Sample rack handling device, liquid sample analysis system, and operating method

Abstract

The present application relates to a sample rack handling device, a liquid sample analysis system, and an operation method, the sample rack handling device comprising: a sample rack storage area in which a plurality of sample racks are arranged side by side, each sample rack carrying one or more sample containers containing samples; the sampling area is used for sampling samples in the sample containers on the sample rack; the entering channel and the exiting channel are respectively used for enabling the sample rack to enter and exit from the sampling area; the connection mechanism is configured to convey the sample rack from the sample rack storage area to the entering channel; and the sample rack conveying device is configured to convey the sample racks back to the sample rack storage area through the exit channel. Due to the fact that the sample frame control device is provided with the entering channel and the exiting channel which are independent of each other, entering of the next sample frame and exiting of the previous sample frame do not interfere with each other, the two processes can be conducted at the same time, and the throughput capacity of the sample frame control device can be greatly improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of medical technology, specifically to a sample holder manipulation device, a liquid sample analysis system, and an operating method. Background Technology

[0002] The content in this section provides only background information related to this application and may not constitute prior art.

[0003] Various analytical instruments (also known as automated analyzers or sample analysis systems) used to test samples (such as blood) in sample containers are widely used in the medical field, especially in clinical and laboratory medicine. Due to the large volume of samples to be processed, current analytical instruments include sample rack manipulation devices that automatically load, transport, and unload the sample racks carrying the sample containers, replacing manual operation to automatically transport the sample containers to the sampling area of ​​the instrument according to pre-defined rules for sampling and testing.

[0004] Existing sample rack manipulation devices typically include a single transport channel that serves both the entry and exit of the sample rack from the sampling area. The sample rack enters the sampling area through this channel, and after sampling, it can only be transported out of the sampling area via the same channel. However, after sampling of the first sample rack, if a second sample rack needs to be transported to the sampling area, the single transport channel is occupied by the first sample rack after sampling. Therefore, the second sample rack can only be transported after the first sample rack has completely exited the sampling area. This device structure results in low sample rack transport efficiency, leading to low throughput for the sample rack manipulation device and making it difficult to meet practical needs.

[0005] Therefore, it is necessary to provide a sample rack manipulation device with high throughput. Summary of the Invention

[0006] In view of the above-mentioned technical problems of the sample rack manipulation device in the prior art, one object of this application is to provide a sample rack manipulation device with high throughput, which can transport the next sample rack to the sampling area without waiting for the previous sample rack to completely exit the sampling area when transporting multiple sample racks using the sample rack manipulation device.

[0007] Another objective of this application is to provide a sample rack manipulation device for continuously transporting multiple sample racks to a sampling area with high transport efficiency.

[0008] Another objective of this application is to provide a sample holder manipulation device with a compact structure and small overall volume.

[0009] Another objective of this application is to provide an operation method for a sample rack manipulator used in embodiments of this application, so as to improve the transport efficiency of the sample rack.

[0010] According to a first aspect of this application, a sample rack manipulation device is provided, comprising: a sample rack storage area for arranging a plurality of sample racks side by side therein, wherein each of the plurality of sample racks is used to carry one or more sample containers containing samples; a sampling area for sampling samples from the sample containers on the sample racks; an entry channel and an exit channel, the entry channel and the exit channel being channels for the sample racks to enter and exit the sampling area, respectively; and a connecting mechanism configured to transport the sample racks from the sample rack storage area to the entry channel so that the sample racks can enter the sampling area through the entry channel; and configured to transport the sample racks back to the sample rack storage area through the exit channel.

[0011] In some embodiments, the sample rack manipulation device further includes a sampling channel and a conveying mechanism disposed in the sampling area, wherein the sampling channel has an entry end for the sample rack to enter, an exit end for the sample rack to exit, and an intermediate portion between the entry end and the exit end; the conveying mechanism is configured to convey a sample rack that has entered the entry end from the entry channel along the sampling channel to a sampling position located in the intermediate portion for sampling, and to convey the sampled sample rack along the sampling channel to an exit position located in the exit end and transfer the sample rack to the exit channel.

[0012] In some embodiments, the entry channel and the exit channel are parallel to the sampling channel, the entry channel is arranged adjacent to the entry end, and the exit channel is arranged adjacent to the exit end; and in the lateral direction perpendicular to the sampling channel, the entry channel and the exit channel are located between the sample rack storage area and the sampling channel, and the entry channel, the sampling channel and the exit channel together form a unidirectional transport loop for the sample rack.

[0013] In some embodiments, the sample manipulation device is configured such that at least two of the sample holders are simultaneously in the unidirectional transport loop during operation.

[0014] In some embodiments, the sample rack storage area includes a loading / unloading area and a buffer located on the same side of the sampling channel, wherein in the lateral direction, the loading / unloading area is arranged to correspond to the entry end, and the buffer is arranged to correspond to the exit end; and a transfer area for the connecting mechanism to pass through is provided between the loading / unloading area and the buffer.

[0015] In some embodiments, the docking mechanism is further configured to transport the sample rack between the loading / unloading area and the buffer.

[0016] In some embodiments, the connecting mechanism is further configured to transport the sample rack from the buffer to the entry channel for sampling; and to transport the sampled sample rack back to the buffer through the exit channel.

[0017] In some embodiments, the conveying mechanism includes at least two longitudinal push-pull structures and one transverse push-pull structure disposed along the sampling channel, wherein the at least two longitudinal push-pull structures are configured to alternately push or pull the sample holder along the sampling channel to and past the sampling position, and finally to the exit position; and the transverse push-pull structure is disposed at the exit end of the sampling channel and configured to transfer the sample holder located at the exit position to the connecting mechanism in the exit channel.

[0018] In some embodiments, the at least two longitudinal push-pull structures include a first longitudinal push-pull structure and a second longitudinal push-pull structure; wherein, the first longitudinal push-pull structure has a first initial position at the entry end and a junction position at the middle portion, the first longitudinal push-pull structure is configured to move between the first initial position and the junction position to push or pull the sample holder from the entry end to the sampling position, and is configured to return to the first initial position along the sampling channel after moving to the junction position; the second longitudinal push-pull structure has a second initial position at the junction position and an end position at the exit position, the second longitudinal push-pull structure is configured to move from the second initial position to the end position to push or pull the sample holder from the sampling position to the exit position, and is configured to return to the second initial position along the sampling channel after moving to the end position.

[0019] In some embodiments, the first longitudinal push-pull structure and the second longitudinal push-pull structure each have a conveyor and a first lever connected to the conveyor; wherein the conveyor is configured to drive the connected first lever to move along the sampling channel; the first levers of the first longitudinal push-pull structure and the second longitudinal push-pull structure are configured to push or pull the sample holder to move in the sampling channel; the transverse push-pull structure has a second lever configured to transfer the sample holder located in the exit position from the sampling channel to the connecting mechanism in the exit channel by lifting or pushing / pulling.

[0020] In some embodiments, the sample rack manipulator further includes a controller for controlling the movement of the connecting mechanism and the conveying mechanism.

[0021] In some embodiments, the sample rack manipulation device further includes a plurality of sensors disposed in the sample rack storage area, the sampling area, the entry channel, the exit channel, and the sampling channel, and the controller is configured to control the movement of the connection mechanism and the conveying mechanism based on signals from the plurality of sensors.

[0022] According to a second aspect of this application, a liquid sample analysis system is provided, the liquid sample analysis system including a sample rack manipulation device and a sample analysis device as described in the first aspect of this application.

[0023] According to a third aspect of this application, a method for operating the sample rack manipulation device described in the first aspect of this application is provided, the method comprising the following steps:

[0024] The connecting mechanism transports the first sample rack from the sample rack storage area to the sampling area through the entry channel; moves the first sample rack along the sampling channel in the sampling area to the sampling position for sampling; while sampling the first sample rack, the connecting mechanism transports the second sample rack from the sample rack storage area to the sampling area through the entry channel; and the connecting mechanism transports the sampled first sample rack back to the sample rack storage area through the exit channel.

[0025] In some embodiments, the sample rack storage area of ​​the sample rack manipulation device includes a loading / unloading area and a buffer zone. The step of the connecting mechanism transporting the first sample rack among the plurality of sample racks from the sample rack storage area to the sampling area through the entry channel includes: the connecting mechanism first transporting the plurality of sample racks from the loading / unloading area to the buffer zone, and then transporting the first sample rack among the plurality of sample racks from the buffer zone to the sampling area through the entry channel.

[0026] In some embodiments, the step of the connecting mechanism transporting a second sample rack from the sample rack storage area to the sampling area through the access channel while sampling the first sample rack includes: while sampling the first sample rack, the connecting mechanism transporting the second sample rack from the buffer zone to the sampling area through the access channel.

[0027] In some embodiments, the step of the receiving mechanism transporting the sampled first sample rack back to the sample rack storage area through the exit channel includes:

[0028] The receiving mechanism transports the sampled first sample rack back to the buffer through the exit channel; and

[0029] The first sample rack is temporarily placed in the buffer for resampling based on its resampling status information, or the first sample rack is transported back from the buffer to the loading / unloading area based on its end-sampling status information.

[0030] In some embodiments, the step of moving the first sample holder along a sampling channel disposed in the sampling area to a sampling position to facilitate sampling is achieved by at least two longitudinal push-pull structures of the sample holder manipulation device in an alternating manner.

[0031] In some embodiments, the step of the connecting mechanism transporting the sampled first sample rack back to the buffer through the exit channel includes: firstly, the lateral push-pull structure of the sample rack manipulator transfers the first sample rack from the exit position to the connecting mechanism in the exit channel by lifting or pushing and pulling, and then the connecting mechanism transports the first sample rack back to the buffer through the exit channel.

[0032] The sample rack manipulator provided in this application has independent entry and exit channels for the sample racks to enter and exit the sampling area, respectively. Based on this structure, when transporting multiple sample racks to the sampling area using this sample rack manipulator, the next sample rack can enter the sampling area through the entry channel during the sampling process of the previous sample rack or during the process of the previous sample rack exiting the sampling area after sampling. The entry of the next sample rack and the exit of the previous sample rack do not interfere with each other; the two processes can be carried out simultaneously. Transporting the next sample rack does not require waiting for the previous sample rack to complete its exit, thus allowing multiple sample racks to be transported to the sampling area consecutively. This improves the sample rack transport efficiency and significantly increases the throughput of the sample rack manipulator, for example, increasing the throughput of the sample rack manipulator from low to medium.

[0033] The conveying mechanism located in the sampling area has at least two longitudinal push-pull structures that can move multiple sample racks sequentially along the sampling channel past the sampling position in an alternating manner, avoiding unnecessary waiting during transportation and thus enabling the transportation of multiple sample racks with high efficiency.

[0034] The entry and exit channels of the sample holder manipulation device are arranged parallel to the sampling channel and are located at the entry and exit ends of the sampling channel, respectively. The loading / unloading area and buffer of the sample storage area are also located at the entry and exit ends of the sampling channel, respectively. The parallel arrangement of the three channels reduces the space occupied by the channels in the lateral direction (i.e., the direction perpendicular to the sampling channel). Moreover, the loading / unloading area and buffer are also arranged along the sampling channel, thereby making full use of the space in the longitudinal direction (i.e., the direction parallel to the sampling channel). This internal structural arrangement makes the overall structure of the device more compact, thus reducing the size of the device. Attached Figure Description

[0035] Embodiments of this application will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, the same features or components are represented by the same reference numerals, and the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. In the drawings:

[0036] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a liquid sample analysis system according to an embodiment of this application;

[0037] Figure 2 schematically shown Figure 1 The swing arm of the sample analysis device in the liquid sample analysis system and the aspirator held by the swing arm;

[0038] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the sample rack manipulation device according to the first embodiment of this application is shown from a top view.

[0039] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the sample rack manipulation device according to the first embodiment of this application is shown from a top view.

[0040] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the sample rack manipulation device according to the second embodiment of this application is shown from a top view.

[0041] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the sample rack manipulation device according to the second embodiment of this application is shown from a top view.

[0042] Figure 7 A perspective view of a connection mechanism located between the loading / unloading area and the buffer zone according to an embodiment of this application is shown;

[0043] Figure 8 This is a perspective view of a conveying mechanism according to an embodiment of this application, showing the movement of a sample holder in a sampling channel by pushing or pulling it.

[0044] Figure 9This is a flowchart of an operation method for a sample rack manipulation device according to an embodiment of this application; and

[0045] Figure 10 (a) to Figure 10 (r) schematically illustrates a transport process for sequentially transporting three sample racks to a sampling area using a sample rack manipulator according to an embodiment of the present application. Detailed Implementation

[0046] The following description is exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the scope of this application, its application, or its uses. It should be understood that the various figures only schematically illustrate the concept and principles of embodiments of this application and do not necessarily show the specific dimensions and scale of each embodiment. Certain parts of specific figures may be exaggerated to illustrate relevant details or structures of embodiments of this application.

[0047] In the description of the embodiments of this application, the terms "first," "second," and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or a limitation of number. The term "multiple" refers to two or more unless otherwise expressly defined. The "throughput" of the sample rack manipulator refers to the maximum number of sample racks that the sample rack manipulator can transport in a single operating cycle. "Longitudinal direction" refers to the direction parallel to the sampling channel, and "lateral direction" refers to the direction perpendicular to the sampling channel.

[0048] Figure 1 The basic structural components of the liquid sample analysis system 3 are schematically shown, and the external outline of the sample holder manipulation device 1 in the liquid sample analysis system 3 is generally shown. Figure 1 As shown, the liquid sample analysis system 3 may include a sample holder manipulation device 1, a sample analysis device 4, and a controller 15. The sample analysis device 4 is mainly used to sample and analyze the samples within the sample container of the sample holder manipulation device 1 to obtain corresponding analysis reports, which can then be used by hospitals, medical institutions, or research institutes for medical research and diagnosis. The sample analysis device 4 may include, for example... Figure 2The swing arm 41 and the aspirator 42 (e.g., a sampling needle) are shown, with one end of the aspirator 42 held by the swing arm 41. The swing arm 41 is capable of swinging about a rotation axis, and by swinging the swing arm 41, the other end of the aspirator 42 can be aligned with the axis of the sample container located in the sampling area of ​​the sample holder manipulation device 1, so that the aspirator 42 can sample the sample (e.g., a liquid sample) in the sample container. The sample analysis device 4 is not the focus of this application, so its structure will not be described in detail herein. The sample analysis device 4 can be any suitable model of sample analysis device available on the market, such as the DxC700AU sample analysis device available from Beckman Coulter, Inc.

[0049] The following is combined Figures 3 to 6 The sample rack manipulation device 1 according to various embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below.

[0050] Reference Figure 3 and Figure 4 The diagram shows a schematic top view of a sample rack manipulation device 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The sample rack manipulation device 1 may include a sample rack storage area 10, a sampling area 11, a connecting mechanism 12, and independent entry channels C1 and exit channels C2 for the sample rack to enter and exit the sampling area, respectively. The sample storage area 10 is the area for placing the sample rack 2. The sample rack 2 can hold one or more sample containers containing samples to be tested; the sample containers located on the sample rack are schematically shown by black circles in the diagram. The connecting mechanism 12 is a mechanism for transporting the sample rack 2, which can transport the sample rack 2 from the sample storage area 10 to the entry channel C1, so that the sample rack 2 can enter the sampling area 11 through the entry channel. In the sampling area 11, the sample aspirator 42 of the sample analysis device 4 can sample the samples in the sample containers on the sample rack 2. After sampling is completed, the connecting mechanism can transport the sampled sample rack 2 back to the sample storage area 10 through the exit channel C2.

[0051] Because the sample rack manipulator of this embodiment has an entry channel and an exit channel for the sample rack to enter and exit the sampling area respectively, when multiple sample racks are transported to the sampling area using such a sample rack manipulator, the next sample rack can enter the sampling area through the entry channel during the sampling process of the previous sample rack or during the process of the previous sample rack exiting the sampling area after completing sampling. The entry of the next sample rack and the exit of the previous sample rack do not interfere with each other, and the two processes can be carried out simultaneously. Transporting the next sample rack does not require waiting for the previous sample rack to complete its exit, thereby allowing multiple sample racks to be transported to the sampling area continuously. This improves the transport efficiency of the sample racks and significantly increases the throughput of the sample rack manipulator, for example, increasing the throughput of the sample rack manipulator from low to medium throughput.

[0052] The structure and function of each component of the sample rack manipulation device 1 according to the embodiments of this application will be described in detail below.

[0053] Sample rack

[0054] Sample rack 2 is used to receive, carry, align, and hold one or more sample containers, such as test tubes or cups. The sample containers can be arranged in a row on sample rack 2. For example, each sample rack 2 can hold a maximum of 6 to 10 sample containers. Figures 3 to 6 In the illustrated embodiment, each sample rack 2 carries 6 sample containers. The maximum carrying capacity of the sample rack can be determined by considering factors such as the size of the equipment and the waiting time for the next sample rack to be loaded, and this embodiment does not limit this. It is understood that the actual number of sample containers filled on the sample rack can be determined according to the actual situation. That is to say, during operation, the number of sample containers carried on the sample rack 2 may not reach its maximum carrying capacity.

[0055] Sample rack storage area

[0056] The sample rack operating device 1 can be installed in the sample storage area 10 as follows: Figure 3 and Figure 4 The diagram shows multiple channels arranged vertically, with each sample rack arranged side-by-side within its corresponding channel.

[0057] like Figure 5 and Figure 6As shown, in the second embodiment of the present invention, the sample storage area 10 may include a loading / unloading area 101 and a buffer 102 with different functions. Sample racks to be sampled are first placed in the loading / unloading area 101 in batches, for example, by an operator. Before sampling, the sample analysis device 4 typically requires some preparatory work, such as cleaning the aspirator. Therefore, the connecting mechanism 12 (described in detail below) can first transport a preset number of sample racks 2 from the loading / unloading area 101 to the buffer 102 for waiting. After the sample analysis device 4 completes its preparatory work, the connecting mechanism 12 can transport the sample racks 2 from the buffer 102 to the entry channel C1, so that the sample racks 2 can enter the sampling area 11 through the entry channel C1. For example, when the sample analysis device 4 completes its preparatory work, it sends a message indicating that the preparatory work is complete to the controller 15 (described in detail below) used to control the connecting mechanism 12. The controller, in response to this message, controls the connecting mechanism to transport the sample racks from the buffer to the entry channel. After sampling is completed, the receiving mechanism 12 first transports the sampled sample rack back to the buffer zone via the exit channel C2 to await the sample rack's status information, as it needs to wait for feedback from the sample analysis device 4. If the sample rack's status information indicates resampling, the sample rack is temporarily kept in the buffer zone so that the receiving mechanism can transport it back to the sampling area for resampling. If the sample rack's status information indicates the end of sampling, the receiving mechanism transports the sample rack back from the buffer zone to the loading / unloading area, where it can be removed from the sample rack control device by the operator. For example, the sample analysis device 4 sends the sample rack's status information to the controller 15, which then controls the movement of the receiving mechanism in response to this information. In the second embodiment, dividing the sample storage area into the aforementioned buffer zone and loading / unloading area facilitates more efficient transport of the sample rack.

[0058] In some embodiments, a space is provided between the load / unload area 101 and the buffer 102 as follows: Figure 5 and Figure 6 The transfer area 14 shown allows the connecting mechanism 12 to transport the sample rack 2 between the loading / unloading area 101 and the buffer 102, between the buffer 102 and the entry channel C1, and between the buffer 102 and the exit channel C2.

[0059] shuttle service

[0060] As described above, the connecting mechanism 12 is used to transport sample racks between channels and areas of the sample rack manipulator, and between areas. The connecting mechanism 12 of this application can be a conventional connecting mechanism in the art. Figure 7The diagram shows a docking mechanism located between the loading / unloading area and the buffer zone, where no sample racks are mounted on the docking mechanism. As an example, such as... Figure 7 As shown, the connecting mechanism 12 can be equipped with a lifting mechanism 121 and a push-pull mechanism 122. For example, the push-pull mechanism 122 can have a hook that can extend and retract in the front-to-back direction. When loading a sample rack, the connecting mechanism 12 first lifts the sample rack with the lifting mechanism 121, then the hook of the push-pull mechanism 122 extends outward to hook the lifted sample rack, and then the hook retracts to pull the sample rack onto the connecting mechanism. The process of unloading the sample rack from the connecting mechanism is the reverse of the process of loading the sample rack, and will not be described in detail here. The connecting mechanism can be configured to move on a preset track at least along the longitudinal and transverse directions. The connecting mechanism 12 can be equipped with two motors for driving in the longitudinal and transverse directions, respectively, to realize the movement of the connecting mechanism. The specific structure of the connecting mechanism 12 is not limited to the above.

[0061] Sampling area

[0062] To enable the sample holder to move within the sampling area, such as Figure 3 As shown, the sample rack manipulation device 1 may be provided with a sampling channel C3 and a conveying mechanism 13 for conveying the sample rack 2 within the sampling area 11. As an example, such as... Figures 3 to 6 As shown, the sampling channel C3 is arranged to extend in opposite directions, a first direction D1 and a second direction D2, which are defined as the longitudinal directions of the sample holder manipulation device 1. The sampling channel C3 may have an entry end C31 for the sample holder 2 to enter, an exit end C32 for the sample holder 2 to exit, and an intermediate portion C33 between the entry end C31 and the exit end C32. The conveying mechanism 13 enables the sample holder 2 to move along the sampling channel C3 within the sampling area 11. The conveying mechanism 13 can be configured to convey the sample holder 2, which enters the sampling channel C3 from the entry end C31 via the entry channel C1, to the sampling position located in the intermediate portion C33 for sampling, and to convey the sampled sample holder 2 along the sampling channel C3 to the exit position P1 located in the exit end C32. In this way, each sample container on the sample holder 2 can be moved to the sampling position along the sampling channel C3 by means of the conveying mechanism 13. The sample container that has completed sampling can be transferred from the exit position P1 to the connecting mechanism 12 in the exit channel C2 by means of the conveying mechanism 13. Then the connecting mechanism 12 can transport the sample rack after sampling back to the sample storage area 10 or the buffer zone 102 through the exit channel C2.

[0063] It should be noted that the sampling positions in the sampling channel are fixed. Therefore, each sample container on each sample rack in the multiple sample racks to be sampled needs to be transferred to the sampling position in sequence so that the samples in each sample container can be sampled.

[0064] The following is combined Figure 5 and Figure 6 This section describes in detail an exemplary arrangement of the entry channel, sampling channel, exit channel, sample storage area buffer, and loading / unloading area. This arrangement can rationally allocate the internal space of the sample rack manipulation device, making the device structure more compact and reducing the device size.

[0065] like Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, similar to sampling channel C3, entry channel C1 and exit channel C2 also extend in the first direction D1 and the second direction D2, that is, they are arranged parallel to sampling channel C3. In the longitudinal direction parallel to sampling channel C3, entry channel C1 and exit channel C2 can be arranged adjacent to the entry end C31 and exit end C32 of sampling channel C3, respectively; and in the transverse direction perpendicular to the sampling channel, entry channel C1 and exit channel C2 can be located between sample rack storage area 10 and sampling channel C3. The three channels are arranged parallel to each other, and entry channel C1 and exit channel C2 are arranged sequentially along sampling channel C3 (i.e., along the longitudinal direction), thereby reducing the space occupied by the channels in the transverse direction, which helps to reduce the size of the device, and this arrangement facilitates the connection mechanism to send the sample rack into and out of the sampling area through the entry channel and exit channel, respectively. Entry channel C1, sampling channel C3, and exit channel C2 together form a unidirectional transport loop for the connection mechanism. During the operation of the sample rack manipulation device, multiple sample racks can be continuously transported in the one-way transport loop through the path of entry channel-sampling channel-exit channel, that is, the sample racks are transported one after another along the above path. Therefore, it is possible to achieve that at least two sample racks are in the one-way transport loop at the same time, thereby improving throughput.

[0066] As described in the preceding embodiments, the sample rack storage area 10 may include a loading / unloading area 101 and a buffer 102, and a transfer area 14 may be formed between the loading / unloading area 101 and the buffer 102. In this case, as Figure 5 and Figure 6As shown, the loading / unloading area 101 and the buffer 102 can be located on the same side of the sampling channel C3 (right side in the figure) along the sampling channel C3. In the lateral direction, the loading / unloading area 101 and the buffer 102 can be arranged to correspond to the entry end C31 and the exit end C32 of the sampling channel C3, respectively, and the transfer area 14 can be arranged to correspond to the middle portion C33 of the sampling channel C3. Here, the term "correspond" refers to the fact that the positions and other characteristics of the two connected objects are corresponding to each other. In this embodiment, the loading / unloading area, the transfer area, and the buffer are arranged sequentially along the sampling channel (i.e., along the longitudinal direction). Furthermore, as mentioned above, the entry channel and the exit channel are also arranged along the longitudinal direction. This arrangement fully utilizes the space in the longitudinal direction, helping to reduce the size of the device. In the above embodiment, the exit channel is adjacent to the exit side, and the buffer is arranged corresponding to the exit side; that is, the buffer is closer to the exit channel than the loading / unloading area. Similarly, the entry channel is adjacent to the entry side, and the loading / unloading area is arranged corresponding to the entry side; that is, the loading / unloading area is closer to the entry channel than the buffer. By arranging the various zones corresponding to the various channels, the internal space of the device can be allocated more rationally, and it also facilitates the transport of sample racks between zones and channels by the connecting mechanism. In other embodiments, the buffer zone can also be arranged closer to the entry channel, and the loading / unloading area can also be arranged closer to the exit channel.

[0067] The following is combined Figures 4 to 6 This section describes in detail an exemplary structure and operation of the conveying mechanism.

[0068] To enable the continuous transfer of multiple sample racks in the sampling channel, such as Figure 4 As shown, the conveying mechanism 13 may have at least two longitudinal push-pull structures disposed along the sampling channel C3 at the sampling channel C3. Figure 4Only two longitudinal push-pull structures (132, 133) and one transverse push-pull structure (131) are schematically shown. The longitudinal and transverse push-pull structures can move the sample rack by pushing or pulling. At least two longitudinal push-pull structures can be configured to alternately push or pull the sample rack 2 along the sampling channel C3, causing the sample rack 2 to move to the sampling position for sampling, and then, after passing the sampling position, finally reach the exit position P1 to exit the sampling area. For a sample rack, its journey along the sampling channel C3 from the entry side C31 to the exit position P1 is achieved by at least two longitudinal push-pull structures. In this case, this journey of the sample rack is divided into multiple sub-journeys, with each longitudinal push-pull structure used only for one of these sub-journeys. This shortens the single transfer time of each longitudinal push-pull structure, allowing each structure to complete the transfer of the sample rack in a shorter time, facilitating its return to the initial position and transfer of the next sample rack. This alternating transfer method using at least two longitudinal push-pull structures allows for more efficient transfer of multiple sample racks, thereby increasing the throughput of the device.

[0069] A lateral push-pull structure 131 is arranged at the exit end C32 of the sampling channel C3. After the sample holder is pushed or pulled to the exit position P1, it needs to be removed from the sampling channel C3. The lateral push-pull structure 131 located at the exit end C32 can move the sample holder 2 located at the exit position P1 to the connecting mechanism 12 in the exit channel C2. Then the connecting mechanism 12 can transport the sample holder 2 back to the sample storage area or buffer zone through the exit channel C2.

[0070] As an example, such as Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, at least two longitudinal push-pull structures may include a first longitudinal push-pull structure 132 and a second longitudinal push-pull structure 133. Compared to the second longitudinal push-pull structure 133, the first longitudinal push-pull structure 132 is arranged closer to the entry channel C1. The first longitudinal push-pull structure 132 may have a first initial position P2 located at the entry end C31 of the sampling channel C3 and a junction position P3 located in the middle part C33. The second longitudinal push-pull structure 133 may have a second initial position P4 and an end position P5 located at the exit position P1. The first longitudinal push-pull structure 132 is initially ready at the first initial position P2. When the sample holder 2 reaches the entry end C31 through the entry channel C1, the first longitudinal push-pull structure 132 can move along the sampling channel C3 to the junction position P3 to push or pull the sample holder 2 to the expected position. After reaching the junction position P3, the first longitudinal push-pull structure 132 completes its own task, and the subsequent transfer task of the sample holder is taken over by the second longitudinal push-pull structure 133.

[0071] The following presents two implementation methods for the first longitudinal push-pull structure 132 and the second longitudinal push-pull structure 133 to alternately transport the sample rack, but are not limited to these two implementation methods.

[0072] Implementation Method 1:

[0073] The second initial position P4 of the second longitudinal push-pull structure 133 is located at the junction position P3. It is understood that the second initial position P4 does not necessarily coincide completely with the junction position P3; for example, the second initial position P4 may be adjacent to the junction position P3, and it must be ensured that the first longitudinal push-pull structure 132, which moves to the junction position P3, will not interfere with the second longitudinal push-pull structure 133 located at the second initial position P4. During operation, the second longitudinal push-pull structure 133 initially waits at the second initial position P4 (i.e., the junction position P3). The first longitudinal push-pull structure 132 moves from the first initial position P2 to the junction position P3 along the sampling channel C3 in the first direction D1, thereby pushing or pulling all the sample containers on the sample rack 2 to move sequentially to the sampling position. After reaching the junction position P3, the first longitudinal push-pull structure 132 completes its task and therefore returns to the first initial position P2 along the sampling channel C3 in the second direction D2 to wait for the transfer of the next sample rack. The subsequent transfer of the sample rack is accomplished by the second longitudinal push-pull structure 133 located at the handover position P3. The second longitudinal push-pull structure 133 moves along the sampling channel C3 in the first direction D1 from the handover position P3 (i.e., the second initial position P4) to the endpoint position P5, thereby pushing or pulling the sample rack after sampling to the exit position P1. After reaching the endpoint position P5, the second longitudinal push-pull structure 133 completes its task and therefore returns along the sampling channel C3 in the second direction to the second initial position P4 to await the transfer of the next sample rack.

[0074] Implementation Method Two:

[0075] The second initial position P4 of the second longitudinal push-pull structure 133 is not located at the junction position P3, but rather between the junction position P3 and the final position P5, at a certain distance from the junction position P3. During operation, the second longitudinal push-pull structure 133 initially waits at the second initial position P4. The first longitudinal push-pull structure 132 moves from the first initial position P2 to the junction position P3 along the sampling channel C3 in the first direction D1, thereby pushing or pulling a predetermined number of sample containers from one or more sample containers on the sample rack 2 to the sampling position sequentially. For example, the sample rack 2 carries six sample containers, which, for ease of description, are numbered #1 to #6 sequentially along the first direction D1. The first longitudinal push-pull structure 132 pushes or pulls sample containers #1 to #3 sequentially to the sampling position, i.e., the predetermined number is three. Unlike Embodiment 1, in Embodiment 2, the first longitudinal push-pull structure 132 only pushes or pulls a portion, not all, of the sample containers on the sample rack to the sampling position sequentially. When the first longitudinal push-pull structure 132 moves to the handover position P3, the last sample container (in this embodiment, the last sample container is sample #3) among the preset number of sample containers is pushed or pulled to the sampling position, thereby sampling the sample in that container. During the sampling process, the first longitudinal push-pull structure 132 returns to the first initial position P2 along the sampling channel C3 in the second direction D2 to wait for the next sample rack to be transferred. At the same time, in order to replace the first longitudinal push-pull structure 132, the second longitudinal push-pull structure 133 moves from the second initial position P4 to the handover position P3 along the sampling channel C3 in the second direction D2. For example, the second longitudinal push-pull structure 133 moves to the handover position P3 just when sample #3 has finished sampling, which can save unnecessary waiting time and improve the working efficiency of the device. Then, the second longitudinal push-pull structure 133 moves along the sampling channel C3 in the first direction D1 from the handover position P3 to the end position P5, thereby pushing or pulling the remaining #4 to #6 sample containers sequentially to the sampling position, and pushing or pulling the sample rack after sampling to the exit position P1. After reaching the end position P5, the second longitudinal push-pull structure 133 can return to the second initial position P4 to prepare for the transfer of the next sample rack.

[0076] It is understandable that the endpoint position P5 of the second initial position P4 is located at the exit position P1. This does not necessarily mean that the endpoint position P5 and the exit position P1 are completely coincident. It can also mean that the endpoint position P5 is close to the exit position P1. However, the relative positional relationship between the two must meet the following condition: when the second longitudinal push-pull structure 133 moves to the endpoint position P5, the sample holder 2 is just pushed or pulled to the exit position P1.

[0077] As an example, the following is one way to implement a conveyor mechanism that pushes or pulls the sample rack along the sampling channel.

[0078] exist Figure 8 The diagram illustrates a conveyor mechanism that pushes or pulls the sample holder in the sampling channel, showing only one longitudinal push-pull structure of the conveyor mechanism. Since the first longitudinal push-pull structure 132 and the second longitudinal push-pull structure 133 are essentially the same, only one example of their respective longitudinal push-pull structures will be shown below. Figure 8 The structure of the longitudinal push-pull structure is described using the first longitudinal push-pull structure 132 shown as an example. (Refer to...) Figure 8 The first longitudinal push-pull structure 132 and the second longitudinal push-pull structure 133 may each have a conveyor 134 and a first lever 135 connected to the conveyor 134. The conveyor 134 is configured to drive the first lever 135 to move along the sampling channel C3. Figure 8 As shown, the first lever 135 may have a driven portion 136 and a connecting portion 137 connected to each other. The driven portion 136 may be connected to the conveyor 134, thereby moving under the drive of the conveyor 134. The connecting portion 137 may abut against the sample holder 2, for example, against the side wall of the sample holder 2, in this way, as the first lever 135 moves along the sampling channel C3, the connecting portion 137 may push or pull the sample holder 2 to move along the sampling channel C3 as well. The first longitudinal push-pull structure 132 and the second longitudinal push-pull structure 133 realize their own sample holder transfer tasks through their respective first levers, so the operation mode of the first levers of the first longitudinal push-pull structure 132 and the second longitudinal push-pull structure 133 can be consistent with the operation mode of the two in Embodiment 1 and Embodiment 2 described above. In other words, the first lever of the first longitudinal push-pull structure 132 pushes or pulls all the sample containers on the sample rack to move sequentially to the sampling position, or pushes or pulls a predetermined number of sample containers from one or more sample containers on the sample rack to move sequentially to the sampling position; correspondingly, the first lever of the second longitudinal push-pull structure 133 pushes or pulls the sample rack after sampling to the exit position P1, or pushes or pulls the remaining sample containers on the sample rack to move sequentially to the sampling position and pushes or pulls the sample rack after sampling past the sampling position and finally to the exit position P1. For details, please refer to Embodiment 1 and Embodiment 2 above, which will not be repeated here.

[0079] The lateral push-pull structure 122 may have a second lever (not shown in the figure), which may have a structure similar to the first lever described above, and will not be repeated here. When the sample holder after sampling is conveyed to the exit position P1 by the longitudinal push-pull structure, the second lever of the lateral push-pull structure 122 located at the exit end C32 can, for example, lift or push-pull the sample holder from the sampling channel C3 to the connecting mechanism 12 in the exit channel C2. Then the connecting mechanism 12 can transport the sample holder after sampling back to the sample storage area or buffer through the exit channel C2.

[0080] controller

[0081] To ensure that each component in the sample holder manipulation device moves according to the intended operating procedure, such as Figure 1 As shown, the sample rack manipulation device 1 includes a controller 15 for control. For example, the controller 15 can control the movement of the connecting mechanism 12 and the conveying mechanism 13. As an example, multiple position sensors (not shown) can be installed in the entry channel C1, exit channel C2, sampling channel C3, and loading / unloading area 101, buffer 102, and transfer area 14. These position sensors can sense the position of the connecting mechanism 12 and the conveying mechanism 13 in real time and convert it into an output signal sent to the controller 15. The controller 15 can control the movement of the connecting mechanism 12 and the conveying mechanism 13 according to the output signal. For example, multiple position sensors are installed in the sampling channel C3. When the position sensor senses that the sample rack 2 has reached the entry end C31 of the sampling channel C3, the position sensor generates a first output signal and sends it to the controller 15. In response to the first output signal, the controller 15 controls a first longitudinal push-pull structure initially located at the entry end C31 to push or pull the sample rack along the sampling channel. For example, the controller 15 can also control the swing of the swing arm 41 of the sample analysis device 4. When the position sensor in the sampling channel C3 senses that the sample container on the sample holder 2 has reached the sampling position, the position sensor generates a second output signal and sends it to the controller 15. In response to the second output signal, the controller 15 controls the swing arm 41 to swing, so that the aspirator 42 held by the swing arm 41 can be aligned with the axis of the sample container at the sampling position, so as to facilitate sampling. As described in the above embodiment, the movement of the connecting mechanism 12 can be achieved by driving two motors, so the controller 15 can control the movement of the connecting mechanism 12 by controlling the operation of these two motors.

[0082] This application also provides a method for operating a sample rack manipulation device according to an embodiment of this application. Figure 9 This is a flowchart of the operation method, such as... Figure 9 As shown, the operation method includes the following steps:

[0083] In step S1, the first sample rack among multiple sample racks is transported from the sample rack storage area to the sampling area through the access channel.

[0084] In step S2, the first sample holder is moved along the sampling channel set in the sampling area to the sampling position to facilitate sampling.

[0085] In step S3, while sampling the first sample rack, the second sample rack from the sample rack storage area is transported to the sampling area through the access channel.

[0086] In step S4, the first sample rack after sampling is transported to the sample rack storage area through the exit channel.

[0087] In steps S1, S3, and S4, the movement of the first sample holder and the second sample holder can be achieved through the aforementioned connecting mechanism.

[0088] Understandably, this method also includes transporting the third sample rack from the sample rack storage area to the sampling area through the access channel while sampling the second sample rack. The above steps can be repeated depending on the actual number of sample racks transported, and will not be elaborated further here.

[0089] In the case where the sample rack storage area 10 includes a loading / unloading area 101 and a buffer 102, in step S1, multiple sample racks, including at least a first sample rack and a second sample rack, are first transported from the loading / unloading area 101 to the buffer 102, and then the first sample rack is transported from the buffer 102 to the sampling area 11 through the entry channel C1. In step S3, the second sample rack is transported from the buffer 102 to the sampling area 11 through the entry channel C1. In step S4, the sampled first sample rack is transported to the buffer 102 through the exit channel C2, and according to the resampling status information of the first sample rack, the first sample rack is temporarily kept in the buffer 102 so that it can be transported to the sampling area again for resampling, or according to the end sampling status information of the first sample rack, the first sample rack is transported back from the buffer 102 to the loading / unloading area 101 so that the sample rack can be removed from the sample rack manipulation device.

[0090] In the above method steps, the movement of the sample holder 2 along the sampling channel C3 can be achieved by the conveying mechanism 13 located at the sampling channel C3. When the conveying mechanism 13 includes at least two longitudinal push-pull structures and one transverse push-pull structure, step S2, which moves the first sample holder along the sampling channel to the sampling position for sampling, can be achieved by at least two longitudinal push-pull structures in an alternating manner. In this case, in step S4, the transverse push-pull structure first transfers the first sample holder from the exit position P1 to the connecting mechanism 12 in the exit channel C2 by lifting or pushing / pulling, and then the connecting mechanism 12 transports the first sample holder back to the buffer zone 102 through the exit channel C2.

[0091] According to this operating procedure, since the sample rack manipulation device has independent entry and exit channels for the sample rack to enter and exit the sampling area, the second sample rack can enter the sampling area through the entry channel during the sampling process of the first sample rack or during the process of the first sample rack exiting the sampling area after completing sampling. The entry of the subsequent sample rack and the exit of the previous sample rack do not interfere with each other, and the two processes can be carried out simultaneously. Transporting the subsequent sample rack does not require waiting for the previous sample rack to complete its exit, thus allowing multiple sample racks to be transported to the sampling area in succession. This improves the transport efficiency of the sample racks and significantly increases the throughput of the sample rack manipulation device, for example, increasing the throughput of the sample rack manipulation device from low to medium.

[0092] The following is combined Figure 10 (a) to Figure 10 (r) Taking the transport of three sample racks, each carrying seven sample containers (shown as black circles in the figure), and the conveying mechanism including two longitudinal push-pull structures, a first longitudinal push-pull structure and a second longitudinal push-pull structure, as an example, the operation method of the sample rack manipulation device used in the embodiments of this application will be described in more detail.

[0093] Figure 10 (a) to Figure 10 (r) illustrates the general process of transporting sample racks from the buffer zone to the sampling area via the entry channel, and transporting the sampled sample racks back to the buffer zone via the exit channel. To more clearly show the transport path of the sample racks, the connecting mechanism and the lateral push-pull structure of the conveyor mechanism used for transporting the sample racks are omitted from the figure. Figure 10 (a) to Figure 10 In (r), the buffer is arranged in the upper right part, while the loading / unloading area is arranged in the lower right part opposite to the buffer along the sampling channel. To more clearly illustrate the process of transporting the sample rack between the buffer and the sampling area through the unidirectional transport loop of the entry channel-sampling channel-exit channel, the process of transporting the sample rack between the loading / unloading area and the buffer is omitted in the figure.

[0094] like Figure 10 As shown in (a), there are three sample racks awaiting transport in the buffer. These three sample racks were previously transported from the loading / unloading area to the buffer via a connecting mechanism (this process is in...). Figure 10 (a) to Figure 10 (not shown in (r)). For ease of explanation, these three sample racks are referred to as the first sample rack, the second sample rack, and the third sample rack from left to right, and the seven sample containers on each sample rack are numbered #1 to #7.

[0095] like Figure 10As shown in (b), the first sample rack is first transported to the sampling area, and the first sample rack is transported out of the buffer zone by means of a connecting mechanism (not shown in the figure).

[0096] like Figure 10 As shown in (c), the first sample rack is first transported to the entry channel, and then enters the sampling area through the entry end of the sampling channel via the entry channel.

[0097] like Figure 10 As shown in (d), the first longitudinal push-pull structure located at the inlet moves along the sampling channel from a first initial position in a first direction, thereby pushing or pulling the first sample holder along the sampling channel. Figure 10 As shown in (e), the first longitudinal push-pull structure moves to the handover position, thereby pushing or pulling sample containers #1 to #3 on the first sample holder sequentially to the sampling positions in the sampling channel, so as to sample the samples in sample containers #1 to #3 sequentially. When the first longitudinal push-pull structure reaches the handover position, sample container #3 is just pushed or pulled to the sampling position, thereby sampling the sample in sample container #3. During the sampling process, the first longitudinal push-pull structure returns to the first initial position along the sampling channel in a second upward direction opposite to the first direction, so as to wait for the transfer of the next sample holder. At the same time, the second longitudinal push-pull structure moves from the second initial position to the handover position along the sampling channel, so as to take over from the first push-pull structure to continue pushing or pulling the sample holder. Figure 10 (e) illustrates the second longitudinal push-pull structure moving upward along the sampling channel toward the junction position. When the second longitudinal push-pull structure moves to the alternation position, sampling of sample container #3 has been completed, for example, just completed. The second longitudinal push-pull structure moves from the alternation position along the sampling channel in the first direction, thereby pushing or pulling the remaining sample containers #4 to #7 sequentially to the sampling position so as to sample sample containers #4 to #7.

[0098] like Figure 10 As shown in (f), the first longitudinal push-pull structure has returned to the first initial position, and the second longitudinal push-pull structure pushes or pulls the #7 sample container to the sampling position for sampling. During the sampling process, the second sample rack is transported to the sampling area, and the second sample rack is transported out of the buffer zone by means of a connecting mechanism.

[0099] like Figure 10 As shown in (g), the second sample rack is first transported to the entry channel, and then enters the sampling area through the entry end of the sampling channel via the entry channel.

[0100] like Figure 10As shown in (h), similar to the first sample holder, the second sample holder entering the sampling area is also pushed or pulled by the first longitudinal push-pull structure, thereby moving along the sampling channel in the first direction. And after sampling of sample containers #4 to #7 on the first sample holder is completed, the second longitudinal push-pull structure continues to move along the sampling channel in the first direction and eventually moves to the end position, thereby pushing or pulling the sampled first sample holder to the exit position. Figure 10 (h) shows the first sample holder being pushed or pulled to the exit position.

[0101] like Figure 10 As shown in (i), the first sample holder after sampling is transferred from the sampling channel to the connecting mechanism located in the exit channel by means of a lateral push-pull structure (not shown in the figure) located on the exit side, for example by lifting or pushing and pulling.

[0102] like Figure 10 As shown in (j) to 10(k), during the process of the connecting mechanism transporting the first sample rack after sampling back to the buffer through the exit channel, the second sample rack entering the sampling area moves along the sampling channel in the first direction with the help of the first and second longitudinal push-pull structures of the conveying mechanism, so that the sample containers on the second sample rack move to the sampling position in sequence. The specific process is similar to that of the first sample rack, and will not be described again here.

[0103] Figure 10 (l) illustrates that the first sample rack after sampling is transported back to the buffer zone to facilitate corresponding actions based on the status information of the first sample rack. If the status information indicates resampling, the first sample rack is temporarily held in the buffer zone so that the connecting mechanism can transport the first sample rack from the buffer zone back to the sampling area for resampling; if the status information indicates end of sampling, the connecting mechanism transports the first sample rack from the buffer zone back to the loading / unloading area, and the first sample rack returned to the loading / unloading area can be removed from the sample rack manipulation device.

[0104] like Figure 10 As shown in (m), during the sampling of the sample containers on the second sample rack, the third sample rack is transported to the sampling area and is transported out of the buffer zone by means of a connecting mechanism.

[0105] like Figure 10 As shown in (n), the third sample rack is first transported to the entry channel, and then enters the sampling area through the entry end of the sampling channel via the entry channel.

[0106] like Figure 10As shown in (o), the third sample holder entering the sampling area is also pushed or pulled by the first longitudinal push-pull structure, thereby moving along the sampling channel in the first direction. Similar to the first sample holder, after sampling of the sample container on the second sample holder is completed, the second longitudinal push-pull structure continues to move along the sampling channel in the first direction and eventually moves to the end position, thereby pushing or pulling the sampled second sample holder to the exit position. Figure 10 (o) shows the second sample holder being pushed or pulled to the exit position.

[0107] like Figure 10 As shown in (p), similar to the first sample holder, the sampled second sample holder is transferred from the sampling channel to the connecting mechanism located in the exit channel by means of a lateral push-pull structure, for example, by lifting or pushing and pulling.

[0108] like Figure 10 As shown in (q) to 10(r), during the process of the connecting mechanism transporting the sampled second sample rack back to the buffer zone through the exit channel, the third sample rack entering the sampling area moves along the sampling channel in the first direction by means of the first longitudinal push-pull structure and the second longitudinal push-pull structure of the conveying mechanism, thereby pushing or pulling the sample containers on the third sample rack to move sequentially to the sampling position. The subsequent process of the third sample rack is similar to that of the first sample rack, and will not be described in detail here. Figure 10 (r) shows the second sample rack after sampling being transported back to the buffer. Its subsequent process is similar to that of the first sample rack, and will not be described again here.

[0109] The above describes the general operation flow of transporting three sample racks sequentially to the sampling area using the sample rack manipulation device according to an embodiment of this application. The number of sample racks transported is not limited to three; the timing of the controllers used to control the connecting and conveying mechanisms can be set according to actual needs to achieve the transport of more sample racks. The number of sample containers on each sample rack is also not limited to seven; each sample rack can carry more or fewer sample containers according to actual needs.

[0110] This document has described in detail various embodiments and variations of the present invention, but these embodiments and variations are not exhaustive. The above-described embodiments and variations can be combined with each other in any suitable manner to obtain embodiments and variations not explicitly listed herein. Those skilled in the art should understand that the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments and variations described above but can include various other possible combinations and arrangements. Other variations and modifications can be implemented by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. All such variations and modifications fall within the scope of the present invention. Moreover, all components described herein can be replaced by other technically equivalent components.

Claims

1. A sample rack manipulation device (1), characterized in that, include: A sample rack storage area (10) is provided for arranging a plurality of sample racks (2) side by side therein, wherein each of the plurality of sample racks (2) is used to carry one or more sample containers containing samples. Sampling area (11), in which samples are sampled from the sample container on the sample rack (2); An entry channel (C1) and an exit channel (C2), wherein the entry channel (C1) and the exit channel (C2) are respectively channels for the sample holder (2) to enter and exit the sampling area (11); and A connecting mechanism (12) is configured to transport the sample rack (2) from the sample rack storage area (10) to the entry channel (C1) so that the sample rack (2) can enter the sampling area (11) through the entry channel (C1); and is configured to transport the sample rack (2) back to the sample rack storage area (10) through the exit channel (C2).

2. The sample rack manipulation device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sample rack manipulation device (1) further includes a sampling channel (C3) and a conveying mechanism (13) disposed in the sampling area (11). The sampling channel (C3) has an entry end (C31) for the sample holder (2) to enter, an exit end (C32) for the sample holder (2) to exit, and an intermediate portion (C33) between the entry end (C31) and the exit end (C32). The conveying mechanism (13) is configured to convey the sample rack (2) that enters the entry end (C31) from the entry channel (C1) along the sampling channel (C3) to the sampling position located in the middle part (C33) for sampling, and to convey the sample rack (2) after sampling along the sampling channel (C3) to the exit position (P1) located in the exit end (C32) and transfer the sample rack (2) to the exit channel (C2).

3. The sample rack manipulation device (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that, The entry channel (C1) and the exit channel (C2) are parallel to the sampling channel (C3), with the entry channel (C1) arranged adjacent to the entry end (C31) and the exit channel (C2) arranged adjacent to the exit end (C32); and in the lateral direction perpendicular to the sampling channel (C3), the entry channel (C1) and the exit channel (C2) are located between the sample rack storage area (10) and the sampling channel (C3). Furthermore, the entry channel (C1), the sampling channel (C3), and the exit channel (C2) together form a unidirectional transport loop for the sample rack (2).

4. The sample rack manipulation device (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that, The sample manipulation device (1) is configured such that at least two of the sample racks (2) are simultaneously in the unidirectional transport loop during operation.

5. The sample rack manipulation device (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that, The sample rack storage area (10) includes a loading / unloading area (101) and a buffer (102) located on the same side of the sampling channel (C3), wherein in the lateral direction, the loading / unloading area (101) is arranged to correspond to the entry end (C31), and the buffer (102) is arranged to correspond to the exit end (C32); and a transfer area (14) for the connection mechanism (12) to pass through is provided between the loading / unloading area (101) and the buffer (102).

6. The sample rack manipulation device (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that, The connecting mechanism (12) is also configured to transport the sample rack (2) between the loading / unloading area (101) and the buffer zone (102).

7. The sample holder manipulation device (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that, The connecting mechanism (12) is also configured to transport the sample rack (2) from the buffer zone (102) to the entry channel (C1) for sampling; and to transport the sample rack (2) after sampling back to the buffer zone (102) through the exit channel (C2).

8. The sample rack manipulation device (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that, The conveying mechanism (13) includes at least two longitudinal push-pull structures and one transverse push-pull structure (131) disposed along the sampling channel (C3) at the sampling channel (C3). The at least two longitudinal push-pull structures are configured to successively push or pull the sample holder (2) along the sampling channel (C3) to and past the sampling position, and finally reach the exit position (P1); and The lateral push-pull structure (131) is arranged at the exit end (C32) of the sampling channel (C3) and configured to transfer the sample holder (2) located at the exit position (P1) to the connecting mechanism (12) in the exit channel (C2).

9. The sample rack manipulation device (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that, The at least two longitudinal push-pull structures include a first longitudinal push-pull structure (132) and a second longitudinal push-pull structure (133); The first longitudinal push-pull structure (132) has a first initial position (P2) at the entry end (C31) and a junction position (P3) at the middle part (C33). The first longitudinal push-pull structure (132) is configured to move between the first initial position (P2) and the junction position (P3) to push or pull the sample holder (2) from the entry end (C31) to the sampling position, and is configured to return to the first initial position (P2) along the sampling channel (C3) after moving to the junction position (P3). The second longitudinal push-pull structure (133) has a second initial position (P4) located at the junction position (P3) and an end position (P5) located at the exit position (P1). The second longitudinal push-pull structure (133) is configured to move from the second initial position (P4) to the end position (P5) to push or pull the sample holder (2) from the sampling position to the exit position (P1), and is configured to return to the second initial position (P4) along the sampling channel (C3) after moving to the end position (P5).

10. The sample holder manipulation device (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that, The first longitudinal push-pull structure (132) and the second longitudinal push-pull structure (133) each have a conveyor (134) and a first lever (135) connected to the conveyor (134); The conveying member (134) is configured to drive the connected first lever (135) to move along the sampling channel (C3); The first lever of the first longitudinal push-pull structure (132) and the second longitudinal push-pull structure (133) is configured to push or pull the sample holder (2) to move in the sampling channel (C3); The lateral push-pull structure (131) has a second lever configured to transfer the sample holder (2) located in the exit position (P1) from the sampling channel (C3) to the connecting mechanism (12) in the exit channel (C2) by lifting or pushing and pulling.

11. The sample rack manipulation device (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 10, characterized in that, The sample rack manipulator (1) further includes a controller (15) for controlling the movement of the connecting mechanism (12) and the conveying mechanism (13).

12. The sample rack manipulation device (1) according to claim 11, characterized in that, The sample rack manipulation device (1) further includes a plurality of sensors disposed in the sample rack storage area (10), the sampling area (11), the entry channel (C1), the exit channel (C2) and the sampling channel (C3), and the controller (15) is configured to control the movement of the connecting mechanism (12) and the conveying mechanism (13) based on signals from the plurality of sensors.

13. A liquid sample analysis system, characterized in that, The liquid sample analysis system (3) includes a sample rack manipulation device (1) and a sample analysis device (4) according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

14. A method of operating the sample rack manipulation device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, the method comprising the following steps: The connecting mechanism (12) transports the first sample rack among the plurality of sample racks (2) from the sample rack storage area (10) through the entry channel (C1) to the sampling area (11); The first sample holder is moved along the sampling channel provided in the sampling area (11) to the sampling position to facilitate sampling; While sampling the first sample rack, the connecting mechanism (12) transports the second sample rack from the sample rack storage area (10) through the entry channel (C1) to the sampling area (11); and The connecting mechanism (12) transports the sampled first sample rack back to the sample rack storage area (10) through the exit channel (C2).

15. The operating method according to claim 14, wherein the sample rack storage area (10) of the sample rack manipulation device (1) includes a loading / unloading area (101) and a buffer zone (102). The step of the connecting mechanism (12) transporting the first sample rack among the plurality of sample racks (2) from the sample rack storage area (10) through the access channel (C1) to the sampling area (11) includes: The connecting mechanism (12) first transports the plurality of sample racks (2) from the loading / unloading area (101) to the buffer zone (102), and then transports the first sample rack among the plurality of sample racks (2) from the buffer zone (102) to the sampling area (11) through the entry channel (C1).

16. The operating method according to claim 15, wherein: While sampling the first sample rack, the connecting mechanism (12) transports the second sample rack from the sample rack storage area (10) to the sampling area (11) through the entry channel (C1). This step includes: while sampling the first sample rack, the connecting mechanism (12) transports the second sample rack from the buffer zone (102) to the sampling area (11) through the entry channel (C1).

17. The operating method according to claim 15, wherein: The step of the connecting mechanism (12) transporting the sampled first sample rack back to the sample rack storage area (10) through the exit channel (C2) includes: The connecting mechanism (12) transports the sampled first sample rack back to the buffer zone (102) through the exit channel (C2); and The first sample rack is temporarily placed in the buffer (102) for resampling based on the resampling status information of the first sample rack, or the first sample rack is transported from the buffer (102) back to the loading / unloading area (101) based on the end sampling status information of the first sample rack.

18. The operating method according to claim 14, wherein, The step of moving the first sample holder along the sampling channel provided in the sampling area (11) to the sampling position for sampling is achieved by at least two longitudinal push-pull structures of the sample holder manipulation device (1) in an alternating manner.

19. The operating method according to claim 17, wherein, The step of the connecting mechanism (12) transporting the sampled first sample rack back to the buffer (102) through the exit channel (C2) includes: First, the lateral push-pull structure of the sample rack manipulation device (1) transfers the first sample rack from the exit position to the connecting mechanism (12) in the exit channel (C2) by lifting or pushing and pulling. Then, the connecting mechanism (12) transports the first sample rack back to the buffer zone (102) through the exit channel (C2).

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