Blood separation workstation

Abstract

The invention relates to the technical field of biomedical equipment, and particularly provides a blood separation workstation. Specifically, the blood separation workstation comprises a storage device, a pipetting device, a centrifugation device, a visual quality control device, a first uncovering device, a second uncovering device, a first transfer device and a second transfer device, the storage device is used for storing blood samples and consumables, the first uncovering device is used for uncovering blood collection tubes, and the second uncovering device is used for uncovering blood collection tubes. The first transfer device can move out the blood collection tubes in the storage device; the pipetting device can transfer blood in the blood collection tube into the centrifugal tube, and the centrifugal device is used for centrifuging the blood; the visual quality control device is used for collecting and identifying layered images of blood, the pipetting device can respectively move out the layered blood, and the second cover opening device is used for opening and closing a cover of the centrifugal tube; and the second transfer device can transfer the centrifugal tube. According to the blood separation workstation, blood separation work can be automatically achieved, and the working efficiency and quality of blood separation are improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of biomedical equipment technology, specifically providing a blood separation workstation. Background Technology

[0002] In hospitals and biomedical experiments, blood separation is frequently required to extract necessary components. Currently, most blood separation is done manually, which is very inefficient. It often takes a highly skilled worker 3 hours to complete the separation and extraction of all components from 12 blood samples. Furthermore, manual processing is highly dependent on specific highly skilled personnel, resulting in problems such as high costs for sample collection and processing, high error rates, large variability in sample quality, and high risk of sample contamination.

[0003] Therefore, a new technical solution is needed in this field to solve the above problems. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The present invention aims to solve the above-mentioned technical problems, namely, to solve the problem that there are many risks in the existing manual blood separation operation.

[0005] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a blood separation workstation, comprising a storage device, a pipetting device, a centrifugation device, a visual quality control device, a first capping device, a second capping device, a first transfer device, and a second transfer device. The storage device is used to store blood samples and / or consumables. The first capping device is used for opening blood collection tubes. The first transfer device is capable of removing blood collection tubes from the storage device. The pipetting device is capable of transferring blood from the blood collection tubes to centrifuge tubes. The centrifugation device is used to centrifuge the blood in the centrifuge tubes to separate the blood into layers. The visual quality control device is used to acquire and identify the layered images of the blood in the centrifuge tubes. The pipetting device is also capable of removing the layered blood from the centrifuge tubes separately. The second capping device is used for opening and closing the caps of the centrifuge tubes. The second transfer device is capable of transferring the centrifuge tubes to the centrifugation device and transferring the centrifuged centrifuge tubes to the visual quality control device.

[0006] In the preferred embodiment of the blood separation workstation described above, the blood separation workstation further includes a visual recognition device for identifying blood collection tubes and / or consumables entering and exiting the storage device.

[0007] In the preferred embodiment of the blood separation workstation described above, the centrifugation device includes a centrifuge, a centrifugation adapter, and a balancing adapter. The centrifugation adapter is used to hold centrifuge tubes for centrifugation, and the balancing adapter is used to hold balancing tubes. During centrifugation, the centrifugation adapter and the balancing adapter are symmetrically placed in the centrifuge. The number of centrifuge tubes in the centrifugation adapter is the same as the number of balancing tubes in the balancing adapter, and the weight of the blood in the centrifuge tubes is equal to the weight of the liquid in the balancing tubes.

[0008] In the preferred embodiment of the blood separation workstation described above, the blood separation workstation has a first station and a second station. The first station and the second station are each equipped with the pipetting device, the centrifugation device, the visual quality control device, the second capping device, and the second transfer device. The first station and the second station can operate in the order of the blood separation process.

[0009] In the preferred embodiment of the blood separation workstation described above, the first cap-opening device includes a first lifting mechanism, a rotating cap-opening mechanism, and a clamping mechanism. The clamping mechanism is provided with multiple clamping positions, each of which can clamp the tube body of a blood collection tube. The rotating cap-opening mechanism includes multiple clamping modules, each of which can clamp the cap of a blood collection tube. Each clamping module is equipped with a cap-opening driving component for driving the clamping module to rotate. The first lifting mechanism is connected to the rotating cap-opening mechanism, and the first lifting mechanism can lift the rotating cap-opening mechanism while the cap-opening driving component drives the clamping module to rotate and open the cap.

[0010] In the preferred embodiment of the blood separation workstation described above, a rubber pad is provided on the clamping position, and the rubber pad can fit against the outer wall of the blood collection tube.

[0011] In the preferred embodiment of the blood separation workstation described above, the clamping mechanism includes a fixed base and a fixed clamping plate, a movable clamping plate, and a first driving mechanism mounted on the fixed base. The fixed clamping plate is provided with a plurality of first clamping grooves, and the movable clamping plate is provided with a plurality of second clamping grooves. The first clamping grooves and the second clamping grooves are arranged opposite to each other and together form a clamping position. The first driving mechanism is connected to the movable clamping plate and can drive the movable clamping plate to move toward / away from the fixed clamping plate.

[0012] In the preferred embodiment of the blood separation workstation described above, the clamping module includes a first gripper and a second gripper arranged opposite to each other, and a clamping drive component for driving the first gripper and the second gripper to clamp / separate.

[0013] In the preferred embodiment of the blood separation workstation described above, the second cap opening device includes a second lifting mechanism and a clamping cap opening mechanism. The second lifting mechanism can drive the clamping cap opening mechanism to move up and down in a vertical direction. The clamping cap opening mechanism includes a first clamping arm, a second clamping arm, and a second driving mechanism. A first insert and a second insert are respectively provided on the side of the first clamping arm and the second clamping arm that are far apart from each other. The blood separation workstation also includes an integrated tube cap. The integrated tube cap includes a plate-shaped body. The top surface of the plate-shaped body is provided with a first slot and a second slot that are respectively inserted and engaged with the first insert and the second insert. The bottom surface of the plate-shaped body is provided with a plurality of tube caps, each tube cap corresponding to a centrifuge tube. The second driving mechanism can drive the first clamping arm and the second clamping arm to move away from each other, thereby allowing the first insert and the second insert to be inserted into the first slot and the second slot respectively.

[0014] In the preferred embodiment of the blood separation workstation described above, the pipetting device includes a pump body and a plurality of pipettes connected to the pump body; and / or the blood separation workstation further includes a cryopreservation device, the pipetting device being able to transfer the target component in the blood to cryopreservation tubes, the cryopreservation device being used to preserve the cryopreservation tubes containing the target component; and / or the blood separation workstation further includes a reagent dispensing device, the reagent dispensing device being used to add reagents required for centrifugation operations to centrifuge tubes.

[0015] With the above technical solution, the blood separation workstation of the present invention can store blood samples and consumables through a storage device, transfer blood collection tubes through a first transfer device, open blood collection tubes through a first capping device, centrifuge blood in centrifuge tubes through a centrifuge device, collect and identify blood stratification images through a visual quality control device to provide data support for blood separation, open and close centrifuge tubes through a second capping device, transfer centrifuge tubes through a second transfer device, and pipette blood through a pipette device. Thus, it can automatically realize blood separation, reduce or even avoid manual intervention, and improve the efficiency and quality of blood separation.

[0016] Furthermore, the blood separation workstation of the present invention uses a visual recognition device to identify blood collection tubes and consumables entering and exiting the storage device, which facilitates the counting of the number of blood collection tubes and consumables and enables dynamic caching.

[0017] Furthermore, the blood separation workstation of the present invention, by setting a balancing adapter and balancing tubes, can set the number of balancing tubes and the weight of liquid in the balancing tubes according to the number of centrifuge tubes and the weight of blood in the centrifuge tubes, thereby achieving automatic balancing.

[0018] Furthermore, the blood separation workstation of the present invention achieves higher pipetting efficiency by configuring the pipetting device as a multi-channel pipetting device.

[0019] Furthermore, the clamping mechanism of the first capping device of the blood separation workstation of the present invention is provided with multiple clamping positions, which can clamp multiple blood collection tubes at the same time. The rotating capping mechanism is correspondingly provided with multiple clamping modules, which can clamp the caps of multiple blood collection tubes at the same time, so that the first capping device of the present invention can open multiple blood collection tubes at the same time, and the capping efficiency is higher.

[0020] Furthermore, the blood separation workstation of the present invention improves the friction between the clamping mechanism and the blood collection tube by setting a rubber pad at the clamping position of the clamping mechanism to fit against the tube wall, and prevents damage to the blood collection tube through the cushioning of the rubber pad.

[0021] Furthermore, the blood separation workstation of the present invention is equipped with an integrated tube cap, which has multiple tube covers, each of which corresponds to a centrifuge tube. When the centrifuge tube is opened, the integrated tube cap can be lifted by a second capping device, thereby opening multiple centrifuge tubes simultaneously, which is more efficient.

[0022] Furthermore, the blood separation workstation of the present invention can improve the working efficiency of the blood separation workstation by setting up a first workstation and a second workstation. Attached Figure Description

[0023] The preferred embodiments of the present invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the blood separation workstation of the present invention. Figure 1 ; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the blood separation workstation of the present invention. Figure 2 ; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first opening device of the blood separation workstation of the present invention; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the clamping and opening mechanism of the second opening device of the present invention; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the integrated tube cap and centrifugal adapter of the present invention; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the integrated tube cap of the blood separation workstation of the present invention; Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the visual quality control device of the blood separation workstation of the present invention.

[0024] List of reference numerals in the attached drawings: 1. Storage device; 2. Pipette; 3. Centrifuge device; 31. Centrifuge adapter; 311. Observation opening; 32. Centrifuge tube; 33. Integrated tube cap; 331. Plate-shaped body; 332. Second slot; 333. Tube cover; 4. Visual quality control device; 41. Image acquisition component; 411. Support frame; 412. Camera; 42. Rotating component; 421. Rotating mechanism; 422. Mounting frame; 5. First cap opening device; 51. First lifting mechanism; 52. Rotating cap opening mechanism; 521. First gripper; 522. Second gripper; 53. Clamping mechanism; 531. Fixed base; 532. Fixed clamping plate; 533. Moving clamping plate; 534. First drive mechanism; 6. Second cap opening device; 61. First clamping arm; 611. First insert; 62. Second clamping arm; 7. Cryopreservation device; 8. Blood collection tube. Detailed Implementation

[0025] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Those skilled in the art should understand that these embodiments are merely illustrative of the technical principles of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0026] It should be noted that in the description of this invention, terms such as "upper," "lower," "top," "bottom," "left," "right," "front," and "rear," which indicate direction or positional relationships, are based on the direction or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings. These are used merely for ease of description and do not indicate or imply that the device or element must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this invention. Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0027] Furthermore, it should be noted that, in the description of this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "set," "connect," and "install" should be interpreted broadly, for example, referring to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0028] Specifically, the present invention provides a blood separation workstation that can realize the automated separation and processing of blood samples.

[0029] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the blood separation workstation of the present invention includes a storage device 1, a pipetting device 2, a centrifugation device 3, a visual quality control device 4, a first capping device 5, a second capping device 6, a first transfer device, and a second transfer device.

[0030] The storage device 1 of the present invention is used to store blood samples and / or consumables. The blood samples are contained in blood collection tubes 8. The consumables mainly include centrifuge tubes 32 and / or pipette tips. Centrifuge tubes 32 are used to hold blood samples for centrifugation. Pipettes are used to be installed on pipettes of pipetting devices 2 for pipetting operations.

[0031] The first capping device 5 of the blood separation workstation of the present invention is used for opening the cap of the blood collection tube 8, and the first transfer device is capable of removing the blood collection tube 8 from the storage device 1. The blood collection tube 8 is placed in the storage device 1. When it is necessary to separate the blood sample in the blood collection tube 8, the blood collection tube 8 is first removed from the storage device 1 by the first transfer device, and then the cap of the blood collection tube 8 is opened by the first capping device 5.

[0032] The blood separation workstation includes a pipetting device 2 that transfers blood samples from blood collection tubes 8 to centrifuge tubes 32. A centrifuge device 3 centrifuges the blood samples in the centrifuge tubes 32 to separate the blood into layers. After the blood collection tubes 8 are transferred from the storage device 1 via the first transfer device, the cap of the blood collection tubes 8 is opened via the first capping device 5. Then, the blood in the blood collection tubes 8 is transferred to the centrifuge tubes 32 via the pipetting device 2. The centrifuge tubes 32 are then placed in the centrifuge device 3 for centrifugation. Centrifuging the blood samples in the centrifuge tubes 32 separates the blood into layers.

[0033] The visual quality control device 4 of the blood separation workstation of the present invention is used to acquire and identify layered images of blood samples in centrifuge tubes 32, providing data support for blood separation. The pipetting device 2 can also remove the layered blood from the centrifuge tubes 32 separately. After centrifuging the blood sample in the centrifuge tubes 32 by the centrifuge device 3, the centrifuge tubes 32 are removed from the centrifuge device 3 and transferred to the visual quality control device 4. The visual quality control device 4 takes pictures of the centrifuge tubes 32, acquires layered images of the blood samples in the centrifuge tubes 32, and identifies and analyzes the acquired layered images. After the blood is layered, it is generally necessary to remove the top layer of plasma first. Specifically, the plasma is transferred by the pipetting device 2. According to customer needs, the plasma can be transferred to the centrifuge tubes 32 for storage, or it can be directly transferred to the waste liquid pool.

[0034] The second capping device 6 of the blood separation workstation of the present invention is used for opening and closing the cap of the centrifuge tube 32; the second transfer device can transfer the centrifuge tube 32 to the centrifuge device 3 and transfer the centrifuged centrifuge tube 32 to the visual quality control device 4. When it is necessary to perform a pipetting operation on the centrifuge tube 32, the cap of the centrifuge tube 32 can be opened by the second capping device 6. After the pipetting operation is completed, the cap of the centrifuge tube 32 can be closed by the second capping device 6. The second transfer device is used for transferring the centrifuge tube 32. After the blood in the blood collection tube 8 is transferred to the centrifuge tube 32 by the pipetting device 2, the centrifuge tube 32 is transferred to the centrifuge device 3 for centrifugation by the second transfer device. After the centrifugation operation is completed, the centrifuge tube 32 is transferred from the centrifuge device 3 to the visual quality control device 4 by the second transfer device.

[0035] As described above, the blood separation workstation of the present invention can automatically complete the transfer of blood collection tube 8, opening of blood collection tube 8, transfer of blood sample in blood collection tube 8 to centrifuge tube 32, transfer of blood sample in centrifuge tube 32, centrifugation of blood sample in centrifuge tube 32, acquisition and identification of layered images of centrifuged blood, transfer of different components of centrifuged blood, and opening and closing of centrifuge tube 32, thereby automatically completing the blood separation operation without manual intervention and realizing a fully automated process.

[0036] For example, the storage device 1 of the present invention adopts a three-dimensional warehouse design. The storage device 1 is provided with a sample rack for storing blood collection tubes 8, a consumable rack for storing consumables (including pipette tips, centrifuge tubes and cryopreservation tubes, etc.) and a temporary storage rack. The first transfer device includes a guide rail and a three-axis robotic arm set on the guide rail. The three-axis robotic arm is preferably driven by a servo motor. The blood collection tubes 8 and consumables in the storage device 1 are transferred through the coordinated scheduling of the three-axis robotic arm and the guide rail.

[0037] It should be noted that the first transfer device is not limited to the structure of guide rail + three-axis robotic arm described above. Those skilled in the art can also set the first transfer device to other structural forms. Such adjustments and changes to the specific structural form of the first transfer device do not deviate from the principles and scope of the present invention and should be limited to the protection scope of the present invention.

[0038] Furthermore, it should be noted that, in practical applications, those skilled in the art can configure the first cap-opening device 5 to open only one blood collection tube 8 at a time, or it can be configured to open multiple blood collection tubes 8 at a time, etc. Such flexible adjustments and changes do not deviate from the principles and scope of the present invention and should all be limited to the protection scope of the present invention. Of course, the present invention preferably configures the first cap-opening device 5 to open multiple blood collection tubes 8 simultaneously, thereby improving work efficiency.

[0039] Furthermore, it should be noted that, in practical applications, those skilled in the art can configure the second cap-opening device 6 to open only one centrifuge tube 32 at a time, or it can be configured to open multiple centrifuge tubes 32 at a time, etc. Such flexible adjustments and changes do not deviate from the principles and scope of the present invention and should all be limited to the protection scope of the present invention. Of course, the present invention preferably configures the second cap-opening device 6 to open multiple centrifuge tubes 32 simultaneously, thereby improving work efficiency.

[0040] Preferably, the blood separation workstation of the present invention further includes a visual recognition device for identifying blood collection tubes 8 and / or consumables entering and exiting the storage device 1.

[0041] By setting up a visual recognition device to identify the blood collection tubes 8 and consumables entering and exiting the storage device 1, it is easy to count the quantity of blood collection tubes 8 and consumables and realize dynamic caching. Furthermore, it is preferable to set up sensors on the shelves of the storage device 1 to provide real-time feedback on the storage status of each shelf.

[0042] For example, a visual recognition device is installed at the inlet and outlet of the storage device 1. The visual recognition device includes a camera, which captures images of blood collection tubes 8 and consumables entering and exiting the storage device 1 and performs recognition.

[0043] Preferably, the centrifugation device 3 of the present invention includes a centrifuge, a centrifugation adapter 31, and a balancing adapter. The centrifugation adapter 31 is used to hold centrifuge tubes 32 that need to be centrifuged, and the balancing adapter is used to hold balancing tubes. During centrifugation, the centrifugation adapter 31 and the balancing adapter are symmetrically placed in the centrifuge. The number of centrifuge tubes 32 in the centrifugation adapter 31 is the same as the number of balancing tubes in the balancing adapter, and the weight of the blood in the centrifuge tubes 32 is equal to the weight of the liquid in the balancing tubes.

[0044] By setting a balancing adapter and a balancing tube, the number of balancing tubes and the weight of the liquid in the balancing tubes can be set according to the number of centrifuge tubes 32 and the weight of the blood in the centrifuge tubes 32, thereby achieving automatic balancing. Preferably, the centrifuge adapter 31 and the balancing adapter have the same structure, and the centrifuge tubes 32 and the balancing tubes are also preferably identical.

[0045] For example, blood samples from eight blood collection tubes 8 are separated simultaneously. The volumes of the blood samples in the eight blood collection tubes 8 are 10ml, 9.8ml, 10.1ml, 9.9ml, 10.2ml, 9.8ml, 10ml, and 9.8ml, respectively. Taking the smallest volume of 9.8ml as the baseline, the blood from the eight blood collection tubes 8 is transferred to eight centrifuge tubes 32, with each centrifuge tube 32 containing a blood sample volume of 9.8ml. The eight centrifuge tubes 32 are placed on the same centrifuge adapter 31, and eight balancing tubes are also placed in the balancing adapter. The volume of liquid in each balancing tube is also 9.8ml, and the density of the liquid in the balancing tubes is basically the same as the density of the blood sample, so that the weight of the liquid in the balancing tubes is the same as the weight of the blood sample in the centrifuge tubes 32. The centrifuge adapter 31 and the balancing adapter are symmetrically placed in the centrifuge, and the centrifuge is started to perform centrifugation.

[0046] Preferably, the pipetting device 2 of the present invention includes a pump body and a plurality of pipettes communicating with the pump body. That is, the pipetting device 2 of the present invention is a multi-channel pipetting device 2, which has higher pipetting efficiency.

[0047] For example, the pipetting device 2 of the present invention is a four-channel pipetting device, specifically including four pipettes arranged in a row, which can simultaneously transfer blood samples from four blood collection tubes 8.

[0048] It should be noted that the number of pipettes is not limited to the four mentioned above. For example, it can also be set to three, six or more, etc. Such adjustments and changes to the specific number of pipettes do not deviate from the principles and scope of the present invention and should be limited to the protection scope of the present invention.

[0049] Preferably, such as Figure 3 As shown, the first cap-opening device 5 of the present invention includes a first lifting mechanism 51, a rotating cap-opening mechanism 52, and a clamping mechanism 53. The clamping mechanism 53 is provided with a plurality of clamping positions, each clamping position being able to clamp the tube body of a blood collection tube 8. The rotating cap-opening mechanism 52 includes a plurality of clamping modules, each clamping module being able to clamp the cap of a blood collection tube 8, and each clamping module is provided with a cap-opening driving component for driving the clamping module to rotate. The first lifting mechanism 51 is connected to the rotating cap-opening mechanism 52, and the first lifting mechanism 51 can lift the rotating cap-opening mechanism 52 while the cap-opening driving component drives the clamping module to rotate and open the cap.

[0050] The clamping mechanism 53 of the first cap opening device 5 of the present invention is provided with multiple clamping positions, which can clamp multiple blood collection tubes 8 at the same time. The rotating cap opening mechanism 52 is provided with multiple clamping modules, which can clamp the caps of multiple blood collection tubes 8 at the same time, so that the first cap opening device 5 of the present invention can open multiple blood collection tubes 8 at the same time, and the cap opening efficiency is higher.

[0051] For example, the clamping mechanism 53 of the first cap opening device 5 is located at the bottom, and the first lifting mechanism 51 and the rotating cap opening mechanism 52 are located above the clamping mechanism 53. The clamping mechanism 53 is provided with four clamping positions, and the rotating cap opening mechanism 52 of the first cap opening device 5 is provided with four clamping modules. When performing the cap opening operation, four blood collection tubes 8 are first placed on the clamping mechanism 53, and one blood collection tube 8 is clamped at each clamping position. Then, the first lifting mechanism 51 drives the rotating cap opening mechanism 52 to move downward, so that the four clamping modules of the rotating cap opening mechanism 52 clamp the cap of one blood collection tube 8 respectively. Then, the cap opening driving component drives the corresponding clamping module to rotate, so that the clamping module rotates with the cap, and at the same time, the first lifting mechanism 51 raises the rotating cap opening mechanism 52, thereby opening the cap of the blood collection tube 8.

[0052] Preferably, such as Figure 3 As shown, the clamping mechanism 53 of the present invention is provided with a rubber pad at the clamping position, and the rubber pad can fit against the outer wall of the blood collection tube 8.

[0053] By placing a rubber pad at the clamping position of the clamping mechanism 53 to fit against the wall of the blood collection tube 8, the friction between the clamping mechanism 53 and the blood collection tube 8 can be increased, and the buffering effect of the rubber pad can prevent damage to the blood collection tube 8.

[0054] Preferably, such as Figure 3 As shown, the clamping mechanism 53 of the present invention includes a fixed base 531 and a fixed clamping plate 532, a movable clamping plate 533 and a first driving mechanism 534 mounted on the fixed base 531. The fixed clamping plate 532 is provided with a plurality of first clamping grooves and the movable clamping plate 533 is provided with a plurality of second clamping grooves. The first clamping grooves and the second clamping grooves are arranged opposite to each other and together form a clamping position. The first driving mechanism 534 is connected to the movable clamping plate 533 and can drive the movable clamping plate 533 to move toward / away from the fixed clamping plate 532.

[0055] First, the blood collection tube 8 is placed in the first clamping groove of the fixed clamping plate 532. Then, the first driving mechanism 534 drives the movable clamping plate 533 to move towards the fixed clamping plate 532, so that the second clamping groove and the first clamping groove together clamp the tube body of the blood collection tube 8. When it is necessary to remove the blood collection tube 8, the first driving mechanism 534 drives the movable clamping plate 533 to move away from the fixed clamping plate 532, releasing the tube body of the blood collection tube 8.

[0056] For example, the fixing base 531 of the clamping mechanism 53 includes a horizontally arranged first mounting plate and a vertically arranged second mounting plate. The fixing clamping plate 532 is vertically arranged on the first mounting plate and is arranged opposite to the second mounting plate. The first driving mechanism 534 includes a first motor and a first lead screw connected to the drive shaft of the first motor. The first motor is installed on the side of the second mounting plate away from the fixing clamping plate 532. The drive shaft of the first motor passes through the second mounting plate. The first lead screw is horizontally arranged. The movable clamping plate 533 is vertically arranged and located between the fixing clamping plate 532 and the second mounting plate. The movable clamping plate 533 is provided with a threaded hole that cooperates with the first lead screw. When the first motor drives the first lead screw to rotate, it can drive the movable clamping plate 533 to move.

[0057] The first clamping groove is located on the side of the fixed clamping plate 532 facing the movable clamping plate 533, and the second clamping groove is located on the side of the movable clamping plate 533 facing the fixed clamping plate 532. Both the first clamping groove and the second clamping groove extend in the vertical direction. The cross-section of the first clamping groove and the second clamping groove is approximately U-shaped. Both the first clamping groove and the second clamping groove are provided with rubber pads.

[0058] Preferably, such as Figure 3 As shown, the clamping module of the rotating opening mechanism 52 of the present invention includes a first clamping jaw 521 and a second clamping jaw 522 disposed opposite to each other, and a clamping drive member for driving the first clamping jaw 521 and the second clamping jaw 522 to clamp / separate.

[0059] For example, the first gripper 521 and the second gripper 522 are both vertically arranged. The clamping drive component includes an electromagnetic component and an elastic reset component disposed between the first gripper 521 and the second gripper 522. When it is necessary to clamp the cap of the blood collection tube 8, the electromagnetic component is energized to clamp the first gripper 521 and the second gripper 522, and the elastic reset component is compressed. When the electromagnetic component is de-energized, the first gripper 521 and the second gripper 522 separate under the action of the elastic reset component, and the cap of the blood collection tube 8 is released.

[0060] Preferably, such as Figures 4 to 6As shown, the second capping device 6 of the present invention includes a second lifting mechanism and a clamping capping mechanism. The second lifting mechanism can drive the clamping capping mechanism to move up and down in the vertical direction. The clamping capping mechanism includes a first clamping arm 61, a second clamping arm 62 and a second driving mechanism. A first insert 611 and a second insert are respectively provided on the side of the first clamping arm 61 and the second clamping arm 62 that are far apart from each other. The blood separation workstation of the present invention also includes an integrated tube cap 33. The integrated tube cap 33 includes a plate-shaped body 331. The top surface of the plate-shaped body 331 is provided with a first slot and a second slot 332 that are respectively inserted and engaged with the first insert 611 and the second insert. The bottom surface of the plate-shaped body 331 is provided with a plurality of tube caps 333, each tube cap 333 corresponding to a centrifuge tube 32. The second driving mechanism can drive the first clamping arm 61 and the second clamping arm 62 to move away from each other so that the first insert 611 and the second insert are respectively inserted into the first slot and the second slot 332.

[0061] By setting an integrated tube cap 33, which has multiple tube covers 333, each tube cover 333 can correspond to a centrifuge tube 32. When the centrifuge tube 32 is opened, the integrated tube cap 33 can be lifted by the second opening device 6, thereby opening multiple centrifuge tubes 32 at the same time, which is more efficient.

[0062] For example, such as Figures 4 to 6 As shown, both the first clamping arm 61 and the second clamping arm 62 are vertically arranged. The top ends of the first clamping arm 61 and the second clamping arm 62 are connected by a second driving mechanism. A first insert 611 is provided on the outer side of the first clamping arm 61 near its bottom end, and a second insert 611 is provided on the outer side of the second clamping arm 62 near its bottom end. The plate-shaped body 331 of the integrated tube cap 33 is a rectangular plate. Eight tube caps 333 are provided on the bottom surface of the plate-shaped body 331. The eight tube caps 333 are divided into two rows along the width direction of the plate-shaped body 331, with four tube caps 333 in each row. That is to say, the integrated tube cap 33 can cover eight centrifuge tubes 32 at the same time. The slot and the second slot 332 are arranged opposite each other along the length of the plate-shaped body 331. When the cap is opened, the second lifting mechanism is controlled to drive the clamping cap opening mechanism to descend, so that the first insert 611 on the first clamping arm 61 and the second insert on the second clamping arm 62 are respectively aligned with the first slot and the second slot 332 on the integrated tube cap 33. Then, the second driving mechanism drives the first clamping arm 61 and the second clamping arm 62 to move away from each other, so that the first insert 611 and the second insert are respectively inserted into the first slot and the second slot 332. Then, the second lifting driving mechanism drives the clamping cap opening mechanism to rise, lifting the integrated tube cap 33 to complete the cap opening operation.

[0063] Preferably, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, the blood separation workstation of the present invention also includes a cryopreservation device 7, and the pipetting device 2 is capable of transferring the target component in the blood into a cryopreservation tube. The cryopreservation device 7 is used to preserve the cryopreservation tube containing the target component.

[0064] For example, the blood separation workstation of the present invention uses a pipetting device 2 to transfer the target component in a blood sample to a cryovial for preservation, and then places the cryovial in a cryopreservation device 7. Preferably, the cryopreservation device 7 employs a water bath cryopreservation method, which includes a water tank containing ice water. The cryovial is placed in the ice water, and a refrigeration unit is used to cool the ice water in the tank.

[0065] Preferably, the blood separation workstation of the present invention further includes a reagent dispensing device for dispensing reagents required for centrifugation into the centrifuge tube 32.

[0066] For example, reagents such as buffered saline (PBS) and density centrifugation media may be used during centrifugation. PBS protects the blood from damage during centrifugation, while density centrifugation media helps separate the different components of the blood for easier extraction of the target component. For instance, when density centrifugation media is added to a blood sample, after centrifugation, the target component will be on top of the density centrifugation media, while red blood cells will be on the bottom, thus better separating the target component.

[0067] Preferably, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the blood separation workstation of the present invention has a first workstation and a second workstation. Both the first workstation and the second workstation are equipped with a pipetting device 2, a centrifugation device 3, a visual quality control device 4, a second capping device 6, and a second transfer device. The first workstation and the second workstation can perform operations in the order of the blood separation process.

[0068] By setting up a first workstation and a second workstation, the working efficiency of the blood separation workstation can be improved.

[0069] For example, the storage device 1, the first station, the second station, and the cryopreservation device 7 of the blood separation workstation of the present invention are arranged sequentially along the first horizontal direction. The first station is mainly used for the first centrifugation and the second centrifugation of blood. After the first centrifugation, the plasma in the blood is separated first. After the second centrifugation, the target component in the blood is separated. Then, the centrifuge tube 32 containing the target component is transferred to the second station for purification. The target component is further centrifuged in the second station, that is, the target component is purified. The target component can be centrifuged once, twice, or more times in the second station. After the purification of the target component is completed, the target component is finally transferred to the cryopreservation tube for storage.

[0070] Preferably, such as Figure 7 As shown, the visual quality control device 4 of the present invention includes an image acquisition component 41 and a rotation component 42, wherein the rotation component 42 is used to place the centrifuge tube 32 and is capable of rotating the centrifuge tube 32, and the image acquisition component 41 is used to acquire blood layer images in the centrifuge tube 32.

[0071] For example, the image acquisition component 41 includes a support frame 411 and a camera 412 mounted on the support frame 411. The rotation component 42 includes a rotation mechanism 421 and a mounting bracket 422 mounted on top of the rotation mechanism 421. The centrifuge adapter 31 can be directly placed on the mounting bracket 422. The centrifuge adapter 31 is provided with eight receiving slots for accommodating centrifuge tubes 32. The eight receiving slots are divided into two rows of four receiving slots each. The receiving slots have observation openings 311 extending in the vertical direction to expose the centrifuge tubes 32 in the receiving slots. The camera 412 can acquire blood layering images in the centrifuge tubes 32 through the observation openings 311. The blood layering images of four centrifuge tubes 32 can be acquired first. After the acquisition is completed, the mounting bracket 422 is driven by the rotation mechanism 421 to rotate the centrifuge adapter 31 180 degrees, and then the blood layering images of the other four centrifuge tubes 32 are acquired.

[0072] In addition, in order to improve the acquisition effect of blood layer images, it is preferable to set a light-illuminating component in the centrifuge adapter 31 to illuminate the centrifuge tube 32. For example, a light guide plate can be set in the middle of the two rows of receiving slots of the centrifuge adapter 31, and light sources can be set at both ends of the light guide plate.

[0073] Those skilled in the art will understand that although some embodiments herein include certain features included in other embodiments but not others, combinations of features from different embodiments are intended to be within the scope of this application and form different embodiments. For example, any of the claimed embodiments in the claims of this application can be used in any combination.

[0074] The technical solution of the present invention has been described above with reference to the preferred embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. However, it will be readily understood by those skilled in the art that the scope of protection of the present invention is obviously not limited to these specific embodiments. Without departing from the principles of the present invention, those skilled in the art can make equivalent changes or substitutions to the relevant technical features, and the technical solutions after such changes or substitutions will all fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A blood separation workstation, characterized in that, The blood separation workstation includes a storage device (1), a pipetting device (2), a centrifugation device (3), a visual quality control device (4), a first cap opening device (5), a second cap opening device (6), a first transfer device, and a second transfer device. The storage device (1) is used to store blood samples and / or consumables, the first opening device (5) is used for opening the blood collection tube (8), and the first transfer device is able to remove the blood collection tube (8) from the storage device (1). The pipetting device (2) can transfer the blood sample in the blood collection tube (8) to the centrifuge tube (32), and the centrifuge device (3) is used to centrifuge the blood sample in the centrifuge tube (32) to separate the blood in the centrifuge tube (32); The visual quality control device (4) is used to acquire and identify the layered images of the blood sample in the centrifuge tube (32), and the pipetting device (2) is also able to remove the layered blood from the centrifuge tube (32) separately. The second capping device (6) is used for opening and closing the cap of the centrifuge tube (32); the second transfer device is able to transfer the centrifuge tube (32) to the centrifuge device (3) and transfer the centrifuged centrifuge tube (32) to the visual quality control device (4).

2. The blood separation station of claim 1, wherein, The blood separation workstation also includes a visual recognition device for identifying blood collection tubes (8) and / or consumables entering and exiting the storage device (1).

3. The blood separation station of claim 1, wherein, The centrifugation device (3) includes a centrifuge, a centrifugation adapter (31), and a balancing adapter. The centrifugation adapter (31) is used to hold the centrifuge tubes (32) that need to be centrifuged, and the balancing adapter is used to hold the balancing tubes. During centrifugation, the centrifuge adapter (31) and the balancing adapter are symmetrically placed in the centrifuge. The number of centrifuge tubes (32) in the centrifuge adapter (31) is the same as the number of balancing tubes in the balancing adapter, and the weight of the blood in the centrifuge tubes (32) is equal to the weight of the liquid in the balancing tubes.

4. The blood separation station of claim 1, wherein, The blood separation workstation has a first station and a second station. The first station and the second station are equipped with the pipetting device (2), the centrifugation device (3), the visual quality control device (4), the second capping device (6), and the second transfer device. The first station and the second station can operate in the order of the blood separation process.

5. The blood separation station of claim 1, wherein, The first opening device (5) includes a first lifting mechanism (51), a rotating opening mechanism (52), and a clamping mechanism (53). The clamping mechanism (53) is provided with multiple clamping positions, each of which can clamp the body of a blood collection tube (8). The rotating cap opening mechanism (52) includes multiple clamping modules, each of which can clamp the cap of a blood collection tube (8), and each clamping module is equipped with a cap opening drive member for driving the clamping module to rotate. The first lifting mechanism (51) is connected to the rotating opening mechanism (52). The first lifting mechanism (51) can lift the rotating opening mechanism (52) while the clamping module is being driven to rotate and open the lid by the opening driving component.

6. The blood separation station of claim 5, wherein, A rubber pad is provided at the clamping position, and the rubber pad can fit against the outer wall of the blood collection tube (8).

7. The blood separation station of claim 5, wherein, The clamping mechanism (53) includes a fixed base (531), a fixed clamping plate (532), a movable clamping plate (533), and a first drive mechanism (534) mounted on the fixed base (531). The fixed clamping plate (532) is provided with a plurality of first clamping grooves, and the movable clamping plate (533) is provided with a plurality of second clamping grooves. The first clamping grooves and the second clamping grooves are arranged opposite to each other and together form a clamping position. The first driving mechanism (534) is connected to the movable clamping plate (533) and can drive the movable clamping plate (533) to move toward / away from the fixed clamping plate (532).

8. The blood separation station of claim 5, wherein, The clamping module includes a first jaw (521) and a second jaw (522) arranged opposite to each other, and a clamping drive member for driving the first jaw (521) and the second jaw (522) to clamp / separate.

9. The blood separation station of claim 1, wherein, The second lid-opening device (6) includes a second lifting mechanism and a clamping lid-opening mechanism. The second lifting mechanism can drive the clamping lid-opening mechanism to move up and down in the vertical direction. The clamping and opening mechanism includes a first clamping arm (61), a second clamping arm (62), and a second driving mechanism. A first insert (611) and a second insert are respectively provided on the sides of the first clamping arm (61) and the second clamping arm (62) that are far apart from each other. The blood separation workstation also includes an integrated tube cap (33), which includes a plate-shaped body (331). The top surface of the plate-shaped body (331) is provided with a first slot and a second slot (332) that are respectively inserted and engaged with the first insert (611) and the second insert. The bottom surface of the plate-shaped body (611) is provided with a plurality of tube caps (333), each tube cap (333) corresponding to a centrifuge tube (32). The second drive mechanism can drive the first clamping arm (61) and the second clamping arm (62) to move away from each other, so that the first insert (611) and the second insert are respectively inserted into the first slot and the second slot (332).

10. The blood separation station according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, The pipetting device (2) includes a pump body and a plurality of pipettes in communication with the pump body; and / or The blood separation workstation also includes a cryopreservation device (7), the pipetting device (2) is capable of transferring the target component in the blood sample into cryovials, and the cryopreservation device (7) is used to preserve the cryovials containing the target component; and / or The blood separation workstation also includes a reagent dispensing device, which is used to add reagents required for centrifugation into the centrifuge tube (32).

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