A laboratory automation sample retention cabinet

Abstract

The application discloses a laboratory automation sample storage cabinet, comprising: a cabinet frame and two storage shelves arranged in the cabinet frame, the two storage shelves being oppositely arranged along the left side and the right side in the cabinet frame and used for storing sample trays; a sample tray switching platform arranged at the front side of the storage shelf and used for temporary placement and transfer of the sample tray; a fork mechanism arranged between the two storage shelves and the sample tray switching platform and used for carrying out the sample tray on the storage shelf or placing the sample tray into a corresponding position or carrying the tray on the sample tray switching platform to the storage shelf; and a four-axis robot arranged on the cabinet frame through a linear movement module and located above the sample tray switching platform and used for grabbing a sample bottle and performing a transfer operation. The laboratory automation sample storage cabinet can realize modular design and realize full-process unmanned precise operation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to the field of laboratory sample storage devices. More specifically, the present invention relates to an automated laboratory sample retention cabinet. Background Technology

[0002] In the research, development, production, and quality control processes of the chemical industry, laboratory sample retention is a crucial link in ensuring data traceability, results verification, and safety supervision. Its applications are wide-ranging, covering the archiving of phased samples in the formulation development of fine chemical products, the retention and testing of batches of pharmaceutical intermediates, the compliant retention of hazardous chemicals, and the long-term preservation of chemical pollutant samples in environmental monitoring. These samples are often highly hazardous, time-sensitive, or high-value, placing stringent requirements on the accuracy, environmental stability, and traceability of the retention process. They directly impact the reliability of experimental data, the compliance of production processes, and even the safety of personnel operations.

[0003] Currently, sample retention techniques in chemical laboratories are mainly based on manual operation and semi-automated storage systems. However, with the rapid development of the chemical industry, the number and variety of samples have surged, and management standards have been upgraded, highlighting the limitations of traditional techniques. For example, manual and semi-automated operations are inefficient, not only failing to meet the high-frequency sample transfer demands, but also prone to errors such as misplacement and label confusion due to human negligence, directly affecting the accuracy of experimental results. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To address one or more of the technical problems mentioned above, this invention provides an automated laboratory sample retention cabinet that features a modular design and enables fully automated, precise operation.

[0005] The laboratory automated sample storage cabinet provided by the present invention includes: a cabinet frame and two storage shelves disposed within the cabinet frame, the two storage shelves being arranged opposite each other along the left and right sides of the cabinet frame, the storage shelves being used to store sample trays; a sample tray switching platform disposed in front of the storage shelves, the sample tray switching platform being used for temporary placement and transfer of sample trays, and for interaction with a desktop AGV cart; a fork mechanism disposed between the two storage shelves and the sample tray switching platform, the fork mechanism being used to move or place sample trays from the storage shelves to corresponding positions, or to move trays from the sample tray switching platform to the storage shelves; and a four-axis robot disposed on the cabinet frame via a linear motion module and located above the sample tray switching platform, the four-axis robot being used to grasp sample bottles and perform transfer operations.

[0006] In some embodiments, the storage shelf has several pallet storage areas and interaction areas formed along the horizontal and vertical directions. The interaction areas include a composite robot sample return area and a composite robot pallet retrieval area. The composite robot sample return area is equipped with sensors to determine whether sample pallets and sample bottles are present.

[0007] In some embodiments, the fork mechanism includes: an X-axis moving module, a Y-axis moving module, and a Z-axis moving module, wherein the X-axis moving module is parallel to the two side storage shelves and fixedly mounted on the top of the cabinet frame, the Y-axis moving module is mounted on the moving slider of the X-axis moving module, and the Z-axis moving module is mounted on the moving slider of the Y-axis moving module; and a fork assembly mounted on the moving slider of the Z-axis moving module, the fork assembly including a bottom fork and a side wall fork, the bottom fork and the side wall fork forming a placement space for a sample pallet.

[0008] In some embodiments, the sample tray includes: a tray body having a longitudinal storage groove for storing sample vials; and anti-detachment slots fixed to both sides of the tray body, wherein a through transverse groove is formed within the anti-detachment slot, and a side wall fork is used to insert into the anti-detachment slot. The transverse groove has at least a downward-facing positioning groove on its top wall, and the side wall fork has a positioning boss on its top wall that engages with the positioning groove.

[0009] In some embodiments, a plurality of guide positioning holes are formed on the bottom plate of the pallet body, and a plurality of positioning pins are formed on the bottom forks, with the positions of the guide positioning holes corresponding one-to-one with the positioning pins.

[0010] In some embodiments, the sample tray switching platform includes: a roller sliding platform for placing sample trays, with the two side surfaces of the roller sliding platform forming a sample bottle transfer area; a buffer tray fixed to one side of the sample bottle transfer area of ​​the roller sliding platform for interacting with a desktop AGV; and a synchronous movement module disposed within the roller sliding platform, the synchronous movement module including a Y-axis synchronous belt movement module and a set of liftable elastic rollers disposed on the movable slider of the Y-axis synchronous belt movement module, the elastic rollers being used to abut against the side of the sample tray.

[0011] In some embodiments, the roller sliding platform includes: a platform support with an inner rail and an outer rail arranged parallel to each other on its top, the inner rail and the outer rail being arranged along the Y-axis; and a contact roller assembly, including a vertical sliding roller assembly and a horizontal sliding roller assembly, with rollers from the vertical sliding roller assembly and the horizontal sliding roller assembly alternately arranged on both the inner rail and the outer rail. At least the inner rail includes a rail filling and lifting mechanism located in its central region, and the contact roller assembly located on the rail filling and lifting mechanism is liftable.

[0012] In some embodiments, the track filling and lifting mechanism includes: a filling track on which horizontal contact rolling pulleys and vertical contact rolling pulleys are alternately arranged; a linear bearing fixed to both sides of the filling track; a fixing plate disposed on both sides of the filling track, with shaft fixing clamps fixed on both sides of the fixing plate, and the linear bearing of the filling track connected to the shaft fixing clamps through guide shafts; and a transverse connecting plate fixedly connected at both ends to the two fixing plates, with a cylinder disposed on the transverse connecting plate, and the driving end of the cylinder being fixedly connected to the filling track through a flange bearing.

[0013] In some embodiments, the synchronous moving module further includes a fixed connecting plate, which is fixed to the moving slider of the Y-axis synchronous belt moving module. Cylinders are fixed on both sides of the fixed connecting plate by cylinder brackets. The liftable elastic roller group includes two elastic rollers respectively disposed at the drive ends of the two cylinders. The liftable elastic roller group is disposed between the inner track and the outer track.

[0014] In some embodiments, the sample tray switching platform further includes a magnetic positioning plate disposed on the side of the buffer tray facing the roller sliding platform, and the magnetic positioning plate is magnetically connected to the sample tray.

[0015] The automated laboratory sample storage cabinet provided above integrates intelligent robotic arms, multi-sensor real-time monitoring, and IoT-driven efficient data interaction. It supports remote control and seamless integration with the laboratory management system, as well as modular and scalable design, achieving fully unmanned and precise operation. This solves the core defects of traditional technologies, such as efficiency bottlenecks, poor environmental stability, and system closure caused by manual reliance, and significantly improves the reliability, security, and scalability of sample management. Attached Figure Description

[0016] The above and other objects, features, and advantages of exemplary embodiments of the present invention will become readily apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, several embodiments of the invention are illustrated by way of example and not limitation, and like or corresponding reference numerals denote like or corresponding parts, wherein:

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the automated laboratory sample retention cabinet according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0018] Figure 2 This is a schematic front view of the structure of the automated laboratory sample retention cabinet according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0019] Figure 3 for Figure 2 The diagram shown is a side view of the structure of the automated laboratory sample retention cabinet.

[0020] Figure 4This is a schematic diagram of the forklift mechanism of the automated laboratory sample storage cabinet according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the fork assembly of the fork mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the sample tray structure according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 7 for Figure 6 The diagram shows the front view of the sample tray.

[0024] Figure 8 for Figure 7 The sample tray shown is viewed along the AA direction;

[0025] Figure 9 for Figure 7 A side view of the sample tray shown.

[0026] Figure 10 for Figure 7 A schematic diagram of the bottom structure of the sample tray shown;

[0027] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the sample tray switching platform of the laboratory automated sample retention cabinet according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 12 for Figure 11 The diagram shows the structure of the synchronous moving module of the sample tray switching platform.

[0029] Figure 13 for Figure 11 The diagram shows the structure of the track filling and lifting mechanism of the sample tray switching platform.

[0030] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of the operation of the forklift mechanism and the sample pallet switching platform according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0031] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this disclosure will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of this disclosure. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this disclosure without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this disclosure.

[0032] Figure 1 The structure of a laboratory automated sample retention cabinet 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 2The structure of a laboratory automated sample retention cabinet 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the automated sample storage cabinet 100 includes: a cabinet frame 1, and two storage shelves 2 disposed within the cabinet frame 1, which are arranged opposite each other on the left and right sides of the cabinet frame 1, and are used to store sample trays; a sample tray switching platform 3 disposed in front of the storage shelves 2, which is used for temporary placement and transfer of sample trays, and for interaction with the desktop AGV trolley 200; a fork mechanism 4 disposed between the two storage shelves 2 and the sample tray switching platform 3, which is used to remove or place sample trays from the storage shelves 2 to the corresponding positions, or to move trays from the sample tray switching platform 3 to the storage shelves 2; and a four-axis robot 5 disposed on the cabinet frame 1 via a linear motion module and located above the sample tray switching platform 3, which is used to grasp sample bottles and perform transfer operations.

[0033] The automated laboratory sample retention cabinet 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes, in practical use:

[0034] 1) Sample Storage. The specific steps are as follows: The desktop AGV trolley 200 transports the samples to be stored. The system sends a request to the laboratory automated sample storage cabinet 100 in advance; the laboratory automated sample storage cabinet 100 checks its internal storage information to find available storage space. If an empty storage tray is found, it coordinates with the upper-level system and provides the empty tray information; after receiving the information, the upper-level system sends an instruction, and the fork mechanism 4 of the laboratory automated sample storage cabinet 100 takes out the empty tray and places it on the sample tray switching platform 3. The sample tray switching platform 3 transfers the empty tray to the desktop AGV trolley. The desktop AGV 200 is in the interaction area. After the desktop AGV 200 arrives, it performs visual positioning, takes pictures, and communicates with the system. The laboratory automated sample retention cabinet 100 uses a four-axis robot 5 to grab the sample bottles from the desktop AGV 200 and temporarily store them in the buffer tray of the retention cabinet. The four-axis robot 5 grabs the sample bottles from the buffer tray, scans the labels and records them to the system. Then it puts the sample bottles into the designated holes of the empty tray. The operation is repeated until the empty sample tray is full of sample bottles. The fork mechanism 4 takes away the tray full of sample bottles and stores it in the corresponding shelf position of the system, completing the storage operation.

[0035] 2) Sample Retrieval. The specific steps are as follows: After the samples in the laboratory automated sample storage cabinet 100 have been temporarily stored for a specified time, the system queries and determines the location of the sample bottles; the forklift mechanism 4 removes the sample pallet from the shelf, the four-axis robot 5 grabs the sample bottles from the pallet, performs barcode verification and outbound record, and then temporarily places the sample bottles in the buffer pallet slot; when the desktop AGV trolley 200 arrives, the four-axis robot 5 removes the sample bottles from the buffer pallet slot and places them in the tray of the desktop AGV trolley 200, completing the retrieval operation.

[0036] The detailed process is as follows: When the desktop AGV 200 transports samples that need to be stored, the system sends a request to the automated laboratory sample storage cabinet 100 in advance, and the entire storage process begins. The automated laboratory sample storage cabinet 100 checks its internal storage information and looks for an available storage tray. If an empty storage tray is found, it coordinates with the previous system. The automated laboratory sample storage cabinet 100 provides information on which storage layers and which trays are empty and can be used to store new sample bottles. After receiving this information, the previous layer makes a decision and sends an instruction to the automated laboratory sample storage cabinet 100. The fork mechanism 4 of the automated laboratory sample storage cabinet 100 removes the empty tray and places it in the tray switching area. The desktop AGV 200 delivers the sample, performs visual positioning and photography, and after communication interaction, the four-axis robot 5 of the automated laboratory sample storage cabinet 100 grabs the sample bottle to be retrieved by the desktop AGV 200 and temporarily stores it in the storage cabinet's buffer tray. The interaction ends after the AGV 200 retrieves the sample. The four-axis robot 5 picks up sample bottles from the buffer pallet, scans the sample bottle labels, and records the scanned information to the system. The system then instructs the robot 5 to place the sample bottles into designated slots on an empty pallet, repeating this process multiple times until the empty sample pallet is full (or sample bottles are added according to a logical rule). Once the pallet is full, it is removed by the forklift mechanism 4 and stored in the corresponding shelf location in the system, completing the storage operation. The sample bottle retrieval operation is the same as storage. The forklift mechanism 4 removes the sample pallet to be retrieved, the four-axis robot 5 picks up the sample bottles, scans the sample bottle labels, places them on the buffer pallet, and waits for the AGV trolley 200 to arrive before the four-axis robot 5 performs the retrieval operation.

[0037] The laboratory automated sample storage cabinet 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention integrates an intelligent robotic arm, real-time monitoring by multiple sensors 223, and efficient data interaction driven by the Internet of Things. It supports remote control and seamless integration with the laboratory management system, as well as modular and scalable design, realizing fully unmanned and precise operation. It solves the core defects of traditional technologies, such as efficiency bottlenecks, poor environmental stability, and system closure caused by manual reliance, and significantly improves the reliability, security, and scalability of sample management.

[0038] Please refer to Figure 3In some embodiments, the storage shelf 2 has a plurality of tray storage areas 21 and interaction areas 22 formed along the horizontal and vertical directions. The interaction areas 22 include a composite robot sample return area 221 and a composite robot tray retrieval area 222. The composite robot sample return area 221 is equipped with a sensor 223, which is used to determine whether there are sample trays and sample bottles. There are two composite robot sample return areas 221.

[0039] The laboratory automated sample storage cabinet 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention also includes a manual transfer window and interaction between the manual transfer window and the composite AGV robot. The specific steps are as follows: a manual person retrieves sample bottles from the laboratory automated sample storage cabinet 100 through the transfer window, inputs relevant information into the system, and places a corresponding empty tray in the transfer window; the composite AGV robot takes the empty tray from the transfer window and places it in the composite robot sample return area 221; the sensor 223 detects the sample tray to determine if it is abnormal; after passing the detection, the fork mechanism 4 places the empty tray into the sample tray switching platform 3, and then the fork mechanism 4 removes the sample tray containing the sample bottles from the storage shelf 2; the four-axis robot 5 grabs the required sample bottles, scans and verifies them, and places them into the empty tray of the sample tray switching platform 3; after retrieval and placement are completed, the fork mechanism 4 places the original empty tray (now containing the required sample bottles) into the composite robot tray retrieval area 222, and the composite AGV robot retrieves the sample tray from the composite robot tray retrieval area 222, returns it to the manual transfer window, and places it in the corresponding position, completing the interactive operation.

[0040] With this setting, the laboratory automated sample retention cabinet 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention can also realize the interaction between humans and composite AGV robots, thereby further enriching the automation function of the laboratory automated sample retention cabinet 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] In this application, the number of sensors 223 corresponds one-to-one with the number of placement cavities in the sample tray.

[0042] Please refer to Figure 4 and Figure 5 In some embodiments, the fork mechanism 4 may include: an X-axis moving module 41, a Y-axis moving module 42, and a Z-axis moving module 43. The X-axis moving module 41 is parallel to the two side storage shelves 2 and fixedly mounted on the top of the cabinet frame 1. The Y-axis moving module 42 is mounted on the moving slider of the X-axis moving module 41, and the Z-axis moving module 43 is mounted on the moving slider of the Y-axis moving module 42. The fork assembly 44 is mounted on the moving slider of the Z-axis moving module 43. The fork assembly 44 includes a bottom fork 441 and a side wall fork 442. The bottom fork 441 and the side wall fork 442 are configured as a placement space for a sample tray.

[0043] In this application, the X-axis moving module 41 may include two parallel X-axis moving guide rails, which are respectively fixed to the top of the cabinet frame 1. The Y-axis moving module 42 is perpendicular to the two X-axis moving guide rails, and its two ends are respectively fixed to the sliding blocks of the two X-axis moving guide rails. The Z-axis moving module 43 is fixed to the sliding block of the Y-axis moving module 42, so that the Z-axis moving module 43 can move between the two storage racks 2. Two sets of fork assemblies 44 may be arranged opposite each other on the sliding block of the Z-axis moving module 43, and the two sets of fork assemblies 44 are used to interact with the two oppositely arranged storage racks 2. This arrangement reduces the difficulty of operation and installation of the fork mechanism 4.

[0044] Please refer to Figures 6 to 10 In some embodiments, the sample tray may include: a tray body 6 having a longitudinal storage groove for storing sample vials; and an anti-detachment slot 61 fixed to both sides of the tray body 6, wherein a through transverse groove 611 is formed in the anti-detachment slot 61, and a side wall fork 442 is used to insert into the anti-detachment slot 61; wherein at least the top wall of the transverse groove 611 is provided with a downward-facing positioning groove 612, and the top wall of the side wall fork 442 is formed with a positioning boss 4221 that engages with the positioning groove 612.

[0045] In this application, the anti-detachment slot 61 can be made of a hollow square tube made of stainless steel. A fixing strip 613 can be fixed on the top wall of the hollow square tube, and a positioning groove 612 is formed on the fixing strip 613. With this setting, the formed positioning groove 612 is used to cooperate with the positioning bosses 4221 on both sides of the side wall fork 442, which can make the sample tray more stable and reliable during movement or abnormal mechanical collision, and the sample tray is not easy to fall off.

[0046] Please continue to refer to Figure 8 In some embodiments, the fixing strip 613 can be fixed to the top and bottom walls of the transverse through groove 611 along the extension direction of the transverse through groove 611 to further improve the structural strength of the anti-detachment slot 61 and further improve the stability of the sample tray during movement or abnormal mechanical collision.

[0047] In some embodiments, the positioning groove 612 is located at the middle of the fixing strip 613, so that the positioning groove 612 is close to the center of gravity of the sample tray, so that the stability of the sample tray can be further improved by the cooperation of the positioning boss 4221.

[0048] In some embodiments, the distance between the fixed stop bar 613 and the bottom wall of the through groove is greater than the distance between the bottom wall of the side wall fork 442 and the top of the positioning boss 4221, so that the side wall fork 442 with the positioning boss 4221 can be inserted into the anti-disengagement slot 61.

[0049] Please refer to Figure 10 In some embodiments, a plurality of guide positioning holes 614 are formed on the bottom plate of the pallet body 6, and a plurality of positioning pins 4411 are formed on the bottom fork 441, with the positions of the guide positioning holes 614 corresponding one-to-one with the positioning pins 4411.

[0050] With the above settings, when the fork assembly 44 lifts the sample pallet with the bottom fork 441, the cooperation between the guide positioning hole 614 and the positioning pin 4411 can play a guiding and positioning role, further improving the stability of the sample pallet during lifting and transportation.

[0051] Please return Figure 5 In some embodiments, an anti-slip pad 4412 is also included, which is disposed on the bottom fork 441 to increase the friction between the bottom fork 441 and the bottom of the sample tray, prevent slippage, and maximize the stability of the sample tray during lifting and transportation.

[0052] Please refer to Figure 10 In some embodiments, two guide positioning strips 615 are also formed parallel to each other on the bottom plate of the tray body 6, and the two ends of the two guide positioning strips 615 form guide arcs. The guide positioning strips 615 are used in conjunction with the sample tray switching platform 3.

[0053] Please refer to Figure 11 In some embodiments, the sample tray switching platform 3 includes: a roller sliding platform 31 for placing sample trays, with the two side platforms of the roller sliding platform 31 forming a sample bottle transfer area 32; a buffer tray 33 fixed to one side of the sample bottle transfer area 32 of the roller sliding platform 31 for interacting with the desktop AGV trolley 200; and a synchronous movement module 34 disposed within the roller sliding platform 31, the synchronous movement module 34 including a Y-axis synchronous belt movement module 341 and a set of liftable elastic rollers 342 disposed on the movable slider of the Y-axis synchronous belt movement module 341, the elastic rollers being used to abut against the side of the sample tray.

[0054] The sample tray switching platform 3 according to an embodiment of the present invention can realize the transfer of external samples to the storage shelf 2, the transfer of samples from the storage shelf 2 to the outside, and the alternation of samples on two storage shelves 2. The alternation of samples on two storage shelves 2 is achieved by two forklift mechanisms 4 working alternately at the sample tray switching platform 3.

[0055] Please continue to refer to Figure 11In some embodiments, the roller sliding platform 31 includes: a platform support 311, on which an inner rail 312 and an outer rail 313 are arranged in parallel on the top, the inner rail 312 and the outer rail 313 being arranged along the Y-axis direction; a contact roller group 314, which includes a vertical sliding roller group and a horizontal sliding roller group, with rollers from the vertical sliding roller group and the horizontal sliding roller group alternately arranged on the inner rail 312 and the outer rail 313 respectively; wherein, at least the inner rail 312 includes a rail filling and lifting mechanism 35 located in the central region, and the contact roller group 314 located on the rail filling and lifting mechanism 35 is liftable.

[0056] In this application, when the sample pallet is placed on the inner rail 312 and outer rail 313 of the roller sliding platform 31 by the fork mechanism 4, the parts of the sample pallet that contact the roller sliding platform 31 are the bottom of the pallet body 6 and the guide positioning strip 615. In order to maintain the smoothness and stability of the sample pallet movement process, a vertical sliding roller group and a horizontal sliding roller group are provided so that the sliding rollers can simultaneously roll and abut against the bottom of the pallet body 6 and the guide positioning strip 615, thereby effectively reducing the friction between the sample pallet and the inner rail 312 and the outer rail 313.

[0057] This application also includes a track filling and lifting mechanism 35. When the fork mechanism 4 transports the sample pallet to the sample pallet switching platform 3, the track filling and lifting mechanism 35 descends to avoid the fork mechanism 4. After the fork mechanism 4 places the sample pallet in the sample bottle transfer area 32, the fork mechanism 4 detaches from the sample pallet and moves away. Subsequently, the track filling and lifting mechanism 35 rises to ensure that the roller sliding platform 31 is intact, facilitating the movement of the sample pallet.

[0058] Please refer to Figure 11 and Figure 13 In some embodiments, the track filling and lifting mechanism 35 may include: a filling track 351 on which horizontal contact rolling pulleys and vertical contact rolling pulleys are alternately arranged; a linear bearing 352 fixed to both sides of the filling track 351; a fixing plate 353 disposed on both sides of the filling track 351, with shaft fixing clamps 354 fixed on both sides of the fixing plate 353, and the linear bearing 352 of the filling track 351 connected to the shaft fixing clamp 354 through a guide shaft 357; and a transverse connecting plate 355 fixedly connected at both ends to the two fixing plates 353, with a cylinder disposed on the transverse connecting plate 355, and the driving end of the cylinder being fixedly connected to the filling track 351 through a flange bearing 356.

[0059] In this application, both the inner track 312 and the outer track 313 may include a track filling and lifting mechanism 35 located in the central region. The track filling and lifting mechanisms 35 simultaneously provided on the inner track 312 and the outer track 313 can be integrated into a single mechanism, so that when the filling track 351 is raised or lowered, the filling track 351 located on the inner track 312 and the outer track 313 are raised or lowered simultaneously.

[0060] Please refer to Figure 12 In some embodiments, the synchronous moving module 34 further includes a fixed connecting plate 343, which is fixed to the moving slider of the Y-axis synchronous belt moving module 341. Cylinders are fixed on both sides of the fixed connecting plate 343 by cylinder brackets 344. The liftable elastic roller assembly 342 includes two elastic rollers respectively disposed at the drive ends of the two cylinders. The liftable elastic roller assembly 342 is disposed between the inner track 312 and the outer track 313.

[0061] In this application, there is a certain distance between the two elastic rollers, and the two cylinders can drive the elastic rollers independently. In this way, the sample tray on the sample tray switching platform 3 can be pushed by the two elastic rollers at the same time, or it can be pushed by the two elastic rollers in relay. The relay push is more suitable for cases where the sample tray moves a long distance.

[0062] Please return Figure 11 In some embodiments, the sample tray switching platform 3 further includes a magnetic positioning plate 36, which is disposed on the side of the buffer tray 33 facing the roller sliding platform 31, and the magnetic positioning plate 36 is magnetically connected to the sample tray.

[0063] In this application, the magnetic positioning plate 36 can be constructed as an electromagnet mounted on the fixed plate 353, and the electromagnet can be configured to control the on / off state of magnetism. By setting the magnetic positioning plate 36, the position of the sample tray after magnetic attraction with the magnetic positioning plate 36 can be more precise, which facilitates the grasping operation of the four-axis robot 5.

[0064] In this embodiment of the invention, when the fork mechanism 4 moves to the sample pallet switching platform 3, the filling track 351 of the track filling and lifting mechanism 35 retracts downward to avoid interference with the bottom wall of the forks of the sample pallet. The fork mechanism 4 can place the sample pallet directly on any sample bottle transfer area 32 on both sides of the roller sliding platform 31. The sample pallet is pushed to the corresponding position by the adjustable elastic roller group 342 at the bottom. For example, if pushed to the direction of the AGV desktop trolley, the sample pallet is attracted by the magnetic positioning plate 36, the forks return to the original position, the track filling and lifting mechanism 35 lifts upward to restore the initial position, and after restoration, the sample pallet slides on the contact roller group 314 on the sample pallet switching platform 3 through the bottom pushing mechanism.

[0065] In some embodiments, the storage capacity of the laboratory automated sample storage cabinet 100 may be no less than 300 bottles. When storing sample bottles, the sample bottles are scanned to confirm the sample information, and the sample number and location are recorded and displayed on the screen.

[0066] In the foregoing description of this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "fixed," "installed," "connected," or "linked" should be interpreted broadly. For example, the term "linked" can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; or it can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Therefore, unless otherwise expressly limited in this application, those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0067] Based on the above description of this application, those skilled in the art will also understand that the terms used, such as "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "length," "width," "thickness," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "axial," "radial," "circumferential," "center," "longitudinal," "transverse," "clockwise," or "counterclockwise," are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings of this application. They are only for the purpose of facilitating the explanation of the present invention and simplifying the description, and do not explicitly or implicitly suggest that the device or element involved must have the specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, the above-mentioned orientation or positional relationship terms should not be understood or interpreted as a limitation on the present invention.

[0068] Furthermore, the terms "first" or "second," etc., used in this application to refer to numbers or ordinal numbers are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as explicitly or implicitly indicating relative importance or specifying the number of indicated technical features. Therefore, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this application, "multiple" means at least two, such as two, three, or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0069] While numerous embodiments of the invention have been shown and described herein, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that such embodiments are provided by way of example only. Many modifications, alterations, and alternatives will occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and essence of the invention. It should be understood that various alternatives to the embodiments of the invention described herein may be employed in the practice of the invention. The appended claims are intended to define the scope of protection of the invention and therefore cover equivalents or alternatives within the scope of these claims.

Claims

1. A laboratory automation sample retention cabinet, characterized by, The application relates to a sample tray switching device for a sample analysis system. The device comprises: a cabinet frame and a storage shelf arranged in the cabinet frame, two storage shelves arranged oppositely along the left and right sides in the cabinet frame, which are used for storing sample trays, a sample tray switching platform arranged at the front side of the storage shelf, which is used for temporary placement and transfer of sample trays and for interaction with a desktop AGV trolley, a fork mechanism arranged between the two storage shelves and the sample tray switching platform, which is used for carrying out sample trays on the storage shelves or placing sample trays into corresponding positions or carrying trays on the sample tray switching platform to the storage shelves, the fork mechanism comprising an X-axis moving module, a Y-axis moving module and a Z-axis moving module, the X-axis moving module is parallel to the two storage shelves and is fixedly arranged at the top of the cabinet frame, the Y-axis moving module is arranged on the moving slider of the X-axis moving module, and the Z-axis moving module is arranged on the moving slider of the Y-axis moving module, and a fork assembly is arranged on the moving slider of the Z-axis moving module, the fork assembly comprising a bottom fork and a side wall fork, and the bottom fork and the side wall fork form a sample tray placement space, the sample tray comprises a tray body and anti-disengagement slots, the tray body is provided with longitudinal storage grooves for storing sample bottles, the anti-disengagement slots are fixed on the two sides of the tray body, transverse through grooves are formed in the anti-disengagement slots, and the side wall fork is used for being inserted into the anti-disengagement slots, wherein at least the top wall of the transverse through groove is provided with a downward-opening positioning groove, and the top wall of the side wall fork is provided with a positioning boss which is in clamping cooperation with the positioning groove, 2. The laboratory automation sample retention cabinet of claim 1, wherein, a four-axis robot arranged on the cabinet frame through a linear moving module and located above the sample tray switching platform, which is used for grabbing sample bottles and performing transfer operations.

3. The laboratory automation sample retention cabinet of claim 1, wherein, The storage shelves are provided with a plurality of tray storage areas and interaction areas in the transverse and longitudinal directions, the interaction areas comprise a composite robot sample return area and a composite robot tray taking area, wherein the composite robot sample return area is provided with a sensor for judging whether sample trays and sample bottles exist.

4. The laboratory automation sample retention cabinet of any one of claims 1-3, wherein, A plurality of guide positioning holes are formed on the bottom plate of the tray body, and a plurality of positioning pins are formed on the bottom fork, and the positions of the guide positioning holes correspond to the positions of the positioning pins. The sample tray switching platform comprises: a roller sliding platform for placing sample trays, two side platform surfaces of the roller sliding platform form sample bottle transfer areas, a buffer tray fixed on one side of the sample bottle transfer area of the roller sliding platform, which is used for interaction with a desktop AGV trolley, 5. The laboratory automation sample retention cabinet of claim 4, wherein, a synchronous moving module arranged in the roller sliding platform, the synchronous moving module comprising a Y-axis synchronous belt moving module and a liftable elastic roller group arranged on the moving slider of the Y-axis synchronous belt moving module, and the elastic roller group is used for abutting against the side edges of sample trays. The roller sliding platform comprises: A platform support, the top of which is provided with an inner rail and an outer rail in parallel, the inner rail and the outer rail being arranged along the Y-axis direction; A contact roller set, which includes a vertical sliding roller set and a horizontal sliding roller set, the inner rail and the outer rail being alternately provided with rollers in the vertical sliding roller set and the horizontal sliding roller set, respectively; At least the inner rail includes a rail filling jacking mechanism in the middle region, and the contact roller set on the rail filling jacking mechanism is liftable.

6. The laboratory automation sample retention cabinet of claim 5, wherein, The rail filling jacking mechanism includes: A filling rail, which is alternately provided with horizontal contact rolling pulleys and vertical contact rolling pulleys; Linear bearings fixed to both sides of the filling rail; Fixed plates provided on both sides of the filling rail, the fixed plates being fixed with shaft rod fixed clamps on both sides, the linear bearings of the filling rail being connected to the shaft rod fixed clamps through guide shaft rods; A transverse connecting plate, both ends of which are fixedly connected to two fixed plates, the transverse connecting plate being provided with a gas cylinder, the driving end of the gas cylinder being fixedly connected to the filling rail through a flange bearing.

7. The laboratory automation sample retention cabinet of claim 5, wherein, The synchronous moving module further includes a fixed connecting plate fixed to the moving slider of the Y-axis synchronous belt moving module, both sides of the fixed connecting plate being fixed with a gas cylinder through a gas cylinder support, the liftable elastic roller set including two elastic rollers arranged at the driving ends of the two gas cylinders, respectively, wherein the liftable elastic roller set is arranged between the inner rail and the outer rail.

8. The laboratory automation sample retention cabinet of claim 4, wherein, The sample tray switching platform further includes a magnet positioning plate arranged on the side of the buffer tray facing the roller sliding platform, the magnet positioning plate being magnetically connected to the sample tray.

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