A sample analyzer and a sample analysis method

Abstract

This application discloses a sample analyzer and a sample analysis method. The sample analyzer includes a consumable placement device, an extraction device, a dispensing device, a transfer device, an amplification device, and a detection device. The transfer device is used at least to transfer amplification containers from the consumable placement device to the operating position. The transfer device includes a loading component and a transfer component. The loading component has a tube loading component and a cap loading component, which are used to load the amplification tube and the cap, respectively. The transfer component is drivenly connected to the loading component to drive the loading component to synchronously load and transfer the amplification tube and the cap. The sample analyzer of this application has the advantage of high amplification container scheduling efficiency.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application belongs to the field of medical device technology, and in particular relates to a sample analyzer and a sample analysis method. Background Technology

[0002] Molecular diagnostic technology refers to the technology that uses nucleic acids as diagnostic materials and molecular biology techniques to detect the presence, defects, or abnormal expression of genes, thereby making diagnoses of human conditions and diseases.

[0003] In related technologies, during molecular diagnostics using a sample analyzer, it is necessary to position the amplification container to the appropriate location so that the amplification tube within the container can carry the extracted nucleic acid. After the nucleic acid is loaded into the amplification tube, it is sealed with a cap for further processing. However, the efficiency of the sample analyzer in positioning the amplification container is relatively low, affecting the diagnostic efficiency of the analyzer. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides a sample analyzer and a sample analysis method that can improve the scheduling efficiency of amplification containers.

[0005] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide a sample analyzer, including a consumable placement device, an extraction device, a dispensing device, a transport device, an amplification device, and a detection device. The sample analyzer has an operating position. The consumable placement device is at least used to store an amplification container, which includes an amplification tube and a cap. The extraction device is used to extract nucleic acids from a sample. The transport device is at least used to transport the amplification container from the consumable placement device to the operating position. The dispensing device is at least used to dispense the nucleic acid extracted by the extraction device into the amplification tube at the operating position. The amplification device is used to amplify the nucleic acid loaded in the amplification tube under the condition that the amplification tube is sealed by the cap. The detection device is used to detect the amplified nucleic acid. The transport device includes:

[0006] A loading assembly, comprising a tube loading member and a cap loading member, wherein the tube loading member and the cap loading member are respectively used to load the amplification tube and the tube cap; and,

[0007] A transfer assembly is driven to the loading assembly to drive the loading assembly to synchronously load and transfer the amplification tube and the tube cap.

[0008] In some embodiments, the transfer device further includes an unloading component for unloading at least one of the amplification tube and the tube cap loaded by the loading component.

[0009] In some embodiments, the unloading component is used to simultaneously unload the amplification tube and the tube cap loaded by the loading component.

[0010] In some implementations, the unloading component includes:

[0011] An unloading seat, the unloading seat having an unloading position located on the path along which the transfer component drives the loading component to move; and,

[0012] A toggle element is movably mounted on the unloading seat to move toward or away from the unloading position. When the toggle element moves to the unloading position, it can unload at least one of the amplification tube and the tube cap loaded by the loading assembly.

[0013] The unloading position and the operation position may be in the same location or in two different locations.

[0014] In some embodiments, the loading component further includes:

[0015] A mounting bracket, which is kinetically connected to the transfer assembly, such that the transfer assembly can drive the mounting bracket to the unloading position; and,

[0016] A first drive unit is mounted on the mounting bracket. When the mounting bracket moves to the unloading position, the first drive unit can drive the toggle member to move toward the unloading position to unload at least one of the amplification tube and the tube cap loaded by the loading assembly.

[0017] In some embodiments, the unloading assembly further includes a first elastic element mounted on the unloading seat, the first elastic element being used to drive the actuating member to move away from the unloading position; and / or,

[0018] The loading assembly further includes a second drive unit, which is mounted on the mounting frame. The tube loading component and the cap loading component are both connected to the second drive unit. When the mounting frame moves to the unloading position, the first drive unit can drive the actuating component to move towards the unloading position to restrict the movement of the amplification tube and the cap loaded by the loading assembly. The second drive unit can drive the tube loading component and the cap loading component to move away from the unloading position, thereby unloading the amplification tube and the cap loaded by the loading assembly.

[0019] In some embodiments, the loading component further includes:

[0020] A mounting bracket, which is kinetically connected to the transfer assembly, such that the transfer assembly can drive the mounting bracket to move along a first direction and a second direction; and,

[0021] The second drive unit is mounted on the mounting bracket and is used to drive the tube loading component and the cover loading component to move along a third direction, wherein the first direction, the second direction and the third direction intersect each other.

[0022] In some embodiments, the loading assembly further includes a loading seat, on which both the tube loading member and the cover loading member are mounted. The loading seat is also drively connected to the transfer assembly, so that the transfer assembly can drive the loading seat to move, thereby causing the tube loading member and the cover loading member to move synchronously.

[0023] In some embodiments, the tube loading member is movably mounted on the loading seat, and the loading assembly further includes a second elastic member for limiting the movement of the tube loading member relative to the loading seat; and / or,

[0024] The cover loading member is movably mounted on the loading seat, and the loading assembly is further provided with a third elastic member, the third elastic member being used to limit the movement of the cover loading member relative to the loading seat; and / or

[0025] The loading assembly further includes an adjustment seat, which is throttle connected to the transfer assembly so that the transfer assembly can drive the adjustment seat to move. The loading seat is adjustablely mounted on the adjustment seat at an angle and / or position to follow the movement of the adjustment seat.

[0026] In some embodiments, the loading assembly further includes at least one of a first unloading sleeve and a second unloading sleeve;

[0027] The first unloading sleeve is movably mounted on the tube loading member or the loading seat. The first unloading sleeve can move away from the loading end of the tube loading member to allow the loading end of the tube loading member to load the amplification tube. The first unloading sleeve can also move towards the loading end of the tube loading member to push the amplification tube loaded by the tube loading member to detach from the tube loading member.

[0028] The second unloading sleeve is movably mounted on the cover loading member or the loading seat. The second unloading sleeve is capable of moving away from the loading end of the cover loading member to allow the loading end of the cover loading member to load the pipe cover. The first unloading sleeve is also capable of moving towards the loading end of the cover loading member to push the pipe cover loaded by the cover loading member to detach from the pipe loading member.

[0029] In some embodiments, the loading assembly further includes a first guide, a first detection element, and a fourth elastic element. One of the loading seat and the first unloading sleeve is fixedly connected to the first guide, and the other of the loading seat and the first unloading sleeve is slidably connected to the first guide and provided with the first detection element. The first detection element is used to detect the position of the first guide, and the fourth elastic element is used to drive the first unloading sleeve to move toward the loading end of the tube loading assembly; and / or,

[0030] The loading assembly further includes a second guide, a second detection element, and a fifth elastic element. One of the loading seat and the second unloading sleeve is fixedly connected to the second guide, and the other of the loading seat and the second unloading sleeve is slidably connected to the second guide and is provided with the second detection element. The second detection element is used to detect the position of the second guide, and the fifth elastic element is used to drive the second unloading sleeve to move toward the loading end of the cover loading assembly.

[0031] In some embodiments, the consumable placement device is provided with multiple tube body support positions and multiple cap body support positions. The tube body support positions are used to support the amplification tube for the tube body loading component to load the amplification tube, and the cap body support positions are used to support the tube cap for the cap body loading component to load the tube cap.

[0032] The tube body bearing position and the cover body bearing position are arranged adjacent to each other.

[0033] Secondly, embodiments of this application also provide a sample analysis method applied to a sample analyzer. The sample analyzer includes a consumable placement device, an extraction device, a dispensing device, a transport device, an amplification device, and a detection device. The consumable placement device is at least used to store an amplification container, which includes an amplification tube and a cap. The transport device includes a loading component and a transfer component. The sample analyzer has an operating position. The method includes:

[0034] The extraction device is controlled to extract nucleic acids from the sample;

[0035] The transfer device is controlled to simultaneously load the amplification tube and the tube cap located in the consumable placement device through the loading component, and simultaneously transfer the amplification tube and the tube cap to the operation position through the transfer component;

[0036] The dispensing device is controlled to dispense the extracted nucleic acid into the amplification container at the operation position;

[0037] The amplification device is controlled to amplify the nucleic acid under the condition that the amplification tube is sealed by the tube cap;

[0038] The detection device is controlled to detect the amplified nucleic acid.

[0039] In some embodiments, the loading assembly includes a tube loading member and a cap loading member, the tube loading member and the cap loading member being used to load the amplification tube and the cap, respectively;

[0040] The simultaneous loading of the amplification tube and the tube cap located in the consumable placement device via the loading assembly includes:

[0041] The transfer component is controlled to drive the loading component to move above the consumable placement device;

[0042] The loading assembly is controlled to drive the tube loading component and the cap loading component to move synchronously downward from above the consumable placement device, so that the tube loading component loads the amplification tube and the cap loading component loads the tube cap.

[0043] The loading assembly is controlled to drive the tube loading member and the cap loading member to move upward from the consumable placement device, so that the tube loading member carries the loaded amplification tube away from the consumable placement device, and the cap loading member carries the loaded tube cap away from the consumable placement device.

[0044] In some embodiments, simultaneously transferring the amplification tube and the tube cap to the operating position via the transfer assembly includes:

[0045] The transfer component is controlled to drive the loading component away from the consumable placement device to synchronously transfer the amplification tube loaded by the tube body loading component and the tube cap loaded by the cap body loading component.

[0046] In some embodiments, the transfer device further includes an unloading component;

[0047] The step of simultaneously transferring the amplification tube and the tube cap to the operating position via the transfer component further includes:

[0048] The unloading component is controlled to simultaneously unload the amplification tube and the tube cap loaded by the loading component to the operation position.

[0049] In some embodiments, the loading assembly includes a tube loading member and a cap loading member, the tube loading member and the cap loading member being used to load the amplification tube and the tube cap, respectively; the unloading assembly includes an unloading seat and a toggle member, the unloading seat having an unloading position located on the path along which the transfer assembly drives the loading assembly to move, and the toggle member being movably mounted on the unloading seat, the toggle member being able to move toward or away from the unloading position;

[0050] The control of the unloading component to simultaneously unload the amplification tube and the tube cap loaded by the loading component to the operation position includes:

[0051] The loading assembly is controlled to drive the tube loading component and the cover loading component to the unloading position;

[0052] The loading assembly is controlled to drive the toggle to move toward the unloading position, thereby restricting the upward movement of the amplification tube loaded by the tube body loading assembly and the tube cap loaded by the cap body loading assembly;

[0053] The tube body loading component and the cap loading component are controlled to be opposite to the amplification tube and the tube cap, so that the tube body loading component is separated from the loaded amplification tube, and the cap loading component is separated from the loaded tube cap.

[0054] Technical effects of the embodiments of this application:

[0055] During the operation of the transfer device, the transfer component can drive the loading component to load and transfer the amplification tube and the tube cap simultaneously. Therefore, compared with the loading component transferring the amplification tube and the tube cap in stages, the embodiments of this application can improve the scheduling efficiency of the amplification tube and the tube cap, thereby improving the detection efficiency of the sample analyzer. Attached Figure Description

[0056] The technical solution and its beneficial effects will become apparent from the following detailed description of specific embodiments of this application, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0057] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the sample analyzer provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0058] Figure 2 for Figure 1 The diagram shows the structural schematics of the loading and transferring components of the transfer device.

[0059] Figure 3 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the unloading component of the transfer device shown.

[0060] Figure 4 for Figure 2The diagram shows the structure of the loading component.

[0061] Figure 5 for Figure 4 The diagram shows a partial structural schematic of the loading component.

[0062] Figure 6 for Figure 3 The diagram shows a partial structural representation of the uninstallation component.

[0063] Figure 7 for Figure 1 The diagram shows the structure of the consumables placement device.

[0064] Figure 8 A flowchart illustrating the sample analysis direction provided in this application embodiment.

[0065] The labels in the diagram are as follows:

[0066] 100. Consumables storage device;

[0067] 11. Pipe body bearing position; 12. Cover body bearing position;

[0068] 200. Extraction device;

[0069] 300. Dispensing device;

[0070] 400. Transfer device;

[0071] 41. Loading assembly; 4101. Pipe loading component; 4102. Cover loading component; 4103. First drive unit; 4104. Mounting bracket; 4105. Pushing component; 4106. Second drive unit; 4107. Loading seat; 4108. Adjusting seat; 4109. Second elastic element; 4110. Third detection element; 4111. Third elastic element; 4112. Fourth detection element; 4113. First unloading sleeve; 4114. First guide element; 41 15. First detection component; 4116. Fourth elastic component; 4117. Second unloading sleeve; 4118. Second guide component; 4119. Second detection component; 4120. Fifth elastic component; 42. Transfer assembly; 421. First linear module; 422. Second linear module; 43. Unloading assembly; 4301. Unloading seat; 4302. Actuating component; 4303. Unloading position; 4304. Transmission surface; 4305. First elastic component; 4306. Clamping arm;

[0072] 500. Amplification device;

[0073] 600. Detection device;

[0074] H1, First direction; H2, Second direction; H3, Third direction. Detailed Implementation

[0075] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this application, and not all of them. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this application without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0076] Please refer to Figure 1 In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide a sample analyzer, including a consumable placement device 100, an extraction device 200, a dispensing device 300, a transfer device 400, an amplification device 500, and a detection device 600.

[0077] The sample analyzer has an operating position. A consumable storage device 100 is used to store amplification containers, including amplification tubes and caps. An extraction device 200 is used to extract nucleic acids from the sample. A transport device 400 is used to transport the amplification containers from the consumable storage device 100 to the operating position. A dispensing device 300 is used to dispense the nucleic acids extracted by the extraction device 200 into amplification tubes at the operating position. An amplification device 500 is used to amplify the nucleic acids loaded in the amplification tubes with the caps sealed. A detection device 600 is used to detect the amplified nucleic acids.

[0078] Therefore, one possible workflow for a sample analyzer is as follows:

[0079] First, the amplification tube and cap of the amplification container in the consumable placement device 100 are separated. At this time, the transfer device 400 transfers the amplification tube and cap from the consumable placement device 100 to the operating position.

[0080] Then, the extraction device 200 extracts the nucleic acid from the sample.

[0081] Next, the dispensing device 300 dispenses the nucleic acid extracted by the extraction device 200 into the amplification tube.

[0082] Next, a robotic arm at any device on the sample analyzer, such as the amplification device 500 or the transport device 400, can drive the tube cap to seal the amplification tube, so that the amplification device 500 can amplify the nucleic acid loaded in the amplification tube under the condition that the tube cap is sealed.

[0083] Finally, the detection device 600 detects the amplified nucleic acid.

[0084] Furthermore, the sample analyzer can automatically perform nucleic acid extraction, nucleic acid amplification, and nucleic acid detection of the sample. It should be noted that the above steps can be performed sequentially or partially simultaneously; this embodiment does not limit this. For example, the transfer device 400 transferring the amplification tube and cap from the consumable placement device 100 to the operating position can be performed simultaneously with the extraction device 200 extracting nucleic acid from the sample.

[0085] It should also be noted that before the robotic arm drives the tube cap to seal the amplification tube, the dispensing device 300 can also dispense reagents and other reaction components into the amplification tube according to actual needs. Correspondingly, the sample analyzer may also include a mixing device such as a centrifuge device. The mixing device is used to mix the mixture in the amplification container before the amplification device 500 performs the amplification reaction, so that the nucleic acid in the amplification tube is mixed evenly with other reaction components. This application embodiment does not limit this aspect.

[0086] Please continue to refer to this. Figure 2 The transfer device 400 may include a loading assembly 41 and a transfer assembly 42. The loading assembly 41 is provided with a tube loading member 4101 and a cap loading member 4102, which are used to load the amplification tube and the cap, respectively. The transfer assembly 42 is drivenly connected to the loading assembly 41 to drive the loading assembly 41 to synchronously load and transfer the amplification tube and the cap.

[0087] Therefore, compared to the loading component 41 loading and transferring the amplification tube and the tube cap in stages, the embodiment of this application can realize that the loading component 41 is driven by the transfer component 42 to load and transfer the amplification tube and the tube cap synchronously, thereby improving the scheduling efficiency of the amplification tube and the tube cap, and thus improving the detection efficiency of the sample analyzer.

[0088] It should be noted that the transfer component 42 may be a drive loading component 41 that directly transfers the amplification tube and tube cap from the consumable placement device 100 to the operating position; the transfer component 42 may also be a drive loading component 41 that transfers the amplification tube and tube cap from the consumable placement device 100 to a transfer position, and then further transfers the amplification tube and tube cap from the transfer position to the operating position through other transfer components of the transfer device 400; and the transfer component 42 may also be a drive loading component 41 that transfers the amplification tube and tube cap from the transfer position to the operating position. This application embodiment does not limit this.

[0089] Please continue to refer to this. Figure 3In some embodiments, the transport device 400 further includes an unloading component 43 for unloading at least one of the amplification tubes and tube caps loaded by the loading component 41. Thus, the sample analyzer can automatically unload the amplification tubes and / or tube caps loaded by the loading component 41 via the unloading component 43, thereby improving the detection efficiency of the sample analyzer.

[0090] In some embodiments, the unloading component 43 is used to simultaneously unload the amplification tubes and caps loaded by the loading component 41. Therefore, compared to the loading component 41 transferring the loaded amplification tubes and caps into place first, and then the unloading component 43 unloading the amplification tubes and caps loaded by the loading component 41 in stages, the embodiments of this application can improve the efficiency of the transfer device 400 in transferring the amplification container.

[0091] Of course, in some other embodiments, the unloading component 43 may be used only to unload one of the amplification tube and the tube cap loaded by the loading component 41; and the unloading component 43 may also unload the amplification tube and the tube cap loaded by the loading component 41 in stages, which is not limited in this application embodiment.

[0092] The above is an overall introduction to the transfer device 400 of the present application embodiment. The technical solution of the present application embodiment will be introduced in conjunction with the unloading component 43 below.

[0093] The unloading assembly 43 includes an unloading seat 4301 and a toggle member 4302. The unloading seat 4301 has an unloading position 4303 located on the path of the transfer assembly 42 driving the loading assembly 41. The unloading position 4303 is used to carry amplification tubes and tube caps unloaded from the loading assembly 41. The toggle member 4302 is movably mounted on the unloading seat 4301 to move toward or away from the unloading position 4303. When the toggle member 4302 moves to the unloading position 4303, it can unload at least one of the amplification tubes and tube caps loaded on the loading assembly 41.

[0094] In actual operation, the actuating element 4302 can first move away from the unloading position 4303 to allow the loading assembly 41 to move the amplification tube and cap to the unloading position 4303. Then, after the loading assembly 41 has moved the amplification tube and cap to the unloading position 4303, the actuating element 4302 moves towards the unloading position 4303 to unload at least one of the amplification tube and cap loaded by the loading assembly 41. Finally, after unloading the amplification tube and cap from the loading assembly 41, the actuating element 4302 moves back to its original position away from the unloading position 4303.

[0095] In some embodiments, the actuating member 4302 can be slidably connected to the unloading seat 4301 to make the movement of the actuating member 4302 more stable and reliable. For example, the unloading seat 4301 can be provided with a slide rail, and the actuating member 4302 can be directly slidably mounted on the slide rail, or it can be slidably mounted on the slide rail by means of a slider. This application embodiment does not limit this.

[0096] Alternatively, the toggle element 4302 can also be rotatably connected to the unloading seat 4301, but this embodiment does not limit this.

[0097] It should be noted that when the actuating element 4302 moves to the unloading position 4303, it can independently unload at least one of the amplification tube and the cap loaded in the loading assembly 41, or the actuating element 4302 and the loading assembly 41 can cooperate to jointly unload the amplification tube and the cap loaded in the loading assembly 41, or the actuating element 4302 can cooperate with other mechanisms of the sample analyzer to unload at least one of the amplification tube and the cap loaded in the loading assembly 41. That is, the actuating element 4302 can unload the amplification tube and the cap simultaneously, or it can unload one of the amplification tube and the cap first, and then unload the other of the amplification tube and the cap. This application embodiment does not limit this. As long as the technical solution in which the actuating element 4302 participates in unloading at least one of the amplification tube and the cap loaded by the loading assembly 41 is within the protection scope of this application embodiment.

[0098] It should also be noted that the unloading bit 4303 and the operation bit can be in the same position or in two different positions. This application embodiment does not limit this.

[0099] In some implementations, the unloading position 4303 is at the same location as the operation position. The unloading component 43 is fixedly disposed in the sample analyzer, and the unloading component 43 is located on the path of the transfer component 42 driving the loading component to move.

[0100] In some more specific embodiments, the unloading component 43 is fixedly disposed near the extraction device 200, such that the unloading position 4303 is located near the extraction device 200. Thus, the amplification tube is unloaded from the loading component 41 to the unloading position 4303 by the toggle member 4302, so that after the nucleic acid extraction is completed, the dispensing device 300 can dispense the extracted nucleic acid into the amplification tube.

[0101] In some embodiments, the unloading component 43 is fixedly disposed near the amplification device 500, such that the unloading position 4303 is located near the amplification device 500. Thus, the amplification tube is unloaded from the loading component 41 to the unloading position 4303 by the toggle member 4302, so that the amplification device 500 can directly perform an amplification reaction on the amplification system after the amplification system is constructed.

[0102] In some implementations, the unloading position 4303 is a different location from the operating position. The unloading assembly 43 is movably disposed within the sample analyzer; for example, the sample analyzer is provided with a running track in which the unloading assembly 43 can move to transfer or dispatch the amplification tubes and caps unloaded to the unloading position 4303 to a target location. The target location includes the operating position.

[0103] The transfer device 400 is used at least to transfer the amplification container from the consumable placement device 100 to the operating position. This transfer device 400 can directly transfer the amplification container from the consumable placement device 100 to the operating position, or it can indirectly transfer the amplification container from the consumable placement device 100 to the operating position. For example, indirectly transferring the amplification container from the consumable placement device 100 to the operating position could involve the transfer device 400 transferring the amplification container from the consumable placement device 100 to the unloading component 43, and then the unloading component 43 transferring it to the operating position. For example, the unloading component 43 might move along a running track, simultaneously transferring the amplification tube and its cap to the operating position.

[0104] As mentioned above, the transfer component 42 can be a drive loading component 41 to directly transfer the amplification tube and tube cap from the consumable placement device 100 to the operating position; the transfer component 42 can also be a drive loading component 41 to transfer the amplification tube and tube cap from the consumable placement device 100 to a transfer position, and then further transfer the amplification tube and tube cap from the transfer position to the operating position through other transfer components of the transfer device 400; and the transfer component 42 can also be a drive loading component 41 to transfer the amplification tube and tube cap from the transfer position to the operating position.

[0105] Therefore, when the unloading position 4303 and the operation position are in the same position, the transfer component 42 can drive the loading component 41 to transfer the amplification tube and tube cap directly from the consumable placement device 100 to the operation position, or the transfer component 42 can drive the loading component 41 to transfer the amplification tube and tube cap from the transfer position to the operation position.

[0106] Correspondingly, when the unloading position 4303 and the operation position are two different positions, the transfer component 42 can drive the loading component 41 to directly transfer the amplification tube and tube cap from the consumable placement device 100 to the transfer position, or the transfer component 42 can drive the loading component 41 to transport the amplification tube and tube cap between two different transfer positions. This application embodiment does not limit this.

[0107] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the unloading seat 4301 may also have a movable component (such as a material carrier), and the movable component may have an unloading position 4303. Of course, the unloading position 4303 may also be provided on a non-movable part of the unloading seat 4301, and this application embodiment does not limit this.

[0108] Please continue to refer to this. Figure 4In some embodiments, the sample analyzer may be provided with a first drive unit 4103, which is used to drive the toggle member 4302 to move toward the unloading position 4303. By realizing the automated movement of the toggle member 4302, the detection efficiency of the sample analyzer can be improved.

[0109] The first driving unit 4103 may be disposed in the unloading component 43, the loading component 41, or any other device of the sample analyzer. This application embodiment does not limit this.

[0110] For example, loading assembly 41 further includes a mounting bracket 4104 and a first drive unit 4103. The mounting bracket 4104 is driveably connected to the transfer assembly 42, enabling the transfer assembly 42 to drive the mounting bracket 4104 to the unloading position 4303. The first drive unit 4103 is mounted on the mounting bracket 4104, and when the mounting bracket 4104 moves to the unloading position 4303, the first drive unit 4103 can drive the actuating element 4302 to move towards the unloading position 4303 to unload at least one of the amplification tube and the tube cap loaded by the loading assembly 41.

[0111] Furthermore, when the loading component 41 carries (or loads) the amplification tube and its cap to the unloading position 4303, the first drive unit 4103 can drive the actuating component 4302 to complete the unloading operation of the amplification tube and its cap. When the unloading component 43 completes the unloading operation of the amplification tube and its cap, on the one hand, the actuating component 4302 can move away from the unloading position 4303 to avoid obstruction; on the other hand, the transfer component 42 can carry the loading component 41 and the first drive unit 4103 of the loading component 41 to move away from obstruction, thereby making the structure at the unloading position 4303 of the unloading component 43 simpler, thus facilitating the movement of other mechanisms of the sample analyzer to the unloading position 4303 to perform capping, dispensing, transfer, and other operations on the amplification tube and its cap according to actual needs.

[0112] For example, the loading assembly 41 also includes a pusher 4105, which is connected to a first drive unit 4103. The first drive unit 4103 is used to drive the pusher 4105 to move so that the movement of the pusher 4105 can push the toggle member 4302 to move toward the unloading position 4303.

[0113] In some embodiments, the actuating member 4302 is provided with a transmission surface 4304, which is inclined to the sliding direction of the actuating member 4302. The first driving unit 4103 is used to drive the pushing member 4105 to push against the transmission surface 4304 so that the actuating member 4302 moves toward the unloading position 4303.

[0114] For example, the actuating member 4302 can slide horizontally, while the transmission surface 4304 is inclined relative to the horizontal direction. The first driving unit 4103 is used to drive the pushing member 4105 to move vertically. Therefore, when the first driving unit 4103 drives the pushing member 4105 to move downward, the pushing member 4105 can abut against the transmission surface 4304 to push the actuating member 4302 to slide horizontally through the transmission surface 4304.

[0115] The first drive unit 4103 may include a linear motor, an electric actuator, a cylinder, a hydraulic cylinder, etc., but this application embodiment does not limit the specific components.

[0116] The pushing member 4105 may include a rotating member for rotating engagement with the transmission surface 4304, thereby reducing the friction between the pushing member 4105 and the transmission surface 4304. For example, the pushing member 4105 may include a bearing, ball bearing, needle roller, etc., which are not limited in this embodiment.

[0117] In some embodiments, the unloading assembly 43 further includes a first elastic element 4305. The first elastic element 4305 is mounted on the unloading seat 4301 and is used to drive the toggle member 4302 to move away from the unloading position 4303.

[0118] When the loading component 41 carries (or loads) the amplification tube and the tube cap to the unloading position 4303, the first driving unit 4103 can drive the actuating component 4302 to approach the unloading position 4303 to complete the unloading operation of the amplification tube and the tube cap. When the unloading component 43 completes the unloading operation of the amplification tube and the tube cap, the first elastic element 4305 drives the actuating component 4302 away from the unloading position 4303 to realize the reset of the actuating component 4302, so that the unloading component 43 has the advantages of simple structure and reliable operation.

[0119] The first elastic element 4305 may include torsion springs, tension springs, compression springs, disc springs, and leaf springs, etc., and the embodiments of this application do not limit this.

[0120] In some embodiments, the loading assembly 41 further includes a second drive unit 4106, which is mounted on the mounting frame 4104. The tube loading member 4101 and the cap loading member 4102 are both connected to the second drive unit 4106. When the mounting frame 4104 moves to the unloading position 4303, the first drive unit 4103 can drive the toggle member 4302 to move toward the unloading position 4303 and abut against the amplification tube and / or the cap to restrict the movement of the amplification tube and the cap loaded in the loading assembly 41. The second drive unit 4106 can drive the tube loading member 4101 and the cap loading member 4102 to move away from the unloading position 4303, thereby unloading the amplification tube and the cap loaded in the loading assembly 41.

[0121] The second drive unit 4106 may include a linear motor, an electric actuator, a cylinder, a hydraulic cylinder, etc., but this application embodiment does not limit this.

[0122] Taking the second drive unit 4106 driving the tube body loading component 4101 and the cap loading component 4102 to move vertically, and the actuating component 4302 moving horizontally as an example, one possible workflow for the unloading assembly 43 to unload the amplification tube and the cap can be as follows:

[0123] First, the second drive unit 4106 drives the tube loading component 4101 and the cover loading component 4102 to move downward to the unloading position 4303.

[0124] Then, the first drive unit 4103 drives the toggle member 4302 to slide horizontally to the unloading position 4303 to fix the amplification tube loaded by the tube body loading member 4101 and the tube cap loaded by the cap body loading member 4102.

[0125] Next, the second driving unit 4106 drives the tube body loading member 4101 and the cap loading member 4102 to move upward. At this time, since the amplification tube and the tube cap are both limited by the agitator 4302, the amplification tube gradually detaches from the tube body loading member 4101, and the tube cap gradually detaches from the cap loading member 4102.

[0126] Finally, after the amplification tube is removed from the tube body loading member 4101 and the tube cap is removed from the cap body loading member 4102, the second drive unit 4106 is reset, and the first elastic member 4305 drives the toggle member 4302 away from the unloading position 4303 to reset.

[0127] It is understood that the tube loading component 4101 can be inserted into the amplification tube to load the amplification tube; furthermore, when the actuating component 4302 limits the amplification tube, for example, the actuating component 4302 can abut against the end face of the open end of the amplification tube to limit the amplification tube in the axial direction, the second driving unit 4106 can drive the tube loading component 4101 to move upward to be pulled out from the amplification tube, thereby realizing the unloading of the amplification tube.

[0128] The cover loading member 4102 can be inserted into the tube cover to load the tube cover; furthermore, when the actuating member 4302 limits the tube cover, for example, the actuating member 4302 can abut against the end face of the opening end of the tube cover to limit the tube cover in the axial direction, the second driving unit 4106 can drive the cover loading member 4102 to move upward to be pulled out from the tube cover, thereby realizing the unloading of the tube cover.

[0129] It should also be noted that the toggle member 4302 restricts the movement of the amplification tube loaded in the loading assembly 41. This can be achieved by the toggle member 4302 directly contacting the amplification tube to restrict its movement, or by the toggle member 4302 indirectly fixing the amplification tube through other parts (such as the first unloading sleeve 4113, which will be described later) to restrict its movement. This application embodiment does not limit this.

[0130] The toggle member 4302 restricts the movement of the pipe cap loaded by the loading assembly 41. This restriction can be achieved by the toggle member 4302 directly contacting the pipe cap, or by the toggle member 4302 indirectly fixing the pipe cap through other parts (such as the second unloading sleeve 4117, which will be described later). This application embodiment does not limit this.

[0131] Understandably, when the actuating element 4302 unloads the amplification tube and the tube cap at the same time, the actuating element 4302 simultaneously limits the amplification tube and the tube cap loaded on the loading assembly 41, and the second driving unit 4106 simultaneously drives the tube body loading component 4101 and the cap body loading component 4102 to move upward, thereby realizing the unloading of the amplification tube and the tube cap.

[0132] It should be noted that, in other embodiments, while keeping the tube body loading member 4101 and the cap loading member 4102 stationary in the axial direction, the amplification tube and the cap can be moved axially towards the unloading position 4303 to achieve separation of the amplification tube from the tube body loading member 4101 and separation of the cap from the cap. For example, the sample analyzer also includes a third drive unit, which is used to directly drive the movement of the amplification tube and the cap, or to drive the movement of the first unloading sleeve 4113 and the second unloading sleeve 4117 (described later) to respectively drive the movement of the amplification tube and the cap.

[0133] In another embodiment, the tube loading member 4101 and the amplification tube (or the first unloading sleeve 4113) can move relative to each other to unload the amplification tube, and the cap loading member 4102 and the tube cap (or the second unloading sleeve 4117) can move relative to each other to unload the tube cap.

[0134] Please combine Figure 2 and Figure 4In some embodiments, the loading assembly 41 further includes a mounting frame 4104 and a second drive unit 4106. The mounting frame 4104 is driveably connected to the transfer assembly 42, enabling the transfer assembly 42 to drive the mounting frame 4104 to move along a first direction H1 and a second direction H2. The second drive unit 4106 is mounted on the mounting frame 4104 and is used to drive the tube loading component 4101 and the cap loading component 4102 to move along a third direction H3, where the first direction H1, the second direction H2, and the third direction H3 intersect each other. Thus, the triaxial movement of the tube loading component 4101 and the cap loading component 4102 can be achieved through the cooperation of the second drive unit 4106 and the transfer assembly 42 to meet the increased transfer requirements of the amplification container.

[0135] The transfer assembly 42 may include a first linear module 421 and a second linear module 422. The second linear module 422 is mounted on the first linear module 421 such that the first linear module 421 can drive the second linear module 422 to move along a first direction H1; the mounting bracket 4104 is mounted on the second linear module 422 such that the second linear module 422 can drive the mounting bracket 4104 to move along a second direction H2.

[0136] Both the first linear module 421 and the second linear module 422 can be ball screw linear modules, cylinder linear modules, etc., and this application embodiment does not limit them.

[0137] It should also be noted that the first direction H1 can be the front-back direction, the second direction H2 can be the left-right direction, and the third direction H3 can be the vertical direction; of course, the first direction H1, the second direction H2, and the third direction H3 can also be interchanged. This application embodiment does not limit this. As long as the technical solution in which the first direction H1, the second direction H2, and the third direction H3 intersect each other, it is within the protection scope of this application embodiment.

[0138] In some implementations, such as Figure 4 As shown, the loading assembly 41 also includes a loading seat 4107, on which the tube loading component 4101 and the cover loading component 4102 are both mounted. The loading seat 4107 is also connected to the transfer assembly 42 in a transmission manner, so that the transfer assembly 42 can drive the loading seat 4107 to move, thereby driving the tube loading component 4101 and the cover loading component 4102 to move synchronously.

[0139] For example, the loading seat 4107 may be connected to the second drive unit 4106, so that the transfer assembly 42 can drive the mounting frame 4104, the second drive unit 4106, and the loading seat 4107 to move synchronously, so that the loading seat 4107 drives the tube loading component 4101 and the cap loading component 4102 to move synchronously. Then, after the loading assembly 41 moves into place, the second drive unit 4106 can drive the loading seat 4107 to move up and down in the vertical direction, so that the tube loading component 4101 and the cap loading component 4102 can load the amplification tube and the cap synchronously, or can unload the amplification tube and the cap synchronously.

[0140] In some embodiments, the loading assembly 41 further includes an adjusting seat 4108, which is drively connected to the transfer assembly 42 so that the transfer assembly 42 can drive the adjusting seat 4108 to move. The loading seat 4107 is angled and / or positioned adjustablely mounted on the adjusting seat 4108 to follow the movement of the adjusting seat 4108.

[0141] For example, the adjusting seat 4108 is mounted on the moving end of the second drive unit 4106 to form a transmission connection, thereby enabling the second drive unit 4106 to drive the adjusting seat 4108 to move. The loading seat 4107 is angularly and / or positionally adjustable on the adjusting seat 4108 to follow the movement of the adjusting seat 4108.

[0142] For example, one of the adjusting seat 4108 and the loading seat 4107 is provided with a waist-shaped hole, and a fastener passes through the waist-shaped hole and is fixedly connected to the other of the adjusting seat 4108 and the loading seat 4107, so that the angle and / or position of the loading seat 4107 relative to the adjusting seat 4108 can be adjusted by adjusting the position of the fastener in the waist-shaped hole.

[0143] Please continue to refer to this. Figure 5 In some embodiments, the tube loading member 4101 is movably mounted on the loading seat 4107, and the loading assembly 41 is further provided with a second elastic member 4109, which is used to limit the movement of the tube loading member 4101 relative to the loading seat 4107.

[0144] This allows for a flexible connection between the tube loading component 4101 and the loading seat 4107. Therefore, when there is a deviation in the placement of the amplification tube, or when the height or other dimensions of the amplification tube change, the tube loading component 4101 can compress the second elastic element 4109 during the loading process to achieve an adaptive displacement, thereby preventing damage to the tube loading component 4101 after collision with the amplification tube.

[0145] The second elastic element 4109 may include torsion springs, tension springs, compression springs, disc springs, and leaf springs, etc., and the embodiments of this application do not limit this.

[0146] For example, the tube loading member 4101 can be inserted into the loading seat 4107. One end of the tube loading member 4101 is provided with a first limiting part, and the second elastic member 4109 is sleeved on the tube loading member 4101 and compressed between the loading seat 4107 and the first limiting part.

[0147] Please continue reading. Figure 5 In some embodiments, the loading seat 4107 may also be provided with a third detection element 4110. The third detection element 4110 is used to detect the position of the tube loading element 4101 so as to detect the displacement of the tube loading element 4101 relative to the loading seat 4107 in a timely manner. Then, if the displacement of the tube loading element 4101 relative to the loading seat 4107 is too large, it can be determined in time that the insertion stroke of the tube loading element 4101 into the amplification tube is incorrect, which may cause the tube loading element 4101 to collide and be damaged with the amplification tube.

[0148] The third detection component 4110 may include photoelectric sensors, contact switches, infrared ranging sensors, etc., and this application embodiment does not limit this.

[0149] In some embodiments, the cover loading member 4102 is movably mounted on the loading seat 4107, and the loading assembly 41 is further provided with a third elastic member 4111, which is used to limit the movement of the cover loading member 4102 relative to the loading seat 4107. This allows a flexible connection to be formed between the cover loading member 4102 and the loading seat 4107. When there is a certain deviation in the placement of the pipe cover, or when the height or other dimensions of the pipe cover change, the cover loading member 4102 can compress the second elastic member 4109 during the loading process to achieve an adaptive displacement, thereby preventing the pipe loading member 4101 from colliding and being damaged by the pipe cover.

[0150] The third elastic element 4111 may include torsion springs, tension springs, compression springs, disc springs, and leaf springs, etc., and the embodiments of this application do not limit this.

[0151] For example, the cover loading member 4102 can be inserted into the loading seat 4107. One end of the cover loading member 4102 is provided with a second limiting part, and the third elastic member 4111 is sleeved on the cover loading member 4102 and compressed between the loading seat 4107 and the second limiting part.

[0152] In some embodiments, the loading seat 4107 may also be provided with a fourth detection element 4112. The fourth detection element 4112 is used to detect the position of the cover loading member 4102 so as to detect the displacement of the cover loading member 4102 relative to the loading seat 4107 in a timely manner. Then, if the displacement of the cover loading member 4102 relative to the loading seat 4107 is too large, it can be determined in time that the insertion stroke of the cover loading member 4102 into the pipe cover is incorrect, which may cause the cover loading member 4102 to collide and be damaged with the pipe cover.

[0153] The fourth detection element 4112 may include photoelectric sensors, contact switches, infrared ranging sensors, etc., but this application embodiment does not limit it.

[0154] In some embodiments, the loading assembly 41 further includes a first unloading sleeve 4113, which is movably mounted on the tube loading member 4101 or the loading seat 4107. The first unloading sleeve 4113 is movable in a direction away from the loading end of the tube loading member 4101 to allow the loading end of the tube loading member 4101 to load the amplification tube. The first unloading sleeve 4113 is also movable in a direction close to the loading end of the tube loading member 4101 to push the amplification tube loaded on the tube loading member 4101 to detach from the tube loading member 4101.

[0155] For example, as mentioned above, the tube loading component 4101 can be inserted into the amplification tube to load the amplification tube. Therefore, one loading process for the loading assembly 41 to load the amplification tube can be as follows: First, the second driving unit 4106 drives the loading seat 4107, the tube loading component 4101, and the first unloading sleeve 4113 to move downwards synchronously; then, when the first unloading sleeve 4113 moves downwards to abut against the end face of the amplification tube and stops moving, the second driving unit 4106 continues to drive the loading seat 4107 and the tube loading component 4101 to move downwards synchronously, so that the lower end of the tube loading component 4101 protrudes from inside the first unloading sleeve 4113 and is inserted into the amplification tube to load the amplification tube.

[0156] Correspondingly, one process for unloading the amplification tube by the unloading component 43 can be as follows: First, the toggle 4302 moves to the unloading position 4303 to fix the first unloading sleeve 4113; then, the second drive unit 4106 drives the loading seat 4107 and the tube loading component 4101 to move upward synchronously. At this time, the first unloading sleeve 4113 abuts against the tube end face of the amplification tube and restricts the upward movement of the amplification tube, so that the tube loading component 4101 is pulled out from the amplification tube to realize the unloading of the amplification tube.

[0157] In some embodiments, the loading assembly 41 further includes a first guide 4114 and a first detection element 4115. One of the loading seat 4107 and the first unloading sleeve 4113 is fixedly connected to the first guide 4114, and the other of the loading seat 4107 and the first unloading sleeve 4113 is slidably connected to the first guide 4114 and is provided with the first detection element 4115, which is used to detect the position of the first guide 4114.

[0158] Therefore, the stability and reliability of the movement of the first unloading sleeve 4113 can be improved by the first guide member 4114. On this basis, by detecting the sliding of the first guide member 4114 by the first detection member 4115, the position of the first unloading sleeve 4113 can be determined, thereby determining whether the first unloading sleeve 4113 has moved to expose the lower end (or loading end) of the tube loading member 4101 to complete the loading of the amplification tube, and whether the first unloading sleeve 4113 has moved to block the lower end (or loading end) of the tube loading member 4101 to push the amplification tube away from the tube loading member 4101.

[0159] For example, the first unloading sleeve 4113 may be fixedly connected to the first guide member 4114, the first guide member 4114 may be slidably connected to the loading seat 4107, and the first detection member 4115 may be disposed on the loading seat 4107.

[0160] The first guide member 4114 may include guide posts, slides, etc., but this application embodiment does not limit this.

[0161] The first detection element 4115 may include a photoelectric sensor, a contact switch, an infrared ranging sensor, etc., and this application embodiment does not limit it.

[0162] In some embodiments, the loading assembly 41 further includes a fourth elastic element 4116, which is used to drive the first unloading sleeve 4113 to move toward the loading end of the tube loading assembly 4101, thereby enabling the first unloading sleeve 4113 to be reset by the fourth elastic element 4116.

[0163] The fourth elastic element 4116 may include torsion springs, tension springs, compression springs, disc springs, and leaf springs, etc., and the embodiments of this application do not limit this.

[0164] For example, the first unloading sleeve 4113 is sleeved on the pipe loading member 4101, the fourth elastic member 4116 is sleeved on the first guide member 4114, and compressed between the loading seat 4107 and the first unloading sleeve 4113.

[0165] In some embodiments, the loading assembly 41 further includes a second unloading sleeve 4117. The second unloading sleeve 4117 is movably mounted to the cover loading member 4102 or the loading seat 4107. The second unloading sleeve 4117 is movable in a direction away from the loading end of the cover loading member 4102 to allow the loading end of the cover loading member 4102 to load the pipe cap. The second unloading sleeve 4117 is also movable in a direction close to the loading end of the cover loading member 4102 to push the pipe cap loaded by the cover loading member 4102 away from the cover loading member 4102.

[0166] For example, as mentioned above, the cover loading member 4102 can be inserted into the pipe cover to load the pipe cover. Therefore, one loading process for the loading assembly 41 to load the pipe cover can be as follows: First, the second drive unit 4106 drives the loading seat 4107, the cover loading member 4102, and the second unloading sleeve 4117 to move downwards synchronously; then, when the second unloading sleeve 4117 moves downwards to abut against the open end face of the pipe cover and stops moving, the second drive unit 4106 continues to drive the loading seat 4107 and the cover loading member 4102 to move downwards synchronously, so that the lower end of the cover loading member 4102 protrudes from the second unloading sleeve 4117 and is inserted into the pipe cover to load the pipe cover.

[0167] Correspondingly, one process for unloading the pipe cover by the unloading component 43 can be as follows: First, the toggle member 4302 moves to the unloading position 4303 to fix the second unloading sleeve 4117; then, the second drive unit 4106 drives the loading seat 4107 and the cover loading member 4102 to move upward synchronously. At this time, the second unloading sleeve 4117 abuts against the opening end face of the pipe cover and restricts the upward movement of the pipe cover, so that the cover loading member 4102 is pulled out from the pipe cover to realize the unloading of the pipe cover.

[0168] In some embodiments, the loading assembly 41 further includes a second guide 4118 and a second detection element 4119. One of the loading seat 4107 and the unloading sleeve 4117 is fixedly connected to the second guide 4118, and the other of the loading seat 4107 and the unloading sleeve 4117 is slidably connected to the second guide 4118 and is provided with the second detection element 4119, which is used to detect the position of the second guide 4118.

[0169] Therefore, the stability and reliability of the movement of the second unloading sleeve 4117 can be improved by the second guide member 4118. On this basis, the position of the second unloading sleeve 4117 can be determined by detecting the sliding of the second guide member 4118 by the second detection member 4119, thereby determining whether the second unloading sleeve 4117 has moved to expose the lower end (or loading end) of the cover loading member 4102 to complete the loading of the pipe cover, and whether the second unloading sleeve 4117 has moved to block the lower end (or loading end) of the cover loading member 4102 to push the pipe cover away from the cover loading member 4102.

[0170] For example, the second unloading sleeve 4117 may be fixedly connected to the second guide 4118, the second guide 4118 may be slidably connected to the loading seat 4107, and the second detection element 4119 may be disposed on the loading seat 4107.

[0171] The second guide member 4118 may include guide posts, slides, etc., which are not limited in this application embodiment.

[0172] The second detection component 4119 may include photoelectric sensors, contact switches, infrared ranging sensors, etc., and this application embodiment does not limit this.

[0173] In some embodiments, the loading assembly 41 further includes a fifth elastic element 4120, which is used to drive the second unloading sleeve 4117 toward the loading end near the cover loading member 4102, thereby enabling the second unloading sleeve 4117 to be reset by the fifth elastic element 4120.

[0174] The fifth elastic element 4120 may include torsion springs, tension springs, compression springs, disc springs, and leaf springs, etc., and the embodiments of this application do not limit this.

[0175] For example, the second unloading sleeve 4117 is fitted onto the cover loading member 4102. The fifth elastic member 4120 is fitted onto the second guide member 4118 and compressed between the loading seat 4107 and the second unloading sleeve 4117.

[0176] Please combine Figure 5 and Figure 6 In some embodiments, the toggle member 4302 has two clamping arms 4306 protruding from one end facing the unloading position 4303, and the two clamping arms 4306 are spaced apart.

[0177] Furthermore, when the actuating member 4302 approaches the unloading position 4303, the first unloading sleeve 4113 and / or the second unloading sleeve 4117 can be engaged between the two clamping arms 4306, so that the actuating member 4302 restricts the movement of the corresponding amplification tube and tube cap by restricting the movement of the first unloading sleeve 4113 and / or the second unloading sleeve 4117.

[0178] Of course, in some other embodiments, when the toggle 4302 is close to the unloading position 4303, the expansion tube and / or the tube cap can be directly snapped between the two clamping arms 4306. This application embodiment does not limit this.

[0179] By setting a first unloading sleeve 4113 to connect the amplification tube and the actuating element 4302, and setting a second unloading sleeve 4117 to connect the tube cap and the actuating element 4302, it is beneficial that the actuating element 4302 can reliably limit the amplification tube and the tube cap during the unloading process, thereby ensuring smooth unloading.

[0180] Please continue to refer to this. Figure 7 In some embodiments, the consumable placement device 100 may be provided with a plurality of tube body support positions 11 and a plurality of cover support positions 12. The tube body support positions 11 are used to support amplification tubes for the tube body loading member 4101 to load amplification tubes, and the cover support positions 12 are used to support tube covers for the cover loading member 4102 to load tube covers.

[0181] This allows the loading component 41 to be simultaneously loaded from the consumable placement device 100 and simultaneously transferred to the amplification tube and tube cap.

[0182] Understandably, when the amplification tube is placed on the tube body support position 11, the opening of the amplification tube faces upward; when the tube cap is placed on the cap body support position 12, the opening of the tube cap faces upward, so that the tube body loading component 4101 and the cap body loading component 4102 enter the amplification tube and the tube cap from above respectively, thereby realizing loading.

[0183] In some embodiments, the tube body support position 11 and the cap body support position 12 are arranged adjacent to each other so that the loading assembly 41 can load the amplification tube and the cap at the same position simultaneously.

[0184] In some embodiments, the tube body support position 11 and the cover support position 12 can be arranged in a honeycomb pattern so that the tube body support position 11 and the cover support position 12 at the consumable placement device 100 are arranged more closely to accommodate more amplification tubes and tube caps, so that the loading assembly 41 can load amplification tubes and tube caps at the same position simultaneously.

[0185] Please continue to combine Figure 8 Secondly, embodiments of this application also provide a sample analysis method applied to a sample analyzer. The sample analyzer includes a consumable placement device, an extraction device, a dispensing device, a transport device, an amplification device, and a detection device. The consumable placement device is used to store an amplification container, which includes an amplification tube and a cap. The transport device includes a loading component and a transfer component, and the sample analyzer has an operating position. The method includes: controlling the extraction device to extract nucleic acid from the sample; controlling the transport device to simultaneously load the amplification tube and cap located in the consumable placement device via the loading component, and simultaneously transfer the amplification tube and cap to the operating position via the transfer component; controlling the dispensing device to dispense the extracted nucleic acid into the amplification container at the operating position; controlling the amplification device to amplify the nucleic acid with the cap sealing the amplification tube; and controlling the detection device to detect the amplified nucleic acid.

[0186] Therefore, compared to the loading component transferring the amplification tube and the tube cap in separate steps, the embodiments of this application can realize the synchronous loading and transfer of the amplification tube and the tube cap by the transfer component driving the loading component, thereby improving the scheduling efficiency of the amplification tube and the tube cap, and thus improving the detection efficiency of the sample analyzer.

[0187] The following sections provide detailed descriptions of each example. It should be noted that the order of the following embodiments is not intended to limit the preferred order of the embodiments.

[0188] The specific structure of the sample analyzer can be found in the sample analyzer described in the first aspect, and will not be repeated here in the embodiments of this application. The sample analysis method may include the following steps 101 to 105.

[0189] 101. Control the extraction device to extract nucleic acids from the sample.

[0190] 102. The control transfer device simultaneously loads the amplification tube and tube cap located in the consumable placement device through the loading component, and simultaneously transfers the amplification tube and tube cap to the operation position through the transfer component.

[0191] In some embodiments, simultaneously loading the amplification tube and tube cap located in the consumable placement device by the loading assembly may include: controlling the transfer assembly to drive the loading assembly to move above the consumable placement device; controlling the loading assembly to drive the tube body loading member and the cap loading member to move synchronously downward from above the consumable placement device, so that the tube body loading member loads the amplification tube and the cap loading member loads the tube cap; controlling the loading assembly to drive the tube body loading member and the cap loading member to move upward from the consumable placement device, so that the tube body loading member carries the loaded amplification tube away from the consumable placement device and the cap loading member carries the loaded tube cap away from the consumable placement device.

[0192] Thus, the tube body loading component and the cap loading component can move up and down synchronously to achieve synchronous loading of the expansion tube and the cap.

[0193] In some implementations, the simultaneous transfer of the amplification tube and the tube cap to the operating position by the transfer component may include: controlling the transfer component to drive the loading component away from the consumable placement device to simultaneously transfer the amplification tube loaded by the tube body loading component and the tube cap loaded by the cap body loading component.

[0194] That is, firstly, the moving component is controlled to drive the loading component to move above the consumable placement device so that the amplification tube and the tube cap are detached from the consumable placement device. Then, the moving component is controlled to move in two-dimensional and / or three-dimensional space, thereby realizing the synchronous transfer of the amplification tube loaded on the tube body loading component and the tube cap loaded on the cap body loading component from the consumable placement device to the target position.

[0195] In some embodiments, the transfer component simultaneously transfers the amplification tube and the tube cap to the operating position, and may further include controlling the unloading component to simultaneously unload the amplification tube and the tube cap loaded by the loading component to the operating position.

[0196] Therefore, compared to the loading component moving one of the amplification tube and the cap into place and unloading it using the unloading component, and then the loading component returning to load the other of the amplification tube and the cap into place and unloading it using the unloading component, the embodiments of this application can improve the efficiency of the transport device in moving the amplification container.

[0197] In some embodiments, controlling the unloading component to simultaneously unload the amplification tube and tube cap loaded by the loading component to the operating position may include: controlling the loading component to drive the tube body loading component and the cap loading component to move to the unloading position; controlling the loading component to drive the toggle component to move towards the unloading position to restrict the upward movement of the amplification tube loaded by the tube body loading component and the tube cap loaded by the cap loading component; controlling the loading component to drive the tube body loading component and the cap loading component to move upward so that the tube body loading component is separated from the loaded amplification tube, and the cap loading component is separated from the loaded tube cap.

[0198] In some embodiments, the unloading component includes an unloading seat and a toggle member. The unloading seat has an unloading position located on the path along which the transfer component drives the loading component to move. The toggle member is movably mounted on the unloading seat and is capable of moving toward or away from the unloading position.

[0199] The unloading control component synchronously unloads the amplification tube and tube cap loaded by the loading component to the operating position, including:

[0200] The control loading assembly drives the tube loading component and the cover loading component to move to the unloading position;

[0201] The control loading component drives the toggle to move toward the unloading position to limit the upward movement of the expansion tube loaded by the tube body loading component and the tube cap loaded by the cap body loading component.

[0202] The tube body loading component and the cap loading component are controlled to move relative to the amplification tube and the tube cap, so that the tube body loading component separates from the loaded amplification tube, and the cap loading component separates from the loaded tube cap.

[0203] Specifically, in some embodiments, the loading assembly drives the tube body loading component and the cap loading component to move above the unloading position. Simultaneously, the loading assembly drives the actuating component to move towards the unloading position until it abuts against the amplification tube and the cap, thereby axially limiting the amplification tube and the cap and keeping them stationary. At the same time, the loading assembly drives the tube body loading component and the cap loading component to move upwards, thereby unloading the amplification tube and the cap. That is, in this embodiment, the amplification tube and the cap remain stationary, while the movement of the tube body loading component and the cap loading component achieves relative movement between the amplification tube and the tube body loading component, and between the cap and the cap loading component, thus achieving unloading.

[0204] It should be noted that in other embodiments, the tube body loading component and the cap loading component may remain stationary in the axial direction, and unloading may be achieved by driving the amplification tube and the cap to move towards the unloading position. Alternatively, the tube body loading component and the amplification tube may move in opposite directions simultaneously to achieve relative movement between them to unload the amplification tube, and the cap loading component and the cap may move in opposite directions simultaneously to achieve relative movement between them to unload the cap.

[0205] 103. Control the dispensing device to dispense the extracted nucleic acid into the amplification container in the operation position.

[0206] 104. Control the amplification device to amplify nucleic acids under the condition that the tube cap is sealed.

[0207] 105. Control the detection device to detect the amplified nucleic acid.

[0208] Nucleic acid amplification refers to increasing the quantity of nucleic acids through an amplification reaction. Understandably, the reaction system for a nucleic acid amplification reaction includes reagents in addition to nucleic acids. Therefore, in some embodiments, a mixing step is included after step 103 and before step 104. For example, centrifugation can be used for mixing. Specifically, after the dispensing device dispenses the extracted nucleic acid into the amplification container in the operating position, the tube is capped, and then the capped amplification tube is transferred to a centrifuge for centrifugation. After centrifugation, the capped amplification tube is transferred from the centrifuge to the amplification device, and steps 104 and 105 are executed sequentially. In the above embodiments, the descriptions of each embodiment have different focuses; parts not described in detail in a certain embodiment can be referred to the relevant descriptions of other embodiments.

[0209] The reagent containers and sample analyzers provided in the embodiments of this application have been described in detail above. Specific examples have been used to illustrate the principles and implementation methods of this application. The descriptions of the embodiments above are only for the purpose of helping to understand the methods and core ideas of this application. At the same time, for those skilled in the art, there will be changes in the specific implementation methods and application scope based on the ideas of this application. Therefore, the content of this specification should not be construed as a limitation of this application.

Claims

1. A sample analyzer, characterized in that, The instrument includes a consumable placement device, an extraction device, a dispensing device, a transport device, an amplification device, and a detection device. The sample analyzer has an operating position. The consumable placement device is used to store an amplification container, which includes an amplification tube and a cap. The extraction device is used to extract nucleic acids from a sample. The transport device is used to transport the amplification container from the consumable placement device to the operating position. The dispensing device is used to dispense the nucleic acid extracted by the extraction device into the amplification tube at the operating position. The amplification device is used to amplify the nucleic acid loaded in the amplification tube under the condition that the amplification tube is sealed by the cap. The detection device is used to detect the amplified nucleic acid. The transport device includes: A loading assembly, comprising a tube loading member and a cap loading member, wherein the tube loading member and the cap loading member are respectively used to load the amplification tube and the tube cap; and, A transfer assembly is driven to the loading assembly to drive the loading assembly to synchronously load and transfer the amplification tube and the tube cap.

2. The sample analyzer according to claim 1, characterized in that, The transfer device further includes an unloading component for unloading at least one of the amplification tube and the tube cap loaded by the loading component.

3. The sample analyzer according to claim 2, characterized in that, The unloading component is used to simultaneously unload the amplification tube and the tube cap loaded by the loading component.

4. The sample analyzer according to claim 2, characterized in that, The uninstallation component includes: An unloading seat, the unloading seat having an unloading position located on the path along which the transfer component drives the loading component to move; and, A toggle element is movably mounted on the unloading seat to move toward or away from the unloading position. When the toggle element moves to the unloading position, it can unload at least one of the amplification tube and the tube cap loaded by the loading assembly. The unloading position and the operation position may be in the same location or in two different locations.

5. The sample analyzer according to claim 4, characterized in that, The loading component also includes: A mounting bracket, which is kinetically connected to the transfer assembly, such that the transfer assembly can drive the mounting bracket to the unloading position; and, A first drive unit is mounted on the mounting bracket. When the mounting bracket moves to the unloading position, the first drive unit can drive the toggle member to move toward the unloading position to unload at least one of the amplification tube and the tube cap loaded by the loading assembly.

6. The sample analyzer according to claim 5, characterized in that, The unloading assembly further includes a first elastic element mounted on the unloading seat, the first elastic element being used to drive the actuating element to move away from the unloading position; and / or The loading assembly further includes a second drive unit, which is mounted on the mounting frame. The tube loading component and the cap loading component are both connected to the second drive unit. When the mounting frame moves to the unloading position, the first drive unit can drive the actuating component to move towards the unloading position to restrict the movement of the amplification tube and the cap loaded by the loading assembly. The second drive unit can drive the tube loading component and the cap loading component to move away from the unloading position, thereby unloading the amplification tube and the cap loaded by the loading assembly.

7. The sample analyzer according to claim 1, characterized in that, The loading component also includes: A mounting bracket, which is kinetically connected to the transfer assembly, such that the transfer assembly can drive the mounting bracket to move along a first direction and a second direction; and, The second drive unit is mounted on the mounting bracket and is used to drive the tube loading component and the cover loading component to move along a third direction, wherein the first direction, the second direction and the third direction intersect each other.

8. The sample analyzer according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The loading assembly further includes a loading seat, on which both the tube loading component and the cover loading component are mounted. The loading seat is also connected to the transfer assembly in a transmission manner, so that the transfer assembly can drive the loading seat to move, thereby causing the tube loading component and the cover loading component to move synchronously.

9. The sample analyzer according to claim 8, characterized in that, The tube loading component is movably mounted on the loading seat, and the loading assembly is further provided with a second elastic element, the second elastic element being used to limit the movement of the tube loading component relative to the loading seat; and / or The cover loading member is movably mounted on the loading seat, and the loading assembly is further provided with a third elastic member, the third elastic member being used to limit the movement of the cover loading member relative to the loading seat; and / or The loading assembly further includes an adjustment seat, which is throttle connected to the transfer assembly so that the transfer assembly can drive the adjustment seat to move. The loading seat is adjustablely mounted on the adjustment seat at an angle and / or position to follow the movement of the adjustment seat.

10. The sample analyzer according to claim 8, characterized in that, The loading assembly further includes at least one of a first unloading sleeve and a second unloading sleeve; The first unloading sleeve is movably mounted on the tube loading member or the loading seat. The first unloading sleeve can move away from the loading end of the tube loading member to allow the loading end of the tube loading member to load the amplification tube. The first unloading sleeve can also move towards the loading end of the tube loading member to push the amplification tube loaded by the tube loading member to detach from the tube loading member. The second unloading sleeve is movably mounted on the cover loading member or the loading seat. The second unloading sleeve is capable of moving away from the loading end of the cover loading member to allow the loading end of the cover loading member to load the pipe cover. The first unloading sleeve is also capable of moving towards the loading end of the cover loading member to push the pipe cover loaded by the cover loading member to detach from the pipe loading member.

11. The sample analyzer according to claim 10, characterized in that, The loading assembly further includes a first guide, a first detection element, and a fourth elastic element. One of the loading seat and the first unloading sleeve is fixedly connected to the first guide. The other of the loading seat and the first unloading sleeve is slidably connected to the first guide and is provided with the first detection element. The first detection element is used to detect the position of the first guide. The fourth elastic element is used to drive the first unloading sleeve to move toward the loading end of the tube loading assembly. And / or, The loading assembly further includes a second guide, a second detection element, and a fifth elastic element. One of the loading seat and the second unloading sleeve is fixedly connected to the second guide, and the other of the loading seat and the second unloading sleeve is slidably connected to the second guide and is provided with the second detection element. The second detection element is used to detect the position of the second guide, and the fifth elastic element is used to drive the second unloading sleeve to move toward the loading end of the cover loading assembly.

12. The sample analyzer according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The consumable placement device is provided with multiple tube body support positions and multiple cover support positions. The tube body support positions are used to support the amplification tubes so that the tube body loading component can load the amplification tubes. The cover support positions are used to support the tube covers so that the cover loading component can load the tube covers. The tube body bearing position and the cover body bearing position are arranged adjacent to each other.

13. A sample analysis method, characterized in that, The method is applied to a sample analyzer, which includes a consumable placement device, an extraction device, a dispensing device, a transport device, an amplification device, and a detection device. The consumable placement device is used to store at least an amplification container, which includes an amplification tube and a cap. The transport device includes a loading component and a transfer component, and the sample analyzer has an operating position. The extraction device is controlled to extract nucleic acids from the sample; The transfer device is controlled to simultaneously load the amplification tube and the tube cap located in the consumable placement device through the loading component, and simultaneously transfer the amplification tube and the tube cap to the operation position through the transfer component; The dispensing device is controlled to dispense the extracted nucleic acid into the amplification container at the operation position; The amplification device is controlled to amplify the nucleic acid under the condition that the amplification tube is sealed by the tube cap; The detection device is controlled to detect the amplified nucleic acid.

14. The sample analysis method according to claim 13, characterized in that, The loading assembly includes a tube loading component and a cap loading component, which are used to load the amplification tube and the cap, respectively. The simultaneous loading of the amplification tube and the tube cap located in the consumable placement device via the loading assembly includes: The transfer component is controlled to drive the loading component to move above the consumable placement device; The loading assembly is controlled to drive the tube loading component and the cap loading component to move synchronously downward from above the consumable placement device, so that the tube loading component loads the amplification tube and the cap loading component loads the tube cap. The loading assembly is controlled to drive the tube loading member and the cap loading member to move upward from the consumable placement device, so that the tube loading member carries the loaded amplification tube away from the consumable placement device, and the cap loading member carries the loaded tube cap away from the consumable placement device.

15. The sample analysis method according to claim 14, characterized in that, The simultaneous transfer of the amplification tube and the tube cap to the operating position via the transfer assembly includes: The transfer component is controlled to drive the loading component away from the consumable placement device to synchronously transfer the amplification tube loaded by the tube body loading component and the tube cap loaded by the cap body loading component.

16. The sample analysis method according to any one of claims 13 to 15, characterized in that, The transfer device also includes an unloading component; The step of simultaneously transferring the amplification tube and the tube cap to the operating position via the transfer component further includes: The unloading component is controlled to simultaneously unload the amplification tube and the tube cap loaded by the loading component to the operation position.

17. The sample analysis method according to claim 16, characterized in that, When the loading assembly is provided with a tube loading component and a cap loading component, the tube loading component and the cap loading component are respectively used to load the amplification tube and the tube cap; the unloading assembly includes an unloading seat and a toggle component, the unloading seat has an unloading position, the unloading position is located on the path on which the transfer assembly drives the loading assembly to move, the toggle component is movably mounted on the unloading seat, and the toggle component can move toward or away from the unloading position; The control of the unloading component to simultaneously unload the amplification tube and the tube cap loaded by the loading component to the operation position includes: The loading assembly is controlled to drive the tube loading component and the cover loading component to the unloading position; The loading assembly is controlled to drive the toggle to move toward the unloading position, thereby restricting the upward movement of the amplification tube loaded by the tube body loading assembly and the tube cap loaded by the cap body loading assembly; The tube body loading component and the cap loading component are controlled to move relative to the amplification tube and the tube cap, so that the tube body loading component separates from the loaded amplification tube, and the cap loading component separates from the loaded tube cap.

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