Multi-channel automatic incubation gold label reader and reading method thereof

Abstract

The invention discloses a multi-channel automatic incubation gold label reader and a reading method thereof. The reading instrument comprises a base, an incubation transposition module, a card feeding module, a card pushing module and a detection card returning module. The base is provided with a card feeding station and a detection card returning station. The incubation transposition module is arranged on the base and is provided with a plurality of reagent card incubation positions which can move and pass through the card feeding station and the detection card returning station. The card feeding module comprises a card inserting assembly, a limiting and pushing integrated assembly and a code scanning assembly. The card returning detection module comprises a reading bearing structure and a reading sensor facing the reading bearing structure. The functions of card feeding, code scanning, incubation transposition, detection reading, card returning and recycling and the like are integrated in an automatic structure with multiple modules cooperatively working, so that the full-process automatic operation of reagent cards from insertion to detection completion and waste recycling is realized, and the automation degree from incubation to detection and the overall detection efficiency are remarkably improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the technical field of gold label reading devices, specifically relating to a multi-channel automatic incubation gold label reader and its reading method. Background Technology

[0002] Colloidal gold immunochromatography is a rapid detection technique that has emerged in recent years. It is a type of immunoassay that combines antigen-antibody reactions with a sensitive detection system, resulting in a simple, rapid, and sensitive analytical method. This method has been widely used in clinical medical diagnosis, food safety, environmental monitoring, and scientific research. Currently, the results of colloidal gold immunochromatographic reagent plates prepared using this method are mainly determined visually, by observing the color intensity of the test and control lines on the plate. This method only allows for qualitative judgment, is prone to human error, has a high false positive rate, and cannot save or print the test results.

[0003] The existing colloidal gold test strip readers are not automated enough, and the waiting time after manual sample addition is large. Moreover, most of them are handheld or portable single reagent strip detection instruments, which cannot meet the needs of users for small-batch testing. Users need to manually insert and remove the cards, which is inefficient.

[0004] While automated colloidal gold readers exist on the market, most are relatively simple designs, lacking precise control over the incubation environment and temperature. Furthermore, most rely on image recognition for detection, allowing only qualitative assessment. In addition, most existing gold standard readers are single-channel instruments. While small in size, for batch testing, users need to add samples, insert strips, read values, and remove them individually, resulting in low efficiency, significant human influence on sample reaction time, and inconvenient operation. Multi-channel instruments, on the other hand, are bulky and lack automation. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a multi-channel automatic incubation gold standard reader and its reading method.

[0006] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a multi-channel automatic incubation gold standard reader, comprising a base, an incubation transposition module, a card feeding module, a card pushing module, and a detection and card ejection module. The base is provided with a card feeding station and a detection and card ejection station. The incubation transposition module is mounted on the base and has multiple reagent card incubation positions that can move and pass through the card feeding station and the detection and card ejection station.

[0007] The card insertion module is installed at the card insertion station and includes a card insertion component, a limit and push integrated component, and a barcode scanning component. The card insertion component is configured to receive the test reagent card inserted by the user. The barcode scanning component is configured to scan the test reagent card on the card insertion component. The limit and push integrated component is configured to deliver the test reagent card from the card insertion component into the reagent card incubation position at the card insertion station.

[0008] Both the push-card module and the detection and ejection module are installed at the detection and ejection station. The detection and ejection module includes a reading support structure and a reading sensor facing the reading support structure. The push-card module is configured to deliver the test reagent card in the reagent card incubation position at the detection and ejection station into the reading support structure.

[0009] Preferably, the incubation transposition module includes a support base, an insulation layer, a heating element, a transposition impeller, a workstation switching drive assembly, and an incubation tray. The support base is fixed to a base. The heating element and the incubation tray are fixed to the support base. The transposition impeller is rotatably connected above the incubation tray and is driven to rotate by the workstation switching drive assembly. Multiple reagent card incubation positions are formed between the transposition impeller and the incubation tray, rotating with the transposition impeller.

[0010] Preferably, the card insertion assembly includes a card clamping structure and a first lateral movement drive assembly. The card clamping structure is slidably connected to the base and is driven by the first lateral movement drive assembly to move radially along the transposition impeller. The card clamping structure is configured to carry the inserted reagent card. The barcode scanning assembly is mounted on the base and located above the path along which the reagent card moves with the card clamping structure.

[0011] Preferably, the integrated limiting and pushing assembly includes an elastic telescopic limiting structure, a limiting push block, a movable push hook assembly, and a second lateral movement drive assembly. The elastic telescopic limiting structure includes a limiting rod and a first elastic element. The limiting rod is slidably connected to the support base. The movable push hook assembly is connected to the limiting push block and configured to push the reagent card out of the card insertion assembly and into the reagent card incubation position.

[0012] The limiting rod is configured to enter and exit the reagent card's movement path in the card insertion module. The first elastic element provides a spring force to the limiting rod to exit the reagent card's movement path. The limiting push block is slidably connected to the base and driven by the second lateral movement drive assembly. The limiting push block is provided with an inclined push rod structure. The inclined push rod structure is configured to push the limiting rod into the reagent card's movement path as the limiting push block moves.

[0013] The card insertion assembly includes a card clamping structure. The card clamping structure has a limiting card slot. The bottom of the limiting card slot has a through-hole card insertion clearance groove. The movable push hook assembly includes a push hook and a second elastic element. The inner end of the push hook is rotatably connected to the top of the limiting push block. The push hook has two extreme positions: a vertical position and an inclined position towards the center of the transposition impeller. The second elastic element provides a spring force to the push hook to rotate towards the vertical position. In the vertical position, the push hook is aligned with the limiting card slot of the card clamping structure along the movement path of the limiting push block.

[0014] Preferably, the reagent card incubation position includes a push-card receiving slot and a reagent card receiving slot connected in sequence. The push-card receiving slot has a T-shaped slot structure that matches the shape of the reagent card. Each reagent card receiving slot is provided with one or more elastic locking structures. The elastic locking structures are configured to press the reagent card onto the incubation tray.

[0015] Preferably, the card pushing module includes a card pushing slider, a movable card pushing rod, a third elastic element, and a third lateral movement drive assembly. The card pushing slider is slidably connected to the base and driven by the third lateral movement drive assembly. The inner end of the movable card pushing rod is rotatably connected to the card pushing slider. The outer end of the movable card pushing rod abuts against the base or against the reagent card incubation position of the detection and card ejection station. The outer end of the movable card pushing rod is inclined towards the detection and card ejection module. The third elastic element provides a spring force to the movable card pushing rod to flip it into the card receiving slot of the reagent card incubation position.

[0016] Preferably, the detection and card ejection module further includes a fourth lateral movement drive assembly. Both the reading support structure and the reading sensor are mounted on the base. The reading support structure includes a bottom support plate slidably connected to the base. The bottom support plate is configured to switch between a state of receiving the reagent card and a state of releasing the reagent card under the drive of the fourth lateral movement drive assembly.

[0017] Preferably, the base includes a base plate, a top plate, and support columns. The top plate is fixed to the base plate at intervals by the support columns. The incubation and repositioning module is located between the base plate and the top plate. The integrated limiting and pushing component is mounted on the base plate. The card insertion component, the barcode scanning component card pushing module, and the card ejection detection module are all mounted on the top plate.

[0018] Secondly, the present invention provides a multi-channel automated incubation gold standard reading method, which uses the aforementioned multi-channel automated incubation gold standard reader. The reading method includes:

[0019] The inclined push rod structure of the limiting push block pushes the limiting rod into the reagent card movement path; when the user inserts the reagent card into the card clamping structure of the card insertion assembly, the movable push hook assembly flips to avoid the reagent card, and the reagent card is blocked by the limiting rod.

[0020] The limit push block retracts, causing the limit rod to leave the reagent card's movement path, while the movable push hook assembly remains in contact with the bottom surface of the reagent card. The first lateral movement drive assembly moves the reagent card, and the barcode scanning assembly reads the QR code or barcode information from the reagent card and enters it into the system.

[0021] The limiting push block continues to retract, causing the movable push hook assembly to detach from the bottom surface and flip to a vertical position. Then, the limiting push block moves towards the transposition impeller, causing the movable push hook assembly to push the reagent card out of the clamping structure and fully into the reagent card incubation position.

[0022] The incubation and repositioning module moves the reagent card incubation position to the card insertion position, so that the empty reagent card incubation position can move to the card insertion position and wait for the next card insertion.

[0023] When any reagent card in an incubation position reaches the preset incubation time, the incubation repositioning module moves the reagent card incubation position, allowing the reagent card that has reached the incubation time to reach the detection and card ejection station. The card pushing module pushes the reagent card from the ejection station into the reading support structure of the detection and card ejection module. The reading sensor reads the detection result of the reagent card.

[0024] Preferably, when the scanning component reads the QR code or barcode information of the reagent card and determines that a reading error has occurred, the first lateral movement drive component moves the card clamping structure and the reagent card to the initial position. Then, the limit push block in the integrated limit push component moves towards the transfer impeller to the initial position, causing the limit rod to enter the reagent card's movement path. The user then manually removes the reagent card, which has returned to the initial position.

[0025] The present invention has the following beneficial effects.

[0026] 1. This invention integrates functions such as card insertion, barcode scanning, incubation and repositioning, detection reading, and card return and recycling into an automated structure that works in collaboration with multiple modules. This enables the entire process of reagent card insertion, detection completion, and waste recycling to be automated, allowing users to leave the machine immediately after sample addition. This significantly improves the automation level and overall detection efficiency from incubation to detection, and reduces the burden of manual operation.

[0027] 2. This invention achieves automatic identification and verification of multiple QR codes or barcodes on reagent cards by setting a scanning component in the card entry module and combining it with an integrated limit and push component to accurately position and push the reagent cards. When the information does not meet the preset conditions, the card is automatically ejected, thus preventing erroneous reagent cards from entering the testing process from the source and improving the reliability of the test results and the security of the system operation.

[0028] 3. The integrated limit and push component in this invention uses a single power source to drive the reciprocating motion of the limit push block, which automatically realizes the extension and retraction of the limit rod and the push-in action of the reagent card. At the same time, the movable push hook component with the flipping structure can push the reagent card into the reagent card incubation position without blocking the insertion action of the reagent card.

[0029] 4. This invention employs a rotary incubation transposition structure and sets up a constant temperature incubation environment consisting of a heating element and an insulation layer in the incubation transposition module, enabling multiple reagent cards to complete the incubation reaction under uniform and stable temperature conditions. With only one barcode scanning component and one detection sensor, it supports continuous sample loading and detection of more than ten channels simultaneously, significantly improving the detection throughput and making up for the insufficient detection capability of existing single-channel readers.

[0030] 5. This invention, by setting up an automatic card ejection and waste card recycling structure in the test card ejection module, enables the completed test reagent cards to be automatically output and recycled without human contact, effectively avoiding direct contact between users and waste reagent cards, reducing the risk of cross-infection, and improving the biosafety and safety of the instrument in clinical or laboratory applications. Attached Figure Description

[0031] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of an embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the installation of the incubation transposition module on the base plate in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the incubation transposition module in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the card input module in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the card insertion module in an embodiment of the present invention when inserting a reagent card.

[0036] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the card reader module during the scanning process in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] Figure 7 This is a top view of the card pusher module in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram showing the connection between the pusher slider and the movable pusher rod in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the working state of the card push module in an embodiment of the present invention (i.e.) Figure 1 (A magnified view of part A in the middle).

[0040] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the card ejection detection module installed on the top plate in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] Figure 11 This is a bottom view of the card ejection detection module in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] Reference numerals: 1. Base; 1-1. Bottom plate; 1-2. Top plate; 1-2-1. Clearance groove; 1-3. Support column; 2. Incubation and repositioning module; 2-1. Support seat; 2-1-1. Annular flange structure; 2-2. Insulation layer; 2-3. Heating element; 2-4. Repositioning impeller; 2-4-1. Elastic locking structure; 2-4-2. Push card receiving groove; 2-4-3. Reagent card receiving groove; 2-5. Station switching drive assembly; 2-6. Incubation tray; 3. Card insertion assembly; 3-1. Clamping structure; 3-2. First guide structure; 3-3. First transverse drive assembly; 4. Limiting and pushing integrated assembly; 4-1. Elastic telescopic limiting structure; 4-1-1. Limiting rod; 4-1-2. First elastic element; 4-2. Limiting 4-2-1, Inclined Push Rod Structure; 4-3, Movable Push Hook Assembly; 4-3-1, Push Hook; 4-3-2, Second Elastic Element; 4-4, Second Guide Structure; 4-5, Second Lateral Movement Drive Assembly; 5, Scanning Assembly; 6, Card Push Module; 6-1, Card Push Slider; 6-2, Movable Card Push Rod; 6-3, Third Elastic Element; 6-4, Third Guide Structure; 6-5, Third Lateral Movement Drive Assembly; 7, Card Removal Detection Module; 7-1, Reading Bearing Structure; 7-1-1, Lateral Limiting Block; 7-1-2, Bottom Bearing Plate; 7-1-3, Elastic Telescopic Tightening Structure; 7-1-4, Lateral Tightening Spring; 7-2, Reading Sensor; 7-3, Fourth Guide Structure; 7-4, Fourth Lateral Movement Drive Assembly. Detailed Implementation

[0043] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0044] Example

[0045] A multi-channel automated gold standard incubation reader includes a base 1, and an incubation transposition module 2, a card feeding module, a card pushing module 6, and a detection and card ejection module 7 mounted on the base 1. The incubation transposition module 2 is mounted on the base 1 and has twelve movable reagent card incubation positions. The base 1 has one card feeding station and one detection and card ejection station. All twelve reagent card incubation positions can pass through both the card feeding station and the detection and card ejection station. Since all twelve reagent card incubation positions can incubate reagent cards, the multi-channel automated gold standard incubation reader provided in this embodiment can simultaneously incubate and sequentially read reagent cards from up to twelve channels.

[0046] The base 1 includes a base plate 1-1, a top plate 1-2, and support columns 1-3. The top plate 1-2 is fixed to the base plate 1-1 at intervals via the support columns 1-3. The incubation transfer module 2 is located between the base plate 1-1 and the top plate 1-2, and is used to carry the reagent cards after sample addition, provide a constant temperature environment, and transfer the position of the reagent cards so that the reagent cards pass through the card entry station and each incubation buffer station in sequence before entering the detection card ejection station. The card entry module is installed at the card entry station and is used to drive the reagent cards into the turntable or eject the reagent cards when there is a scanning error. The card entry module includes a card insertion component 3, a limit and push integrated component 4, and a barcode scanning component 5. The card push module 6 and the detection card ejection module 7 are both installed at the detection card ejection station. The card push module 6 is used to push the reagent cards that arrive at the detection card ejection station to the reading support structure 7-1 of the detection card ejection module 7. The detection card ejection module 7 is used to read the detection data of the reagent cards in the reading support structure 7-1 and output the reagent cards with completed data readings to the reading support structure 7-1.

[0047] The incubation transposition module 2 includes a support base 2-1, an insulation layer 2-2, a heating element 2-3, a transposition impeller 2-4, a workstation switching drive assembly 2-5, and an incubation tray 2-6. The support base 2-1 is fixed to the center of the top surface of the base plate 1-1 at intervals by support columns 1-3. The insulation layer 2-2, heating element 2-3, and incubation tray 2-6 are sequentially stacked from bottom to top on the top surface of the support base 2-1 by bolts. The incubation tray 2-6 is made of a rigid, thermally conductive material, such as aluminum alloy. Heating the incubation tray 2-6 by the heating element 2-3 maintains the reagent card attached to the incubation tray 2-6 at a preset target incubation temperature. In this embodiment, the thickness of the incubation tray 2-6 is less than the thickness of the insulation layer 2-2.

[0048] The transposition impellers 2-4 are spaced above the incubation discs 2-6, and the center of the transposition impellers 2-4 and the center of the support 2-1 form a rotating pair through bearings and a support shaft. The transposition impellers 2-4 are driven to rotate by the station switching drive assembly 2-5.

[0049] The transposition disc 2-4 includes a central disc and twelve limiting blades evenly distributed along the circumference of the central disc. The inner ends of the limiting blades are integrally formed with the outer circumference of the central disc. A reagent card incubation position is formed between two adjacent limiting blades, resulting in twelve reagent card incubation positions evenly distributed along the circumference of the central axis of the transposition disc 2-4.

[0050] During operation, with the transposition impeller 2-4 stopped, two of the reagent card incubation positions are aligned with the card feeding position and the card retraction position, respectively. The reagent card incubation position includes an elastic card holding structure 2-4-1, and a push-card receiving groove 2-4-2 and a reagent card receiving groove 2-4-3 connected radially from the inside to the outside along the transposition impeller 2-4.

[0051] The reagent card receiving slot 2-4-3 is open at the top, bottom, and outer ends, and its inner end communicates with the push-card receiving slot 2-4-2 of the through-slot structure. Each of the opposite sidewalls of the reagent card receiving slot 2-4-3 has a limiting protrusion at its top. The width of the reagent card receiving slot 2-4-3 matches the width of the reagent card. The distance from the limiting protrusion to the incubation tray 2-6 matches the width of the reagent card, thus forming a T-shaped slot structure with an open bottom and a shape matching the reagent card.

[0052] The two side walls of the reagent card receiving groove 2-4-3 provide circumferential constraints on the reagent card to the transposition disc 2-4; the incubation disc 2-6 and the limiting protrusion provide vertical constraints on the reagent card, allowing the reagent card to move circumferentially as the transposition disc 2-4 rotates, while keeping the incubation disc 2-6 stationary. The width of the push card receiving groove 2-4-2 is smaller than the bottom width of the reagent card receiving groove 2-4-3, creating a stepped surface at the connection between the push card receiving groove 2-4-2 and the reagent card receiving groove 2-4-3 that provides radial positioning for the reagent card.

[0053] Each reagent card receiving slot 2-4-3 is symmetrically provided with two elastic locking structures 2-4-1. The elastic locking structures 2-4-1 corresponding to the same reagent card receiving slot 2-4-3 are respectively fixed on two adjacent limiting blades. The limiting protrusions are provided with through-slot structures. The elastic locking structures 2-4-1 are provided with oblique elastic strips extending into the interior of the reagent card receiving slot 2-4-3. The oblique elastic strips pass through the through-slot structures on the limiting protrusions and enter both sides of the reagent card receiving slot 2-4-3, so that the middle position of the reagent card receiving slot 2-4-3 maintains a continuous card pushing output channel.

[0054] The inclined elastic strip gradually decreases in height along the direction of reagent card insertion. The bottom of the inclined elastic strip contacts the incubation tray, or the distance is less than the width of the reagent card. When the reagent card is pushed into the reagent card receiving slot 2-4-3, the bottom of the inclined elastic strip is elastically deformed upward by the pushing force of the reagent card, thereby pressing the reagent card firmly onto the incubation tray, so that the reagent card remains radially stable within the reagent card receiving slot 2-4-3.

[0055] The support 2-1 is provided with an annular flange structure 2-1-1. The annular flange structure 2-1-1 is arranged around the outer periphery of the transposition impeller 2-4, providing outward radial restraint for the rotating reagent card and preventing the risk of the reagent card sliding outward and falling off. The annular flange structure 2-1-1 has a card inlet slot corresponding to the card inlet station and a card retraction slot corresponding to the card retraction station.

[0056] The workstation switching drive assembly 2-5 includes a workstation switching motor and a first transmission structure. The workstation switching motor is fixed on the base plate 1-1, and its output shaft is connected to the switching impeller 2-4 via the first transmission structure. An encoding detection structure for detecting rotational speed and position is installed on the workstation switching motor. The encoding detection structure includes an encoding disk and a photoelectric sensor. In this embodiment, the first transmission structure is a belt drive structure. In some embodiments, the first transmission structure may also be a gear drive structure or other feasible existing transmission structures.

[0057] The card insertion component 3 in the card feeding module is used to receive the reagent card inserted by the user and to move the reagent card towards the incubation and transposition module 2. The card insertion component 3 includes a card clamping structure 3-1, a first guide structure 3-2, and a first transverse drive component 3-3. The card clamping structure 3-1 is slidably connected to the top plate 1-2 via the first guide structure 3-2 and is driven by the first transverse drive component 3-3 to move radially along the transposition impeller 2-4. In this embodiment, the first guide structure 3-2 uses a matching linear guide rail and a linear slider. The first transverse drive component 3-3 is a linear module driven by a motor and a lead screw and nut structure.

[0058] In this embodiment, the first transverse drive component 3-3 is provided with a first limiting component at both extreme positions. The first limiting component uses mutually cooperating contact pieces and two photoelectric sensors.

[0059] The clamping structure 3-1 is provided with a limiting card slot. The bottom of the limiting card slot is provided with a card insertion clearance groove. The top of the card insertion clearance groove is connected to the bottom of the limiting card slot. The card insertion clearance groove is used to cooperate with the limiting push integrated component 4 to push the reagent card out of the clamping structure 3-1 and fully enter the incubation and transfer module 2.

[0060] The limit and push integrated component 4 is used to limit the insertion depth of the reagent card when the user manually pushes the reagent card into the card clamping structure 3-1, and to push the reagent card out of the card clamping structure 3-1 after scanning, so that it can fully enter the reagent card receiving slot 2-4-3 of the transposition blade 2-4.

[0061] The integrated limiting and pushing component 4 in the card-feeding module includes an elastic telescopic limiting structure 4-1, a limiting push block 4-2, a movable push hook component 4-3, a second guide structure 4-4, and a second lateral movement drive component 4-5. The elastic telescopic limiting structure 4-1 includes a limiting rod 4-1-1 and a first elastic element 4-1-2. The limiting rod 4-1-1 is slidably connected to the support base 2-1. A roller is rotatably connected to the bottom end of the limiting rod 4-1-1. The support base 2-1, the insulation layer 2-2, the heating element 2-3, and the incubation tray 2-6 are provided with clearance holes or clearance grooves aligned with the position of the limiting rod 4-1-1. The first elastic element 4-1-2 provides a downward elastic force to the limiting rod 4-1-1. Specifically, two spaced-apart reset rods are fixed to the bottom surface of the support base 2-1. The limiting rod 4-1-1 and the reset rods form a sliding pair via a sliding plate fixed to the limiting rod 4-1-1. The first elastic element 4-1-2 is sleeved on the reset rod, with its bottom end abutting against the slide plate fixed on the limit rod 4-1-1, and its top end abutting against the support seat 2-1.

[0062] When the limiting rod 4-1-1 is in its lower limit position, it is completely offset from the position of the transposition disc 2-4, thus not obstructing the movement of the reagent card. When the limiting rod 4-1-1 moves to its upper limit position against the first elastic element 4-1-2, the top of the limiting rod 4-1-1 is positioned between the clamping structure 3-1 and the inner end of the reagent card incubation position, preventing the user from pushing in the reagent card. This achieves the input positioning of the reagent card.

[0063] The limiting push block 4-2 is slidably connected to the base plate 1-1 via the second guide structure 4-4, and is driven by the second transverse drive assembly 4-5 to move radially along the transposition impeller 2-4. In this embodiment, the second guide structure 4-4 uses a matching linear guide rail and a linear slider. The second transverse drive assembly 4-5 is a linear module driven by a motor and a synchronous belt drive structure. In this embodiment, the second transverse drive assembly 4-5 has a corresponding second limiting assembly with extreme positions at both ends. The second limiting assembly uses matching contact pieces and two photoelectric sensors.

[0064] The position of the limiting push block 4-2 is aligned with the limiting rod 4-1-1. The limiting push block 4-2 has an inclined push rod structure 4-2-1 on its side near the limiting rod 4-1-1. When the limiting push block 4-2 pushes towards the limiting rod 4-1-1, the inclined push rod structure 4-2-1 contacts the bottom end of the limiting rod 4-1-1 and pushes the limiting rod 4-1-1 upward to its upper limit position.

[0065] The movable push hook assembly 4-3 is mounted on top of the limiting push block 4-2 and includes a push hook 4-3-1 and a second elastic element 4-3-2. The inner end of the push hook 4-3-1 is rotatably connected to the end of the top of the limiting push block 4-2 away from the limiting rod 4-1-1. The flipping position of the push hook 4-3-1 is constrained by the limiting structure on the top of the limiting push block 4-2, so that the push hook 4-3-1 has two extreme positions: a vertical state and an inclined state towards the center of the transposition impeller 2-4. The push hook 4-3-1 rotates between the vertical and inclined states under the push of external force or the elastic force of the second elastic element 4-3-2.

[0066] In its vertical state, the top of the push hook 4-3-1 is aligned with the limiting slot of the clamping structure 3-1. In its tilted state, the top of the push hook 4-3-1 is offset from the limiting slot of the clamping structure 3-1. A second elastic element 4-3-2 is provided between the push hook 4-3-1 and the limiting push block 4-2. The second elastic element 4-3-2 provides a torque to the push hook 4-3-1 away from the center direction of the transposition impeller 2-4, so that the second elastic element 4-3-2 initially remains vertical.

[0067] The scanning component 5 in the card insertion module is installed on the top plate 1-2 and faces downwards. The scanning component 5 is located above the path along which the reagent card moves with the first transverse drive component 3-3, and can identify multiple QR codes or barcodes on the reagent card.

[0068] Initially, the limiting rod 4-1-1 is in its upper limit position, supported by the inclined push rod structure 4-2-1 of the limiting push block 4-2. When the user inserts a reagent card, the reagent card pushes the push hook 4-3-1 inward, and the end of the reagent card abuts against the limiting rod 4-1-1, completing the insertion action. Afterward, the second lateral movement drive assembly 4-5 drives the limiting push block 4-2 to move away from the center of the transposition impeller 2-4. The limiting rod 4-1-1, losing the support of the limiting push block 4-2, lowers and no longer obstructs the movement of the reagent card. Simultaneously, the push hook 4-3-1 remains in an inclined state in contact with the reagent card.

[0069] Then, the first transverse drive component 3-3 drives the card clamping structure 3-1 to move, so that all the QR codes or barcodes on the reagent card pass under the scanning component 5, completing the recognition of the reagent card.

[0070] Finally, the second transverse drive assembly 4-5 drives the limit push block 4-2 to move closer to the center of the transposition blade disk 2-4, and the push hook 4-3-1 pushes the reagent card away from the clamping structure 3-1 and fully enters the reagent card incubation position in the card feeding station.

[0071] The push card module 6 is used to push the reagent card in the reagent card incubation position at the detection card ejection station to the reading bearing structure 7-1 in the detection card ejection module 7. It includes a push card slider 6-1, a movable push card rod 6-2, a third elastic element 6-3, a third guide structure 6-4, and a third transverse drive assembly 6-5.

[0072] The pusher slider 6-1 is slidably connected to the top plate 1-2 via the third guide structure 6-4, and is driven by the third transverse drive assembly 6-5 to move radially along the transposition impeller 2-4. In this embodiment, the third guide structure 6-4 uses a matching linear guide rail and a linear slider. The third transverse drive assembly 6-5 is a linear module driven by a motor and a synchronous belt drive structure. In this embodiment, the third transverse drive assembly 6-5 is provided with third limiting components at both extreme positions. The third limiting components use matching contact pieces and two photoelectric sensors.

[0073] The top plate 1-2 has an elongated clearance groove 1-2-1 arranged radially along the transposition impeller 2-4. The clearance groove 1-2-1 is aligned with the reagent card incubation position of the card ejection station. The inner end of the movable push rod 6-2 is rotatably connected to the push slider 6-1. The outer end of the movable push rod 6-2 abuts against the top surface of the top plate 1-2, or passes through the elongated clearance groove 1-2-1 and abuts against the reagent card incubation position of the card ejection station. The outer end of the movable push rod 6-2 is inclined towards the direction close to the card ejection module 7.

[0074] The third elastic element 6-3 is connected between the movable push rod 6-2 and the push slider 6-1, providing a spring force to drive the movable push rod 6-2 to flip downwards, so that the movable push rod 6-2 can smoothly flip downwards when it moves radially outwards along the transposition impeller 2-4, pass through the elongated clearance groove 1-2-1, enter the push receiving groove 2-4-2 of the reagent card incubation position, and push the reagent card in the reagent card receiving groove 2-4-3 outwards to the reading bearing structure 7-1 in the detection card ejection module 7.

[0075] The detection card ejection module 7 includes a reading support structure 7-1, a reading sensor 7-2, a fourth guide structure 7-3, and a fourth lateral movement drive assembly 7-4. The reading support structure 7-1 is mounted on the bottom surface of the top plate 1-2 and has a reading receiving groove for receiving reagent cards ejected from the reagent card incubation position at the detection card ejection station. The reading sensor 7-2 is fixed on the top plate 1-2 and located above the reading support structure 7-1, for reading the detection area of ​​the reagent card to obtain the detection result of the reagent card on the sample.

[0076] The reading support structure 7-1 includes two lateral limiting blocks 7-1-1 and a bottom support plate 7-1-2. The two lateral limiting blocks 7-1-1 are spaced apart and fixed to the bottom surface of the top plate 1-2. The bottom support plate 7-1-2 is slidably connected to the bottom of the top plate 1-2 via a fourth guide structure 7-3 and is driven by a fourth lateral movement drive assembly 7-4 to move radially along the transposition impeller 2-4. The bottom support plate 7-1-2 is perpendicular to the reagent card ejection direction. Each of the opposite sides of the two lateral limiting blocks 7-1-1 is provided with limiting protrusions. The distance between the bottom surface of the limiting protrusions and the top surface of the bottom support plate 7-1-2 matches the thickness of the reagent card.

[0077] In the initial state, the area between the bottom support plate 7-1-2 and the two lateral limiting blocks 7-1-1 is aligned vertically, and the bottom support plate 7-1-2 and the two lateral limiting blocks 7-1-1 together form a T-shaped groove for receiving readings. The top plate 1-2 has a clearance slot aligned with the reading groove to facilitate accurate detection of the reagent card by the reading sensor 7-2.

[0078] The bottom support plate 7-1-2 has an elastic telescopic clamping structure 7-1-3 on its top surface. The top of the elastic telescopic clamping structure 7-1-3 is spherical, which contracts downward and clamps the reagent card upward when subjected to lateral pressure.

[0079] In some embodiments, a lateral clamping spring 7-1-4 is mounted on the inner side of one or both lateral limiting blocks 7-1-1. The clamping spring is used to apply a clamping force to the reagent card from the side.

[0080] In this embodiment, the fourth guide structure 7-3 employs a matching linear guide rail and a linear slider. The fourth transverse drive assembly 7-4 is a linear module driven by a motor and a lead screw and nut transmission structure. In this embodiment, the fourth transverse drive assembly 7-4 is provided with a fourth limiting assembly at both extreme positions. The third limiting assembly employs a matching contact piece and two photoelectric sensors.

[0081] After the test is completed, the fourth transverse drive component 7-4 drives the bottom support plate 7-1-2 to move laterally, and the position is offset from the two lateral limit blocks 7-1-1, so that the reagent card that has completed the reading falls off under the action of gravity, and the card ejection action is completed.

[0082] The working method of the multi-channel automatic incubation gold label reader provided in this embodiment includes the following steps:

[0083] Step 1: The user inserts the reagent card into the card clamping structure 3-1 of the card insertion module, ensuring that the end of the reagent card contacts the limiting rod 4-1-1. The reagent card pushes the push hook 4-3-1 in the movable push hook assembly 4-3 to flip and remain in an inclined state.

[0084] Step 2: The limiting push block 4-2 in the integrated limiting and pushing component 4 retracts, causing the limiting rod 4-1-1 to descend and no longer obstruct the movement of the reagent card. At the same time, the movable push hook component 4-3 remains in contact with the bottom surface of the reagent card, preventing the push hook 4-3-1 from blocking the card disposal after it becomes vertical.

[0085] Step 3: The first lateral movement drive component 3-3 moves the card clamping structure 3-1 and the reagent card, causing one or more QR codes on the reagent card to pass sequentially below the scanning component 5. The scanning component 5 reads the QR code information on the reagent card and enters it into the system. If the QR code information indicates that the card insertion is correct, the incubation insertion operation is performed in step 4. If the QR code information indicates that the card insertion is incorrect, the card is discarded in step 4, and no further testing is performed.

[0086] Step four, the incubation insertion process, is as follows: The limiting push block 4-2 in the integrated limiting push assembly 4 continues to retract, causing the movable push hook assembly 4-3 to separate from the bottom surface of the reagent card, and the push hook 4-3-1 to flip to a vertical position. Then, the first transverse drive assembly 3-3 drives the card clamping structure 3-1 and the reagent card to the initial position before scanning; afterwards, the limiting push block 4-2 in the integrated limiting push assembly 4 moves towards the transposition blade disk 2-4, causing the push hook 4-3-1 in the movable push hook assembly 4-3 to push the reagent card away from the card clamping structure 3-1 and completely enter the reagent card receiving slot 2-4-3 in the card insertion station of the incubation transposition module 2, and proceed to step five.

[0087] The card removal process is as follows: The first lateral movement drive component 3-3 moves the card clamping structure 3-1 and the reagent card to the initial position before scanning. Then, the limit push block 4-2 in the limit push integrated component 4 moves towards the transposition impeller 2-4 to the initial position, causing the limit rod 4-1-1 to rise. The user then manually removes the reagent card, which has returned to the initial position.

[0088] Step 5: The transposition disc 2-4 rotates 30°, allowing the next empty reagent card receiving slot 2-4-3 to reach the card insertion position. Simultaneously, the limiting push block 4-2 in the integrated limiting and pushing assembly 4 moves towards the transposition disc 2-4 to its initial position, causing the limiting rod 4-1-1 to rise, facilitating the insertion of the next reagent card. The heating element 2-3 in the transposition disc 2-4 operates, maintaining the transposition disc 2-4 at the target incubation temperature.

[0089] Step 6: When the reagent card in the incubation buffer station reaches the target incubation time, the transfer disc 2-4 drives the reagent card to the detection and card ejection station.

[0090] Step 7: The third transverse drive component in the card pusher module 6 drives the card pusher slider 6-1 to move radially outward, pushing the reagent card of the detection card ejection station into the reading support structure 7-1.

[0091] Step 8: The reading sensor detects the reading window of the reagent card and obtains the test result of the reagent card on the sample. After the test is completed, the fourth lateral movement drive assembly 7-4 drives the bottom support plate 7-1-2 to move laterally. After losing the support of the bottom support plate 7-1-2, the reagent card falls downward, completing the card ejection.

[0092] In this embodiment, the limiting rod 4-1-1 only needs to be raised when inserting the card. Before the transposition impeller 2-4 rotates, the limiting push block 4-2 in the integrated limiting and pushing assembly 4 retracts, causing the limiting rod 4-1-1 to descend, thus preventing the limiting rod 4-1-1 from blocking the rotation of the transposition impeller 2-4.

Claims

1. A multi-channel automatic incubation gold standard reader, comprising a base (1) and a card feeding module; characterized in that: It also includes an incubation and replacement module (2), a card pushing module (6), and a detection and card return module (7); the base (1) is provided with a card entry station and a detection and card return station; the incubation and replacement module (2) is installed on the base (1) and is provided with multiple reagent card incubation stations that can move and pass through the card entry station and the detection and card return station; The card insertion module is installed at the card insertion station and includes a card insertion component (3), a limit and push integrated component (4), and a barcode scanning component (5). The card insertion component (3) is configured to carry the test reagent card inserted by the user. The barcode scanning component (5) is configured to scan the test reagent card on the card insertion component (3). The limit and push integrated component (4) is configured to send the test reagent card on the card insertion component (3) into the reagent card incubation position at the card insertion station. The push card module (6) and the detection card ejection module (7) are both installed at the detection card ejection station; the detection card ejection module (7) includes a reading support structure (7-1) and a reading sensor (7-2) facing the reading support structure (7-1); the push card module (6) is configured to send the test reagent card in the reagent card incubation position at the detection card ejection station into the reading support structure (7-1).

2. The multi-channel automatic incubation gold label reader according to claim 1, characterized in that: The incubation transposition module (2) includes a support base (2-1), an insulation layer (2-2), a heating element (2-3), a transposition impeller (2-4), a workstation switching drive assembly (2-5), and an incubation tray (2-6). The support base (2-1) is fixed on the base (1). The heating element (2-3) and the incubation tray (2-6) are fixed on the support base (2-1). The transposition impeller (2-4) is rotatably connected above the incubation tray (2-6) and is driven to rotate by the workstation switching drive assembly (2-5). Multiple reagent card incubation positions are formed between the transposition impeller (2-4) and the incubation tray (2-6) as the transposition impeller (2-4) rotates.

3. The multi-channel automatic incubation gold label reader according to claim 1, characterized in that: The card insertion assembly (3) includes a card clamping structure (3-1) and a first transverse drive assembly (3-3); the card clamping structure (3-1) is slidably connected to the base (1) and is driven by the first transverse drive assembly (3-3) to move radially along the transposition impeller (2-4); the card clamping structure (3-1) is configured to carry the inserted reagent card; the barcode scanning assembly (5) is mounted on the base (1) and located above the path along which the reagent card moves with the card clamping structure (3-1).

4. The multi-channel automatic incubation gold label reader according to claim 3, characterized in that: The integrated limiting and pushing component (4) includes an elastic telescopic limiting structure (4-1), a limiting push block (4-2), a movable push hook component (4-3), and a second transverse drive component (4-5); the elastic telescopic limiting structure (4-1) includes a limiting rod (4-1-1) and a first elastic element (4-1-2); the limiting rod (4-1-1) is slidably connected to the support base (2-1); the movable push hook component (4-3) is connected to the limiting push block (4-2) and is configured to push the reagent card out of the card insertion component (3) and into the reagent card incubation position; The limiting rod (4-1-1) is configured to enter and exit the reagent card in the moving path of the card insertion module; the first elastic element (4-1-2) provides elastic force to the limiting rod (4-1-1) to exit the moving path of the reagent card; the limiting push block (4-2) is slidably connected to the base (1) and driven by the second transverse drive assembly (4-5); the limiting push block (4-2) is provided with an inclined push rod structure (4-2-1); the inclined push rod structure (4-2-1) is configured to push the limiting rod (4-1-1) into the moving path of the reagent card as the limiting push block (4-2) moves.

5. A multi-channel automatic incubation gold label reader according to claim 1, characterized in that: The reagent card incubation position includes a push card receiving slot (2-4-2) and a reagent card receiving slot (2-4-3) connected in sequence; the push card receiving slot (2-4-2) has a T-shaped slot structure that matches the shape of the reagent card; each reagent card receiving slot (2-4-3) is provided with one or more elastic card positioning structures (2-4-1); the elastic card positioning structure (2-4-1) is configured to press the reagent card onto the incubation tray.

6. A multi-channel automatic incubation gold label reader according to claim 5, characterized in that: The card pushing module (6) includes a card pushing slider (6-1), a movable card pushing rod (6-2), a third elastic element (6-3), and a third transverse drive assembly (6-5); the card pushing slider (6-1) is slidably connected to the base (1) and driven by the third transverse drive assembly (6-5); the inner end of the movable card pushing rod (6-2) is rotatably connected to the card pushing slider (6-1); the outer end of the movable card pushing rod (6-2) abuts against the base (1) or against the reagent card incubation position of the detection card ejection station; the outer end of the movable card pushing rod (6-2) is inclined toward the direction close to the detection card ejection module (7); the third elastic element (6-3) provides elastic force to the movable card pushing rod (6-2) to flip into the card pushing receiving groove (2-4-2) of the reagent card incubation position.

7. A multi-channel automatic incubation gold label reader according to claim 1, characterized in that: The detection card ejection module (7) further includes a fourth transverse drive assembly (7-4); the reading support structure (7-1) and the reading sensor (7-2) are both mounted on the base (1); the reading support structure (7-1) includes a bottom support plate (7-1-2) slidably connected to the base (1); the bottom support plate (7-1-2) is configured to switch between a state of receiving the reagent card and a state of releasing the reagent card under the drive of the fourth transverse drive assembly (7-4).

8. A multi-channel automatic incubation gold label reader according to claim 1, characterized in that: The base (1) includes a bottom plate (1-1), a top plate (1-2), and support columns (1-3); the top plate (1-2) is fixed to the bottom plate (1-1) at intervals by the support columns (1-3); the incubation and relocation module (2) is located between the bottom plate (1-1) and the top plate (1-2); the limit and push integrated component (4) is installed on the bottom plate (1-1); the card insertion component (3), the barcode scanning component (5), the card pushing module (6), and the card detection and ejection module (7) are all installed on the top plate (1-2).

9. A multi-channel automatic incubation gold label reading method, characterized in that: Using a multi-channel automatic incubation gold standard reader as described in claim 1; the reading method includes: The inclined push rod structure (4-2-1) of the limiting push block (4-2) pushes the limiting rod (4-1-1) into the reagent card moving path; the user inserts the reagent card into the card clamping structure (3-1) of the card insertion assembly (3), the movable push hook assembly flips to avoid the reagent card, and the reagent card is blocked by the limiting rod; The limit push block retracts, causing the limit rod to leave the reagent card's movement path, while the movable push hook assembly remains in contact with the bottom surface of the reagent card; the first transverse drive assembly moves the reagent card, and the scanning assembly reads the QR code or barcode information of the reagent card and enters it into the system; The limiting push block continues to retract, causing the movable push hook assembly to detach from the bottom surface and flip to a vertical position; then, the limiting push block moves towards the transposition blade disk, causing the movable push hook assembly to push the reagent card out of the clamping structure and fully enter the reagent card incubation position. The incubation switching module (2) drives the reagent card incubation position to switch positions, so that the empty reagent card incubation position reaches the card insertion station and waits for the next card insertion; When any reagent card in the incubation position reaches the preset incubation time, the incubation switching module (2) drives the reagent card incubation position to switch, so that the reagent card that has reached the incubation time reaches the detection card removal station; the card pushing module (6) pushes the reagent card in the removal station into the reading bearing structure (7-1) of the detection card removal module (7); the reading sensor (7-2) reads the detection result of the reagent card.

10. The multi-channel automatic incubation gold label reading method according to claim 9, characterized in that: When the scanning component reads the QR code or barcode information of the reagent card and determines that the card reading is incorrect, the first transverse drive component drives the card clamping structure and the reagent card to move to the initial position; then, the limit push block in the limit push integrated component moves to the initial position towards the transposition blade disk, so that the limit rod (4-1-1) enters the reagent card movement path; the user manually pulls out the reagent card that has returned to the initial position.

Images