Sample processing device

Abstract

The invention provides a sample processing device, which comprises a material transfer mechanism, a station circulation mechanism, a clamping mechanism and an uncovering mechanism, the material transfer mechanism transfers a pipe body to the station circulation mechanism of an initial station, the station circulation mechanism is used for transferring the pipe body to each station, and the clamping mechanism is used for cooperating with the uncovering mechanism to uncover; a plurality of loading mechanisms for loading pipe bodies with different sizes are arranged on the station, the station circulation mechanism rotates the specified loading mechanisms to the uncovering station and is used for clamping the cover parts of the sample pipe bodies, and the uncovering mechanism is arranged below the station circulation mechanism and drives the loading mechanisms to rotate for uncovering treatment. According to the technical scheme, automatic separation between the sample pipe bodies and the cover parts is automatically achieved, the multiple sample pipe bodies can be rapidly moved to the cover opening station through rotation of the station circulation mechanism, the sample pipe body cover opening operation is efficiently achieved, and the cover opening efficiency of the cover opening operation is further improved.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to the field of uncapping equipment, in particular to a sample processing device. BACKGROUND

[0002] In the field of biotechnology, such as gene detection, cell reagent preparation, and microbial culture, glove boxes are core equipment for achieving aseptic and cross-contamination prevention operations. Inside the glove box, different diameter tubes often need to be uncapped and filled, that is, after opening the tube cap, reagents, samples, or consumables are injected into the tube. After the cap is closed, this operation is a high-frequency process in the field of biological experiments.

[0003] Manual operation has certain limitations. The thickness of the gloves greatly reduces the flexibility of the hands. The isolation of the gloves increases the real perception of the hands to the tube, affecting the judgment efficiency of the operator. Moreover, long-term precise work of the operator can easily cause fatigue of the hands and eyes, which not only affects the operation efficiency, but also increases the risk of operation errors.

[0004] In summary, the existing manual uncapping method in the glove box has the problems of long operation time, low batch efficiency, and high rework rate due to the limitations of the gloves, which cannot meet the needs of high efficiency and standardization of experimental and production processes in the field of biotechnology. SUMMARY

[0005] According to the problems existing in the prior art, a sample processing device is provided, which comprises a material transfer mechanism, a work station flow transfer mechanism, a clamping mechanism, and an uncapping mechanism. The material transfer mechanism is used to transfer a sample tube to the work station flow transfer mechanism in an initial work station. The work station flow transfer mechanism is used to transfer the sample tube in the initial work station to each functional work station to perform corresponding functional operations, including uncapping operations. The functional work station includes an uncapping work station. The clamping mechanism cooperates with the uncapping mechanism to perform uncapping operations on the sample tube in the uncapping work station. A plurality of loading mechanisms for loading sample tubes of different sizes are correspondingly provided on the functional work station. The loading mechanisms are freely rotatable relative to the work station flow transfer mechanism. The work station flow transfer mechanism rotates the specified loading mechanism to the uncapping work station. The clamping mechanism is arranged above the work station flow transfer mechanism and is used to clamp the cover of the sample tube. The uncapping mechanism is arranged below the work station flow transfer mechanism and drives the sample tube to rotate by clamping and driving the loading mechanism to rotate, thereby performing uncapping processing.

[0006] Through having the above technical features, the automatic separation between the sample tube body and the cover is realized, and the loading mechanism is arranged on the work position transfer mechanism, and through the rotation of the work position transfer mechanism, the plurality of sample tube bodies can be quickly moved to the cover opening work position, and the cover opening work of the sample tube body is efficiently realized, and the cover opening efficiency of the cover opening work is further improved.

[0007] In some embodiments, the loading mechanism comprises a first loading disc freely rotatable relative to the work position transfer mechanism, and a first bracket arranged below the first loading disc, and the first bracket is provided with opening portions on both sides, and the cover opening mechanism clamps the sample tube body of the first size through the opening portions. Thus, the opening portions expose the sample tube body outside the first bracket, so that the cover opening mechanism directly acts on the circumferential side of the sample tube body to realize the synchronous rotation of the sample tube body and the first bracket, and when the clamping mechanism acts on the cover, the cover opening work of the sample tube body and the cover is efficiently realized.

[0008] In some embodiments, the loading mechanism comprises a second loading disc freely rotatable relative to the work position transfer mechanism, and a second bracket arranged below the second loading disc, and the second bracket is provided with opening portions on both sides, and each of the opening portions is provided with an adapter assembly, and the sample tube body of the second size is loaded in the adapter assembly, and the cover opening mechanism clamps the sample tube body of the second size through the adapter assembly. Thus, through the cooperation of the second bracket and the adapter assembly, the sample tube body of the second size can be loaded in the second bracket to improve the adaptability of the loading mechanism.

[0009] In some embodiments, the adapter assembly comprises an adapter plate corresponding to the opening portion, and the adapter plate comprises a variable diameter portion located in the opening portion, and a stress portion protruding from the opening portion, and the cover opening mechanism clamps the sample tube body by clamping the stress portion. Thus, the cover opening mechanism acts on the stress portion to clamp the circumferential side of the sample tube body through the variable diameter portion to limit the free rotation of the sample tube body, and the variable diameter portion is located in the bracket to limit the sample tube body, improve the stability of the fixation of the sample tube body and the bracket, and realize the synchronous rotation of the sample tube body and the bracket in the case of clamping the stress plate from the outside.

[0010] In some embodiments, an elastic component is arranged between adjacent adapter plates. Thus, the arrangement of the elastic component makes the two adapter plates displace in the direction away from the center of the bracket to leave space for the sample tube body to be placed, and in the case of clamping the stress plate from the outside, the variable diameter portion can apply external force to the circumferential side of the sample tube body to limit the free rotation of the sample tube body.

[0011] In some embodiments, a locking mechanism is arranged on the lower surface of the work station transfer mechanism and beside each loading mechanism to limit the rotation of the loading mechanism, the locking mechanism comprises a base block and a pin, the base block is fixed to the lower surface of the work station transfer mechanism, the pin is in sliding connection with the base block, a pin hole is formed on the loading mechanism, and the pin is inserted into the pin hole to lock the rotation of the loading mechanism. Thus, the pin is inserted into the pin hole of the bracket to limit the rotation of the bracket, and the orientation of the opening on both sides of the bracket is further limited, so that when the work station transfer mechanism drives the loading mechanism to rotate to the cover opening station, the opening on both sides of the bracket can be matched with the cover opening mechanism.

[0012] In some embodiments, an operation part is arranged on the pin, and an unlocking mechanism is arranged on the cover opening station, when the work station transfer mechanism is about to drive the specified loading mechanism to rotate to the cover opening station, the unlocking mechanism is combined with the operation part, and when the work station transfer mechanism continues to drive the specified loading mechanism to rotate to the cover opening station, the unlocking mechanism limits the pin from moving with the loading mechanism and being pulled out of the pin hole. Thus, when the specified loading mechanism rotates to the cover opening station, the unlocking mechanism limits the pin to make the specified loading mechanism rotate freely, and further drives the sample tube body inside to rotate to further realize the cover opening operation.

[0013] In some embodiments, the operation part comprises an operation hole arranged on the pin, the unlocking mechanism comprises a moving piece with an end inserted into the operation hole, and an actuator driving the moving piece to extend and retract. Thus, the actuator drives the moving piece to displace, the end of the moving piece is inserted into the operation hole of the pin, and the pin is pulled out of the pin hole under the continuous rotation of the work station transfer mechanism to release the limitation of the bracket.

[0014] In some embodiments, the clamping mechanism comprises a mounting frame, a driving assembly fixed to the mounting frame, and a plurality of clamping jaws arranged downward from the mounting frame, wherein the driving assembly comprises a synchronous turntable driving the plurality of clamping jaws to move close to or away from each other. Thus, the rotation of the synchronous turntable drives the plurality of clamping jaws to move close to or away from the middle part of the plurality of clamping jaws to further realize the clamping and placement of the sample tube body.

[0015] In some embodiments, the synchronous turntable has a plurality of guide grooves corresponding to each clamping jaw, and the upper end of each clamping jaw is respectively embedded in each guide groove, and the rotation of the synchronous turntable drives the plurality of clamping jaws to move close to or away from each other. Thus, the opening of the guide grooves drives the plurality of clamping jaws to move synchronously through the rotation of the synchronous turntable.

[0016] In some embodiments, the upper end of the clamping jaw is provided with a roller embedded in the guide groove, and when the synchronous turntable rotates, the roller is in rolling contact with the guide groove to drive the plurality of clamping jaws to move closer to or away from each other. In this way, the setting of the roller replaces sliding friction with rolling friction, which not only prolongs the service life of each component, but also reduces the friction between the components and improves the stability of the movement of the plurality of clamping jaws.

[0017] In some embodiments, there are four clamping jaws, which are evenly distributed in the circumferential direction, and when the cap part of the sample tube body is clamped, each clamping jaw extends into the gap between the sample tube bodies arranged in a matrix. In this way, stable clamping operation on the tube body is achieved, and the distribution space of the plurality of clamping jaws is more suitable for the distribution of the sample tube bodies, so that the sample tube bodies can be closely arranged in a limited space without affecting the clamping of the sample tube bodies by the plurality of clamping jaws.

[0018] In some embodiments, the mounting frame is mounted on the rack by a floating mechanism. In this way, during the separation of the sample tube body and the cap part, a displacement amount is generated in the threaded area, so the floating mechanism can ensure the stability of the clamping of the sample tube body by the clamping jaw and can also displace to avoid the separation of the sample tube body and the cap part.

[0019] In some embodiments, the floating mechanism includes a slide rod extending from above the mounting frame and a limiting flange provided at the upper end of the slide rod, and the slide rod passes through the mounting hole provided in the rack and is in sliding connection with the mounting hole. In this way, during the displacement of the sample tube body and the cap part, the rack and the slide rod are caused to slide, so as to ensure the displacement amount of the sample tube body and the cap part, thereby improving the stability of the clamping of the sample tube body by the clamping jaw.

[0020] In some embodiments, there is also a glove box, in which a track is provided at the top and a workbench is provided at the bottom, the clamping jaw mechanism is suspendedly mounted on the track, the turntable and the cap opening station are provided on the workbench, and the cap opening mechanism is provided in the cap opening station. In this way, the sample processing device is ensured to be in a stable and sealed working environment, and the normal operation of the work is ensured.

[0021] It should be understood that the content described in the summary section is not intended to limit the key or important features of the embodiments of the present disclosure, nor is it intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Other features of the present disclosure will become apparent through the following description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0022] Figure 1 The overall structure of a sample processing device according to an embodiment of the present application is shown in the schematic diagram; Figure 2Fig. 1 shows a schematic diagram of the overall structure of a clamping mechanism in a sample processing device according to an embodiment of the present application; Figure 3 Fig. 2 shows a schematic diagram of the clamping mechanism in a clamped state in a sample processing device according to an embodiment of the present application; Figure 4 Fig. 3 shows a schematic diagram of a loading mechanism in a sample processing device according to an embodiment of the present application; Figure 5 Fig. 4 shows a schematic diagram of another loading mechanism in a sample processing device according to an embodiment of the present application; Figure 6 Fig. 5 shows a schematic diagram of a cross section of a loading mechanism for a sample tube body of a second size in a sample processing device according to an embodiment of the present application; Figure 7 Fig. 6 shows a schematic diagram of an exploded structure of a loading mechanism in a sample processing device according to an embodiment of the present application; Figure 8 Fig. 7 shows a schematic diagram of a cover opening mechanism in a sample processing device according to an embodiment of the present application; Figure 9 Fig. 8 shows a schematic diagram of a locking mechanism in a sample processing device according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0023] Legend 1, station transfer mechanism; 11, turntable; 2, clamping mechanism; 21, mounting frame; 211, limiting plate; 2111, sliding groove; 212, mounting plate; 213, support column; 22, clamping jaw; 23, synchronous turntable; 231, guide groove; 24, roller; 3, cover opening mechanism; 31, cross beam; 32, clamping arm; 33, drive motor; 4, loading mechanism; 41, first loading disc; 42, first bracket; 43, second loading disc; 44, second bracket; 45, adapter assembly; 451, adapter plate; 4511, variable diameter portion; 4512, stress receiving portion; 452, detent plate; 46, elastic component; 5, floating mechanism; 51, sliding rod; 52, limiting flange; 6, locking mechanism; 61, base block; 62, latch; 7, unlocking mechanism; 71, operation hole; 72, action piece; 73, action cylinder. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments (or implementation manners) of the present application will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0025] Figure 1 Fig. 1 shows a schematic diagram of the overall structure of a sample processing device according to an embodiment of the present application. Reference is made to Figure 1As shown, the sample processing device disclosed in the embodiment comprises a material transfer mechanism, a work station flow mechanism 1, a clamping mechanism 2 and an uncapping mechanism 3. The material transfer mechanism is used to transfer the sample tube to the work station flow mechanism 1 at the initial work station. The work station flow mechanism 1 is used to transfer the sample tube at the initial work station to each functional work station. The functional work station performs corresponding functional operations, including uncapping operation. The functional work station includes an uncapping work station. The clamping mechanism 2 is used to cooperate with the uncapping mechanism 3 to perform uncapping operation on the sample tube at the uncapping work station. A plurality of loading mechanisms 4 for loading sample tubes of different sizes are correspondingly arranged on the functional work station. The loading mechanism 4 can rotate freely relative to the work station flow mechanism 1. The work station flow mechanism 1 rotates the specified loading mechanism to the uncapping work station. The clamping mechanism 2 is arranged above the work station flow mechanism 1 and is used to clamp the cover of the sample tube. The uncapping mechanism 3 is arranged below the work station flow mechanism 1. The clamping and driving of the loading mechanism 4 rotates the sample tube to perform uncapping processing.

[0026] The material transfer mechanism is a transfer component of the device. It can be a multi-degree-of-freedom mobile mechanical arm structure or a grabbing unit with a multi-degree-of-freedom active space composed of a plurality of linear motion units to drive the sample tube to perform transfer operation at each functional work station.

[0027] The work station flow mechanism 1 is the sample transfer core of the device. Specifically, it can be a turntable 11 structure. The turntable is horizontally arranged and can rotate around its center. The turntable 11 is a basic component for carrying and driving the flow of the loading mechanism 4. It can realize intermittent rotation of the turntable 11 around its center through power driving to accurately send the specified loading mechanism 4 to the uncapping work station. Its driving system can be a servo motor cooperating with a cam divider. The servo motor provides stable power, and the cam divider realizes intermittent indexing rotation of the turntable.

[0028] The loading mechanism 4 is a carrier for carrying and rotating the sample tube. As the connecting component of the turntable 11 and the sample tube, its core design is to rotate freely relative to the turntable 11. This feature provides a structural basis for the subsequent rotation of the sample tube driven by the uncapping mechanism 3.

[0029] The clamping mechanism 2 is a cover fixing unit in the uncapping process. It is arranged above the uncapping work station turntable 11 and can form stable constraint on the cover from the axial direction to provide reaction force for tube rotation.

[0030] The uncapping mechanism 3 is the power core of the tube rotation. It is arranged below the uncapping work station turntable 11, which avoids interference with the clamping mechanism 2 above and can transmit axial power to rotate stably. Its core function is to rotate the loading mechanism 4 by clamping and driving, indirectly driving the sample tube to rotate, and using the relative motion of the cover fixing and sample tube rotation to realize uncapping operation.

[0031] The device greatly improves the efficiency of the opening operation through the optimized cooperation between the components, and further improves the reliability of the sample tube and the cover separation, and guarantees the success rate of the opening.

[0032] In some embodiments, there is also a glove box, in which the top is provided with a track, the bottom is provided with a workbench, the track is suspendedly installed with a clamping jaw mechanism 2, the workbench is provided with a rotating disc 11 and an opening cover station, and the opening cover mechanism 3 is arranged in the opening cover station. The specific environment of the opening operation is maintained through the glove box, and the automatic operation of all processes is guaranteed.

[0033]

Clamping mechanism

[0034] The mounting frame 21 is the integration and bearing basis of all functional components of the clamping mechanism 2, and its core function is to provide stable mounting reference and motion guide for the clamping jaws 22, the synchronous rotating disc 23 and the like, and to ensure the coordinated action of each component. In one embodiment, the mounting frame 21 has a limiting plate 211 located below and a mounting plate 212 located above, and the two are connected by a support column 213. The outer contour of the limiting plate 211 and the mounting plate 212 is square or rectangular, and the mounting frame 21 is fixed as a whole.

[0035] The core of the driving assembly is to use the synchronous rotating disc 23 as the synchronous control core of the action of the clamping jaws 22. This component is the key to realize the precise linkage of multiple clamping jaws 22, and its core function is to drive multiple clamping jaws 22 to approach or move away from each other, avoiding the problem of asynchronous action of clamping jaws 22 caused by traditional independent driving of multiple cylinders. The driving assembly further includes a power component fixed on the top of the mounting frame 21, the power component is connected with the synchronous rotating disc 23, and drives the synchronous rotating disc 23 to rotate around its own center. Specifically, the power component can be a power transmission component such as a motor.

[0036] The clamping jaw 22, as a component directly contacting the cover part, can adopt a V-shaped or arc-shaped adaptive structure, and the inner wall can be provided with anti-skid lines such as diamond knurling. Its design of extending downward from the mounting frame 21, together with the precise driving of the synchronous rotating disc 23, further shortens the clamping response time.

[0037] In some embodiments, the synchronous turntable 23 has a plurality of guide grooves 231 corresponding to each jaw 22, the upper end of each jaw 22 is respectively embedded in each guide groove 231, and the plurality of jaws 22 are driven to move close to or away from each other when the synchronous turntable 23 rotates. Further, a plurality of sliding grooves 2111 are formed on the limiting plate 211, the jaws 22 are located in the sliding grooves 2111 and are in sliding connection with the limiting plate 211.

[0038] The synchronous turntable 23 is directly connected with the jaws 22 through the guide groove 231 structure. Here, the guide groove 231 specifically refers to an eccentric arc-shaped groove or a radial guide groove uniformly distributed along the circumferential direction of the end surface of the synchronous turntable 23. The groove width is in a small gap fit with the thickness of the upper end of the jaw, and the groove depth ensures that the upper end of the jaw does not axially move after being embedded. The extension trajectory of the guide groove 231 directly determines the movement path of the jaw 22.

[0039] The middle part of the jaw 22 is provided with a sliding part matched with the sliding groove 2111, the sliding part is embedded in the sliding groove 2111 and tightly fits with the groove wall, so that the movement of the jaw 22 is strictly limited on the straight line trajectory of the sliding groove 2111. This combined design of the synchronous turntable 23 guide groove 231 driving and the limiting plate 211 sliding groove 2111 guiding forms a closed loop of driving and constraint: the guide groove 231 is responsible for providing radial driving force to ensure the synchronous action of the jaw 22; the sliding groove 2111 is responsible for limiting the degree of freedom of the jaw 22 to prevent it from rotating around its own axis or producing lateral deviation, so that the clamping center of the jaw 22 is always accurately aligned with the center of the pipe cover part.

[0040] In some embodiments, the upper end of the jaw 22 is provided with a roller 24, the roller 24 is embedded in the guide groove 231, and the roller 24 is in rolling contact with the guide groove 231 when the synchronous turntable 23 rotates, thereby driving the plurality of jaws 22 to move close to or away from each other.

[0041] The cooperation between the roller 24 and the guide groove 231 forms a rolling pair, replacing the traditional convex platform and guide groove structure sliding pair. The cooperation gap between the outer diameter of the roller 24 and the groove width of the guide groove 231 is controlled at the millimeter level, which ensures that the roller 24 can freely roll in the guide groove 231 without radial movement, thereby ensuring the stable driving effect of the synchronous turntable 23 on the displacement of the jaw 22.

[0042] In some embodiments, the jaw 22 has four. The 90° symmetrical layout of the four jaws 22 is matched with the guide groove 231 of the synchronous turntable 23, which reduces the transmission chain error, improves the transmission efficiency of the synchronous turntable 23 and the jaw 22, and forms a symmetrical and uniform clamping force with the four jaws 22, so that the stress on the circumferential side of the sample tube body is more uniform.

[0043] In some embodiments, Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the clamping mechanism in a sample processing device according to an embodiment of the present application is shown, which is referred to as Figure 2 ,Figure 3 As shown, each jaw 22 is evenly distributed in the circumferential direction, and when clamping the cover part of the sample tube body, each jaw 22 extends into the gap between the matrix-arranged sample tube bodies. When the jaws 22 clamp the sample tube bodies, the array of the sample tube bodies is arranged so that the four jaws 22 can better fit the gap between the adjacent sample tube bodies, not only improving the stability of the jaws 22 during clamping of the sample tube bodies, but also ensuring that the close arrangement of the sample tube bodies does not affect the clamping action of the jaws, so as to ensure the high clamping efficiency of the jaws 22 on the sample tube bodies.

[0044] In some embodiments, in order to adapt to the axial displacement caused by the displacement of the sample tube body and the cover part threaded area when the cover is opened, avoid stress concentration of the jaws or damage to the cover part caused by rigid connection, the installation mode of the clamping mechanism 2 is optimized. Specifically, the mounting frame 21 is installed on the rack through the floating mechanism 5, and the floating mechanism 5 can compensate for the displacement amount when the sample tube body and the cover part are opened. The floating mechanism 6 includes: a sliding rod 51 extending from above the mounting frame 21; and a limiting flange 52 arranged on the upper end of the sliding rod 51, and the sliding rod 51 passes through the mounting hole of the rack and is in sliding connection with the mounting hole.

[0045] The floating mechanism 5 is a flexible connection unit between the mounting frame 21 and the rack, wherein the sliding rod 51 is the core bearing and guiding component of the floating mechanism 5, and the layout of the sliding rod 51 extending from above the mounting frame 21 makes the force transmission path direct, avoiding additional force arm loss.

[0046] The limiting flange 52 is a anti-falling and stroke limiting component of the sliding rod 51, which is integrally formed or welded with the upper end of the sliding rod 51, and the outer diameter of the limiting flange 52 is greater than the diameter of the sliding rod 51, which can effectively prevent the sliding rod 51 from being separated from the mounting frame 21 due to gravity or vibration. In some embodiments, an elastic return member is further sleeved on the outer periphery of the sliding rod 51 to avoid hard contact between the mounting frame and the limiting flange, and to absorb displacement impact through elastic deformation of the spring.

[0047]

Loading mechanism

[0048] ​The first carrier disc 41 is a bearing member connected with the rotating disc 11, and the bottom of the first carrier disc 41 is provided with a bearing connected with the rotating disc 11 to reduce the friction between the rotation of the first carrier disc 41 around its own center and the rotating disc 11. And the rotating disc 11 is provided with a groove for matching the installation of the first carrier disc 41 to improve the stability of the rotation of the first carrier disc 41.

[0049] The first carrier disc 41 is a bearing member connected with the rotating disc 11, and the bottom of the first carrier disc 41 is provided with a bearing connected with the rotating disc 11 to reduce the friction between the rotation of the first carrier disc 41 around its own center and the rotating disc 11. And the rotating disc 11 is provided with a groove for matching the installation of the first carrier disc 41 to improve the stability of the rotation of the first carrier disc 41.

[0050] In some embodiments, Figure 5 A schematic view of another loading mechanism in a sample processing device according to an embodiment of the present application is shown, referring to Figure 5 As shown, the loading mechanism 4 includes a second carrier disc 43 which can rotate freely relative to the rotating disc 11, and a second carrier 44 arranged below the second carrier disc 43, and the second carrier 44 is provided with an opening on both sides, and each opening is provided with an adapter assembly 45, and the second size sample tube is loaded in the adapter assembly 45, and the cap opening mechanism 3 clamps the second size sample tube by clamping the adapter assembly 45.

[0051] The structure and function of the second carrier disc 43 are similar to those of the first carrier disc 41, and will not be described in detail here. The second carrier 44 is not only a connecting and mounting seat of the adapter assembly, but also plays a limiting role for the second size sample tube, so that the second size sample tube is coaxially arranged with the second carrier 44, and the adapter assembly clamps the circumferential side of the second size sample tube, which limits the free rotation of the second size sample tube and ensures the stability of the rotation of the second size sample tube.

[0052] In some embodiments, Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of a loading mechanism for a second size sample tube in a sample processing device according to an embodiment of the present application is shown, referring to Figure 6As shown, the adapter assembly 45 includes an adapter plate 451 arranged corresponding to the opening portion, the adapter plate 451 includes a variable diameter portion 4511 located in the opening portion, and a force receiving portion 4512 protruding from the opening portion, the cover opening mechanism 3 clamps the sample tube body of the second size by clamping the force receiving portion 4512. The two sides of the adapter plate 451 are each provided with a clamping plate 452, which is fixed to the inner wall of the opening portion of the second bracket 44 to limit the adapter plate 451 from being separated from the opening portion of the second bracket 44.

[0053] The variable diameter portion 4511 is the core functional area of the adapter small size tube body, which is located inside the opening portion, and the center thereof is provided with an arc-shaped abutting area matched with the sample tube body of the second size. By extruding the adapter plate 451 from the outside, the variable diameter portion 4511 is tightly attached to the peripheral side of the sample tube body of the second size, so as to synchronously drive the sample tube body of the second size to rotate when the second bracket 44 rotates.

[0054] The force receiving portion 4512 is a dedicated clamping area of the cover opening mechanism 3, which protrudes horizontally from the outside of the opening portion of the second bracket 44, forms a clamping surface matched with the cover opening mechanism 3, and drives the entire adapter plate 451 and the internal sample tube body to rotate by clamping the force receiving portion 4512. The cover opening mechanism 3 completely avoids direct contact with the small size tube body, and solves the problem that the traditional clamping structure directly clamps the tank body and easily causes the tube body to deform.

[0055] In some embodiments, Figure 7 An exploded structural schematic diagram of a loading mechanism in a sample processing device according to an embodiment of the present application is shown, and the loading mechanism is shown in the sample processing device according to the embodiment of the present application. Figure 7 As shown, a resilient component 46 is arranged between adjacent adapter plates 451. The resilient component 46 can be a spring structure, which is arranged with a plurality of spring structures and clamped between two adapter plates 451, and the two ends are abutted to the inner side of the adapter plate 451. Under the elastic action of the spring, the two adapter plates 451 are driven away from the central area of the second bracket 44, so that the sample tube body of the second size can effectively avoid interference with the adapter plate 451 when being installed with the second bracket 44.

[0056]

Cover opening mechanism

[0057] The crossbeam 31 is a bearing and rotating core support of the cover opening mechanism, and is in a whole rectangular hollow structure. A cylinder installation cavity and a clamping arm sliding guide rail groove are reserved in the crossbeam 31, so that the power components are integrated internally, and the external space occupation is reduced. The clamping arm 32 is a component directly performing clamping action, and two symmetrical clamping structures are formed. The sliding connection of the clamping arm 31 and the crossbeam 31 is realized through the built-in linear guide rail.

[0058] The driving motor 33 is a power source for rotating the crossbeam 31. A servo motor with a speed reducer is selected, and is installed directly below the crossbeam 31. The servo motor can realize the rapid opening of the cover of a conventional sample tube through high-speed rotation, and can automatically reduce the rotating speed and increase the torque when the threaded cover is stuck, so as to avoid the damage of the tube body or the cover part.

[0059]

Locking mechanism

[0060] The base block 61 is the installation and guiding basis of the latch 62, and is in a block-shaped rigid structure. The base block 61 is fixed to the bottom of the turntable 11 by bolts, and is kept at a predetermined distance from the first bracket 42 or the second bracket 44 of the corresponding loading mechanism 4. This fixing mode ensures that the base block 61 rotates synchronously with the turntable 11, and forms a follow-up relationship with the loading mechanism 4, so as to avoid locking failure caused by relative displacement during the circulation process. A precise guide hole is formed in the center of the base block 61, and the hole diameter is matched with the outer diameter of the latch 62. The axial sliding of the latch 62 is stably guided, and the end of the latch 62 can be accurately aligned with the pin hole in the first bracket 42 or the second bracket 44.

[0061] The pin 62 is the core actuator of the locking mechanism 6. It adopts a hollow cylindrical structure. To ensure the reliability of the locking between the pin 62 and the first bracket 42 or the second bracket 44, a special elastic element is specially set inside the pin 62. This elastic element has excellent elastic recovery ability and fatigue resistance. Its two ends abut against the inner wall of the end of the pin 62 and the guide hole step of the base block 61, respectively, and are in a pre-compressed state. This built-in design does not occupy extra space and can provide continuous axial elastic force for the pin 62, driving the pin 62 to always elastically abut against the first bracket 42 or the second bracket 44, ensuring that the pin 62 can automatically maintain the tendency to move closer to the loading mechanism 4 when there is no external force intervention. The diameter of the pin hole and the size of the end of the pin 62 are in a small clearance fit. Combined with the abutting force of the elastic element, the end of the pin 62 can fit tightly against the inner wall of the pin hole. Even if there is slight vibration during the rotation of the turntable 11, the pin 62 will not accidentally fall out, which greatly improves the locking stability.

[0062] [Unlocking Mechanism] In some embodiments, such as Figure 9 As shown, an operating part is provided on the pin 62, and an unlocking mechanism 7 is also provided at the opening position. When the turntable 11 is about to rotate the specified loading mechanism 4 to the opening position, the unlocking mechanism 7 engages with the operating part. When the turntable 11 continues to rotate the specified loading mechanism 4 to the opening position, the unlocking mechanism 7 restricts the pin 62 from moving with the loading mechanism 4 and pulls it out of the pin hole.

[0063] In some embodiments, the operating part includes an operating hole 71 provided on the pin 62, and the unlocking mechanism 7 includes an actuating piece 72 whose end can be inserted into the operating hole 71, and an actuator that drives the actuating piece 72 to extend and retract. The actuator may be an actuating cylinder 73.

[0064] The operating part is a force-bearing component installed on the pin to achieve mechanical linkage unlocking. Its core function is to provide a reliable force transmission interface for the unlocking mechanism, enabling the unlocking mechanism 7 to drive the pin 62 to move through mechanical contact. The operating hole 71 is a strip-shaped through hole extending radially along the pin 62. The hole wall is reinforced to prevent deformation under stress. Its axis intersects perpendicularly with the axis of the pin 62, and the inner diameter of the operating hole 71 is precisely matched with the actuating piece 72 of the unlocking mechanism 7, ensuring that the actuating piece 72 does not move radially after insertion, forming a rigid force transmission pair. Compared with the boss-type operating part, the structure of the operating hole 71 saves more space and avoids interference with other components of the turntable 11.

[0065] The actuator 72 is an actuating element that directly cooperates with the operating part. It is made of high-strength alloy steel. The length of the actuator 72 matches the unlocking stroke of the pin 62, ensuring that it can provide sufficient constraint stroke after being inserted into the operating hole 71.

[0066] In the description of the present application, the terms "connection", "installation", "fixation" and the like should be understood in a broad sense, for example, "connection" can be fixed connection, or detachable connection, or integrally connected; can be directly connected, or indirectly connected through an intermediate medium. For those skilled in the art, the specific meaning of the above terms in this application can be understood according to the specific circumstances.

[0067] The above is only the preferred embodiment of the present application and is not intended to limit the present application. Those skilled in the art can make various modifications and changes to the present application. Any modification, equivalent replacement, improvement, etc. made within the spirit and principles of the present application shall be included in the protection scope of the present application.

Claims

1. A sample processing device, characterized in that, include: Material transfer mechanism, workstation transfer mechanism (1), clamping mechanism (2), and lid opening mechanism (3), The material transfer mechanism is used to transfer the sample tube to the station transfer mechanism (1) at the initial station. The station transfer mechanism (1) is used to transfer the sample tube at the initial station to each functional station and perform corresponding functional operations at the functional station. The functional operations include opening the cap, and the functional station includes the cap opening station. The clamping mechanism is used to cooperate with the cap opening mechanism to open the cap of the sample tube at the cap opening station. The functional workstation is equipped with multiple loading mechanisms (4) for loading sample tubes of different sizes. The loading mechanism (4) can rotate freely relative to the workstation transfer mechanism (1). The workstation transfer mechanism (1) rotates the loading mechanism (4) to the opening workstation. The clamping mechanism (2) is located above the station transfer mechanism (1) and is used to clamp the cap of the sample tube. The opening mechanism (3) is located below the station transfer mechanism (1). It clamps and drives the loading mechanism (4) to rotate, thereby driving the sample tube to rotate and performing the opening process.

2. The sample processing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The loading mechanism (4) includes, The first carrier plate (41) that can rotate freely relative to the station transfer mechanism (1), and The first bracket (42) is disposed below the first carrier (41). The first bracket (42) has openings on both sides. The opening mechanism (3) clamps the sample tube of the first size through the opening.

3. The sample processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The loading mechanism (4) includes, The second carrier plate (43) can rotate freely relative to the station transfer mechanism (1), and The second bracket (44) is located below the second carrier (43). The second bracket (44) has openings on both sides. Each of the openings is provided with an adapter component (45). A sample tube of the second size is loaded within the adapter assembly (45). The opening mechanism (3) clamps the second-sized sample tube via the adapter component (45).

4. The sample processing apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that, The adapter component (45) includes an adapter plate (451) corresponding to the opening, and the adapter plate (451) includes, The variable diameter section (4511) located within the opening, and The force-bearing part (4512) protruding from the opening, The opening mechanism (3) clamps the sample tube of the second size by clamping the force-bearing part (4512).

5. The sample processing apparatus according to claim 4, characterized in that, An elastic member (46) is provided between adjacent adapter plates (451).

6. The sample processing apparatus according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, On the lower surface of the workstation transfer mechanism (1), a locking mechanism (6) is provided next to each loading mechanism (4) to restrict the free rotation of the loading mechanism (4). The locking mechanism (6) includes a base block (61) and a pin (62). The base block (61) is fixed to the lower surface of the station transfer mechanism (1). The pin (62) is slidably connected to the base block (61), and the loading mechanism (4) has a pin hole. The pin (62) is inserted into the pin hole to lock the rotation of the loading mechanism (4).

7. The sample processing apparatus according to claim 6, characterized in that, An operating part is provided on the latch (62). An unlocking mechanism (7) is also provided at the opening station. When the station transfer mechanism (1) is about to rotate the designated loading mechanism (4) to the opening station, the unlocking mechanism (7) engages with the operating part. When the station transfer mechanism (1) continues to rotate the loading mechanism (4) to the opening station, the unlocking mechanism (7) restricts the pin (62) from following the loading mechanism (4) and pulling it out of the pin hole.

8. The sample processing apparatus according to claim 7, characterized in that, The operating part includes an operating hole (71) provided on the pin (62). The unlocking mechanism (7) includes an actuating piece (72) whose end can be inserted into the operating hole (71), and an actuator that drives the actuating piece (72) to extend and retract.

9. The sample processing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The clamping mechanism (2) includes a mounting bracket (21); a drive assembly fixed to the mounting bracket (21); and a plurality of grippers (22) extending downward from the mounting bracket (21), wherein, The drive assembly includes a synchronous turntable (23), which drives multiple grippers (22) to move closer to or further away from each other.

10. The sample processing apparatus according to claim 9, characterized in that, The synchronous turntable (23) has a plurality of guide grooves (231) corresponding to each of the grippers (22). The upper end of each gripper (22) is embedded in the guide groove (231). When the synchronous turntable (23) rotates, it drives the plurality of grippers (22) to move closer to or further away from each other.

11. The sample processing apparatus according to claim 10, characterized in that, The upper end of the gripper (22) is provided with a roller (24). The roller (24) is embedded in the guide groove (231). When the synchronous turntable (23) rotates, the roller (24) rolls into contact with the guide groove (231), driving the multiple grippers (22) to move closer or further apart from each other.

12. The sample processing apparatus according to any one of claims 9-11, characterized in that, It has four of the aforementioned grippers (22), Each of the grippers (22) is evenly distributed in the circumferential direction. When gripping the cap of the sample tube, each of the grippers (22) extends into the gap between the matrix-arranged sample tubes.

13. The gripper mechanism (2) according to claim 9, characterized in that, The mounting bracket (21) is mounted on the frame via a floating mechanism (5).

14. The sample processing apparatus according to claim 13, characterized in that, The floating mechanism (5) includes: A slide bar (51) extending from above the mounting bracket (21); and A limiting flange (52) is provided at the upper end of the slide bar (51). The slide bar (51) passes through the mounting hole provided in the frame and is slidably connected to the mounting hole.

15. The sample processing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also has a glove box. Inside the glove box, a track is provided at the top, and a worktable is provided at the bottom. The gripper mechanism (2) is suspended from the track. The workbench has the workstation transfer mechanism (1) and the cover opening station. The opening mechanism (3) is provided at the opening station.

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