Sample processing unit, sample loading unit and sample analysis system

Abstract

The invention discloses a sample processing unit, a sample loading unit and a sample analysis system. The sample processing unit comprises a sample loading assembly, a transfer assembly and an output assembly, the sample loading assembly comprises a first stock bin, a second stock bin, a feeding mechanism and a flow limiting mechanism, the first stock bin forms a storage space, the storage space is used for storing a sample container which is received by the second stock bin and flows into the first stock bin from the second stock bin, and the feeding mechanism is connected to the first stock bin; the conveying assembly is used for conveying the sample containers in the storage space to the transferring assembly in a single sample container mode; when the sample containers flow into the first bin from the second bin, the flow limiting mechanism is configured to limit the flux of the sample containers flowing into the storage space, and the storage space is configured to be capable of storing a plurality of sample containers. The flux of the sample containers flowing into the storage space is limited through the flow limiting mechanism, and the problem that the sample containers are blocked in the first stock bin can be solved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of medical device technology, and in particular to a sample processing unit, a sample loading unit, and a sample analysis system. Background Technology

[0002] A current sample processing system includes a test tube tilting device. This device pours randomly arranged test tubes containing samples into the system, which then organizes and outputs them in an orderly manner. The system then assembles the tubes and places them onto a multi-well sample rack or a single / double-well sample holder, thus automating the processing of disordered test tubes and eliminating the need for manual insertion of tubes into the rack, saving manpower. However, if the hopper of the tilting device has limited capacity, pouring a large number of test tubes into it in a short time may cause blockage, leading to test tube jamming and affecting the output of the sample. 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 processing unit that can limit the flow through a flow-limiting mechanism, thereby improving the problem of sample container blockage in the hopper.

[0004] The present invention also proposes a sample loading unit.

[0005] The present invention also proposes a sample analysis system that applies the aforementioned sample processing unit.

[0006] The sample processing unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention includes a sample loading component, a transfer component, and an output component; The sample loading assembly includes a first hopper, a second hopper, a feeding mechanism, and a flow limiting mechanism. The first hopper includes a bottom wall and a side wall connected to the bottom wall. The bottom wall and the side wall surround to form a storage space. The storage space is used to store sample containers received by the second hopper and flowing into the first hopper from the second hopper. The feeding mechanism is connected to the first hopper and is used to transport the sample containers in the storage space to the transfer assembly as individual sample containers. The transfer component is used to receive the single sample container conveyed by the feeding mechanism and transfer the single sample container to the output component; The output component is used to receive the single sample container from the transfer component and output the single sample container or at least one single sample container carried on the sample carrying component; Wherein, when the sample container flows from the second silo into the first silo, the flow limiting mechanism is configured to limit the flow of the sample container into the storage space, and the storage space is configured to store multiple sample containers.

[0007] The sample processing unit according to embodiments of the present invention has at least the following beneficial effects: This invention limits the flow of sample containers into the storage space by using a flow-limiting mechanism. In this way, even if a large number of sample containers are poured into the second hopper in a short period of time, the flow will be limited by the flow-limiting mechanism, so that they gradually enter the first hopper over a relatively long period of time, thus improving the problem of sample containers getting clogged in the first hopper.

[0008] In other embodiments of the invention, the flow limiting mechanism is used to define a transmission channel for transmitting the sample container, the transmission channel being configured to taper toward the storage space along the inflow direction of the sample container.

[0009] In other embodiments of the present invention, the side wall of the silo is provided with a first opening for the sample container to flow from the second silo into the first silo, and the flow limiting mechanism includes a flow limiting component that extends at least partially into the storage space; The transmission channel includes a guide space located between the extension portion of the flow limiting component and the first opening. The guide space is connected to the first opening and is open at least toward the bottom wall of the silo. And / or, the flow-limiting component is disposed on the upper side of the first opening and extends obliquely toward the bottom wall of the hopper, and the flow-limiting component, the side wall of the hopper, and the bottom wall of the hopper together define the transmission channel.

[0010] In other embodiments of the invention, the flow limiting mechanism includes an adjustment component, the flow limiting mechanism being configured to adjust the extension length of the transmission channel along the inflow direction of the sample container by means of the adjustment component, and / or to adjust the outlet size of the transmission channel by means of the adjustment component.

[0011] In other embodiments of the invention, the flow limiting mechanism further includes a flow limiting component that extends at least partially into the storage space, the flow limiting component being connected to the first hopper via the adjusting component, wherein the flow limiting component is configured to adjust the extension length of the transmission channel along the inflow direction of the sample container by moving the adjusting component relative to the first hopper, and / or the flow limiting component is configured to adjust the outlet size of the transmission channel by rotating the adjusting component relative to the first hopper.

[0012] In other embodiments of the present invention, the adjusting component includes a first adjusting part, a second adjusting part, a first locking component, and a second locking component. The first adjusting part is connected to the first hopper, the second adjusting part is movably connected to the first adjusting part, the flow limiting component is movably connected to the second adjusting part, the first locking component locks the first adjusting part and the second adjusting part, and the second locking component locks the flow limiting component and the second adjusting part. Specifically, when the first locking component is unlocked, the second adjusting part can drive the flow limiting component to rotate relative to the first adjusting part to adjust the outlet size of the transmission channel; and when the second locking component is unlocked, the flow limiting component can move relative to the second adjusting part to adjust the extension length of the transmission channel along the inflow direction of the sample container.

[0013] In other embodiments of the present invention, the flow limiting mechanism is disposed on the outer side of the side wall of the silo, the interior of the flow limiting mechanism defines the transmission channel, and the two ends of the transmission channel are respectively connected to the first silo and the second silo.

[0014] In other embodiments of the invention, the flow-limiting mechanism is configured to allow multiple sample containers to pass through together.

[0015] In other embodiments of the present invention, the current limiting mechanism is used to define a transmission channel for transmitting the sample container; Wherein, the volume of the transmission channel is greater than the sum of the volumes of at least two of the sample containers; And / or, the length of the inlet of the transmission channel is greater than the axial length of a single sample container, and / or, the width of the inlet of the transmission channel is greater than the sum of the diameters of at least two sample containers; And / or, the length of the outlet of the transmission channel is greater than the axial length of a single sample container, and / or, the width of the outlet of the transmission channel is greater than the sum of the diameters of at least two sample containers; And / or, the length of the cross section of the transmission channel perpendicular to the inflow direction of the sample container is greater than the axial length of a single sample container, and / or, the width of the cross section is greater than the sum of the diameters of at least two sample containers, and / or, the area of ​​the cross section is greater than the sum of the areas of the cross sections of at least two sample containers perpendicular to their own axial direction; And / or, the inlet area of ​​the transmission channel is greater than the outlet area of ​​the transmission channel.

[0016] In other embodiments of the invention, the flow-limiting mechanism is configured to allow the sample container to pass continuously through the transmission channel.

[0017] In other embodiments of the present invention, the sample loading assembly further includes a stirring mechanism connected to the first hopper, the stirring mechanism including a stirring component and a first driving component, the stirring component being configured to be driven by the first driving component to stir the sample container.

[0018] In other embodiments of the present invention, the stirring component is disposed at the bottom of the first hopper and can be driven by the first driving component to move relative to the bottom wall of the hopper to stir the sample container.

[0019] In other embodiments of the invention, the stirring component is configured to move vertically relative to the bottom wall of the first hopper to stir the sample container.

[0020] In other embodiments of the invention, the stirring member is inclined relative to the horizontal plane and toward the feeding mechanism, and the stirring member is configured to move up and down relative to the bottom wall of the bin in the direction of inclination.

[0021] In other embodiments of the present invention, the stirring component includes a first stirring section spaced apart from the feeding mechanism, and the minimum distance between the first stirring section and the feeding mechanism along the distribution direction of the two is greater than the diameter of the sample container; And / or, the stirring component includes a second stirring section spaced apart from the feeding mechanism, and the maximum distance between the second stirring section and the feeding mechanism along the distribution direction of the two is less than the diameter of the sample container; And / or, the stirring component includes a first stirring section and a second stirring section spaced apart, and the second stirring section is located on the side of the first stirring section facing the feeding mechanism. Along the distribution direction of the first stirring section and the second stirring section, the minimum distance between them is greater than the diameter of the sample container.

[0022] In other embodiments of the present invention, a guide portion is provided on the top of the stirring component. The guide portion is configured such that when the sample container abuts against the guide portion and the stirring component moves up and down relative to the bottom wall of the chamber, the guide portion is used to guide the sample container to slide along the guide portion and change its posture.

[0023] In other embodiments of the present invention, the stirring component includes a first side and a second side disposed opposite to each other, and the guide portion includes a first guide surface and a second guide surface disposed sequentially along the direction from the first side to the second side; Wherein, along the direction from the first side to the second side, the distance of the first guide surface relative to the bottom wall of the silo decreases, and along the direction from the second side to the first side, the distance of the second guide surface relative to the bottom wall of the silo decreases; Preferably, the stirring component includes a first stirring section spaced apart from the feeding mechanism. Along the distribution direction of the first stirring section and the feeding mechanism, the minimum distance between them is greater than the diameter of the sample container. The top of the first stirring section is provided with a first guide surface and a second guide surface. Preferably, the stirring component includes a second stirring section spaced apart from the feeding mechanism. The maximum distance between the second stirring section and the feeding mechanism along their distribution direction is less than the diameter of the sample container. The top of the second stirring section is provided with the first guide surface and the second guide surface.

[0024] In other embodiments of the present invention, the feeding mechanism includes a fixed component, a moving component, and a second driving component. The fixed component is connected to the first hopper, and the moving component is movably connected to the fixed component and can be driven by the second driving component to move relative to the fixed component to transport the single sample container. Preferably, the first driving component and the second driving component are the same driving component.

[0025] In other embodiments of the present invention, the sidewall of the silo includes a plurality of side plates arranged sequentially along the circumference of the bottom wall of the silo, one of the side plates being provided with a first opening for the sample container to flow from the second silo into the first silo, at least one of the other side plates being provided with a second opening for the user to interact with the first silo, the first silo further including a first door body, the first door body being connected to the side plate provided with the second opening body for opening and closing the second opening body.

[0026] In other embodiments of the present invention, the sample processing unit further includes a housing assembly, the housing assembly including a relatively independent first housing and a second housing, the first hopper being disposed within the first housing, the second hopper being disposed within the second housing, the first housing including a second door, the first housing having a third opening corresponding to the second opening, and the second door being used to open and close the third opening.

[0027] In other embodiments of the present invention, the first hopper further includes a guide component, the guide component being provided with a guide surface, the guide surface being configured such that when the sample container abuts against the guide surface, the guide surface is used to guide the sample container to slide along the guide surface and change its posture; The sample processing unit includes at least one of the following schemes: The side wall of the warehouse includes a plurality of side plates arranged sequentially along the circumference of the bottom wall of the warehouse. In each group of adjacent side plates, at least one group of adjacent side plates is provided with the guide component at the included angle. And / or, the first hopper further includes a functional structure that protrudes from the inner surface of the hopper sidewall, and the guide component is disposed on the side of the functional structure facing the first opening, the first opening being used to allow the sample container to flow from the second hopper into the first hopper; And / or, the first hopper further includes a functional structure that protrudes from the inner surface of the hopper sidewall, and the guide component is disposed on the side of the functional structure facing the feeding mechanism; And / or, the first hopper further includes a functional structure that protrudes from the inner surface of the hopper sidewall, and the guide component is disposed on the upper side of the functional structure; And / or, the first hopper further includes a functional structure that protrudes from the inner surface of the hopper sidewall, and the guide component is disposed on the lower side of the functional structure; And / or, the first hopper further includes a functional structure that protrudes from the inner surface of the hopper sidewall, and the guide component covers the outer side of the functional structure.

[0028] In other embodiments of the present invention, the feeding mechanism includes at least one first feeding component and a second driving component. The at least one first feeding component includes a single movable plate and a single fixed plate. The movable plate and the fixed plate are arranged side by side. The fixed plate is fixed relative to the first hopper. The second driving component is connected to the movable plate and is used to drive the movable plate to reciprocate between a first position and a second position relative to the fixed plate. When the movable plate is in the first position, the top end of the movable plate is lower than the top end of the fixed plate, and the top end of the movable plate receives the single sample container. When the movable plate is in the second position, the top end of the movable plate is not lower than the top end of the fixed plate, and the single sample container is transferred from the top end of the movable plate to the top end of the fixed plate. The fixing plate includes a main body and at least two protrusions. The protrusions are used to support the single sample container. The at least two protrusions are connected to the upper end of the main body and are spaced apart along the extension direction of the upper end of the main body. The distance between two adjacent protrusions is less than the length of the sample container. The upper end of the main body has an inclined separation surface. In the first feeding component, the separation surface is inclined downward toward the movable plate.

[0029] In other embodiments of the invention, the distance between two adjacent protrusions is greater than the diameter of the sample container; And / or, at least two of the protrusions are symmetrically arranged at the upper end of the body about the central axis of the body.

[0030] In other embodiments of the present invention, the sample processing unit further includes a housing assembly, the housing assembly including a relatively independent first housing and a second housing, the first hopper, the transfer assembly and the output assembly being disposed within the first housing, and the second hopper being disposed within the second housing.

[0031] According to a second embodiment of the present invention, a sample loading unit includes a first housing and a sample loading component disposed within the first housing; The sample loading component includes a first hopper and a feeding mechanism. The first hopper has a storage space and a first opening communicating with the storage space. The storage space is used to store sample containers that flow into it through the first opening. The feeding mechanism is connected to the first hopper and is used to output the sample containers in the storage space as individual sample containers. The storage space is connected to the first opening via a transmission channel, which is configured to taper toward the storage space along the flow direction of the sample container to limit the throughput of the sample container flowing into the storage space.

[0032] In other embodiments of the present invention, the sample loading component further includes a current limiting mechanism for defining the transmission channel.

[0033] In other embodiments of the present invention, the first hopper includes a bottom wall and a side wall connected to the bottom wall, the bottom wall and the side wall surround to form the storage space, the side wall is provided with the first opening, and the flow limiting mechanism includes a flow limiting component that extends at least partially into the storage space. The transmission channel includes a guide space located between the extension portion of the flow limiting component and the first opening. The guide space is connected to the first opening and is open at least toward the bottom wall of the silo. And / or, the flow-limiting component is disposed on the upper side of the first opening and extends obliquely toward the bottom wall of the hopper, and the flow-limiting component, the side wall of the hopper, and the bottom wall of the hopper together define the transmission channel.

[0034] In other embodiments of the present invention, the sample feeding unit further includes a second hopper, which is connected to the first hopper through the first opening, and the sample container can be received by the second hopper and flow into the first hopper from the second hopper.

[0035] A sample analysis system according to a third embodiment of the present invention includes: The aforementioned sample processing unit; A sample analysis unit is used to analyze the samples within the single sample container; A transmission unit, connecting the sample processing unit and the sample analysis unit, is used to transport the single sample container or the sample carrying component output by the sample processing unit to the sample analysis unit.

[0036] 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

[0037] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments, wherein: Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the sample processing unit in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the hidden housing of the sample processing unit; Figure 3 for Figure 1 The sample processing unit displays a schematic diagram showing the first hopper disposed within the first housing; Figure 4 To display Figure 1 A schematic diagram showing the connection relationship between the first material hopper, the feeding mechanism, and the flow restriction mechanism; Figure 5 for Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the decomposition process; Figure 6 for Figure 4 A cross-sectional schematic diagram; Figure 7 To display Figure 1 A schematic diagram showing the connection between the first silo and the flow restriction mechanism; Figure 8 for Figure 7 A schematic diagram from another direction; Figure 9 for Figure 1 A three-dimensional schematic diagram of the central feeding mechanism; Figure 10 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the adjusting component in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 11 for Figure 1 A front view of one of the side panels in the side wall of the central warehouse; Figure 12 for Figure 11 A three-dimensional schematic diagram; Figure 13 for Figure 12 A 3D schematic diagram of the hidden guide components; Figure 14 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the fixing plate in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram of the module of the sample analysis system in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] Figure label: Sample processing unit 1; Sample analysis unit 2; Transmission unit 3; Housing assembly 100, first housing 110, third opening 111, second door 112, second housing 120. Sample loading assembly 200, first hopper 210, hopper bottom wall 211, through groove 2111, hopper side wall 212, first opening 2121, second opening 2122, first door 213, first side plate 214, second side plate 215, second hopper 220, inlet 221, feeding mechanism 230, fixing plate 231, main body 2311, protrusion 2312, separation surface 2313, movable plate 232, second driving component 233, stirring mechanism 240, stirring component 241 First stirring section 241a, second stirring section 241b, first guide surface 2411, second guide surface 2412, storage cavity 250, flow limiting mechanism 260, transmission channel 261, guide space 261a, flow limiting component 262, adjustment component 263, first adjustment component 2631, second adjustment component 2632, first locking component 2633, second locking component 2634, connecting component 270, guide component 280, guide surface 281, functional structure 290; Transfer component 300; Output component 400. Detailed Implementation

[0039] 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.

[0040] 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.

[0041] 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.

[0042] In the description of this invention, unless otherwise explicitly defined, terms such as "set up," "install," and "connect" 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.

[0043] 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.

[0044] As mentioned earlier, there is currently a sample input / output module that integrates a tilting sample loading unit, capable of supporting batch, disordered loading of sample containers. Specifically, the tilting sample loading unit includes an inner chamber and an outer chamber. The inner chamber is located inside the housing of the sample input / output module, while the outer chamber is located outside the housing. After the user pours the scattered, disordered sample containers into the outer chamber, the sample containers will enter the inner chamber from the outer chamber and be sorted by a feeding mechanism before being output. Since the inner chamber is located inside the housing of the sample input / output module, and the space inside the housing is limited, the volume of the inner chamber is usually also limited. For this type of sample loading unit, if a large number of sample containers are poured into the outer chamber in a short time, the sample containers may become clogged in the smaller inner chamber, causing the feeding mechanism to be unable to sort the sample containers properly, thus affecting the output of the sample containers. Based on the above problems, this invention proposes a sample processing unit that improves the clogging problem by setting a flow-limiting mechanism to limit the flow of sample containers entering the hopper. The following description is in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0045] Reference Figures 1 to 3 The diagrams show a perspective view of the sample processing unit 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, a perspective view of the hidden housing assembly 100, and a simplified diagram showing the connection relationship between the sample loading assembly 200 and the housing assembly 100. It should be noted that... Figure 3The approximate extent of the housing assembly 100 is marked by a dashed box. As shown in the figure, the sample processing unit 1 in this embodiment includes a housing assembly 100, a sample loading assembly 200, a transfer assembly 300, and an output assembly 400. The housing assembly 100 includes a first housing 110. The sample loading assembly 200, the transfer assembly 300, and the output assembly 400 are all connected to the first housing 110, and the transfer assembly 300 and the output assembly 400 are disposed within the first housing 110.

[0046] Reference Figure 3 , Figure 4 The sample loading assembly 200 includes a first hopper 210 and a feeding mechanism 230. The first hopper 210 stores multiple sample containers, and the feeding mechanism 230 sorts the sample containers in the first hopper 210, thereby separating individual sample containers and feeding them out in a predetermined orientation (e.g., horizontal). Specifically, the first hopper 210 is located inside the first housing 110, serving as the inner hopper of the sample loading assembly 200. (Refer to...) Figure 1 The housing assembly 100 also includes a second housing 120, and the first housing 110 and the second housing 120 are relatively independent, for example, the first housing 110 and the second housing 120 are arranged side by side. (Refer to...) Figure 1 , Figure 2 The sample loading assembly 200 also includes a second hopper 220 connected to the first hopper 210. The second hopper 220 is located inside the second housing 120, serving as the outer hopper of the sample loading assembly 200. The second hopper 220 is provided with an inlet 221 for users to pour sample containers. The inlet 221 is located in a position convenient for users to pour, such as the top of the second hopper 220. Based on the above structure, users can directly pour sample containers into the second hopper 220, and the sample containers flow into the first hopper 210 under the action of gravity.

[0047] It should be noted that the number of first hoppers 210 can be one or more, such as... Figure 4 As shown, the sample loading assembly 200 includes two first hoppers 210, which are arranged side-by-side in the front-back direction as shown in the figure. Correspondingly, the feeding mechanism 230 and multiple second hoppers 220 can also be provided. It should also be noted that when the sample loading assembly 200 is equipped with a second hopper 220, the first hoppers 210 and the second hopper 220 can be directly connected, allowing the sample container to flow directly from the second hopper 220 into the first hopper 210. Alternatively, they can be connected via, for example... Figure 2 The sample container is connected to the connecting component 270 shown. After the sample container flows from the second hopper 220 into the connecting component 270, it flows from the connecting component 270 into the first hopper 210.

[0048] Specifically Figures 6 to 8In the first hopper 210, a bottom wall 211 and a side wall 212 are included. The bottom wall 211 and the side wall 212 together define a storage space for storing sample containers entering the first hopper 210, for example, for storing sample containers flowing into the first hopper 210 from the second hopper 220. In some embodiments, the first hopper 210 also includes a top wall. The bottom wall 211, the side wall 212, and the top wall together define a generally enclosed storage space. In other embodiments, the top of the first hopper 210 is as follows: Figure 4 , Figure 5 The open setup is shown.

[0049] The transfer component 300 is used to receive individual sample containers sorted by the feeding mechanism 230 and transfer the individual sample containers to the output component 400. The movement of the transfer component 300 in transferring the individual sample containers can include horizontal movement, vertical movement, or a combination of horizontal and vertical movement. For example, the transfer component 300 includes a horizontally arranged transfer track for transporting sample containers in a horizontal direction. For another example, the transfer component 300 includes a vertically arranged lifting mechanism that can transport sample containers from a lower position to a higher position or from a higher position to a lower position. For yet another example, the transfer component 300 includes a flipping mechanism for flipping the sample containers from a horizontal position to a vertical position with the lid facing up. In one specific embodiment, the transfer component 300 includes the aforementioned transfer track, flipping mechanism, and lifting mechanism. The transfer track transports the horizontally placed sample containers to the flipping mechanism, which drives the sample containers to flip from a horizontal position to a vertical position. Then, the lifting mechanism drives the flipping mechanism to move upward, so that the upright sample containers move to a higher position. This embodiment does not limit the specific method by which the transfer component 300 transfers the sample container. For example, the transfer component 300 can drive the sample container to move horizontally by a conveyor belt or by a pushing mechanism.

[0050] Output component 400 is used to receive a single sample container from transfer component 300 and output a single sample container or at least one single sample container carried on a sample carrying component. In some embodiments, output component 400 outputs a single sample container. Such output component 400 typically includes a robotic arm capable of transferring single sample containers and is suitable for analysis systems that use single tube holders as carriers for transmission. For example, the analysis system includes a track unit on which multiple empty single tube holders are transported. In this case, output component 400 can directly transfer the single sample container into the single tube holder on the track unit. In other embodiments, output component 400... Output component 400 is a sample carrier component that holds a single sample container. This type of output component typically includes a robotic arm capable of transferring the sample carrier component, or a pushing mechanism capable of pushing / pushing in the sample carrier component, as well as a storage area for the sample carrier component. It is suitable for analytical systems that use sample carrier components for transport. For example, the analytical system includes a track unit that interfaces with a sample processing unit. After receiving a single sample container from transfer component 300, output component 400 first transfers the single sample container to the sample carrier component in the storage area, and then further transfers the sample carrier component to the track unit using the robotic arm or pushing mechanism. Specifically, a sample carrier component refers to a component used to place sample containers, such as a tray or sample rack. The tray or sample rack has multiple sockets, each for placing one sample container. Sample racks typically include a single row of sockets, while trays include multiple rows and columns of sockets arranged in an array.

[0051] As mentioned above, the first hopper 210 of the sample loading component 200 is disposed within the first housing 110, such as Figure 2 As shown, since the first housing 110 also needs to house functional components such as the transfer component 300 and the output component 400, the volume of the first hopper 210 is limited. If too many sample containers enter the first hopper 210 in a short period of time, there is a possibility of blockage. Based on this, referring to... Figures 4 to 8 The sample loading assembly 200 also includes a flow limiting mechanism 260. When the sample container flows from the second hopper 220 into the first hopper 210, the flow limiting mechanism 260 is configured to limit the flow of sample containers into the storage space. In this way, even if a large number of sample containers are poured into the second hopper 220 in a short period of time, they will be limited by the flow limiting mechanism 260, so that they gradually enter the first hopper 210 over a relatively long period of time, thus improving the problem of sample containers getting blocked in the first hopper 210.

[0052] When the sample loading component 200 further includes a flow limiting mechanism 260, in some embodiments of the present invention, refer to Figure 6The flow-limiting mechanism 260 is used to define the transmission channel 261 for transporting sample containers. The transmission channel 261 is configured to gradually narrow towards the storage space along the inflow direction of the sample containers. Thus, the throughput of sample containers output from the transmission channel 261 is less than the throughput of the input sample containers, thereby achieving the flow-limiting function. It should be noted that the term "for defining the transmission channel 261 for transporting sample containers" includes both schemes where the flow-limiting mechanism 260 itself defines the transmission channel 261, and schemes where the flow-limiting mechanism 260, together with other mechanisms, defines the transmission channel 261. Furthermore, it should be noted that this embodiment does not limit the location of the flow-limiting mechanism 260; it can be located either inside or outside the first hopper 210, which will be explained in subsequent embodiments.

[0053] When the flow limiting mechanism 260 is used to define the transmission channel 261 for transmitting the sample container, in some embodiments of the present invention, reference is made to... Figures 4 to 8 The side wall 212 of the storage compartment is provided with a first opening 2121 for sample containers to flow from the second storage compartment 220 into the first storage compartment 210. The first opening 2121 is a shape suitable for the passage of batch sample containers and easy to process, such as the rectangle shown in the figure. The first opening 2121 can be provided on either side of the side wall 212, for example... Figure 6 The side directly opposite the feeding mechanism 230 shown in the diagram.

[0054] The flow limiting mechanism 260 includes a flow limiting component 262 that extends at least partially into the storage space. In this embodiment, a transmission channel 261 is formed between the extended portion of the flow limiting component 262 and a corresponding structure of the first hopper 210. In other words, in this embodiment, the transmission channel 261 is at least partially located inside the first hopper 210. Specifically, as follows... Figures 6 to 8 As shown, the transmission channel 261 includes a guide space 261a located between the extension portion of the flow limiting component 262 and the first opening 2121. The guide space 261a communicates with the first opening 2121 and is open at least towards the bottom wall 211 of the hopper. When a sample container flows into the first hopper 210, it first passes through the guide space 261a. If there are many sample containers in the first hopper 210 at this time, newly entering sample containers will be temporarily stored in the guide space 261a due to accumulation. However, since the guide space 261a is open towards the bottom wall 211 of the hopper, it is in an unstable state. When the number of sample containers below decreases (for example, when they are transferred to the feeding mechanism 230 by the stirring mechanism 240), the sample containers in the guide space 261a will automatically fall under the action of gravity. Therefore, in addition to limiting the flow, the flow limiting component 262 in this embodiment can also play a certain guiding role, which can prevent the sample containers from being blocked in the transmission channel 261 due to the gradually narrowing setting of the transmission channel 261.

[0055] It should be noted that the guide space 261a can be opened not only towards the bottom wall 211 of the storage compartment, but also towards the side wall of the storage compartment, for example, as shown in the figure. Figure 4 For example, when the front and / or rear sides of the flow-limiting component 262 do not extend to the corresponding side plate of the side wall 212 of the container, the front and / or rear sides of the guide space 261a are also open, which can eliminate the restriction of the flow-limiting component 262 on the sample container in the front-back direction, making it easier for the sample container to leave the guide space 261a.

[0056] In some specific embodiments, the distance between the flow-limiting component 262 and the first opening 2121 increases along the direction towards the bottom wall 211, that is, the width of the guide space 261a increases. In other words, within the overall tapering transmission channel 261, a local area with a gradually increasing width and direct flow to the first opening 2121 is formed, thereby further enhancing the guiding effect, preventing the flow-limiting component 262 from obstructing the downward movement of the sample container, and thus preventing blockage within the transmission channel 261. Figure 6 As shown in the example, the flow limiting component 262 is a flow limiting plate. The flow limiting plate is inclined as a whole, thereby forming a guide space 261a with a gradually increasing width. In some other specific embodiments, the flow limiting component 262 can be a flow limiting seat, which has an inclined flow limiting surface on the side facing the first opening 2121. The flow limiting surface and the first opening 2121 form a guide space 261a.

[0057] When the flow limiting mechanism 260 includes the aforementioned flow limiting component 262 that extends at least partially into the first hopper 210, in some embodiments of the present invention, referring to Figures 4 to 8 The flow-limiting component 262 is disposed on the upper side of the first opening 2121 and extends obliquely toward the bottom wall 211. The flow-limiting component 262, the side wall 212, and the bottom wall 211 together define the transmission channel 261. Typically, to facilitate user pouring, the height of the second hopper 220 is higher than the height of the first hopper 210. Therefore, the sample container will flow into the first hopper 210 from the higher position. In this embodiment, the flow-limiting component 262 is disposed on the upper side of the first opening 2121, which can effectively limit the flow of the downward-flowing sample container.

[0058] The foregoing described a scheme in which the transmission channel 261 is disposed inside the first hopper 210. In other embodiments, the transmission channel 261 may also be disposed outside the first hopper 210. Specifically, the flow-limiting mechanism 260 is disposed outside the side wall 212 of the hopper, and the interior of the flow-limiting mechanism 260 defines the transmission channel 261. The two ends of the transmission channel 261 are respectively connected to the first hopper 210 and the second hopper 220. For example, it can be... Figure 2 The connecting component 270 is used as a current limiting mechanism 260.

[0059] It should be noted that the flow limiting mechanism 260 is located on the outside of the side wall 212 of the storage compartment. This can include either a configuration in which the flow limiting mechanism 260 is located inside the second housing 120, or a configuration in which the flow limiting mechanism 260 is located between the first housing 110 and the second housing 120.

[0060] When the current limiting mechanism 260 defines the transmission channel 261, in some embodiments of the present invention, refer to Figure 10 The flow limiting mechanism 260 includes an adjusting component 263, which is configured to adjust the extension length of the transmission channel 261 along the inflow direction of the sample container by adjusting the adjusting component 263, and / or adjust the outlet size of the transmission channel 261 by adjusting the adjusting component 263, thereby adjusting the flow limiting capacity of the flow limiting mechanism 260.

[0061] In some embodiments, when the current limiting mechanism 260 includes a current limiting component 262 that extends at least partially into the storage space, refer to Figure 10 The flow-limiting component 262 is connected to the first hopper 210 via the adjusting component 263. The flow-limiting component 262 is configured to move relative to the first hopper 210 via the adjusting component 263 to adjust the distance between the free end of the flow-limiting component 262 and the first opening 2121, thereby adjusting the extension length of the transmission channel 261 along the inflow direction of the sample container. And / or, the flow-limiting component 262 is configured to rotate relative to the first hopper 210 via the adjusting component 263 to adjust the tilt angle of the flow-limiting component 262 relative to the first opening 2121, thereby adjusting the outlet size of the transmission channel 261.

[0062] In some specific embodiments, reference is made to Figure 10 The adjusting component 263 can simultaneously adjust the extension length of the transmission channel 261 and the opening. Specifically, it includes a first adjusting part 2631, a second adjusting part 2632, a first locking component 2633, and a second locking component 2634. The first adjusting part 2631 is connected to the first hopper 210, the second adjusting part 2632 is movably connected to the first adjusting part 2631, the flow limiting component 262 is movably connected to the second adjusting part 2632, the first locking component 2633 locks the first adjusting part 2631 and the second adjusting part 2632, and the second locking component 2634 locks the flow limiting component 262 and the second adjusting part 2632. Specifically, when the first locking component 2633 is unlocked, the second adjusting component 2632 can drive the flow limiting component 262 to rotate relative to the first adjusting component 2631 to adjust the outlet size of the transmission channel 261; and when the second locking component 2634 is unlocked, the flow limiting component 262 can move relative to the second adjusting component 2632 to adjust the extension length of the transmission channel 261 along the inflow direction of the sample container.

[0063] Specifically, in the illustrated embodiment, the first adjusting part 2631 and the second adjusting part 2632 are both plate-shaped structures, and the first locking component 2633 and the second locking component 2634 are both threaded fasteners. The first adjusting part 2631 includes a first base plate and a first connecting plate connected to the first base plate, and the second adjusting part 2632 includes a second base plate and a second connecting plate connected to the second base plate. One of the first connecting plate and the second connecting plate is provided with an arc-shaped groove, and the other is provided with a first hole. The first locking component 2633 passes through the first hole and extends into the arc-shaped groove. Thus, when the first locking component 2633 slides in the groove, the first adjusting part 2631 and the second adjusting part 2632 can rotate relative to each other. In addition, one of the first base plate and the flow limiting component 262 is provided with a straight groove, and the other is provided with a second hole. The second locking component 2634 passes through the first hole and extends into the straight groove. Thus, when the second locking component 2634 slides in the groove, the second adjusting part 2632 and the flow limiting component 262 can move relative to each other.

[0064] In some embodiments of the present invention, the flow limiting mechanism 260 can also allow multiple sample containers to pass through together. That is, although the flow limiting mechanism 260 has a flow limiting function, it only needs to ensure that the flow rate of sample containers entering the first hopper 210 from the second hopper 220 is less than the flow rate entering the second hopper 220. The sample containers can be transmitted in a relatively small but not excessively small flow rate, ensuring the transmission efficiency of sample containers from the second hopper 220 to the first hopper 210, thereby helping to improve the overall transmission efficiency of sample containers within the sample loading assembly 200. When the flow limiting mechanism 260 is used to define the transmission channel 261 for transmitting sample containers, the flow limiting mechanism 260 can also allow multiple sample containers to pass through together. Specifically, the flow limiting mechanism 260 allows multiple sample containers to pass through the transmission channel 261 together.

[0065] It should be noted that the aforementioned "passing together" can be understood as multiple sample containers entering the transmission channel 261 together, multiple sample containers leaving the transmission channel 261 together, or multiple sample containers moving together within the transmission channel 261.

[0066] When the flow limiting mechanism 260 defines the transmission channel 261, in some embodiments of the present invention, the volume of the transmission channel 261 is greater than the sum of the volumes of at least two sample containers. That is, at least two sample containers can exist in the transmission channel 261 at the same time, thereby allowing at least two sample containers to pass through together.

[0067] When the flow limiting mechanism 260 defines the transmission channel 261, in some embodiments of the present invention, the transmission channel 261 has an inlet; in some specific embodiments, when the flow limiting mechanism 260, the side wall 212, and the bottom wall 211 are as follows: Figure 6When the transmission channel 261 is defined by both the flow limiting mechanism 260 and the second hopper 220, the entrance to the transmission channel 261 is the aforementioned first opening 2121. When the flow limiting mechanism 260 itself defines the transmission channel 261, the entrance to the transmission channel 261 is formed at the connection between the transmission channel 261 and the second hopper 220. The length of the entrance to the transmission channel 261 (e.g., Figure 6 The dimension (perpendicular to the page) is greater than the axial length of a single sample container, thus allowing the sample container to enter the transmission channel 261 in a horizontal orientation. In some embodiments, the width W1 of the entrance is greater than the sum of the diameters of at least two sample containers, thus allowing at least two sample containers to enter the transmission channel 261 together.

[0068] When the flow limiting mechanism 260 defines the transmission channel 261, in some embodiments of the present invention, the transmission channel 261 has an outlet; in some specific embodiments, when the flow limiting mechanism 260, the side wall 212, and the bottom wall 211 are as follows: Figure 6 When the conveying channel 261 is jointly defined, the outlet of the conveying channel 261 is formed between the flow-limiting mechanism 260 and the bottom wall 211 of the silo. When the flow-limiting mechanism 260 itself defines the conveying channel 261, the inlet of the conveying channel 261 is formed at the connection between the conveying channel 261 and the first silo 210. The length of the outlet of the conveying channel 261 (e.g., Figure 6 The dimension (perpendicular to the page) is greater than the axial length of a single sample container, thus allowing the sample container to exit the transport channel 261 in a horizontal orientation. In some embodiments, the width W2 of the exit is greater than the sum of the diameters of at least two sample containers, thus allowing at least two sample containers to exit the transport channel 261 together.

[0069] When the current limiting mechanism 260 defines the transmission channel 261, in some embodiments of the present invention, the transmission channel and the sample container transmission direction (e.g.) Figure 6 The length of the cross section perpendicular to the direction of downward movement (e.g.) Figure 6 The dimension (perpendicular to the page direction) is greater than the axial length of a single sample container, thus allowing the sample container to move horizontally within the transport channel 261. In some embodiments, the cross-sectional width W3 is greater than the sum of the diameters of at least two sample containers, thus allowing at least two sample containers to move within the transport channel 261.

[0070] When the current limiting mechanism 260 defines the transmission channel 261, in some embodiments of the present invention, the transmission channel and the sample container transmission direction (e.g.) Figure 6 The cross-sectional area perpendicular to the direction of the center downwards is greater than the sum of the areas of the cross-sections (i.e., cross sections) of at least two sample containers perpendicular to their own axis, thus allowing at least two sample containers to leave the transmission channel 261 together.

[0071] When the flow-limiting mechanism 260 defines the transmission channel 261, in some embodiments of the present invention, the inlet area of ​​the transmission channel 261 is larger than the outlet area of ​​the transmission channel 261, thereby allowing the sample container to enter the transmission channel 261 from the inlet with a relatively large throughput and leave the transmission channel 261 with a relatively small throughput, thus achieving the flow-limiting function. For example, when the flow-limiting mechanism 260, the side wall 212, and the bottom wall 211 are as follows... Figure 6 When the transmission channel 261 is defined by the above-mentioned first opening 2121, the entrance of the transmission channel 261 is the first opening 2121 mentioned above. The exit of the transmission channel 261 is formed between the flow limiting mechanism 260 and the bottom wall 211. Therefore, the area of ​​the first opening 2121 is larger than the opening area between the flow limiting mechanism 260 and the bottom wall 211.

[0072] In some embodiments of the present invention, the current limiting mechanism is configured to allow the sample container to pass continuously. When the current limiting mechanism 260 is used to define the transmission channel 261 for transmitting the sample container, it specifically means that the current limiting mechanism is configured to allow the sample container to pass continuously within the transmission channel 261, that is, the sample container is not subject to any artificial obstruction within the transmission channel 261, allowing the sample container to move freely, thereby helping to improve transmission efficiency. In addition, the current limiting mechanism can use a simple mechanical structure to achieve the current limiting function without control, which helps to reduce costs.

[0073] It should be noted that the aforementioned "continuous passage" can be understood as multiple sample containers continuously entering the transmission channel 261, such as continuously passing through the entrance of the transmission channel 261, or as multiple sample containers continuously leaving the transmission channel 261, such as continuously passing through the exit of the transmission channel 261, or as multiple sample containers continuously moving within the transmission channel 261.

[0074] Based on the first embodiment, in some embodiments of the present invention, reference is made to Figure 5 , Figure 6 The sample loading assembly 200 also includes a stirring mechanism 240, which is used to stir the sample containers in the first hopper 210, thereby driving the sample containers in the first hopper 210 to move, thus improving the problem of sample container blockage and jamming, and facilitating the feeding mechanism 230 to sort out individual sample containers. It should be noted that this embodiment does not limit the specific movement mode of the stirring mechanism 240, which can achieve the stirring function by rotation or movement, which will be explained in subsequent embodiments.

[0075] When the sample loading assembly 200 also includes a stirring mechanism 240, in some embodiments of the present invention, refer to Figure 5 , Figure 6The stirring mechanism 240 includes a stirring component 241 and a first driving component. The stirring component 241 is driven by the first driving component to stir the sample container. Specifically, the stirring component 241 is located at the bottom of the first hopper 210 and can be driven by the first driving component to move relative to the bottom wall 211 of the first hopper 210 to stir the sample container. By placing the stirring component 241 at the bottom of the first hopper 210, it can indirectly drive the upper sample container to move during stirring, thereby expanding the influence range of the stirring action. At the same time, the feeding position of the feeding mechanism 230 is usually also located at the bottom of the first hopper 210. Therefore, the movement of the stirring component 241 at the bottom can directly drive the sample container near the feeding position to move. The sample containers at these positions have a large range of motion, which is more conducive to the dispersal of the sample containers.

[0076] It should be noted that the phrase "the stirring component 241 is disposed at the bottom of the first hopper 210" in this invention is used to roughly describe the relative position of the stirring component 241 and the first hopper 210. It can be understood as being closer to the bottom of the first hopper 210 than the top of the first hopper 210. Furthermore, the stirring component 241 may be entirely located within the first hopper 210, i.e., entirely within the storage space, or it may be partially located within the first hopper 210.

[0077] It should also be noted that this embodiment does not limit the specific design of the first driving component. When the stirring mechanism 240 stirs by rotation, the first driving component can be a motor, which can directly drive the stirring mechanism 240 to rotate, or indirectly drive the stirring mechanism 240 to rotate through a transmission system such as a synchronous belt and synchronous pulley. When the stirring mechanism 240 stirs by movement, the first driving component can also be a motor, which indirectly drives the stirring mechanism 240 to move through a transmission system such as a synchronous belt and synchronous pulley, a lead screw and lead screw seat, or a gear and rack. The first driving component can be an electric cylinder.

[0078] When the stirring mechanism 240 includes a stirring component 241 and a first driving component, in some embodiments of the present invention, refer to Figure 5 , Figure 6 The stirring component 241 is configured to move in the vertical direction relative to the bottom wall 211 of the container to stir the sample container. Specifically, when the stirring component 241 moves upward, its top will push the sample container to move. When the stirring component 241 moves downward, the sample container will move to fill the space where the stirring component 241 has exited. In this way, the stirring component 241 can be stirred by reciprocating.

[0079] It should be noted that the "movement along the vertical direction" mentioned in this embodiment can refer to the stirring component 241 moving up and down in the vertical direction, or it can refer to moving upward in the inclined direction. In other words, the movement of the stirring component 241 only needs to have a vertical movement component.

[0080] When the stirring component 241 moves in the vertical direction to stir the sample container, in some embodiments of the present invention, referring to Figure 6 The stirring component 241 is inclined relative to the horizontal plane, with the inclination direction facing the feeding mechanism 230. For example, if the feeding mechanism 230 is located to the left of the stirring mechanism 240, then the stirring component 241 is inclined towards... Figure 6 The stirring component 241 is tilted to the left. Based on the aforementioned structure, the stirring component 241 in this embodiment is configured to move up and down relative to the bottom wall 211 of the hopper along the tilt direction. In this way, during the upward movement of the stirring component 241, it can not only drive the sample container to move upward, but also drive the sample container to move towards the feeding mechanism 230, thereby achieving a better stirring effect.

[0081] When the stirring mechanism 240 includes a stirring component 241 and a first driving component, in some embodiments of the present invention, refer to Figure 5 , Figure 6 and combined Figure 9 The stirring component 241 includes a first stirring section 241a spaced apart from the feeding mechanism 230. Along the distribution direction of the first stirring section 241a and the feeding mechanism 230, for example, approximately along... Figure 6 The minimum distance between the bottom wall 211 of the middle compartment and the sample container is greater than the diameter of the sample container. Thus, the gap between the first stirring part 241a and the feeding mechanism 230 can accommodate at least one sample container. While realizing the stirring and dispersing function, it is convenient to place the sample container between the first stirring part 241a and the feeding mechanism 230, so that the feeding mechanism 230 can easily obtain the sample container from the gap.

[0082] It should be noted that the width of the gap between the first stirring part 241a and the feeding mechanism 230 can be constant. For example, when the feeding mechanism 230 is a push-plate transfer mechanism, the minimum distance between the first stirring part 241a and the feeding mechanism 230 actually refers to the minimum distance between the first stirring part 241a and the lowest-level fixed plate 231 or movable plate 232. When the first stirring part 241a is parallel to the lowest-level fixed plate 231 or movable plate 232, the width of the gap between them is constant. The width of the gap between the first stirring part 241a and the feeding mechanism 230 can also vary. It should also be noted that the first hopper 210 can store sample containers of different diameters. In this case, the "diameter of the sample container" refers to the diameter of the largest sample container (including the container lid).

[0083] When the stirring mechanism 240 includes a stirring component 241 and a first driving component, in some embodiments of the present invention, refer to Figure 5 , Figure 6 and combined Figure 9 The stirring component 241 includes a second stirring section 241b spaced apart from the feeding mechanism 230. Along the distribution direction of the second stirring section 241b and the feeding mechanism 230, for example, approximately along... Figure 6 The maximum distance between the inclined direction of the bottom wall 211 of the storage bin and the sample container is less than the diameter of a single sample container. Thus, when the second stirring unit 241b moves up and down relative to the bottom wall 211, it can push the sample container of the adjacent feeding mechanism 230 to move, thereby preventing the sample container from being in an upright position. It should be noted that whether the feeding mechanism 230 adopts a pusher plate or chain plate design, the sample container must be in a horizontal position when transporting a single sample container. Furthermore, the sample container must also be in a horizontal position, or at least... If the sample container is in an upright position while in a tilted position, it will be difficult to transfer the sample container to the feeding mechanism 230 (for example, the top of the sample container is against the side wall of the hopper, so it will not move to the feeding mechanism 230 under the action of gravity), causing the sample container to remain in the first hopper 210. On the other hand, even if the sample container is transferred to the feeding mechanism 230, its upright position will affect further output, leading to an alarm shutdown. Based on this, this embodiment provides a second stirring part 241b, which can push the sample container to tilt, thereby improving the related problems caused by the upright position of the sample container.

[0084] It should be noted that the width of the gap between the second stirring part 241b and the feeding mechanism 230 can be constant. For example, when the feeding mechanism 230 is a push-plate transfer mechanism, the maximum distance between the second stirring part 241b and the feeding mechanism 230 actually refers to the maximum distance between the second stirring part 241b and the lowest-level fixed plate 231 or movable plate 232. When the second stirring part 241b is parallel to the lowest-level fixed plate 231 or movable plate 232, the width of the gap between them is constant. The width of the gap between the second stirring part 241b and the feeding mechanism 230 can also vary. It should also be noted that the first hopper 210 can store sample containers of different diameters. In this case, the "diameter of the sample container" refers to the diameter of the smallest sample container (including the container lid).

[0085] When the stirring mechanism 240 includes a stirring component 241 and a first driving component, in some embodiments of the present invention, refer to Figure 5 , Figure 6 and combined Figure 9The stirring component 241 includes a first stirring section 241a and a second stirring section 241b, which can be understood with reference to the aforementioned embodiments. In this embodiment, the first stirring section 241a and the second stirring section 241b are distributed at intervals, and the second stirring section 241b is located on the side of the first stirring section 241a facing the feeding mechanism 230. Thus, the stirring component 241 can both disperse the sample containers and reduce the upright position of the sample containers. In some specific embodiments, along the distribution direction of the first stirring section 241a and the second stirring section 241b, the minimum distance between them is greater than the diameter of a single sample container, so that the gap between them can accommodate at least one sample container. In some specific embodiments, along the distribution direction of the first stirring section 241a and the second stirring section 241b, the maximum distance between them is less than the length of a single sample container, thus achieving better dispersion of the sample containers.

[0086] It should be noted that in the aforementioned embodiments, the first stirring part 241a can also play a certain role in preventing upright standing, and the second stirring part 241b can also play a certain role in stirring and dispersing.

[0087] When the stirring component 241 moves vertically to stir the sample container, in some embodiments of the present invention, a guide portion is provided on the top of the stirring component 241. The guide portion is configured to guide the sample container to slide along the guide portion and change its posture when the sample container abuts against the guide surface and the stirring component 241 moves vertically relative to the bottom wall 211. When the sample container is in a certain posture, it is difficult for the stirring component 241 to directly stir and disperse the sample. For example, the container lid of the sample container is hung on the top of the stirring component 241, and the top end is placed on the bottom wall 211. At the same time, the axis of the sample container is roughly located in a vertical plane. Thus, as the stirring component 241 moves vertically, the sample container will only change the angle between itself and the stirring component 241 (e.g., from tilting relative to the stirring component 241 to being roughly parallel to the stirring component 241), but it will not detach from the stirring component 241, which will also cause the sample container to stagnate. In this embodiment, by providing a guide portion, the vertical movement of the stirring component 241 can drive the sample container to change its posture, thereby improving the problem of sample container stagnation.

[0088] When the top of the stirring component 241 is provided with a guide portion, in some embodiments of the present invention, referring to Figure 9 The stirring component includes a first side and a second side arranged opposite to each other. For example, the first side is the left side in the figure and the second side is the right side in the figure. Along the direction from the first side to the second side, for example, from left to right in the figure, the guide part includes a first guide surface 2411 and a second guide surface 2412 arranged sequentially.

[0089] In the direction from the first side to the second side, the distance between the first guide surface 2411 and the bottom wall 211 decreases. For example, the first guide surface 2411 can be an inclined surface or an arc surface. When the container lid of the sample container is hung at a higher position on the first guide surface 2411 (for example, on the left side of the first guide surface 2411) and the axis of the sample container is approximately in a vertical plane, as the stirring component 241 moves up and down, the sample container will slide along the first guide surface 2411 to a lower position (for example, on the right side of the first guide surface 2411) under the action of gravity. The entire sample container will also tilt, that is, the axis of the sample container is no longer in a vertical plane. Thus, when the sample container tilts to a certain angle, the sample lid will detach from the first guide surface 2411 under the action of gravity.

[0090] Along the direction from the second side to the first side, the distance between the second guide surface 2412 and the bottom wall 211 decreases. For example, the first guide surface 2411 can be an inclined surface or an arc surface. The function of the second guide surface 2412 can be understood with reference to the first guide surface 2411.

[0091] By setting the first guide surface 2411 and the second guide surface 2412, the problem of sample container retention can be effectively improved regardless of whether the sample container is attached to the first side or the second side of the stirring component 241.

[0092] When the guide portion includes a first guide surface 2411 and a second guide surface 2412, in some embodiments of the present invention, referring to... Figure 9 The first guide surface 2411 extends to a first side away from the second guide surface 2412, for example, the left end of the first guide surface 2411 extends to the left side of the stirring member 241; the second guide surface 2412 extends to a second side away from the first guide surface 2411, for example, the right end of the second guide surface 2412 extends to the right side of the stirring member 241. In this way, it is possible to avoid the formation of a plane that is easy to attach between the first guide surface 2411 and the left side of the stirring member 241, and between the second guide surface 2412 and the right side of the stirring member 241.

[0093] When the guide portion includes a first guide surface 2411 and a second guide surface 2412, in some embodiments of the present invention, referring to... Figure 9 The end of the first guide surface 2411 away from the second guide surface 2412 and the end of the second guide surface 2412 away from the first guide surface 2411 intersect, thereby avoiding the formation of a plane that is easy to hook between the first guide surface 2411 and the second guide surface 2412.

[0094] It should be noted that, in some specific embodiments, when the stirring component 241 includes the first stirring part 241a in the aforementioned embodiments, a first guide surface 2411 and a second guide surface 2412 can be provided on the top of the first stirring part 241a to enhance its anti-vertical function. In other specific embodiments, when the stirring component 241 includes the second stirring part 241b in the aforementioned embodiments, a first guide surface 2411 and a second guide surface 2412 can be provided on the top of the second stirring part 241b to enhance its anti-vertical function.

[0095] When the stirring component 241 moves in the vertical direction to stir the sample container, in some embodiments of the present invention, referring to Figure 6 The sample loading assembly 200 also includes a storage cavity 250 disposed below the first hopper 210. The bottom wall 211 of the first hopper 210 has a through groove 2111 communicating with the storage cavity 250. The stirring component 241 is configured to move downward relative to the bottom wall 211 to retract into the storage cavity 250 through the through groove 2111, and to move upward relative to the bottom wall 211 to extend into the first hopper 210 through the through groove 2111. Thus, when the stirring component 241 is in the retracted state, it will not occupy the space in the first hopper 210, thereby not hindering the flow of the sample container to the feeding mechanism 230.

[0096] It should be noted that when the stirring component 241 includes a first stirring part 241a and a second stirring part 241b, the bottom wall 211 of the bin is provided with two through grooves 2111, and the width of the through grooves 2111 is slightly wider than the corresponding stirring part.

[0097] It should also be noted that the storage cavity 250 can be defined by a separate compartment or by a component such as the first housing 110.

[0098] When the stirring component 241 moves relative to the bottom wall of the hopper to stir the sample container, in some embodiments of the present invention, the feeding mechanism 230 includes a fixed component, a moving component, and a second driving component 233. The fixed component is connected to the first hopper 210, and the moving component is movably connected to the fixed component and can be driven by the second driving component to move relative to the fixed component to transport a single sample container. In some specific embodiments, the first driving component and the second driving component are the same driving component, so that a single driving component can drive the feeding mechanism 230 to complete the feeding and the stirring mechanism 240 to complete the stirring.

[0099] In some embodiments, the feeding mechanism 230 can be a chain-plate feeding mechanism, which includes a frame as a fixed component and a conveyor belt as a movable component. The conveyor belt is annular and mounted on the frame. Several protruding conveyor plates are provided on the outer side of the conveyor belt. The length of each conveyor plate is greater than the length of the sample container, and the distance between adjacent conveyor plates is greater than the diameter of the sample container. Thus, a transfer space is formed between adjacent conveyor plates to accommodate the sample container. Driven by the second driving component, the conveyor belt rotates, thereby lifting the sample container upwards. After reaching its highest point, the sample container falls onto the transfer assembly 300 under gravity. In some embodiments, the bottom wall 211 of the first hopper 210 is inclined towards the feeding mechanism 230, allowing the sample container to approach the conveyor belt of the feeding mechanism 230 under gravity. The conveyor belt of the feeding mechanism 230 can be inclined, and the lowest point of the conveyor belt is lower than the lowest point of the bottom wall 211, facilitating that the sample container at the bottom of the first hopper 210 can also enter the transfer space of the feeding mechanism 230.

[0100] In some embodiments, refer to Figure 6 , Figure 9 The feeding mechanism 230 can also be a push plate type feeding mechanism, which includes at least one first feeding component. Each first feeding component includes a single fixed plate 231 and a single movable plate 232. Within the same first feeding component, the movable plate 232 and the fixed plate 231 are arranged side by side and parallel to each other, for example, arranged side by side along the direction from the first hopper 210 to the feeding mechanism 230, and the movable plate 232 is closer to the first hopper 210 than the fixed plate 231. The fixed plate 231 is fixedly disposed relative to the first hopper 210, and the second driving component is connected to the movable plate 232 for driving the movable plate 232 to reciprocate between a first position and a second position relative to the fixed plate 231. When the movable plate 232 is in the first position, the top of the movable plate 232 is lower than the top of the fixed plate 231, and the top of the movable plate 232 can receive a single sample container. When the movable plate 232 is in the second position, the top of the movable plate 232 is not lower than the top of the fixed plate 231, and the single sample container is transferred from the top of the movable plate 232 to the top of the fixed plate 231. Thus, with the reciprocating movement of the movable plate 232, single sample containers can be sorted out and lifted.

[0101] Typically, the feeding mechanism 230 includes multiple first feeding components, thereby increasing the lifting range of the feeding mechanism 230, which in turn enables the first hopper 210 to have sufficient depth and increase the capacity of the first hopper 210. For example, the feeding mechanism 230 includes three first feeding components, each of the three first feeding components having a fixed plate 231 constituting the aforementioned fixed component and each of the movable plates 232 constituting the aforementioned movable component. Three first feeding components are arranged in a direction from away from the mixing mechanism 240 to close to the mixing mechanism 240. That is, multiple fixed plates 231 and multiple movable plates 232 are arranged alternately, and the top surfaces of each fixed plate 231 decrease sequentially. Taking the first feeding component located in the middle as an example, when the movable plate 232 moves to the first position, its top end is not higher than the top end of the fixed plate 231 of the first feeding component adjacent to and closer to the mixing mechanism 241. When the movable plate 232 moves to the second position, its top end is not lower than the top end of the fixed plate 231 of the same feeding component. Taking the first feeding component closest to the mixing mechanism 241 as an example, when the movable plate 232 moves to the first position, its top end is not higher than the bottom wall 211 of the bin. When the movable plate 232 moves to the second position, its top end is not lower than the top end of the fixed plate 231 of the same feeding component. Specifically... Figure 6 , Figure 9 In the embodiment shown, along the direction away from and towards the stirring mechanism 240, i.e., from left to right in the figure, the fixed plates 231 are respectively named the first-level fixed plate 231, the second-level fixed plate 231, and the third-level fixed plate 231, and the movable plates 232 are respectively named the first-level movable plate 232, the second-level movable plate 232, and the third-level movable plate 232. When the third-level movable plate 232 is in the first position, it is lower than the bottom wall 211 of the first hopper 210, allowing the sample container to roll to the top of the third-level movable plate 232. Then, when the third-level movable plate 232 moves upward to the second position, its flat... The sample container automatically rolls to the top of the third-level fixed plate 231. When the second-level movable plate 232 is in the first position, it is lower than the top of the third-level fixed plate 231, allowing the sample container to roll to the top of the second-level movable plate 232. Then, when the second-level movable plate 232 moves upward to the second position, it is flush with the top of the second-level fixed plate 231, and the sample container automatically rolls to the top of the second-level fixed plate 231. Thus, a single sample container can ultimately be transported to the top of the first-level fixed plate 231 and fall from the top of the first-level fixed plate 231 to the transfer assembly 300. In some embodiments, the bottom wall 211 of the first hopper 210 is inclined towards the feeding mechanism 230, allowing the sample container to approach the movable plate 232 of the feeding mechanism 230 under gravity.

[0102] In some specific embodiments, the movable plates 232 are fixedly connected to each other, so that they can be uniformly driven by the second driving component. Furthermore, refer to... Figure 9 The stirring mechanism 240 can be fixedly connected to each movable plate 232, so that when the second driving component drives the movable plate 232 to move relative to the fixed plate 231, it can also synchronously drive the stirring mechanism 240 to move up and down relative to the bottom wall 211 of the bin.

[0103] When the feeding mechanism 230 includes a first feeding component, in some embodiments of the present invention, the feeding mechanism 230 may further include a second feeding component. The second feeding component includes a single fixed plate 231 or a single movable plate 232. When the second feeding component includes a single fixed plate 231, the fixed plate 231 can serve as the highest-level or lowest-level fixed plate of the entire feeding mechanism 230. When the second feeding component includes a single movable plate 232, the movable plate 232 can serve as the highest-level or lowest-level movable plate of the entire feeding mechanism 230. In this case, the fixed plates 231 of each first feeding component and the fixed plates 231 of each second feeding component constitute the aforementioned fixed components, and the movable plates 232 of each first feeding component and the movable plates 232 of each second feeding component constitute the aforementioned movable components.

[0104] When the feeding mechanism 230 includes a first feeding component and a second driving component, in some embodiments of the present invention, refer to Figure 14 As shown, in the first feeding component, the fixing plate 231 includes a main body 2311 and at least two protrusions 2312. The at least two protrusions 2312 are connected to the upper end of the main body 2311 and are spaced apart along the extending direction of the upper end of the main body 2311. Figure 11 As shown in the left-right direction, the main body 2311 is a square plate, and the protrusion 2312 is fixedly connected to the upper surface of the main body 2311, or the protrusion 2312 and the main body 2311 are integrally formed, making the structure more stable. Since the protrusion 2312 is added to the top of the main body 2311, the end of the protrusion 2312 away from the main body 2311 is the top of the fixing plate 231. The height difference between the top of the fixing plate 231 and the top of the main body 2311 is the height of the protrusion 2312. The sample container is supported by the protrusion 2312. When the sample container is tilted, it is placed horizontally on the top of the protrusion 2312, that is, the sample container can lie flat on the top of the fixing plate 231.

[0105] In this embodiment, the top of the main body 2311 is provided with four protrusions 2312. The four protrusions 2312 are evenly distributed along the upper surface of the main body 2311. The distance between two adjacent protrusions 2312 is less than the length of the sample container, so as to prevent the sample container from falling down through the gap between the two protrusions 2312 when it is tilted. When the sample container is in an upright or tilted position, it can pass through the gap between two adjacent protrusions 2312. In addition, there is also a gap between the protrusions 2312 near the left or right edge of the main body 2311 and the side of the main body 2311, so that the sample container can also pass through the gap when it is in an upright or tilted position.

[0106] The main body 2311 has an inclined separation surface 2313 at its upper end. This separation surface 2313 is inclined downward toward the movable plate 232. Specifically, the bottom wall 211, movable plate 232, and fixed plate 231 of the first hopper 210 are arranged sequentially in the front-back direction. The separation surface 2313 is inclined downward toward the bottom wall 211. Sample containers falling through the gap can fall back onto the bottom wall 211 under the guidance of the separation surface 2313, preventing the sample containers from being pushed upward in an upright or inclined posture. Sample containers in a horizontal posture can lie flat on the top of the fixed plate 231, ensuring that the sample containers are output in a horizontal posture, which helps to improve the output efficiency of the sample processing unit. In some embodiments, the inclination angle of the separation surface 2313 is set to be greater than 30°. For example, the inclination angle of the separation surface 2313 can be 45°, 60°, etc., so that the sample containers can fall along the separation surface 2313 and avoid the sample containers getting stuck on the separation surface 2313.

[0107] Figure 14 The protrusion 2312 shown is a flat plate structure. The width of the protrusion 2312 along the left-right direction of the fixing plate 231 is much smaller than the size of the sample container. It occupies less space on the upper surface of the main body 2311, preventing the sample container from being placed upright or tilted at the top of the protrusion 2312. In other embodiments, the protrusion 2312 can also be cylindrical, polygonal, or other structures. Furthermore, the above embodiments are merely examples; the number of protrusions 2312 is not limited to four. Two, three, or more protrusions 2312 can be provided, depending on the size of the fixing plate 231 and the sample container. To ensure that the feeding mechanism pushes out a single sample container, in this embodiment, the length of the fixed plate 231 and the movable plate 232 in the left and right directions is not greater than the total length of the two sample containers. Of course, in other embodiments, if it is necessary to output two or more sample containers at the same time, the length of the fixed plate 231 and the movable plate 232 can be set to be greater than the total length of the two sample containers, that is, the tops of the fixed plate 231 and the movable plate 232 can simultaneously lay two or more sample containers flat.

[0108] Reference Figure 14 As shown, the end face of each protrusion 2312 away from the main body 2311 is configured as a first inclined surface. The first inclined surface is inclined downward in the direction away from the movable plate 232. When the sample container is transferred from the top of the movable plate 232 to the top of the protrusion 2312, the first inclined surface guides the sample container, making it easier for the sample container to roll to the discharge port or the movable plate 232 of the next-level first feeding component. As shown, the inclination direction of the first inclined surface is opposite to the inclination direction of the separation surface 2313, ensuring that horizontal sample containers can be transferred smoothly, while vertical or inclined sample containers can fall back downward. In some embodiments, the inclination angle of the first inclined surface is set not greater than 30°, which facilitates the flow of the sample container to the discharge port or the next-level movable plate 232. For example, the inclination angle of the first inclined surface can be 20°, 25°, 30°, etc., to avoid the sample container rolling too fast due to an excessively large inclination angle, thus protecting the sample container.

[0109] Considering that the sample container may lean at an angle, when the sample container is in an angled position, its lower end is stuck between two adjacent protrusions 2312, and its upper end will lean against the side plate or other upright plate that is supported by the frame. In order to solve this problem, the two or more protrusions 2312 are arranged in a reasonable manner. In some embodiments, the distance between two adjacent protrusions 2312 is set to be greater than the maximum diameter of the sample container. Here, the maximum diameter of the sample container refers to the diameter of its lid, because under normal circumstances, the diameter of the lid of the sample container is greater than the diameter of the tube. This ensures that the sample container can pass between any two adjacent protrusions 2312 and fall along the separation surface 2313, avoiding the sample container from staying at the top of the movable plate 232 in an angled position.

[0110] It should be noted that, since different sample containers have different lengths, the first hopper 210 can store multiple sample containers with different lengths simultaneously. In order to ensure that the distribution of the protrusions 2312 can meet the feeding requirements of sample containers of different sizes and enable each sample container to be output in a horizontal position, in some specific examples, it is necessary to ensure that the distance between two adjacent protrusions 2312 is less than the minimum length of the sample container, and the distance between three adjacent protrusions 2312 is less than the maximum length of the sample container. This ensures that sample containers in an upright or tilted position can pass through adjacent protrusions 2312 and fall down, while sample containers in a horizontal position can be pushed out normally.

[0111] In other embodiments, at least two protrusions 2312 are spaced apart at the upper end of the main body 2311 and are symmetrically arranged about the central axis of the main body 2311, such as... Figure 14As illustrated in the example, the four protrusions 2312 are divided into two groups, with two protrusions 2312 in each group. The two groups of protrusions 2312 are symmetrically arranged about the central axis on the upper surface of the main body 2311. The two groups of protrusions 2312 can simultaneously support the horizontally oriented sample container, and the spacing between the two groups of protrusions 2312 is sufficient for the sample container to pass through. Alternatively, one protrusion 2312 can be located at the central axis, and several protrusions 2312 on both sides of the central axis can be symmetrically arranged about the protrusion 2312 at the central axis position. In this embodiment, the layout spacing of the protrusions 2312 can adopt the structure of the aforementioned embodiment, that is, the distance between two adjacent protrusions 2312 needs to be less than the minimum length of the sample container, and the distance between three adjacent protrusions 2312 needs to be less than the maximum length of the sample container.

[0112] Based on the first embodiment, in some embodiments of the present invention, reference is made to Figure 4 , Figure 5 as well as Figure 7 , Figure 8 The side wall 212 of the hopper includes a plurality of side plates arranged sequentially along the circumference of the bottom wall 211 of the hopper. One of the side plates is provided with a first opening 2121 for the sample container to flow from the second hopper 220 into the first hopper 210. At least one of the other side plates is provided with a second opening 2122 for the user to interact with the first hopper 210. The first hopper 210 also includes a first door 213, which is connected to the side plate provided with the second opening 2122 and is used to open and close the second opening 2122. In this way, when the sample container is blocked or other malfunctions occur in the hopper, the first door 213 can be opened to troubleshoot the problem.

[0113] Specifically, the sidewall 212 is a rectangular or approximately rectangular shell structure, comprising four side plates arranged sequentially along the circumference of the bottom wall 211, to... Figure 4 Taking the direction of the sample processing module as an example, the plates are named the front plate, right plate, rear plate, and left plate, respectively. The first opening 2121 is located on the right plate, while at least the front plate has a second opening 2122 and a first door 213. Therefore, the user can perform maintenance from the front of the first hopper 210. Typically, the front of the first hopper 210 faces the front of the first housing 110 (i.e., the user's operating position), making it convenient for the user to organize the sample containers within the hopper. If other sides of the sample processing module also have openings for user maintenance, the other side plates of the hopper sidewall 212 can also have a second opening 2122 and a first door 213, such as the rear plate. In some specific embodiments, the first door 213 is rotatably connected to the hopper sidewall 212 via a hinge and is locked by a locking mechanism, such as a magnetic locking mechanism or a pin locking mechanism.

[0114] When the first hopper 210 also includes a first door 213, in some embodiments of the present invention, refer to Figure 1 The first housing 110 includes a second door 112. The first housing 110 has a third opening 111 corresponding to the second opening 2122. The second door 112 is used to open and close the third opening 111. Thus, the user only needs to open the second door 112 and the first door 213 to organize the sample containers inside the first hopper 210 without removing the first hopper 210 from the first housing 110, making operation more convenient. In some specific embodiments, the second door 112 is rotatably connected to the hopper side wall 212 via a hinge and is equipped with a locking mechanism for locking. The locking mechanism can be a magnetic locking mechanism, a pin locking mechanism, etc.

[0115] It should be noted that when the sample loading assembly 200 includes multiple first hoppers 210, and the multiple first hoppers 210 are distributed along directions close to and away from the third opening 111, adjacent first hoppers 210 have a common side plate, and the common side plate is provided with a second opening 2122 and a first door 213. Thus, without removing the first hoppers 210, the sample containers in the rearmost first hoppers 210 can be organized. Figure 4 , Figure 5 For example, the sample loading component 200 includes two first material bins 210 distributed in the front-back direction. The front first material bin 210 and the rear side plate and the front side plate of the rear first material bin 210 are shared side plates. When the second door 112, the front first door 213 and the rear first door 213 are opened in sequence in the front-back direction, the sample container in the rear first material bin 210 can be sorted.

[0116] As mentioned above, the sample containers in the first hopper 210 should avoid standing upright. However, certain structures or parts of the first hopper 210 make it easier for the sample containers to stand upright and get stuck. Therefore, in some embodiments of the present invention, the first hopper 210 is also provided with a guide component 280 corresponding to these specific structures or parts. The guide component 280 is provided with a guide surface 281, which is configured such that when the sample container abuts against the guide surface 281, the guide surface 281 guides the sample container to slide along the guide surface 281 and change its posture. This improves the situation where the sample container stands upright when it abuts against a specific structure or part of the first hopper 210. In some specific embodiments, the guide surface 281 is an inclined surface or an arc surface.

[0117] The following description focuses on specific parts or structures in the first hopper 210 that commonly cause sample containers to jam, for example, referring to... Figures 11 to 13The side wall 212 of the storage compartment includes multiple side plates arranged sequentially along the circumference of the bottom wall 211. When the sample container is located at the angle between adjacent side plates, it is easily blocked and jammed at this position. Therefore, in this embodiment, a guide member 280 is provided at the angle between at least one set of adjacent side plates. When the sample container moves to this position, it can be guided by the guide member 280 to change its posture, thereby avoiding jamming. Figure 12 Taking the first side plate 214 and the second side plate 215 as an example, the first side plate 214 is the left side plate of the first hopper 210, and the second side plate 215 is the front side plate of the first hopper 210. When the guide component 280 is set at the included angle, the 90° included angle between the two side plates can be eliminated and replaced by obtuse angles between the first side plate 214 and the guide component 280, and between the second side plate 215 and the guide component 280. This can prevent the sample container from getting stuck. In this embodiment, the top of the guide component 280 is also provided with a guide surface 281, which can also prevent the lower end of the sample container from abutting against the upper end of the guide component 280 and getting stuck.

[0118] For example, the first hopper 210 also includes a functional structure 290, which protrudes from the inner surface of the hopper side wall 212. It should be noted that this embodiment does not limit the specific structure and function of the functional structure 280, which includes, but is not limited to, the locking mechanism of the door and the hinge structure between the door and the hopper. Because the functional structure protrudes, the sample container is also prone to coming into contact with it and getting stuck.

[0119] Based on this, in some embodiments, the guide component 280 is disposed on the side of the functional structure 290 facing the first opening 2121. The first opening 2121 is used for the sample container to flow from the second hopper 220 into the first hopper 210. The guide component 280 has a guide surface 281 at least on the side facing the first opening 2121. Therefore, when the sample container enters the first hopper 210 through the first opening 2121, it can be prevented from being stuck between the first opening 2121 and the functional structure 290 due to the force of other sample containers. In other embodiments, the guide component 280 is disposed on the side of the functional structure 290 facing the feeding mechanism 230. The guide component 280 has a guide surface 281 at least on the side facing the feeding mechanism 230. Therefore, it can at least prevent the sample container from being stuck between the feeding mechanism 230 and the functional structure 290 due to the force of other sample containers. In other embodiments, the guide member 280 is disposed on the upper side of the functional structure 290, and the guide member 280 has at least a guide surface 281 on its upper side, thereby preventing the lower end of the sample container from abutting against the upper end of the functional structure 290 and causing jamming. In other embodiments, the guide member 280 is disposed on the lower side of the functional structure 290, and the guide member 280 has at least a guide surface 281 on its lower side, thereby preventing the upper end of the sample container from abutting against the lower end of the functional structure 290 and causing jamming. In still other embodiments, the guide member 280 covers the outside of the functional structure 290. In this case, the guide member 280 has a guide surface 281 on the corresponding side according to the direction in which the container jams, thereby preventing the sample container from abutting against the functional structure 290 and causing jamming.

[0120] It should be noted that the guide component 280 can be selectively disposed on one side of the functional structure 290 or covered by the functional structure 290, depending on the direction in which jamming is likely to occur. It should also be noted that guide surfaces 281 can be provided on each side of the guide component 280.

[0121] The second embodiment of the present invention provides a sample loading unit, including a first housing 110 and a sample loading component 200 disposed within the first housing 110. The sample loading component 200 includes a first hopper 210 and a feeding mechanism 230. The first hopper 210 forms a storage space and a first opening 2121 communicating with the storage space. The storage space is used to store sample containers flowing into it through the first opening 2121. The feeding mechanism 230 is connected to the first hopper 210 and is used to output the sample containers in the storage space as individual sample containers. The first hopper 210 and the feeding mechanism 230 of this embodiment can be understood with reference to the foregoing embodiments.

[0122] In this embodiment, the storage space and the first opening 2121 are connected through a transmission channel 261. That is, the transmission channel 261 is located inside the first hopper 210. The transmission channel 261 is configured to gradually narrow towards the storage space along the flow direction of the sample containers, thereby limiting the flow rate of sample containers into the storage space. By limiting the flow of sample containers through the transmission channel 261, a large number of sample containers can be prevented from entering the storage space in a short period of time, thus improving the problem of sample containers becoming clogged within the first hopper 210. It should be noted that the transmission channel 261 in this embodiment can be defined by the structure of the first hopper 210 itself, or by other components located within the first hopper 210, or by other components located within the first hopper 210 together with the first hopper 210.

[0123] Based on the second embodiment, in some embodiments of the present invention, the sample loading component 200 further includes a flow limiting mechanism 260, which is used to define a transmission channel 261. It should be noted that the term "used to define a transmission channel 261 for transporting sample containers" here includes both the scheme in which the flow limiting mechanism 260 itself can define the transmission channel 261, and the scheme in which the flow limiting mechanism 260 and the first hopper 210 jointly define the transmission channel 261.

[0124] When the flow limiting mechanism 260 is used to define the transmission channel 261 for transmitting the sample container, in some embodiments of the present invention, reference is made to... Figures 4 to 8 The side wall 212 of the storage compartment is provided with a first opening 2121 for sample containers to flow from the second storage compartment 220 into the first storage compartment 210. The first opening 2121 is a shape suitable for the passage of batch sample containers and easy to process, such as the rectangle shown in the figure. The first opening 2121 can be provided on either side of the side wall 212, for example... Figure 6 The side directly opposite the feeding mechanism 230 shown in the diagram.

[0125] The flow limiting mechanism 260 includes a flow limiting component 262 that extends at least partially into the storage space. In this embodiment, a transmission channel 261 is formed between the extended portion of the flow limiting component 262 and a corresponding structure of the first hopper 210. In other words, in this embodiment, the transmission channel 261 is at least partially located inside the first hopper 210. Specifically, as follows... Figures 6 to 8As shown, the transmission channel 261 includes a guide space 261a located between the extension portion of the flow limiting component 262 and the first opening 2121. The guide space 261a communicates with the first opening 2121 and is open at least towards the bottom wall 211 of the hopper. When a sample container flows into the first hopper 210, it first passes through the guide space 261a. If there are many sample containers in the first hopper 210 at this time, newly entering sample containers will be temporarily stored in the guide space 261a due to accumulation. However, since the guide space 261a is open towards the bottom wall 211 of the hopper, it is in an unstable state. When the number of sample containers below decreases (for example, when they are transferred to the feeding mechanism 230 by the stirring mechanism 240), the sample containers in the guide space 261a will automatically fall under the action of gravity. Therefore, in addition to limiting the flow, the flow limiting component 262 in this embodiment can also play a certain guiding role, which can prevent the sample containers from being blocked in the transmission channel 261 due to the gradually narrowing setting of the transmission channel 261.

[0126] It should be noted that the guide space 261a can be opened not only towards the bottom wall 211 of the storage compartment, but also towards the side wall of the storage compartment, for example, as shown in the figure. Figure 4 For example, when the front and / or rear sides of the flow-limiting component 262 do not extend to the corresponding side plate of the side wall 212 of the container, the front and / or rear sides of the guide space 261a are also open, which can eliminate the restriction of the flow-limiting component 262 on the sample container in the front-back direction, making it easier for the sample container to leave the guide space 261a.

[0127] In some specific embodiments, the distance between the flow-limiting component 262 and the first opening 2121 increases along the direction towards the bottom wall 211, that is, the width of the guide space 261a increases. In other words, within the overall tapering transmission channel 261, a local area with a gradually increasing width and direct flow to the first opening 2121 is formed, thereby further enhancing the guiding effect, preventing the flow-limiting component 262 from obstructing the downward movement of the sample container, and thus preventing blockage within the transmission channel 261. Figure 6 As shown in the example, the flow limiting component 262 is a flow limiting plate. The flow limiting plate is inclined as a whole, thereby forming a guide space 261a with a gradually increasing width. In some other specific embodiments, the flow limiting component 262 can be a flow limiting seat, which has an inclined flow limiting surface on the side facing the first opening 2121. The flow limiting surface and the first opening 2121 form a guide space 261a.

[0128] When the flow limiting mechanism 260 includes the aforementioned flow limiting component 262 that extends at least partially into the first hopper 210, in some embodiments of the present invention, referring to Figures 4 to 8The flow-limiting component 262 is disposed on the upper side of the first opening 2121 and extends obliquely toward the bottom wall 211. The flow-limiting component 262, the side wall 212, and the bottom wall 211 together define the transmission channel 261. Typically, to facilitate user pouring, the height of the second hopper 220 is higher than the height of the first hopper 210. Therefore, the sample container will flow into the first hopper 210 from the higher position. In this embodiment, the flow-limiting component 262 is disposed on the upper side of the first opening 2121, which can effectively limit the flow of the downward-flowing sample container.

[0129] Based on the second embodiment, in some embodiments of the present invention, reference is made to Figure 1 The housing assembly 100 also includes a second housing 120, and the first housing 110 and the second housing 120 are relatively independent, for example, the first housing 110 and the second housing 120 are arranged side by side. (Refer to...) Figure 1 , Figure 2 The sample loading assembly 200 also includes a second hopper 220 connected to the first hopper 210. The second hopper 220 is located inside the second housing 120, serving as the outer hopper of the sample loading assembly 200. The second hopper 220 is provided with an inlet 221 for users to pour sample containers. The inlet 221 is located in a position convenient for users to pour, such as the top of the second hopper 220. Based on the above structure, users can directly pour sample containers into the second hopper 220, and the sample containers flow into the first hopper 210 under the action of gravity.

[0130] The third embodiment of the present invention also proposes a sample analysis system, referring to... Figure 15 It includes a sample analysis unit 2, a transmission unit 3, and a sample processing unit 1 as described in the previous embodiment. The sample analysis unit 2 is used to analyze the sample in a single sample container. The transmission unit 3 connects the sample processing unit 1 and the sample analysis unit 2 and is used to transport the single sample container or sample carrying component output by the sample processing unit to the sample analysis unit 2.

[0131] Sample analysis unit 2 includes one or more sample analyzers, which are used to analyze samples. Figure 14The diagram shows two sample analyzers, and the transmission unit 3 includes multiple sequentially arranged transport tracks. In some embodiments, the externally input test container (a sample container containing the test sample) is transferred within the sample processing unit 1 to a sample carrier such as a sample holder. The sample carrier is then transported to the sample analysis unit 2 via the transmission unit 3. After analysis, the sample carrier can be transported back to the sample processing unit 1 by the transmission unit 3. In other embodiments, the externally input test container (a sample container containing the test sample) is transferred from the sample processing unit 1 to a single-tube holder in the transmission unit 3. The single-tube holder is then transported to the sample analysis unit 2 via the transmission unit 3. After analysis, the single-tube holder can be transported back to the sample processing unit 1 by the transmission unit 3, and the sample container is then transferred from the single-tube holder to the sample processing unit 1.

[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 processing unit, characterized in that, Includes sample loading components, transfer components, and output components; The sample loading assembly includes a first hopper, a second hopper, a feeding mechanism, and a flow limiting mechanism. The first hopper includes a bottom wall and a side wall connected to the bottom wall. The bottom wall and the side wall surround to form a storage space. The storage space is used to store sample containers received by the second hopper and flowing into the first hopper from the second hopper. The feeding mechanism is connected to the first hopper and is used to transport the sample containers in the storage space to the transfer assembly as individual sample containers. The transfer component is used to receive the single sample container conveyed by the feeding mechanism and transfer the single sample container to the output component; The output component is used to receive the single sample container from the transfer component and output the single sample container or at least one single sample container carried on the sample carrying component; Wherein, when the sample container flows from the second silo into the first silo, the flow limiting mechanism is configured to limit the flow of the sample container into the storage space, and the storage space is configured to store multiple sample containers.

2. The sample processing unit according to claim 1, characterized in that, The flow limiting mechanism is used to define a transmission channel for transmitting the sample container, the transmission channel being configured to taper toward the storage space along the inflow direction of the sample container.

3. The sample processing unit according to claim 2, characterized in that, The side wall of the silo is provided with a first opening for the sample container to flow from the second silo into the first silo, and the flow limiting mechanism includes a flow limiting component that extends at least partially into the storage space; The transmission channel includes a guide space located between the extension portion of the flow limiting component and the first opening. The guide space is connected to the first opening and is open at least toward the bottom wall of the silo. And / or, the flow-limiting component is disposed on the upper side of the first opening and extends obliquely toward the bottom wall of the hopper, and the flow-limiting component, the side wall of the hopper, and the bottom wall of the hopper together define the transmission channel.

4. The sample processing unit according to claim 2, characterized in that, The flow limiting mechanism includes an adjustment component, which is configured to adjust the extension length of the transmission channel along the inflow direction of the sample container by means of the adjustment component, and / or to adjust the outlet size of the transmission channel by means of the adjustment component.

5. The sample processing unit according to claim 4, characterized in that, The flow limiting mechanism further includes a flow limiting component that extends at least partially into the storage space. The flow limiting component is connected to the first hopper via the adjusting component. The flow limiting component is configured to adjust the extension length of the transmission channel along the inflow direction of the sample container by moving the adjusting component relative to the first hopper, and / or the flow limiting component is configured to adjust the outlet size of the transmission channel by rotating the adjusting component relative to the first hopper.

6. The sample processing unit according to claim 5, characterized in that, The adjusting component includes a first adjusting part, a second adjusting part, a first locking component, and a second locking component. The first adjusting part is connected to the first hopper, the second adjusting part is movably connected to the first adjusting part, the flow limiting component is movably connected to the second adjusting part, the first locking component locks the first adjusting part and the second adjusting part, and the second locking component locks the flow limiting component and the second adjusting part. Specifically, when the first locking component is unlocked, the second adjusting part can drive the flow limiting component to rotate relative to the first adjusting part to adjust the outlet size of the transmission channel; and when the second locking component is unlocked, the flow limiting component can move relative to the second adjusting part to adjust the extension length of the transmission channel along the inflow direction of the sample container.

7. The sample processing unit according to claim 2, characterized in that, The flow-limiting mechanism is located on the outer side of the silo sidewall, and the interior of the flow-limiting mechanism defines the transmission channel. The two ends of the transmission channel are respectively connected to the first silo and the second silo.

8. The sample processing unit according to claim 1, characterized in that, The flow-limiting mechanism is configured to allow multiple sample containers to pass through together.

9. The sample processing unit according to claim 8, characterized in that, The current limiting mechanism is used to define the transmission channel for transmitting the sample container; Wherein, the volume of the transmission channel is greater than the sum of the volumes of at least two of the sample containers; And / or, the length of the inlet of the transmission channel is greater than the axial length of a single sample container, and / or, the width of the inlet of the transmission channel is greater than the sum of the diameters of at least two sample containers; And / or, the length of the outlet of the transmission channel is greater than the axial length of a single sample container, and / or, the width of the outlet of the transmission channel is greater than the sum of the diameters of at least two sample containers; And / or, the length of the cross section of the transmission channel perpendicular to the inflow direction of the sample container is greater than the axial length of a single sample container, and / or, the width of the cross section is greater than the sum of the diameters of at least two sample containers, and / or, the area of ​​the cross section is greater than the sum of the areas of the cross sections of at least two sample containers perpendicular to their own axial direction. And / or, the area of ​​the inlet of the transmission channel is greater than the area of ​​the outlet of the transmission channel.

10. The sample processing unit according to claim 1, characterized in that, The flow-limiting mechanism is configured to allow the sample container to pass through continuously.

11. The sample processing unit according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sample loading assembly further includes a stirring mechanism connected to the first hopper. The stirring mechanism includes a stirring component and a first driving component. The stirring component is configured to be driven by the first driving component to stir the sample container.

12. The sample processing unit according to claim 11, characterized in that, The stirring component is located at the bottom of the first hopper and can be driven by the first driving component to move relative to the bottom wall of the hopper to stir the sample container.

13. The sample processing unit according to claim 12, characterized in that, The stirring component is configured to move vertically relative to the bottom wall of the first hopper to stir the sample container.

14. The sample processing unit according to claim 13, characterized in that, The stirring component is inclined relative to the horizontal plane and towards the feeding mechanism, and the stirring component is configured to move up and down relative to the bottom wall of the bin in the direction of inclination.

15. The sample processing unit according to claim 13, characterized in that, The stirring component includes a first stirring section spaced apart from the feeding mechanism. Along the distribution direction of the first stirring section and the feeding mechanism, the minimum distance between them is greater than the diameter of the sample container. And / or, the stirring component includes a second stirring section spaced apart from the feeding mechanism, and the maximum distance between the second stirring section and the feeding mechanism along the distribution direction of the two is less than the diameter of the sample container; And / or, the stirring component includes a first stirring section and a second stirring section spaced apart, and the second stirring section is located on the side of the first stirring section facing the feeding mechanism. Along the distribution direction of the first stirring section and the second stirring section, the minimum distance between them is greater than the diameter of the sample container.

16. The sample processing unit according to claim 13, characterized in that, The top of the stirring component is provided with a guide portion, which is configured such that when the sample container abuts against the guide portion and the stirring component moves up and down relative to the bottom wall of the chamber, the guide portion is used to guide the sample container to slide along the guide portion and change its posture.

17. The sample processing unit according to claim 16, characterized in that, The stirring component includes a first side and a second side disposed opposite to each other, and the guide portion includes a first guide surface and a second guide surface disposed sequentially along the direction from the first side to the second side; Wherein, along the direction from the first side to the second side, the distance of the first guide surface relative to the bottom wall of the silo decreases, and along the direction from the second side to the first side, the distance of the second guide surface relative to the bottom wall of the silo decreases; Preferably, the stirring component includes a first stirring section spaced apart from the feeding mechanism. Along the distribution direction of the first stirring section and the feeding mechanism, the minimum distance between them is greater than the diameter of the sample container. The top of the first stirring section is provided with a first guide surface and a second guide surface. Preferably, the stirring component includes a second stirring section spaced apart from the feeding mechanism. The maximum distance between the second stirring section and the feeding mechanism along their distribution direction is less than the diameter of the sample container. The top of the second stirring section is provided with the first guide surface and the second guide surface.

18. The sample processing unit according to claim 13, characterized in that, The feeding mechanism includes a fixed component, a moving component, and a second driving component. The fixed component is connected to the first hopper, and the moving component is movably connected to the fixed component and can be driven by the second driving component to move relative to the fixed component to transport the single sample container. Preferably, the first driving component and the second driving component are the same driving component.

19. The sample processing unit according to claim 1, characterized in that, The side wall of the silo includes a plurality of side plates arranged sequentially along the circumference of the bottom wall of the silo. One of the side plates is provided with a first opening for the sample container to flow from the second silo into the first silo. At least one of the other side plates is provided with a second opening for the user to interact with the first silo. The first silo also includes a first door, which is connected to the side plate provided with the second opening and is used to open and close the second opening.

20. The sample processing unit according to claim 19, characterized in that, The sample processing unit further includes a housing assembly, which includes a relatively independent first housing and a second housing. The first hopper is disposed inside the first housing, and the second hopper is disposed inside the second housing. The first housing includes a second door, and the first housing has a third opening corresponding to the second opening. The second door is used to open and close the third opening.

21. The sample processing unit according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first hopper also includes a guide component, which is provided with a guide surface. The guide surface is configured such that when the sample container abuts against the guide surface, the guide surface guides the sample container to slide along the guide surface and change its posture. The sample processing unit includes at least one of the following schemes: The side wall of the warehouse includes a plurality of side plates arranged sequentially along the circumference of the bottom wall of the warehouse. In each group of adjacent side plates, at least one group of adjacent side plates is provided with the guide component at the included angle. And / or, the first hopper further includes a functional structure that protrudes from the inner surface of the hopper sidewall, and the guide component is disposed on the side of the functional structure facing the first opening, the first opening being used to allow the sample container to flow from the second hopper into the first hopper; And / or, the first hopper further includes a functional structure that protrudes from the inner surface of the hopper sidewall, and the guide component is disposed on the side of the functional structure facing the feeding mechanism; And / or, the first hopper further includes a functional structure that protrudes from the inner surface of the hopper sidewall, and the guide component is disposed on the upper side of the functional structure; And / or, the first hopper further includes a functional structure that protrudes from the inner surface of the hopper sidewall, and the guide component is disposed on the lower side of the functional structure; And / or, the first hopper further includes a functional structure that protrudes from the inner surface of the hopper sidewall, and the guide component covers the outer side of the functional structure.

22. The sample processing unit according to claim 1, characterized in that, The feeding mechanism includes at least one first feeding component and a second driving component. The at least one first feeding component includes a single movable plate and a single fixed plate. The movable plate and the fixed plate are arranged side by side. The fixed plate is fixed relative to the first hopper. The second driving component is connected to the movable plate and is used to drive the movable plate to reciprocate between a first position and a second position relative to the fixed plate. When the movable plate is in the first position, the top of the movable plate is lower than the top of the fixed plate, and the top of the movable plate receives the single sample container. When the movable plate is in the second position, the top of the movable plate is not lower than the top of the fixed plate, and the single sample container is transferred from the top of the movable plate to the top of the fixed plate. The fixing plate includes a main body and at least two protrusions. The protrusions are used to support the single sample container. The at least two protrusions are connected to the upper end of the main body and are spaced apart along the extension direction of the upper end of the main body. The distance between two adjacent protrusions is less than the length of the sample container. The upper end of the main body has an inclined separation surface. In the first feeding component, the separation surface is inclined downward toward the movable plate.

23. The sample processing unit according to claim 22, characterized in that, The distance between two adjacent protrusions is greater than the diameter of the sample container; And / or, at least two of the protrusions are symmetrically arranged at the upper end of the body about the central axis of the body.

24. The sample processing unit according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sample processing unit further includes a housing assembly, which includes a relatively independent first housing and a second housing. The first hopper, the transfer assembly, and the output assembly are disposed within the first housing, and the second hopper is disposed within the second housing.

25. A sample feeding unit, characterized in that, Includes a first housing and a sample loading assembly disposed within the first housing; The sample loading component includes a first hopper and a feeding mechanism. The first hopper has a storage space and a first opening communicating with the storage space. The storage space is used to store sample containers that flow into it through the first opening. The feeding mechanism is connected to the first hopper and is used to output the sample containers in the storage space as individual sample containers. The storage space is connected to the first opening via a transmission channel, which is configured to taper toward the storage space along the flow direction of the sample container to limit the throughput of the sample container flowing into the storage space.

26. The sample feeding unit according to claim 25, characterized in that, The sample loading component also includes a current limiting mechanism, which is used to define the transmission channel.

27. The sample feeding unit according to claim 26, characterized in that, The first hopper includes a bottom wall and a side wall connected to the bottom wall, the bottom wall and the side wall surround to form the storage space, the side wall is provided with the first opening, and the flow limiting mechanism includes a flow limiting component that extends at least partially into the storage space; The transmission channel includes a guide space located between the extension portion of the flow limiting component and the first opening. The guide space is connected to the first opening and is open at least toward the bottom wall of the silo. And / or, the flow-limiting component is disposed on the upper side of the first opening and extends obliquely toward the bottom wall of the hopper, and the flow-limiting component, the side wall of the hopper, and the bottom wall of the hopper together define the transmission channel.

28. The sample feeding unit according to claim 25, characterized in that, The sample feeding unit also includes a second hopper, which is connected to the first hopper through the first opening. The sample container can be received by the second hopper and flow from the second hopper into the first hopper.

29. A sample analysis system, characterized in that, include: The sample processing unit according to any one of claims 1 to 24; A sample analysis unit is used to analyze the samples within the single sample container; A transmission unit, connecting the sample processing unit and the sample analysis unit, is used to transport the single sample container or the sample carrying component output by the sample processing unit to the sample analysis unit.

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