component can be independently driven by the fifth drive component to move the sample rack from the storage rack portion onto the carrier component. The second execution component can be independently driven by the sixth drive component to continue moving the partially moved sample rack from the storage rack. Alternatively, the second execution component can be independently driven by the sixth drive component to move the partially moved sample rack from the carrier component out of the storage rack. The first execution component can be independently driven by the fifth drive component to continue moving the partially moved sample rack out of the storage rack.

[0048] The fifth drive component includes a first power output component, and the first execution component includes a third execution component for abutting against the sample holder. The first execution component is connected to the first power output component. In the direction of moving the sample holder into the storage rack, the third execution component is offset relative to the first power output component and located behind the first power output component.

[0049] In other embodiments of the present invention, the sixth drive assembly includes a second power output component, and the second execution assembly includes a fourth execution component for abutting against the sample holder. The second execution component is connected to the second power output component and is located in the moving direction of the sample holder into the storage rack. The fourth execution component is offset relative to the second power output component and is located in front of the second power output component.

[0050] In other embodiments of the present invention, the sixth drive component includes a second power output component, and the second execution component includes a fourth execution component for abutting against the sample holder, the second execution component being connected to the second power output component;

[0051] The fifth drive assembly and the sixth drive assembly are arranged side by side along the width direction of the sample holder, and the sample holder has a first abutting part and a second abutting part arranged along the width direction;

[0052] When the sample rack is removed from the storage rack, the fourth actuating component is used to abut against the second abutting part and can be driven by the second power output component to remove the sample rack portion on the carrying assembly from the storage rack; the third actuating component is used to abut against the first abutting part and can be driven by the first power output component to remove the sample rack portion that has been removed from the storage rack.

[0053] And / or, when the sample rack is moved into the storage rack, the third actuating component is used to abut against the first abutting part and can be driven by the first power output component to move the sample rack from the storage rack portion into the carrier assembly, and the fourth actuating component is used to abut against the second abutting part and can be driven by the second power output component to continue moving the sample rack from the storage rack portion into the storage rack.

[0054] Additional aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0055] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments, wherein:

[0056] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the first side of the sample storage module of the present invention;

[0057] Figure 2 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the second side of the sample storage module of the present invention;

[0058] Figure 3 for Figure 1 and Figure 2 A three-dimensional schematic diagram of the combination of the storage mechanism and the transfer mechanism in the diagram;

[0059] Figure 4 for Figure 3 A three-dimensional schematic diagram of the transfer mechanism of the present invention;

[0060] Figure 5 This is a partial perspective view of the transfer mechanism of the present invention;

[0061] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the first transfer action flow in the first embodiment of the present invention; wherein, the execution component is in the first position in states 6.1 and 6.5, and the execution component is in the second position in states 6.2 and 6.6;

[0062] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the process of performing the insertion operation in the second embodiment of the present invention; wherein, in states 7.1 and 7.2, the sixth driving component, the second execution component and the second abutment are hidden, and in states 7.3 and 7.4, the fifth driving component, the first execution component and the first abutment are hidden.

[0063] Figure label:

[0064] Sample storage module 100;

[0065] 110 outer shell mechanism; 111 outer shell; 111A first side, 111B second side, 111C third side, 111D fourth side, 1111 third opening, 1112 first opening, 1113 second opening, 1114 fourth opening, 112 first door, 113 second door, 114 third door; 115 fourth door.

[0066] Storage unit 120; storage rack 121; storage bay 122;

[0067] Transfer mechanism 130; bearing assembly 131; bearing surface 1311; actuation assembly 132; first actuating component 1321; second actuating component 1322; first actuating assembly 1321A; third actuating component 13211A; second actuating assembly 1322A; fourth actuating component 13221A; first drive assembly 133; fifth drive assembly 133A; first power output component 1331A; second drive assembly 134; sixth drive assembly 134A; second power output component 1341A; third drive assembly 135; fourth drive assembly 136; first transmission assembly 137; second transmission assembly 138;

[0068] Detection device 140; first sensor 141; second sensor 142;

[0069] 200 sample racks;

[0070] Width direction W;

[0071] Move in direction X1;

[0072] Move out in direction X2;

[0073] First direction X3;

[0074] Second direction X4;

[0075] Up Y1;

[0076] Get off Y2. Detailed Implementation

[0077] Embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below. Examples of these embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain the present invention, and should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0078] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the orientation descriptions, such as up, down, front, back, left, right, etc., are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limiting this invention.

[0079] In the description of this invention, "several" means one or more, "multiple" means two or more, "greater than," "less than," and "exceeding" are understood to exclude the stated number, while "above," "below," and "within" are understood to include the stated number. The use of "first" and "second" in the description is merely for distinguishing technical features and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance, or implicitly indicating the number of indicated technical features, or implicitly indicating the order of the indicated technical features.

[0080] In the description of this invention, unless otherwise explicitly defined, terms such as "setting," "installing," and "connecting" should be interpreted broadly, and those skilled in the art can reasonably determine the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention in conjunction with the specific content of the technical solution.

[0081] In the description of this invention, the terms "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "illustrative embodiment," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., refer to specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in connection with that embodiment or example, which are included in at least one embodiment or example of the invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0082] As mentioned earlier, in current testing departments or research laboratories, samples need to be stored in cryogenic storage modules for long-term preservation to ensure sample quality when retrieved for retesting or in-depth research. Cryogenic storage modules typically include storage racks with multiple storage positions and transfer mechanisms for moving sample containers into or out of the storage positions. In related technologies, the transfer mechanism requires a large space to perform the transfer operation, which affects the storage capacity of the cryogenic storage module.

[0083] More specifically, in related technologies, after the sample container is located around the storage position, the transfer mechanism is responsible for moving the sample container into the storage position or moving the sample container out of the storage position. The above-mentioned moving in and moving out operations are completed by performing one action. The disadvantage is that the entire range of motion is large, and the reserved space needs to cover at least the length of the sample rack plus the interval between the end effector and the storage space. Therefore, a large movement space needs to be reserved for the transfer mechanism, which will occupy the storage space of the cryogenic storage module and is not conducive to the compact design of the cryogenic storage module.

[0084] Based on the above issues, referring to Figures 1-7 The first embodiment of the present invention provides a sample storage module 100, which includes a housing mechanism 110, a storage mechanism 120 and a transfer mechanism 130.

[0085] Specifically, refer to Figures 1-2The outer casing mechanism 110 includes a housing 111. To adapt to different needs, the housing 111 may not be a completely enclosed housing with all six sides. For example, the housing 111 may also be enclosed with five, four, or three sides. Furthermore, depending on the requirements, in some embodiments, the housing 111 can have any suitable shape when viewed vertically, such as a rectangle, circle, ellipse, or trapezoid. When the housing 111 is polygonal, the various walls of the housing 111 can be fixedly connected to each other, or the various walls can be detachably connected.

[0086] Reference Figure 1 The storage mechanism 120 is disposed within the housing 111. The storage mechanism 120 includes a storage rack 121 for storing the sample rack 200 containing sample containers. The sample rack 200 can have any suitable structural shape as needed, and no limitation is made here.

[0087] Reference Figures 1-3 The transfer mechanism 130 is disposed within the housing 111. (Refer to...) Figures 4-5 The transfer mechanism 130 includes a carrier component 131, an execution component 132, and a first drive component 133. The carrier component 131 carries the sample rack 200, and the execution component 132 is driven by the first drive component 133 to move the sample rack 200 on the carrier component 131 into the storage rack 121, or to move the sample rack 200 from the storage rack 121 and transfer it to the carrier component 131. Furthermore, before the execution component 132 moves the sample holder 200 into or out of the storage rack 121, the carrier component 131 can be driven to move around the sample holder 200 (during which the execution component 132 can move together with the carrier component 131) to facilitate the transfer of the sample holder 200 by the execution component 132. Additionally, the carrier component 131 can have different positions in its initial state. When samples need to be stored, the carrier component 131 can hold the sample holder 200, and in its initial state, the carrier component 131 can be located inside the housing 111, or in its initial state, the carrier component 131 can be located outside the housing 111 and adapted to extend into the housing 111 from the opening in the housing 111. Conversely, the same applies when samples need to be removed. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the samples located in the storage rack 121 and placed in the sample container can be samples that have already been tested and analyzed (samples that have been tested or samples that need to be tested again), or quality control samples, or calibration samples.

[0088] Reference Figure 5The first drive assembly 133 may include a power component for providing power and a power output component. Specifically, the power component may be one of a motor, hydraulic cylinder, pneumatic cylinder, or electric cylinder. The power output component may be connected at one end to the output end of the power component, and the other end may be adapted to connect to or support the sample holder 200; specifically, the power output component may include one of a sliding transmission device, linkage transmission device, chain transmission device, belt transmission device, gear transmission device, or push rod transmission device. For a specific configuration of the first drive assembly 133, see the example below. Figure 5 In some embodiments, the power component of the first drive assembly 133 can be a motor, and the power output component can include a belt drive device and a sliding drive device connected to each other. The slide of the sliding drive device can extend into the slide rail and be connected to the execution assembly 132. Thus, during the driving process, the motor of the first drive assembly 133 can drive the belt drive device to move, and then the belt drive device can drive the slide relative to the slide rail to slide, thereby driving the execution assembly 132.

[0089] Specifically, to optimize the transfer operation of the execution component 132, when the sample rack 200 is moved into the storage rack 121, the first drive component 133 is configured to drive the execution component 132 to perform at least two first transfer operations and a first reset operation between adjacent first transfer operations. When the execution component 132 performs the first transfer operation, it can drive the sample rack 200 to move along the transfer direction X1. When the execution component 132 performs the first reset operation, it can move relative to the sample rack 200 along the transfer direction X2, which is opposite to the transfer direction X1. Alternatively, when the sample rack 200 is moved out of the storage rack 121, the first drive component 133 is configured to drive the execution component 132 to perform at least two second transfer operations and a second reset operation between adjacent second transfer operations. When the execution component 132 performs the second transfer operation, it can drive the sample rack 200 to move along the transfer direction X2. When the execution component 132 performs the second reset operation, it can move relative to the sample rack 200 along the transfer direction X1. Specifically, the execution of a first reset action by the execution component 132 between two adjacent first transfer actions is as follows: After completing the first first transfer action along the insertion direction X1, the execution component 132 performs a first reset action in the opposite direction of the insertion direction X1 (i.e., the removal direction X2). This first reset action can be used to adjust the position of the execution component 132 relative to the sample holder 200. Taking the insertion operation as an example, specifically, when performing the first first transfer action, a part of the execution component 132 contacts the sample holder 200 and initially removes the sample holder 200, performing the first... After the reset action, another part of the execution component 132 contacts the sample holder 200 and moves the sample holder 200 out again. The removal operation can also be set in the same way. Because the contact positions are different in the two steps, the process of moving in / out of the execution component 132 can be broken down into multiple first transfer actions / second transfer actions according to the actual arrangement of each mechanism of the sample storage module 100. The position of the execution component 132 can be adjusted between multiple actions to avoid the execution component 132 occupying too much space and easily causing interference during the overall operation.

[0090] It should be noted that the above-mentioned infeed / outfeed direction X2 is determined according to the actual movement requirements and drive configuration, and can be any suitable direction. For ease of description, the following will use an embodiment in which the infeed / outfeed direction X2 is parallel to the horizontal direction as an example.

[0091] As can be seen from the above description, in some embodiments, the first driving component 133 and the execution component 132 may simultaneously possess the first transfer action configuration and the second transfer action configuration described above, so that the execution component 132 can have two transfer actions and perform a reset action between the two transfer actions when performing the move-in and move-out operations; in other embodiments, the first driving component 133 and the execution component 132 may only have one of the first transfer action configuration and the second transfer action configuration described above. Furthermore, taking the move-in operation as an example, the at least two first transfer actions described above mean that in some embodiments, the first driving group can be configured to drive the execution component to complete more than two first transfer actions, and a first reset action is performed between two adjacent first transfer actions; the move-out operation can be set up similarly. For ease of description, the following description will use an embodiment in which, when the sample rack 200 is moved into the storage rack 121, the first drive component 133 drives the execution component 132 to perform two first transfer actions, and the sample rack 200 is moved in after the two first transfer actions are completed; and when the sample rack 200 is moved out of the storage rack 121, the first drive component 133 drives the execution component 132 to perform two second transfer actions, and the sample rack 200 is moved out after the two second transfer actions are completed.

[0092] Furthermore, it should be noted that the first transfer action is defined as follows: the execution component 132 drives the sample rack 200 along the moving direction X1 to move the sample rack 200 into the storage rack 121. Therefore, the starting position, ending position, or trajectory of the two first transfer actions described above can be the same or different; and when performing the two first transfer actions, the execution component 132 can contact the same or different parts of the sample rack 200 respectively. Similarly, the second transfer action is defined as follows: the execution component 132 drives the sample rack 200 along the moving direction X2 to move the sample rack 200 out of the storage rack 121. The second transfer action can also be configured accordingly. More specifically, in the above configuration of two first transfer actions / two second transfer actions, when the two actions are the same, this configuration is conducive to the coordination and consistency of the two actions and facilitates action programming; when the two actions are different, the movement state of the execution component 132 or the sample rack 200 can be changed according to the requirements, thereby making it easier to pick up and put down the sample rack 200 or to save the reserved space of the execution component 132 in some structural arrangements.

[0093] In the first embodiment of the present invention, a storage mechanism 120 and a transfer mechanism 130 are provided inside the outer casing mechanism 110. The transfer mechanism 130 includes a support component 131 for supporting the sample rack 200, an execution component 132 for picking up and placing the sample rack 200, and a first drive component 133 for driving the execution component 132. Thus, when the sample rack 200 is moved into or out of the storage rack 121, the execution component 132 can divide the overall transfer action into at least two transfer actions and perform a reset action between the two transfer actions. In this way, the position of the execution component 132 can be adjusted between multiple actions to avoid the execution component 132 occupying too much space and easily interfering during the overall action. Therefore, the sample storage module 100 of the present invention can reduce the reserved space required by the transfer mechanism 130 through the multi-segment action setting of the transfer mechanism 130, thereby improving the storage capacity of the sample storage module 100.

[0094] Based on the first embodiment, in some embodiments, the execution component 132 may include a first execution element 1321 and a second execution element 1322. The first execution element 1321 and the second execution element 1322 may be arranged sequentially along the insertion direction X1 and can be driven by the first driving component 133 to move synchronously along the insertion direction X1 or the exit direction X2. In some embodiments, the first execution element 1321 and the second execution element 1322 may be connected to each other to facilitate synchronous driving of their movement; in other embodiments, the first execution element 1321 and the second execution element 1322 may not be connected, and their movement may be synchronously driven by the configuration of the first driving component 133. Furthermore, the first execution component 1321 and the second execution component 1322 are sequentially arranged along the insertion direction X1 as follows: along the insertion direction X1, the first execution component 1321 and the second execution component 1322 are sequentially arranged. That is, before the execution component 132 performs the insertion operation, along the insertion direction X1, the first execution component 1321 is located on the side of the second execution component 1322 away from the storage rack 121.

[0095] When the sample rack 200 is moved into the storage rack 121, the first drive component 133 can be configured to drive the first execution component 1321 to perform at least one first transfer action to move the sample rack 200 a first distance along the moving direction X1, and after the sample rack 200 has moved the first distance, drive the second execution component 1322 to perform at least one first transfer action to move the sample rack 200 a second distance along the moving direction X1. It is understood that the above configuration indicates that multiple first transfer actions of the execution component 132 can be performed by the first execution component 1321 and the second execution component 1322 respectively. Furthermore, according to the above definition, in a configuration where the first execution component 1321 and the second execution component 1322 can move synchronously, only actions that produce a moving effect on the sample rack 200 are considered as first transfer actions / second transfer actions.

[0096] In some specific embodiments, the first execution component 1321 can drive the sample rack 200 to move a first distance by performing a first transfer action once. In other specific embodiments, the sample rack 200 moves a total of a first distance after the first execution component 1321 performs multiple first transfer actions. That is, the process of the first execution component 1321 driving the sample rack 200 to move a first distance can also be divided into multiple segments. For example, after the first execution component 1321 performs a first transfer action once, the sample rack 200 moves half of the first distance. Then the first execution component 1321 performs a first reset action and performs a first transfer action again, so that the sample rack 200 moves half of the first distance again. Similarly, the second execution component 1322 performs at least one first transfer action to drive the sample rack 200 to move a second distance along the moving direction X1. This can be understood by reference.

[0097] When the first execution component 1321 and the second execution component 1322 drive the sample holder 200 to move a first distance and a second distance respectively, in some embodiments the first distance can be equal to the second distance. That is, the driving distance of the sample holder 200 for the two first transfer actions can be the same, so the above arrangement helps to simplify the structural configuration and programming configuration of the first drive component 133 and the execution component 132.

[0098] Corresponding to the above configuration for the transfer-in operation, when the sample rack 200 is removed from the storage rack 121, the first drive component 133 can be configured to drive the second execution component 1322 to perform at least one second transfer action to drive the sample rack 200 to move a third distance along the removal direction X2, and after the sample rack 200 has moved the third distance, drive the first execution component 1321 to perform at least one second transfer action to drive the sample rack 200 to move a fourth distance along the removal direction X2. The above configuration for the transfer-out operation can refer to the configuration for the transfer-in operation in the above embodiment, and will not be repeated here.

[0099] Correspondingly, when the second execution component 1322 and the first execution component 1321 respectively drive the sample rack 200 to move a third distance and a fourth distance, in some embodiments the third distance can be equal to the fourth distance. This arrangement also simplifies the structural and programming configurations of the first drive component 133 and the execution component 132. Furthermore, combining the descriptions of the insertion and removal operations, when the first execution component 1321 and the second execution component 1322 can drive the sample rack 200 to move a first distance, a second distance, a third distance, and a fourth distance under different circumstances, in some embodiments the third distance can be equal to the first distance, and in some embodiments the fourth distance can be equal to the second distance. That is, the driving distance of the first execution component 1321 on the sample rack 200 when performing the first transfer action can be equal to its driving distance on the sample rack 200 when performing the second transfer action, and the driving distance of the second execution component 1322 on the sample rack 200 when performing the first transfer action can be equal to its driving distance on the sample rack 200 when performing the second transfer action. Similarly, the above settings ensure that the displacements produced by the move-in and move-out operations are the same, which helps to further simplify the structural and programming configurations of the first drive component 133 and the execution component 132.

[0100] When the first execution component 1321 and the second execution component 1322 respectively drive the sample rack 200 to move a first distance and a second distance, in some embodiments, when the sample rack 200 moves into the storage rack 121, the first execution component 1321 can perform a first transfer action to drive the sample rack 200 to move a first distance along the moving direction X1, and the second execution component 1322 can perform a first transfer action to drive the sample rack 200 to move a second distance along the moving direction X1. Under this premise, when the first execution component 1321 performs the first transfer action, the second execution component 1322 can abut against the same part of the sample rack 200 when performing the first transfer action. That is, after the first execution component 1321 completes the first transfer action, while performing the first reset action, the position of the second execution component 1322 can be adjusted so that the second execution component 1322 can abut against the same part of the sample rack 200 that was previously abutted when performing the second first transfer action. The above-mentioned setup can utilize the same part of the sample holder 200 for contact, which helps to simplify the structure of the sample holder 200 and simplify the motion programming of the actuator.

[0101] The above embodiments define the contact position based on the insertion operation. Correspondingly, when the second execution component 1322 and the first execution component 1321 respectively drive the sample rack 200 to move a third distance and a fourth distance, in some embodiments, when the sample rack 200 is removed from the storage rack 121, the second execution component 1322 performs a second transfer action to drive the sample rack 200 to move a third distance along the removal direction X2, and the first execution component 1321 performs a second transfer action to drive the sample rack 200 to move a fourth distance along the removal direction X2. Furthermore, when the first execution component 1321 performs the second transfer action, it contacts the same part of the sample rack 200 as when the second execution component 1322 performs the second transfer action. The above configuration for the insertion operation also simplifies the structure of the sample rack 200 and the motion programming of the execution components. The configuration for the insertion operation can be referred to in the above embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0102] The following further defines the positional relationship between the carrier component 131 and the execution component 132. When the execution component 132 includes a first execution part 1321 and a second execution part 1322, refer to... Figure 5In some embodiments, the supporting component 131 may have a supporting surface 1311 for placing the sample holder 200. That is, the supporting surface 1311 can be used to support the sample holder 200, and depending on the structure of the sample holder 200, the supporting surface 1311 may have a corresponding shape and structure. For example, the supporting surface 1311 may be a plane or a curved surface, and the supporting surface 1311 may have a groove structure suitable for placing the sample holder 200. Based on the setting of the supporting surface 1311, in some embodiments, the first actuating component 1321 and the second actuating component 1322 may be lower than the supporting surface 1311 before performing the first transfer action or the second transfer action. It is understood that before performing the first transfer action or the second transfer action, the supporting component 131 can move to approach, acquire, or transfer the sample holder 200 (the actuating component can move synchronously with the supporting component 131). During this process, the setting of the first actuating component 1321 and the second actuating component 1322 being lower than the supporting surface 1311 can prevent the actuating component 132 from interfering with the aforementioned movement process. Furthermore, to realize the first and second transfer actions of the execution component 132, the transfer mechanism 130 may also include a second drive component 134. Thus, the first execution component 1321 and the second execution component 1322 are connected to the first drive component 133 via the second drive component 134. The second drive component 134 can drive the first execution component 1321 and the second execution component 1322 to move vertically. In other words, the second drive component 134 can be connected to the first drive component 133, and the first execution component 1321 and the second execution component 1322 are connected to the second drive component 134 and subjected to vertical driving action. Therefore, the first drive component 133 can simultaneously drive the second drive component 134, as well as the first execution component 1321 and the second execution component 1322.

[0103] Combining the driving effects of the first driving component 133 and the second driving component 134, referring to Figure 5In some embodiments, when the sample rack 200 is moved into the storage rack 121, the second drive component 134 can be configured to drive the first execution component 1321 or the second execution component 1322 to move upward before performing the first transfer action, and then perform the first transfer action after moving upward. Also, the second drive component 134 can be configured to drive the first execution component 1321 or the second execution component 1322 to move downward after performing one first transfer action, and then perform the first reset action after moving downward. The above-described configuration of the second drive assembly 134 indicates that, taking the insertion operation as an example, in the initial state, the first execution component 1321 and the second execution component 1322 are below the bearing surface 1311. At this time, both the first execution component 1321 and the second execution component 1322 are detached from (not in contact with) the sample holder 200. When it is necessary to insert the sample holder 200, the second drive assembly 134 can drive the first execution component 1321 to move upward (and can also drive the second execution component 1322 to move upward simultaneously), so that the first execution component 1321 abuts against the sample holder 200. After that, the first drive assembly 133 can drive the first execution component 1321 to perform the first first transfer action. Then, the second... The drive assembly 134 can drive the first execution component 1321 downward to disengage it from the sample holder 200. Afterward, the first drive assembly 133 can drive the first execution component 1321 to perform a first reset action. Upon completion, the second execution component 1322 can be positioned directly below the contact point of the sample holder 200. Then, the second drive assembly 134 can drive the second execution component 1322 upward (and simultaneously drive the first execution component 1321 upward) to contact the sample holder 200. Afterward, the first drive assembly 133 can drive the second execution component 1322 to perform a second first transfer action. This configuration, through the up-and-down driving action of the second drive assembly 134, allows for more flexible movement of the execution component 132, facilitating position adjustment between the two first transfer actions.

[0104] The above embodiments limit the driving action of both the first execution component 1321 and the second execution component 1322 based on the transfer-in operation. Correspondingly, when the sample rack 200 is removed from the storage rack 121, the second driving component 134 is configured to drive either the first execution component 1321 or the second execution component 1322 to move upward before performing the second transfer action, and then perform the second transfer action after moving upward. Furthermore, the second driving component 134 is also configured to drive either the first execution component 1321 or the second execution component 1322 to move downward after performing one second transfer action, and then perform the second reset action after moving downward. The above configuration for the transfer-out operation also facilitates more flexible movement of the execution component 132, allowing the execution component 132 to adjust its position between two second transfer actions. The configuration for the transfer-in operation can be referred to in the above embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0105] More specifically, when the transfer mechanism 130 further includes a second drive assembly 134 and has the above-described vertical movement configuration, the bottom surface of the sample holder 200 in some embodiments may be provided with a groove, so that when the second drive assembly 134 drives the first execution component 1321 or the second execution component 1322 to move upward, the first execution component 1321 or the second execution component 1322 extends into the groove. The bottom surface of the sample holder 200 may be adapted to contact the bearing surface 1311 of the bearing assembly 131, and viewed vertically, the bearing surface 1311 and the groove may be staggered, so that the bearing surface 1311 will not interfere with the action of the second drive assembly 134 driving the execution component 132 to move vertically and extend into the groove. With the groove provided above, the relative position of the first execution component 1321 / second execution component 1322 and the sample holder 200 can be fixed during the transfer action, and the sample holder 200 can be driven more stably, making it less likely for the sample holder 200 to detach from the first execution component 1321 or the second execution component 1322 during movement. Corresponding to the groove configuration, the shape of the first actuator 1321 or the second actuator 1322 can correspond to the shape of the groove. During the transfer operation, the first actuator 1321 or the second actuator 1322 can be fully inserted into the groove, or only partially inserted, with the other part used to support the sample holder 200. Besides the aforementioned configuration of inserting the first actuator 1321 or the second actuator 1322 into the groove, other methods can be used to connect the first actuator 1321 / second actuator 1322 to the sample holder 200. For example, in some embodiments, the first actuator 1321 / second actuator 1322 can be configured to clamp the sample holder 200, snap onto the sample holder 200, or magnetically connect to the sample holder 200. All of these configurations can connect the first actuator 1321 / second actuator 1322 to the sample holder 200 before the transfer operation is performed, so as to facilitate the execution of the first transfer operation or the second transfer operation.

[0106] Hereinafter, further limitations will be made on the structure of the second drive assembly 134. When the transfer mechanism 130 further includes the second drive assembly 134 and has the above-described configuration for vertical movement, refer to... Figure 5In some embodiments, the second drive component 134 may include a first power component, a second power component, a first transmission component, and a second transmission component. The first execution component 1321 can be connected to the first power component via the first transmission component and can be driven independently by the first power component to move in the vertical direction; similarly, the second execution component 1322 can be connected to the second power component via the second transmission component and can be driven independently by the second power component to move in the vertical direction. It is understood that, through the above-described configuration, the first execution component 1321 and the second execution component 1322 can be driven independently, and their heights can be adjusted separately as needed, offering high flexibility. For example, when the first execution component 1321 performs the first transfer action, the height of the second execution component 1322 can be lower than that of the first execution component 1321, thereby allowing the second execution component 1322 to detach from the sample holder 200 and avoiding interference from the first transfer action. Similarly, when the second execution component 1322 performs the second transfer action, the height of the first execution component 1321 can be lower than that of the second execution component 1322 (the process of performing the second transfer action is similar). Furthermore, other methods can be used to achieve staggered vertical positions of the first execution component 1321 and the second execution component 1322. In some embodiments, the second drive assembly 134 may include a third power component and a third transmission component. Both the first execution component 1321 and the second execution component 1322 can be connected to the third power component via the third transmission component. Specifically, when the third power component drives one of the first actuator 1321 and the second actuator 1322 to move upward, the other can move downward synchronously. This driving configuration indicates that the third power component can drive the first actuator 1321 and the second actuator 1322 to move synchronously, with one moving upward and the other downward. This configuration also avoids interference from the second actuator 1322 when the first actuator 1321 performs its first transfer action, and avoids interference from the first actuator 1321 when the second actuator 1322 performs its second transfer action (the process for the second transfer action is similar). Furthermore, driving two actuators with the same drive component is simpler and helps improve the synchronization rate of their displacements.

[0107] More specifically, corresponding to one of the above-described embodiments, when the second drive assembly 134 includes a first power component, a second power component, a first transmission component, and a second transmission component, the first power component in some embodiments may have a rotary drive shaft. Specifically, the first power component may be a motor, and thus the rotary drive shaft may be the output end of the motor. The first transmission component may include a first gear and a first rack. Based on this, the first gear may be connected to the rotary drive shaft, and the first rack may be connected to the first actuation component 1321 and mesh with the first gear. Similarly, the second power component has a rotary drive shaft, and the second transmission component includes a second gear and a second rack. Based on this, the second gear may be connected to the rotary drive shaft, and the second rack may be connected to the second actuation component 1322 and mesh with the second gear. Through the configuration of the above components, taking the action of driving the first actuation component 1321 as an example, the first gear may be rotated by driving the rotary drive shaft to rotate, thereby driving the first rack to move, and simultaneously driving the first actuation component 1321 connected to the first rack to move. The action of driving the second actuation component 1322 is similar. The above configuration allows the two sets of power components and two sets of transmission components to adjust the positions of the first actuator 1321 and the second actuator 1322 respectively, resulting in high flexibility.

[0108] Corresponding to another type of embodiment described above, similar to the configuration described above, when the second drive assembly 134 includes a third power component and a third transmission component, in some embodiments the third power component may have a rotary drive shaft. The third transmission component may include a third gear and two third racks. The third gear may be connected to the rotary drive shaft, and the two third racks may be connected to the first execution component 1321 and the second execution component 1322 respectively, with the two third racks meshing on opposite sides of the third gear. Unlike the driving method described above, which uses two sets of power components and two sets of transmission components to drive the first execution component 1321 and the second execution component 1322 respectively, in this type of embodiment, only one set of power components and transmission components (i.e., the third power component and the third transmission component) is used to drive the first execution component 1321 and the second execution component 1322 simultaneously. Since the two third racks mesh on opposite sides of the third gear respectively, when the third gear rotates, the first execution component 1321 and the second execution component 1322, which are connected to the two third racks on opposite sides respectively, can move in opposite directions simultaneously. The above settings make the driving method simpler and the synchronization rate of the first execution unit 1321 and the second execution unit 1322 is high.

[0109] In addition, the first actuator 1321 or the second actuator 1322 can be driven by other forms of power components and transmission components. For example, the first power component or the second power component can be one of a motor, a hydraulic cylinder, a pneumatic cylinder, or an electric cylinder; the first transmission component or the second transmission component can be one of a sliding transmission device, a linkage transmission device, a chain transmission device, a belt transmission device, or a push rod transmission device. By adopting the above different configurations, the first actuator 1321 and the second actuator 1322 can be driven simultaneously or separately.

[0110] Based on the first embodiment, referring to Figure 5 In some embodiments, the first driving component 133 is configured to drive the execution component 132 to move between a first position and a second position. The execution component 132 can move from the first position to the second position after performing a single first transfer action, and can move from the second position to the first position after performing a single first reset action. Correspondingly, the execution component 132 can move from the second position to the first position after performing a single second transfer action, and can move from the first position to the second position after performing a single second reset action. The above configuration of the first and second positions indicates that when the sample holder 200 needs to be moved in, the execution component 132 is initially located in the first position when the first first transfer action begins, and then in the second position after completing the first first transfer action. Subsequently, it is located in the second position when the first reset action begins, and returns to the first position after completing the first reset action. Applying this to one of the aforementioned embodiments, the first execution component 1321 can abut against the sample holder 200 at the abutment position and perform the first transfer action before descending, causing the execution component 132 to return to its initial first position. Since the sample holder 200 has already been moved a certain distance by the first transfer action, when the second execution component 1322 is subsequently driven to rise and abut against the sample holder 200, the second execution component 1322 can precisely abut against the same abutment position on the sample holder 200. Furthermore, the process of removing the sample holder 200 can be similarly configured, and will not be elaborated here. This configuration allows the execution component 132 to return to its initial position (the position at the start of the first transfer action) before the second transfer action, thus saving the movement distance required for the execution component 132 to drive, while maintaining the same drive stroke, compared to a single-drive action.

[0111] In other embodiments, taking the insertion operation as an example, after the execution component 132 completes the first reset action, it may not return to the first position. When the second execution component 1322 performs the second first transfer action, the execution component 132 may abut against another abutment position of the sample holder 200 (i.e., it may not abut against the previous abutment position of the sample holder 200). Based on this, combined with the abutment drive configuration of the above-mentioned type of embodiment, the sample holder 200 may be provided with two (or two sets) grooves along the insertion direction X1. When the first first transfer action is performed, the execution component may extend into one of the grooves, and when the second first transfer action is performed, the execution component may extend into the other groove. The above-mentioned configuration allows for changes in the contact position as needed, and further reduces the movement distance required for the execution component 132. Specifically, in conjunction with the configuration of the first execution component 1321 and the second execution component 1322, the sample holder 200 can be sequentially provided with a first groove and a second groove along the insertion direction X1. During the first first transfer action, the first execution component 1321 can extend into the second groove. After the first reset action is performed, the second execution component 1322 can be positioned below the first groove. After driving the second execution component 1322 upwards and extending into the first groove, the second execution component 1322 can perform the second first transfer action. This process further reduces the movement distance occupied by the execution component 132 (in other words, under the condition that the movement distance occupied by the execution component 132 remains unchanged, the driving distance of the execution component 132 on the sample holder 200 is longer). The removal operation also has the same effect of reducing the movement distance occupied by the execution component 132.

[0112] When the first drive component 133 is configured to drive the execution component 132 to move between the first position and the second position, refer to Figure 5 In some embodiments, the sample storage module 100 may further include a detection device. The detection device can be used to detect the position of the execution component 132. Specifically, the detection device may include a first sensor and a second sensor. The first sensor may be located at a first position and can be triggered by the execution component 132 moved to the first position. Correspondingly, the second sensor may be located at a second position and can be triggered by the execution component 132 moved to the second position. The first or second sensor may specifically be one of an optical sensor, a resistive sensor, a capacitive sensor, a magnetoresistive sensor, or a contact sensor.

[0113] Based on the above sensor configuration, refer to Figure 5For the insertion operation, when the detection device detects that the execution component 132 performing the first transfer action has moved to the second position, the first drive component 133 can drive the execution component 132 to move to the first position to perform the first reset action. The above-mentioned response action means that after the second sensor detects that the execution component 132 is in the second position, it controls the execution component 132 to stop moving in the insertion direction X1 and can start performing the first reset action. In addition, when the detection device detects that the execution component 132 performing the first reset action has moved to the first position, the first drive component 133 can drive the execution component 132 to move to the second position to perform the first transfer action. The above-mentioned response action means that after the first sensor detects that the execution component 132 is in the first position, the first reset action is completed. After that, the first drive component 133 can drive the execution component 132 to perform the first transfer action again. On the other hand, for the removal operation, when the detection device detects that the execution component 132 performing the second transfer action has moved to the first position, the first drive component 133 can drive the execution component 132 to move to the second position to perform the second reset action; furthermore, when the detection device detects that the execution component 132 performing the second reset action has moved to the second position, the first drive component 133 can drive the execution component 132 to move to the first position to perform the second transfer action. The response actions corresponding to the removal operation are similar to those for the insertion operation, and will not be repeated here. By setting the first sensor, the second sensor, and their corresponding response actions, the displacement of the execution component 132 can be precisely controlled, and a timely feedback signal can be provided for the next action, resulting in a rapid response.

[0114] In addition to the first and second sensors described above, in some embodiments, the detection device may also include other sensors for feedback of various types of information. For example, during the execution of the first transfer action, another sensor may be placed before the second sensor. This sensor can be used to provide a signal that the execution component 132 is about to reach the second position (i.e., this signal can be used to warn that the execution component 132 is about to move to the second position). Upon receiving this signal, the execution component 132 can be controlled to perform other operations, such as decelerating. Besides using sensors, in other embodiments, the detection device may also detect the position of the execution component 132 using a photographing device or an image recognition device.

[0115] Based on the first embodiment, in some embodiments, the distance that the execution component 132 moves along the insertion direction X1 can be greater than or equal to half the length of the carrier component 131 along the insertion direction X1; correspondingly, in other embodiments, the distance that the execution component 132 moves along the removal direction X2 can be greater than or equal to half the length of the carrier component 131 along the removal direction X2. As can be seen from the foregoing description of the embodiments, the effect of saving the movement distance required to drive the execution component 132 can be achieved by performing multiple transfer and reset actions on the execution component 132. Therefore, the above-mentioned limitation on the movement distance of the execution component 132 and the size of the carrier component 131 can make greater use of the above effect. If the distance that the execution component 132 moves along the insertion direction X1 is short, it is not conducive to driving the sample holder 200 to move a longer distance with limited displacement space.

[0116] Based on the first embodiment, the sample holder 200 in some embodiments may include a support body and a gripping rod. Specifically, the support body may have placement holes for placing sample containers, and multiple placement holes may be provided to increase capacity. The gripping rod may be connected to the support body and extend from the top of the support body. The gripping rod may be used by operators or other mechanisms (e.g., external transfer mechanisms for providing the sample holder 200 to the sample storage module 100) to clamp and acquire the sample holder 200. In addition, the sample holder 200 in some embodiments may have multiple abutment portions, which may be located at different positions according to driving requirements. For example, the sample holder 200 may have an abutment portion at each of its two ends along the insertion direction X1. The abutment portions may be used to abut against the execution component 132 when the execution component 132 performs a first transfer action or a second transfer action. In conjunction with the gripping rod configuration in the above embodiments, multiple abutment parts can be symmetrically distributed about the axis of the gripping rod. This configuration ensures that the distribution position of the abutment parts remains unchanged after the sample holder 200 is rotated 180° in the opposite direction. Thus, the symmetrical configuration can save on the angle adjustment operation of the sample holder 200, eliminating the need to turn it around to adjust the orientation of the abutment parts.

[0117] Based on the first embodiment, referring to Figure 3In some embodiments, the storage mechanism 120 may include two sets of storage racks 121 spaced apart along a first horizontal direction X3. A transfer mechanism 130 may be disposed between the two sets of storage racks 121. Each storage rack 121 may have multiple storage positions 122 for storing sample racks 200. The spaced-apart storage racks 121 can expand the storage capacity, and the space between the two sets of storage racks 121 can be used to accommodate other components. The storage racks 121 may have any suitable structure, and the specific structural form of the storage racks 121 may correspond to the structural form of the sample racks 200. For example, in some embodiments, the storage racks 121 may be in the form of a vertical frame structure, and the storage racks 121 may have multiple vertical layers. The storage racks 121 may further have horizontal layers, thereby forming multiple storage compartments, each of which can accommodate one sample rack 200. The ends of the sample racks 200 may be mounted on the frame structure of the storage racks 121. More specifically, the storage rack 121 may include multiple plates spaced apart in a vertical direction (the plates may be further subdivided into multiple units in a horizontal direction). Each plate may have openings, and each opening is designed to accommodate a sample holder 200. Specifically, the sample holder 200 can extend into the opening and be supported by the plate surrounding the opening. To further secure the sample holder 200, the storage rack 121 may have a snap-fit ​​structure that mates with the sample holder 200. For example, the storage rack 121 may have a groove for positioning the sample holder 200, meaning that the sample holder 200 can simultaneously extend into both the opening and the groove of the storage rack 121 during placement.

[0118] In addition, refer to Figures 3-4In some embodiments, the transfer mechanism 130 may further include a third drive assembly 135, a fourth drive assembly 136, a first transmission assembly 137, and a second transmission assembly 138. Specifically, the execution assembly 132 may be connected to the support assembly 131, the support assembly 131 may be connected to the first transmission assembly 137, and the first transmission assembly 137 may be connected to the second transmission assembly 138. Thus, the third drive assembly 135 may be configured to drive the support assembly 131 to move relative to the first transmission assembly 137 in either the vertical direction or the horizontal direction X4, and the fourth drive assembly 136 may be configured to drive the first transmission assembly 137 to move relative to the second transmission assembly 138 in the other direction, either the vertical direction or the horizontal direction X4, so that the support assembly 131 moves to dock with any storage position 122 of the two sets of storage racks 121. The second direction X4 is perpendicular to the first direction X3. It is understood that the configuration of the third drive component 135 described above indicates that, while connected to the carrier component 131, the third drive component 135 can also drive the carrier component 131 to move relative to itself. Therefore, a sliding connection can be adopted between the third drive component 135 and the carrier component 131, and the movement of the carrier component 131 relative to the first transmission component 137 can be represented as the carrier component 131 extending into the groove of the first transmission component 137 and sliding within the groove. Specifically, the third drive component 135 can be a motor, thereby facilitating the driving of the carrier component 131. In addition, by way of example, in some other embodiments, the transmission form between the third drive component 135 and the carrier component 131 can also be one of chain drive, belt drive, or gear drive. Furthermore, depending on the transmission method, in some embodiments, the third drive component 135 can be connected to the carrier component 131 and directly drive the carrier component 131 to move relative to the first transmission component 137; in other embodiments, the third drive component 135 can also be connected to the first transmission component 137 and indirectly drive the carrier component 131 by driving the transmission component of the first transmission component 137 and by connecting the transmission component to the carrier component 131. For example, the transmission component of the first transmission component 137 can be a synchronous belt, which can be fixedly connected to the carrier component 131. Thus, the third drive component 135 can indirectly drive the carrier component 131 by driving the synchronous belt. In such indirect driving embodiments, the carrier component 131 can move together with a part of the first transmission component 137, and the carrier component 131 can move relative to another part of the first transmission component 137.

[0119] Additionally, refer to Figures 3-4The function of the fourth drive assembly 136 in driving the first transmission assembly 137 to move relative to the second transmission assembly 138 in either the vertical direction or the second direction X4 indicates that: when the third drive assembly 135 is used to drive the carrier assembly 131 to move vertically, the fourth drive assembly 136 can be used to drive the first transmission assembly 137 to move horizontally, thereby indirectly driving the carrier assembly 131 to move horizontally; when the third drive assembly 135 is used to drive the carrier assembly 131 to move horizontally, the corresponding fourth drive assembly 136 can be used to drive the first transmission assembly 137 to move vertically; not limited to this, depending on the needs, the third drive assembly 135 / fourth drive assembly 136 can also drive the carrier assembly 131 in any suitable direction. Through the above two-directional drive configuration, the range of motion of the carrier assembly 131 can be increased, making it suitable for the carrier assembly 131 to transport the sample rack 200 to each storage position 122, or conversely, to move the sample rack 200 from each storage position 122 to each opening of the housing 111. Furthermore, depending on the requirements, the third drive assembly 135 and the fourth drive assembly 136 (or the first transmission assembly 137 and the second transmission assembly 138) may have the same or different structural forms. For ease of description, the following description uses an embodiment in which the third drive assembly 135 drives the bearing assembly 131 to move vertically, and the fourth drive assembly 136 drives the first transmission assembly 137 to move horizontally and indirectly drives the bearing assembly 131 to move horizontally.

[0120] It should be noted that in the driving action of the third driving component 135 and the fourth driving component 136 mentioned above, the movement along the vertical direction and the movement along the horizontal direction are both represented by relative motion orientation. That is, the direction of the motion trajectory may not be parallel to the vertical or horizontal direction. One component of the direction of the motion trajectory is the vertical direction, which can be represented as movement along the vertical direction. The same applies to movement along the horizontal direction.

[0121] In addition, to facilitate the transfer of the sample holder 200 relative to the sample storage module 100, refer to Figures 1-2In some embodiments, the housing 111 may have a third opening 1111. The third opening 1111 can be used to allow a sample rack 200 carrying a sample container to enter or exit the housing 111. The transfer mechanism 130 can be used to transfer the sample rack 200 entering from the third opening 1111 to the storage rack 121, or to transfer the sample rack 200 removing from the storage rack 121 to the third opening 1111. It should be noted that in different embodiments, the sample rack 200 may be partially removed from the housing 111 through the third opening 1111, or it may be completely removed from the housing 111 through the third opening 1111. In some embodiments, the sample rack 200 may be used only for receiving sample containers. For example, when a sample container needs to be received, the sample rack 200 may extend from the third opening 1111 inside the housing 111 and take the sample container from the external transfer mechanism, and then retract back into the housing 111 to store the sample container. In other embodiments, the sample rack 200 may initially be located outside the housing 111, and when a sample needs to be stored, the sample rack 200 may be moved into the housing 111. For example, the operator or the external transfer mechanism may first place the sample container on the sample rack 200, and then move the sample rack 200 into the housing 111 when a sample needs to be stored (before this, the sample may be extracted, analyzed, or centrifuged).

[0122] In addition, refer to Figures 1-2 In some embodiments, the housing 111 may have a first opening 1112 on the side adjacent to one of the two sets of storage shelves 121. The housing mechanism 110 may also include a first door 112 connected to the housing 111 and used to open and close the first opening 1112. The housing 111 may also have a second opening 1113 on the side adjacent to the other of the two sets of storage shelves 121. The housing mechanism 110 may also include a second door 113 connected to the housing 111 and used to open and close the second opening 1113. Regarding the function of the first opening 1112, specifically, in some embodiments, when the first door 112 opens the first opening 1112, the sample container stored in the storage position 122 can be moved out from the first opening 1112; in other embodiments, the first opening 1112 may also serve only as an access port providing operating space, or as an observation port; the function of the second opening 1113 can also be configured accordingly with reference to the first opening 1112. Depending on the requirements, in different embodiments, the structural form or opening and closing form of the first door body 112 and the second door body 113 may be the same or different; and the door body may have any suitable opening and closing method. For example, in some embodiments, the first door body 112 / second door body 113 may be one of a revolving door (i.e., the door body can be connected to a pivot and open and close by rotating relative to the pivot), a sliding door, a roller shutter door, a folding door, or a detachable door (i.e., open and close by a detachable structure).

[0123] When the housing 111 includes a first opening 1112, a second opening 1113, and a third opening 1111, and the outer shell mechanism 110 includes corresponding first door 112, second door 113, and third door 114, refer to Figures 1-2 In some embodiments, the side of the housing 111 closest to one of the two sets of storage shelves 121 is designated as a first side 111A, a second side 111B, a third side 111C, a fourth side 111D, a third opening 1111, a first opening 1112, a second opening 1113, a fourth opening 1114, a first door 112, a second door 113, a third door 114, and the side closest to the other of the two sets of storage shelves 121 is designated as a second side 111B. The housing 111 may also include a third side 111C and a fourth side 111D. The first side 111A, the second side 111B, the third side 111C, the fourth side 111D, the third opening 1111, the first opening 1112, the second opening 1113, the fourth opening 1114, the first door 112, the second door 113, the third door 114, the third side 111C, the second side 111B, and the fourth side 111D can be connected sequentially to form the periphery of the housing 111. The third opening 1111 can be located on either the third side 111C or the fourth side 111D. The housing mechanism 110 may also include a third door 114, which can be connected to the housing 111 and used to open and close the third opening 1111. It is understood that the above four sides are all lateral peripheral walls of the housing 111 arranged horizontally around it, and each can correspond to the front, rear, left, and right directions. Among them, the first side 111A, the second side 111B, the third side 111C, the fourth side 111D, the third opening 1111, the first opening 1112, the second opening 1113, the fourth opening 1114, the first door 112, the second door 113, the third door 114, and the second side 111B correspond to the respective sides of the two sets of storage racks 121. Based on the four sides defined above, the third opening 1111 can be set on either the third side 111C or the fourth side 111D. Thus, the opening and closing of the first door 112 or the second door 113 will not affect the operation of the third opening 1111, and it can facilitate interaction between other mechanisms and the third opening 1111.

[0124] In addition, refer to Figures 1-2In some embodiments, the housing 111 may also have a fourth opening 1114, which may be located on the other of the third side 111C and the fourth side 111D. Correspondingly, the housing mechanism 110 may also include a fourth door 115, which may be connected to the housing 111 and used to open and close the fourth opening 1114. The function of the aforementioned fourth opening 1114 can be compared to that of the first opening 1112 / second opening 1113, facilitating operation or observation of the sample storage module 100 by an operator. Alternatively, it can be compared to the third opening 1111, allowing the transfer of the sample holder 200 or other components. For example, the transfer mechanism 130 may be configured to transfer the sample holder 200 from the third opening 1111 into the housing 111 and remove it from the housing 111 through the fourth opening 1114. Furthermore, depending on the requirements, in different embodiments, the fourth door 115 may have the same or different structural form or opening and closing form as the first door 112 / second door 113 / third door 114 described above.

[0125] The foregoing embodiments describe the case where the execution component 132 includes multiple execution parts. In other embodiments, the execution component 132 may also include at least one execution part. Taking a single execution part as an example, the single execution part performs multiple first transfer actions to move into the sample rack 200 and / or performs multiple second transfer actions to move out of the sample rack 200. During the multiple first transfer actions, the contact points between the single execution part and the sample rack 200 are different. During the multiple second transfer actions, the contact points between the single execution part and the sample rack 200 are different. Taking moving into the sample rack 200 through two first transfer actions as an example, the sample rack 200 is provided with two contact parts in sequence along the moving direction X1. The single execution part first contacts one of the contact parts, then drives the sample rack 200 to move a certain distance, the single execution part performs a first reset action, then contacts the second contact part, and then drives the sample rack 200 to move completely in.

[0126] Reference Figures 1-4 as well as Figure 7 The second embodiment of the present invention provides a sample storage module 100, which includes a housing mechanism 110, a storage mechanism 120 and a transfer mechanism 130.

[0127] Specifically, refer to Figure 7The outer casing mechanism 110 includes a casing 111. A storage mechanism 120 is disposed within the casing 111 and includes a storage rack 121 for storing a sample rack 200 containing sample containers. A transfer mechanism 130 is disposed within the casing 111 and includes a carrying component 131, a first actuation component 1321A, a fifth drive component 133A, a second actuation component 1322A, and a sixth drive component 134A. The carrier assembly 131 is used to carry the sample rack 200. The first execution assembly 1321A can be independently driven by the fifth drive assembly 133A to move the sample rack 200 from the storage rack 121 to the carrier assembly 131. The second execution assembly 1322A can be independently driven by the sixth drive assembly 134A to continue moving the partially moved sample rack 200 from the storage rack 121. Alternatively, the second execution assembly 1322A can be independently driven by the sixth drive assembly 134A to move the partially moved sample rack 200 from the storage rack 121. The first execution assembly 1321A can be independently driven by the fifth drive assembly 133A to continue moving the partially moved sample rack 200 out of the storage rack 121. It is understood that the above limitations are similar to the limitations of the sample storage module 100 in the first embodiment of the present invention, and the first driving component 133 and the first execution component 1321 in the first embodiment function similarly to the fifth driving component 133A and the first execution component 1321A in the second embodiment, both for the initial insertion and subsequent removal of the sample rack 200; in addition, the second driving component 134 and the second execution component 1322 in the first embodiment function similarly to the sixth driving component 134A and the second execution component 1322A in the second embodiment, both for the initial removal and subsequent insertion of the sample rack 200. The difference is that in the second embodiment of the present invention, the first execution component 1321A and the second execution component 1322A are driven independently by the fifth driving component 133A and the sixth driving component 134A respectively, and a reset action may not be performed between adjacent insertion / removal actions. Therefore, the configuration in the second embodiment can achieve the same effect of splitting the insertion / extraction action to transfer the sample rack 200. Since there is no need to perform a reset action, and the first execution component 1321A and the second execution component 1322A are independent actions that do not affect each other, the movement time of the entire insertion / extraction action can be saved. Moreover, the configuration of multiple actions is more flexible. For example, the part that abuts against the sample rack 200 can be different in each multiple action, or the direction of movement can be different.

[0128] Furthermore, based on the similar operation processes and identical operation effects of the two types of sample storage modules 100 in the first and second embodiments described above, in some embodiments, the configuration of the structure and function of the sample storage module 100 in the second embodiment can be referred to the sample storage module 100 in the first embodiment, which will not be repeated here.

[0129] Additionally, refer to Figure 7 The fifth drive assembly 133A includes a first power output component 1331A, and the first execution assembly 1321A may include a third execution component 13211A for abutting against the sample holder 200. The first execution component 1321A may be connected to the first power output component 1331A. It is understood that the first power output component 1331A can be used to transmit power from the fifth drive assembly 133A to the third execution component 13211A (the first power output component 1331A may also be connected to the entire first execution assembly 1321A). More specifically, in some embodiments, the fifth drive assembly 133A may include a sliding transmission device, the slide of which can extend into the slide rail and be connected to the third execution component 13211A, wherein the slide is the first power output component 1331A. Based on the above configuration, in some embodiments, as the sample rack 200 moves into the storage rack 121 along the moving direction X1, the third execution component 13211A may be offset relative to the first power output component 1331A and located behind the first power output component 1331A. It is understood that since the first power output component 1331A is used for power transmission, the movement space required for the first execution component 1321A to move along the moving direction X1 is the same as the movement distance of the first power output component 1331A. In this case, the extension distance of the first execution component 1321A can exceed the first power output component 1331A. Specifically, the first execution component 1321A can extend into the gap (e.g., the bottom space of the storage position 122) without occupying additional space. According to the above configuration, since the third execution component 13211A is located behind the first power output component 1331A along the insertion direction X1 (that is, before performing the insertion / extraction operation, the third execution component 13211A is located on the side of the first power output component 1331A away from the storage rack 121), the third execution component 13211A can pick up the sample rack 200 to a more distant position when the movement distance of the first power output component 1331A is constant, and the third execution component 13211A can move the sample rack 200 a longer distance, which is beneficial to improving the storage capacity of the sample storage module 100.

[0130] Furthermore, based on the second embodiment, the second execution component 1322A can also be configured similarly to the first execution component 1321A described above. Specifically, refer to... Figure 7In some embodiments, the sixth drive component 134A includes a second power output component 1341A, and the second execution component 1322A includes a fourth execution component 13221A for abutting against the sample holder 200. The second execution component 1322A is connected to the second power output component 1341A and moves along the moving direction X1 of the sample holder 200 into the storage rack 121. The fourth execution component 13221A is offset relative to the second power output component 1341A and located in front of the second power output component 1341A. It is understood that the configuration of the second execution component 1322A in this type of embodiment is similar to that in the previous embodiment, and together they can improve the storage capacity of the sample storage module 100.

[0131] Furthermore, based on the second embodiment, and based on the second power output component 1341A, the fourth actuation component 13221A, and their configuration as defined above, referring to... Figure 7In some embodiments, the fifth drive assembly 133A and the sixth drive assembly 134A can be arranged side by side along the width direction W of the sample holder 200. Correspondingly, the sample holder 200 can have a first abutment portion and a second abutment portion arranged along the width direction W. The sample holder 200 is connected to the third execution component 13211A or the fourth execution component 13221A. The length direction of the sample holder 200 is parallel to the insertion / extraction direction X2, and the width direction W of the sample holder 200 is perpendicular to the length direction. Furthermore, both the first abutment portion and the second abutment portion can have only one abutment position or include multiple abutment positions. Based on the above configuration, for the removal operation, when the sample rack 200 is removed from the storage rack 121, the fourth execution component 13221A can be used to abut against the second abutment part and can be driven by the second power output component 1341A to remove part of the sample rack 200 on the carrying assembly 131 from the storage rack 121; correspondingly, the third execution component 13211A can be used to abut against the first abutment part and can be driven by the first power output component 1331A to remove part of the sample rack 200 that continues to be removed from the storage rack 121. In addition, for the removal operation, when the sample rack 200 is moved into the storage rack 121, the third actuating component 13211A is used to abut against the first abutting part and can be driven by the first power output component 1331A to move the sample rack 200 from the storage rack 121 to the carrier assembly 131; correspondingly, the fourth actuating component 13221A can be used to abut against the second abutting part and can be driven by the second power output component 1341A to continue moving the sample rack 200 from the storage rack 121 to the storage rack 121. It is understood that the above-described limitation on the contact and movement of the third actuator 13211A and the fourth actuator 13221A indicates that when the two actuators perform the insertion / removal operation, they respectively contact the first contact part and the second contact part. Furthermore, the fifth drive assembly 133A and the sixth drive assembly 134A, as well as the first contact part and the second contact part, are all arranged opposite each other along the width direction W of the sample holder 200. This ensures that the actions of the third actuator 13211A and the fourth actuator 13221A do not interfere with each other. For example, during the insertion operation, the third actuator 13211A... After A completes the initial move-in action, it can remain in place (or move downwards). Subsequently, the fourth execution unit 13221A can immediately execute the continued move-in action. Before the third execution unit 13211A completes the initial move-in action, the fourth execution unit 13221A can be driven to the vicinity of the starting execution position corresponding to the subsequent continued move-in action. For example, it can first move to below the starting execution position, thereby further saving the movement time of the entire move-in action and making the transfer efficiency higher. The same effect can be produced when performing the move-out operation, which will not be elaborated here.

[0132] The embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various changes can be made within the scope of knowledge possessed by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Furthermore, the embodiments of the present invention and the features thereof can be combined with each other unless otherwise specified.

Claims

1. A sample storage module, characterized in that, include: The housing mechanism includes the housing itself; A storage mechanism, disposed within the housing, includes a storage rack for storing a sample rack containing sample containers; A transfer mechanism, disposed within the housing, includes a support component, an execution component, and a first drive component. The support component carries the sample rack. The execution component is driven by the first drive component to move the sample rack on the support component into the storage rack, or to move the sample rack out of the storage rack and transfer it to the support component. The execution component includes a first execution part and a second execution part, which are arranged sequentially along the direction of sample rack insertion and can be driven by the first drive component to move along the direction of insertion or the direction of sample rack removal. Wherein, when the sample rack is moved into the storage rack, the first driving component is configured to drive the execution component to perform at least two first transfer actions, and to perform a first reset action between two adjacent first transfer actions. When the execution component performs the first transfer action, it can drive the sample rack to move along the moving-in direction. When the execution component performs the first reset action, it can move relative to the sample rack along the moving-out direction, which is opposite to the moving-in direction. The first driving component is configured to drive the execution component to perform at least two first transfer actions, and to perform a first reset action between two adjacent first transfer actions, including: the first driving component is configured to drive the first execution component to perform at least one first transfer action to drive the sample rack to move a first distance along the moving-in direction; and after the sample rack moves the first distance, it drives the second execution component to perform at least one first transfer action to drive the sample rack to move a second distance along the moving-in direction. And / or, when the sample rack is removed from the storage rack, the first driving component is configured to drive the execution component to perform at least two second transfer actions, and to perform a second reset action between two adjacent second transfer actions, wherein the execution component is capable of driving the sample rack to move along the removal direction when performing the second transfer action, and the execution component is capable of moving relative to the sample rack along the removal direction when performing the second reset action; the first driving component is configured to drive the execution component to perform at least two second transfer actions, and to perform a second reset action between two adjacent second transfer actions, including: the first driving component is configured to drive the second execution component to perform at least one second transfer action to drive the sample rack to move a third distance along the removal direction, and after the sample rack moves the third distance, drive the first execution component to perform at least one second transfer action to drive the sample rack to move a fourth distance along the removal direction.

2. The sample storage module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first execution unit and the second execution unit are configured to be driven by the first drive component to move synchronously along the insertion direction or the removal direction of the sample holder; And / or, the first distance is equal to the second distance; And / or, the third distance is equal to the fourth distance; And / or, the third distance is equal to the first distance; And / or, the fourth distance is equal to the second distance.

3. The sample storage module according to claim 1, characterized in that, When the sample rack is moved into the storage rack, the first execution component performs the first transfer action once to drive the sample rack to move the first distance along the moving direction, and the second execution component performs the first transfer action once to drive the sample rack to move the second distance along the moving direction. The first execution component and the second execution component abut against the same part of the sample rack when the first execution component performs the first transfer action. And / or, when the sample rack is removed from the storage rack, the second execution component performs the second transfer action once to drive the sample rack to move the third distance along the removal direction, and the first execution component performs the second transfer action once to drive the sample rack to move the fourth distance along the removal direction, and the first execution component abuts against the same part of the sample rack when performing the second transfer action as the second execution component performs the second transfer action.

4. The sample storage module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The supporting component has a supporting surface for placing the sample holder. The first and second executing components are lower than the supporting surface before performing the first or second transfer action. The transfer mechanism further includes a second driving component. The first and second executing components are connected to the first driving component through the second driving component. The second driving component is used to drive the first and second executing components to move in the vertical direction. Wherein, when the sample rack is moved into the storage rack, the second driving component is configured to drive the first execution component or the second execution component to move upward before performing the first transfer action, and then perform the first transfer action after moving upward; and the second driving component is also configured to drive the first execution component or the second execution component to move downward after performing the first transfer action once, and then perform the first reset action after moving downward. And / or, when the sample rack is removed from the storage rack, the second drive component is configured to drive the first execution component or the second execution component to move upward before performing the second transfer action, and to perform the second transfer action after moving upward; and the second drive component is further configured to drive the first execution component or the second execution component to move downward after performing the second transfer action once, and to perform the second reset action after moving downward.

5. The sample storage module according to claim 4, characterized in that, The bottom surface of the sample holder is provided with a groove. When the second drive component drives the first execution component or the second execution component to move upward, the first execution component or the second execution component extends into the groove.

6. The sample storage module according to claim 4, characterized in that, The second drive assembly includes a first power component, a second power component, a first transmission component, and a second transmission component. The first execution component is connected to the first power component through the first transmission component and can be driven by the first power component to move in the up-down direction. The second execution component is connected to the second power component through the second transmission component and can be driven by the second power component to move in the up-down direction. Alternatively, the second drive assembly includes a third power component and a third transmission component, wherein both the first execution component and the second execution component are connected to the third power component through the third transmission component, wherein when the third power component drives one of the first execution component and the second execution component to move upward, the other moves downward synchronously.

7. The sample storage module according to claim 6, characterized in that, The first power component has a rotary drive shaft, and the first transmission component includes a first gear and a first rack. The first gear is connected to the rotary drive shaft, and the first rack is connected to the first actuation component and meshes with the first gear. Alternatively, the second power component has a rotary drive shaft, and the second transmission component includes a second gear and a second rack, the second gear being connected to the rotary drive shaft, and the second rack being connected to the second actuating component and meshing with the second gear.

8. The sample storage module according to claim 6, characterized in that, The third power component has a rotary drive shaft, and the third transmission component includes a third gear and two third racks. The third gear is connected to the rotary drive shaft, and the two third racks are respectively connected to the first actuating component and the second actuating component, and the two third racks are respectively meshed on opposite sides of the third gear.

9. The sample storage module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first driving component is configured to drive the execution component to move between a first position and a second position; The execution component moves from the first position to the second position after performing a single first transfer action, and moves from the second position to the first position after performing a single first reset action; And / or, the execution component moves from the second position to the first position after performing a single second transfer action, and moves from the first position to the second position after performing a single second reset action.

10. The sample storage module according to claim 9, characterized in that, The sample storage module further includes a detection device, which is used to detect the position of the execution component; Wherein, when the detection device detects that the execution component performing the first transfer action has moved to the second position, the first driving component drives the execution component to move to the first position to perform the first reset action; and when the detection device detects that the execution component performing the first reset action has moved to the first position, the first driving component drives the execution component to move to the second position to perform the first transfer action. And / or, when the detection device detects that the execution component performing the second transfer action has moved to the first position, the first driving component drives the execution component to move to the second position to perform the second reset action; and when the detection device detects that the execution component performing the second reset action has moved to the second position, the first driving component drives the execution component to move to the first position to perform the second transfer action.

11. The sample storage module according to claim 10, characterized in that, The detection device includes a first sensor and a second sensor. The first sensor is located at the first position and can be triggered by the execution component that moves to the first position. The second sensor is located at the second position and can be triggered by the execution component that moves to the second position.

12. The sample storage module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The distance that the execution component moves along the moving direction is greater than or equal to half the length of the carrying component along the moving direction; And / or, the distance the execution component moves along the removal direction is greater than or equal to half the length of the carrying component along the removal direction.

13. The sample storage module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sample holder includes a support body and a gripping rod. The support body has a placement hole for placing sample containers, and the gripping rod is connected to the support body and extends from the top of the support body. The sample holder has multiple abutment portions, which are used to abut against the execution component when the execution component performs the first transfer action or the second transfer action. The multiple abutment portions are axially symmetrically distributed about the axis of the gripping rod.

14. The sample storage module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The storage mechanism includes two sets of storage racks spaced apart along a first horizontal direction, and the transfer mechanism is disposed between the two sets of storage racks. Each storage rack has a plurality of storage positions for storing the sample racks. The transfer mechanism further includes a third drive component, a fourth drive component, a first transmission component, and a second transmission component. The execution component is connected to the carrier component, the carrier component is connected to the first transmission component, and the first transmission component is connected to the second transmission component. The third drive component is configured to drive the carrier component to move relative to the first transmission component in one of a vertical direction and a horizontal direction. The fourth drive component is configured to drive the first transmission component to move relative to the second transmission component in the other of a vertical direction and a horizontal direction, so that the carrier component moves to dock with any of the two sets of storage racks. The second direction is perpendicular to the first direction.

15. The sample storage module according to claim 14, characterized in that, The housing has a third opening for a sample rack containing a sample container to enter or exit the housing; the transfer mechanism is used to transfer a sample rack entering from the third opening to the storage rack, or to transfer a sample rack exiting from the storage rack to the third opening. The housing has a first opening on the side near one of the two sets of storage shelves. The housing mechanism also includes a first door connected to the housing and used to open and close the first opening. The housing also has a second opening on the side near the other of the two sets of storage shelves. The housing mechanism also includes a second door connected to the housing and used to open and close the second opening.

16. The sample storage module according to claim 15, characterized in that, The housing has a first side on the side closest to one of the two sets of storage shelves and a second side on the side closest to the other of the two sets of storage shelves. The housing also includes a third side and a fourth side, wherein the first side, the third side, the second side and the fourth side are connected in sequence to form the periphery of the housing. The third opening is provided on one of the third side and the fourth side. The housing mechanism also includes a third door, which is connected to the housing and used to open and close the third opening.

17. The sample storage module according to claim 16, characterized in that, The housing also has a fourth opening, which is located on the other of the third side and the fourth side. The housing mechanism also includes a fourth door, which is connected to the housing and used to open and close the fourth opening.

18. A sample storage module, characterized in that, include: The housing mechanism includes the housing itself; A storage mechanism, disposed within the housing, includes a storage rack for storing a sample rack containing sample containers; A transfer mechanism, disposed within the housing, includes a support component, a first execution component, a fifth drive component, a second execution component, and a sixth drive component. The support component carries the sample rack. The first execution component can be independently driven by the fifth drive component to move the sample rack from the storage rack portion onto the support component. The second execution component can be independently driven by the sixth drive component to continue moving the partially moved sample rack from the storage rack into the storage rack. Alternatively, the second execution component can be independently driven by the sixth drive component to move the sample rack portion off the support component from the storage rack. The first execution component can be independently driven by the fifth drive component to continue moving the partially moved sample rack out of the storage rack. The fifth drive component includes a first power output component, and the first execution component includes a third execution component for abutting the sample rack. The first execution component is connected to the first power output component. In the direction of moving the sample rack into the storage rack, the third execution component is offset relative to the first power output component and located behind the first power output component.

19. The sample storage module according to claim 18, characterized in that, The sixth drive assembly includes a second power output component, and the second execution assembly includes a fourth execution component for abutting the sample rack. The second execution component is connected to the second power output component and moves along the moving direction of the sample rack into the storage rack. The fourth execution component is offset relative to the second power output component and is located in front of the second power output component.

20. The sample storage module according to claim 18, characterized in that, The sixth drive component includes a second power output component, and the second actuation component includes a fourth actuation component for abutting the sample holder, and the second actuation component is connected to the second power output component; The fifth drive assembly and the sixth drive assembly are arranged side by side along the width direction of the sample rack, and the sample rack has a first abutting part and a second abutting part arranged along the width direction; When the sample rack is removed from the storage rack, the fourth actuating component is used to abut against the second abutting part and can be driven by the second power output component to move the sample rack portion on the carrying assembly out of the storage rack. The third actuating component is used to abut against the first abutting part and can be driven by the first power output component to continue to move the partially removed sample rack out of the storage rack. And / or, when the sample rack is moved into the storage rack, the third actuating component is used to abut against the first abutting part and can be driven by the first power output component to move the sample rack from the storage rack to the carrier assembly, and the fourth actuating component is used to abut against the second abutting part and can be driven by the second power output component to continue moving the partially moved sample rack from the storage rack into the storage rack.

Citation Information

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