Sample conveying track with positioning mechanism and chemical immunoluminescence instrument thereof
By introducing a sample transfer track with a positioning mechanism in the chemical immunoluminescence instrument, the precise control of the sample holder is achieved by using electromagnetic control and state detection devices, the problem of low accuracy and flexibility in the prior art is solved, and maintenance costs are reduced. Energy consumption improves equipment life and operating efficiency.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202421032284.8
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2024-05-13
- Publication Date
- 2024-12-27
- Estimated Expiration
- 2034-05-13
AI Technical Summary
The sample rack transmission track in existing chemical immunoluminescence instruments is not very accurate, has high maintenance costs and low flexibility, making it difficult to implement complex sample processing logic, resulting in high system complexity and operating costs.
Design a sample conveying track with a positioning mechanism to achieve precise control of the sample holder through an electromagnetically controlled positioning baffle, which is activated only when necessary, and uses elastic components and electromagnets to achieve reciprocating swing of the positioning baffle to block or allow samples. The frame passes through, and the status detection device determines the status of the positioning mechanism.
It realizes flexible and accurate positioning of the sample rack, reduces maintenance costs and potential failure points, improves operating efficiency and equipment life, saves energy consumption, and ensures the safety and flexibility of sample transmission.
Smart Images

Figure CN222248822U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of immunoassay equipment, and in particular to a sample conveying track with a positioning mechanism and a chemiimmunoluminometer thereof. Background Art
[0002] The track conveyor system is used in the chemiimmunoluminometer to transfer sample racks between different working units. There are usually several ways to control the transmission and stopping of the sample rack: software control, the user can set the sample rack to stop or start moving at a specific position on the track through the software interface; sensor and automation control, such as installing position sensors, photoelectric sensors, etc., which can detect the position of the sample rack and send signals to the control system; multiple docking stations can also be set on the track. When the sample rack reaches these designated docking stations, necessary processing steps can be performed, etc., to ensure that the chemiimmunoluminometer can process a large number of samples efficiently and accurately, while reducing the risk of human error and cross contamination. In this way, the instrument can automatically complete complex diagnostic tasks and improve overall work efficiency.
[0003] However, the structure involved in the above method is complex and difficult to install, and the cost of production and use is high. In order to save costs, the movement of the sample rack is usually managed by controlling the start and stop of the conveyor belt of the conveyor track. The start and stop of the sample rack transmission can be directly controlled by the physical transportation mechanism, which can quickly realize the control of sample movement. However, this method still has major limitations, including: (1) low accuracy, unable to accurately locate the position of the sample rack; (2) high maintenance cost, the conveyor belt system may require more physical maintenance, such as regular inspection of the belt tension, wear, etc.; (3) low flexibility. If it is necessary to stop and process in multiple different working units, relying solely on the switch control of the conveyor belt may not be flexible enough, and it is difficult to implement more complex sample processing logic.
[0004] Therefore, it is an urgent technical problem to design a sample conveying track that can flexibly and accurately locate the running position of the sample rack and is easy to install and has low running cost. Utility Model Content
[0005] In view of the technical problems existing in the prior art, the present application proposes a sample conveying track with a positioning mechanism. According to the present application, by installing the positioning mechanism at the position where positioning is required, the running position of the sample rack can be flexibly and accurately positioned. And it can be achieved that under normal conditions, the sample rack is blocked by the positioning mechanism and cannot be conveyed; only when it is allowed to pass, the sample rack on the track can be conveyed. Blocking the passage of the sample rack is the default state, which can ensure the safety of the sample rack conveying order while saving a lot of manpower and electricity, reducing the control cost.
[0006] The sample conveying track with a positioning mechanism of the present application includes a track for conveying samples, and a bracket is provided beside the track, and a positioning mechanism is provided on the bracket, and the positioning mechanism includes: a positioning baffle arranged perpendicular to the direction of the track, and the top of the positioning baffle is a free end; the bottom end of the positioning baffle is fixedly connected to one end of a traction shaft arranged parallel to the direction of the track; the other end of the traction shaft is connected to an elastic component arranged inside the electromagnet; a through hole for the rotating shaft to pass through is provided on the positioning baffle, and the positioning baffle can swing back and forth in both directions around the rotating shaft; wherein, when the electromagnet is powered off, the elastic component is in a released state, and the traction shaft naturally extends out to support the bottom end of the positioning baffle, and the top end of the positioning baffle constitutes a barrier to the sample transported on the track; when the electromagnet is powered on, the elastic component is in a contracted state, and the traction shaft pulls back the bottom end of the positioning baffle, and the sample on the track passes normally.
[0007] Optionally, according to an embodiment of the present application, the electromagnet and the traction shaft are coaxially arranged, and both are located below the track.
[0008] Optionally, according to an embodiment of the present application, when the traction shaft is naturally extended, the top end of the positioning baffle is blocked in the conveying space of the track.
[0009] Optionally, according to an embodiment of the present application, the positioning mechanism is arranged near the end position of the track, and a side wall is provided on the side of the track adjacent to the positioning mechanism, and a groove is provided on the side wall, and the groove width of the groove is greater than the thickness of the positioning baffle to accommodate the positioning baffle passing through during the reciprocating swinging process.
[0010] Optionally, according to an embodiment of the present application, when the elastic component is in a released state, a length of the traction shaft exceeding the track is a first length, and the first length is greater than a vertical distance between the rotating shaft and the track.
[0011] Optionally, according to an embodiment of the present application, when the elastic component is in a contracted state, the length of the traction shaft exceeding the track is a second length, and the second length is smaller than a vertical distance between the rotating shaft and the track.
[0012] Optionally, according to an embodiment of the present application, the electromagnet is a cylindrical structure, the elastic component is a spring member, one end of which is fixedly connected to the center of the bottom surface of the electromagnet away from the positioning baffle at one end, and the other end is fixedly connected to the traction shaft, and the traction shaft is reciprocated and extended in the axial direction under the action of the spring member.
[0013] Optionally, according to an embodiment of the present application, when the top end of the positioning baffle is blocked in the conveying space of the track, the distance between the top end of the positioning baffle and the bottom of the track is smaller than the height of the sample rack transported by the track.
[0014] Optionally, according to an embodiment of the present application, in a direction perpendicular to the length of the positioning baffle, an extension baffle is provided at the top of the positioning baffle toward the side of the track, and the length of the extension baffle is ≤ the distance between the top of the positioning baffle and the bottom of the track.
[0015] Optionally, according to an embodiment of the present application, the bracket includes a first light source detection point and a second light source detection point at the bottom end position near the positioning baffle, on which a first state detection device and a second state detection device are respectively arranged; when the elastic component is in a released state, the lower end of the positioning baffle covers the first state detection device; when the elastic component is in a contracted state, the lower end of the positioning baffle covers the second state detection device; when the positioning baffle is stuck in the frame of the sample rack, the lower end of the positioning baffle is located between the first state detection device and the second state detection device.
[0016] Optionally, according to an embodiment of the present application, a detection rack is further included on the bracket, the top of the detection rack is located next to the top of the positioning baffle and is provided with a sample rack detection device for detecting whether there is a sample rack on the track in front of the positioning mechanism.
[0017] Optionally, according to an embodiment of the present application, the detection frame is located on a first side of the positioning mechanism where the detection frame is arranged, and the first side faces a conveying direction of the track.
[0018] Optionally, according to an embodiment of the present application, a mounting plate is provided on the bracket, and a setting position of the mounting plate corresponds to a setting position of the rotating shaft and the electromagnet respectively.
[0019] The present application also includes a chemiimmunoluminometer, which includes at least a sample library and a reagent compartment, and also includes a sample conveying track with a positioning mechanism as described in any of the above items, wherein the track is used to convey a sample rack, and the positioning mechanism is used to block the sample rack from passing through.
[0020] The present application achieves precise control of the flow sample rack through an electromagnetically controlled positioning baffle, and provides a simplified operation mode with its low-latency response and high reliability. The direct mechanical manipulation of the positioning mechanism reduces the complexity of the system, reduces maintenance costs and potential failure points. In addition, the present application is only activated when necessary, avoiding the need for continuous operation, with high efficiency and longer equipment life. Moreover, the relationship between the positioning mechanism and the sample rack can be determined based on the signal fed back by the sensor, and whether there is a sample rack at the location of the positioning mechanism can be quickly known. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0021] Below, the preferred embodiments of the present application will be further described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:
[0022] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of a sample conveying track with a positioning mechanism according to an embodiment of the present application;
[0023] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A-direction view;
[0024] Figure 3 It is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of a positioning mechanism according to an embodiment of the present application;
[0025] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 E-direction view;
[0026] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 CC section view;
[0027] Figure 6 yes Figure 4 B-direction view;
[0028] Figure 7 A cross-sectional view of a positioning mechanism along the axial direction of the motor according to another embodiment of the present application.
[0029] Figure numerals: 100, track; 101, groove; 200, bracket; 300, positioning mechanism; 310, positioning baffle; 311, rotating shaft; 319, extension baffle; 320, traction shaft; 330, electromagnet; 340, first state detection device; 350, second state detection device; 600, detection rack; 650, sample rack detection device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0030] In order to make the purpose, technical solution and advantages of the embodiments of the present application clearer, the technical solution in the embodiments of the present application will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the drawings in the embodiments of the present application. Obviously, the described embodiments are part of the embodiments of the present application, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments in the present application, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without creative work are within the scope of protection of this application.
[0031] In the following detailed description, reference may be made to the various specification drawings that are part of the present application and are used to illustrate specific embodiments of the present application. In the accompanying drawings, similar reference numerals describe substantially similar components in different figures. The various specific embodiments of the present application are described below in sufficient detail so that a person of ordinary skill in the art with relevant knowledge and skills in the art can implement the technical solutions of the present application. It should be understood that other embodiments may also be used or structural, logical or electrical changes may be made to the embodiments of the present application.
[0032] like Figure 1 As shown, the sample conveying track with a positioning mechanism of the present application includes a track 100 for conveying samples, and a positioning mechanism 300 is arranged beside the track 100. Figure 1 As shown, the positioning mechanism 300 is blocked at the middle position of the track 100 through the groove opened on the side of the track 100. Figure 2 As shown, when there are multiple tracks 100, a positioning mechanism 300 can be installed at the position where each track 100 needs to be positioned according to actual needs, for example Figure 2 The running direction of the uppermost track 100 shown in the figure runs from left to right, and the right position is the end of this track, where a positioning mechanism 300 is installed. Taking the track 100 at the bottom as an example, in some embodiments, this track can be used as a recycling track to recycle the sample rack into the recycling area on the left. A positioning mechanism 300 is provided at the end of the track to prevent the sample rack from being conveyed in when the recycling area is already full. When it is necessary to stop and process in multiple different working units, by installing the positioning mechanisms of the embodiments of the present application at different positions, more complex sample processing logic can be flexibly implemented.
[0033] like Figures 3 to 7As shown, the positioning mechanism 300 is arranged on the bracket 200. In some embodiments, the bracket 200 can be arranged in an L shape, with the bottom edge located below the track, the side edge located at the side of the track 200, and arranged toward the track 200. The positioning mechanism 300 includes: a positioning baffle 310 arranged perpendicular to the direction of the track 100, and the top of the positioning baffle 310 is a free end; the bottom end of the positioning baffle 310 is fixedly connected to one end of a traction shaft 320 arranged parallel to the direction of the track 100; the other end of the traction shaft 320 is connected to an elastic component (not shown in the figure) arranged inside the electromagnet 330. In some embodiments, the elastic component is a spring. A through hole (not shown in the figure) is opened on the positioning baffle 310 for the rotation shaft 311 to pass through, and the positioning baffle 310 can swing back and forth bidirectionally around the rotation shaft 311.
[0034] The electromagnet of the present application is in a power-off state by default and is activated only when necessary, thereby avoiding the need for continuous operation. When the power is off, the elastic component is in a released state, the traction shaft naturally extends out to support the bottom end of the positioning baffle, and the top end of the positioning baffle blocks the samples transported on the track; when the electromagnet is powered on, the elastic component is in a contracted state, the traction shaft pulls back the bottom end of the positioning baffle, and the samples on the track pass normally.
[0035] Continue as Figures 3 to 7 As shown, the electromagnet 330 and the traction shaft 320 are coaxially arranged, and both are located below the track. Figure 1-Figure 7 As shown, the coaxial electromagnet 330 and the traction shaft 320 are mounted on the bottom edge of the bracket 200, and the positioning baffle 310 is mounted on the side edge of the bracket 200. The electromagnet 330 and the traction shaft 320 are located below the track to effectively utilize the space.
[0036] like Figure 1-Figure 2 As shown, optionally, according to an embodiment of the present application, the positioning mechanism 300 is arranged at a position close to the end of the track 100, and a side wall is provided on the side of the track 100 adjacent to the positioning mechanism 300, and a groove 101 is provided on the side wall, and the groove width of the groove 101 is greater than the thickness of the positioning baffle 310 to accommodate the positioning baffle 310 passing through during the reciprocating swinging process.
[0037] like Figure 7As shown, in the default power-off state, the traction shaft 320 extends naturally, pushing the bottom end of the positioning baffle 310 away from the track 100, driving the top end of the positioning baffle 310 to move toward the track 100 through the rotating shaft 311, and finally blocking the middle of the track 100, thereby blocking the sample rack running on the track 100. At this time, the length of the traction shaft 320 exceeding the track 100 is a first length, and the first length is greater than the vertical distance between the rotating shaft 311 and the track 100.
[0038] Continue as Figure 7 As shown, in order to ensure that the sample rack can be blocked, when the traction shaft 320 is naturally extended, the distance between the top of the positioning baffle 310 and the bottom of the track 100 is less than the height of the sample being transported. If the samples are of different heights, the distance between the top of the positioning baffle 310 and the bottom of the track 100 should be less than the height of the shortest sample rack.
[0039] The present application achieves precise control of the flow sample rack through an electromagnetically controlled positioning baffle. Compared with traditional complex sensors and stepper motor systems, the present application provides a simplified operation method with its low-latency response and high reliability, and can achieve precise positioning and blocking without complex programming or adjustment. The direct mechanical manipulation of the positioning mechanism reduces the complexity of the system, reduces maintenance costs and potential failure points. In addition, compared with the prior art, the present application has obvious advantages in increasing operating speed and reducing energy consumption. It is only activated when necessary, avoiding the need for continuous operation, which not only means higher energy efficiency, but also indicates longer equipment life and fewer operational interruptions.
[0040] like Figure 3-Figure 7 As shown, in some embodiments, the electromagnet 330 is a cylindrical structure, the elastic component is a spring component, one end of the spring component is fixedly connected to the center of the bottom surface of the electromagnet 330 away from the positioning baffle 310, and the other end is fixedly connected to the traction shaft 320. The traction shaft 320 is reciprocated and extended in the axial direction under the action of the spring component.
[0041] Continue as Figure 1-Figure 7As shown, when the sample rack can pass through the position where the positioning block is located, the electromagnet 330 is energized, and the elastic component is compressed and shortened under the action of the electromagnetic force, and the traction shaft 320 is pulled back by the elastic component, pulling the bottom end of the positioning baffle 310 back toward the track 100, and the top end of the positioning baffle 310 moves away from the track 100 through the rotating shaft 311, and finally no longer blocks the middle of the track 100, and the sample rack running on the track 100 passes smoothly. When the elastic component is in the contracted state, the length of the traction shaft 320 exceeding the track 100 is the second length, and the second length is less than the vertical distance between the rotating shaft 311 and the track 100.
[0042] like Figure 3-Figure 7 As shown, optionally, according to an embodiment of the present application, in a direction perpendicular to the length of the positioning baffle 310, an extension baffle 319 is provided at the top of the positioning baffle 310 toward one side of the track, and the length of the extension baffle 319 is ≤ the distance between the top of the positioning baffle 310 and the bottom of the track 100, so as to avoid friction between the extension baffle 319 and the bottom of the track 100 and affect the movement of the positioning baffle 310.
[0043] like Figure 3-Figure 7 As shown, optionally, according to an embodiment of the present application, it also includes a detection rack 600 arranged on the bracket, the top of the detection rack 600 is located next to the top of the positioning baffle 310 and is provided with a sample rack detection device 670 for detecting whether there is a sample rack on the track 100 in front of the positioning mechanism 300.
[0044] like Figure 1-Figure 7 As shown, in some embodiments, the detection rack 600 is located at the first side of the positioning mechanism 300 where the detection rack is arranged, and the first side faces the conveying direction of the track 100. The reason for this design is that the sample rack detection device 650 can detect in advance whether a sample rack will pass through the positioning mechanism 300, and can predict whether to allow the sample rack to pass, thereby increasing the reaction time. The sample rack detection device 650 makes it possible to more accurately and calmly control the state of the positioning mechanism 300, thereby accurately controlling the stop position of the sample rack.
[0045] like Figure 3-Figure 7 As shown, optionally, according to an embodiment of the present application, the bracket 200 includes a first light source detection point (not shown in the figure) and a second light source detection point (not shown in the figure) at the bottom end position near the positioning baffle 310, and the first state detection device 340 and the second state detection device 350 are respectively disposed thereon. Figure 7As shown, when the elastic component is in the released state, the lower end of the positioning baffle 310 covers the first state detection device 340; when the elastic component is in the contracted state, the lower end of the positioning baffle 310 covers the second state detection device 350. According to the electrical signals fed back by the first state detection device 340 and the second state detection device 350, it can be clearly known whether the positioning baffle 310 is in the middle of the track 100, blocking the passage of the sample rack, or is away from the track 100, allowing the sample rack to pass. When multiple tracks 100 are provided, and multiple positioning mechanisms 300 are provided respectively, the specific states of the positioning baffles 310 at all the installation points can be coordinated through the electrical signals reflected by the two detection devices at each installation point, and the specific state of the positioning baffles 310 can also be quickly adjusted according to the needs of sample rack transportation.
[0046] like Figure 5 As shown, when the positioning baffle 310 is stuck in the body of the sample rack, the lower end of the positioning baffle 310 is located between the first state detection device 340 and the second state detection device 350. At this time, both detection devices are not blocked. According to the two electrical signals at this time, it can be accurately known that the lower end of the positioning baffle 310 is located between the two detection devices at this time. Therefore, the top of the positioning baffle 310 must be stuck on the sample rack. Therefore, it can be determined that there must be a sample rack at the position of the positioning baffle 310. Therefore, the position of the sample rack can be quickly determined by the two electrical signals.
[0047] The present application also proposes a chemiimmunoluminometer, which includes at least a sample library and a reagent compartment, and also includes a sample conveying track with a positioning mechanism 300 as described above, wherein the track 100 is used to convey the sample rack, and the positioning mechanism 300 is used to block the sample rack from passing through.
[0048] According to the sample conveying track of the present application, it can be achieved that under normal conditions, the sample rack is blocked by the positioning mechanism and cannot be conveyed; only when it is allowed to pass, the sample rack on the track can be conveyed. Blocking the sample rack from passing is the default state, which can ensure the safety of the sample rack conveying order while saving a lot of manpower and electricity, reducing control costs. The present application is only activated when necessary, avoiding the need for continuous operation, has obvious advantages in reducing energy consumption, and also has a longer equipment life. By installing a positioning mechanism at the position where positioning is required, and by providing two state detection devices, it is possible to accurately determine whether the positioning mechanism is in a power-off or power-on state, and it is also possible to determine whether there is a sample rack stuck in the position of the positioning mechanism, so that the operating position of the sample rack can be flexibly and accurately located.
[0049] The above embodiments are only used to illustrate the present application, and are not intended to limit the present application. Ordinary technicians in the relevant technical field may make various changes and modifications without departing from the scope of the present application. Therefore, all equivalent technical solutions should also fall within the scope disclosed in the present application.
Claims
1. A sample conveying track with a positioning mechanism, comprising a track for conveying samples, characterized in that: A bracket is provided beside the track, and a positioning mechanism is provided on the bracket, and the positioning mechanism includes: A positioning baffle plate arranged perpendicular to the track direction, wherein the top end of the positioning baffle plate is a free end; The bottom end of the positioning baffle is fixedly connected to one end of a traction shaft arranged parallel to the track direction; the other end of the traction shaft is connected to an elastic component arranged inside the electromagnet; The positioning baffle is provided with a through hole for the rotation shaft to pass through, and the positioning baffle can swing back and forth bidirectionally around the rotation shaft; Among them, when the electromagnet is powered off, the elastic component is in a released state, the traction shaft naturally extends out to support the bottom end of the positioning baffle, and the top end of the positioning baffle blocks the samples transported on the track; when the electromagnet is powered on, the elastic component is in a contracted state, the traction shaft pulls back the bottom end of the positioning baffle, and the samples on the track pass normally.
2. The sample conveying track with a positioning mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that: The electromagnet and the traction shaft are coaxially arranged, and both are located below the track.
3. The sample conveying track with a positioning mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that: When the traction shaft is naturally extended, the top end of the positioning baffle is blocked in the conveying space of the track.
4. The sample conveying track with a positioning mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that: The positioning mechanism is arranged near the end of the track, and a side wall is provided on the side of the track adjacent to the positioning mechanism. A groove is provided on the side wall, and the groove width of the groove is greater than the thickness of the positioning baffle to accommodate the positioning baffle passing through during the reciprocating swinging process.
5. The sample conveying track with a positioning mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that: When the elastic component is in a released state, the length of the traction shaft exceeding the track is a first length, and the first length is greater than a vertical distance between the rotating shaft and the track.
6. The sample conveying track with a positioning mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that: When the elastic component is in a contracted state, the length of the traction shaft exceeding the track is a second length, and the second length is smaller than a vertical distance between the rotating shaft and the track.
7. The sample conveying track with a positioning mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that: The electromagnet is a cylindrical structure, and the elastic component is a spring component, one end of which is fixedly connected to the center of the bottom surface of the electromagnet away from the positioning baffle, and the other end is fixedly connected to the traction shaft. The traction shaft is reciprocated and extended in the axial direction under the action of the spring component.
8. The sample conveying track with a positioning mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that: When the top end of the positioning baffle is blocked in the conveying space of the track, the distance between the top end of the positioning baffle and the bottom of the track is smaller than the height of the sample rack conveyed by the track.
9. The sample conveying track with a positioning mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that: In a direction perpendicular to the length of the positioning baffle, an extension baffle is provided at the top of the positioning baffle toward the track, and the length of the extension baffle is ≤ the distance between the top of the positioning baffle and the bottom of the track.
10. The sample conveying track with a positioning mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that: The bracket includes a first light source detection point and a second light source detection point at the bottom end position near the positioning baffle, and the first state detection device and the second state detection device are respectively arranged thereon; when the elastic component is in a released state, the lower end of the positioning baffle covers the first state detection device; when the elastic component is in a contracted state, the lower end of the positioning baffle covers the second state detection device; when the positioning baffle is stuck in the frame of the sample rack, the lower end of the positioning baffle is located between the first state detection device and the second state detection device.
11. The sample conveying track with a positioning mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a detection rack arranged on the bracket, the top of which is located beside the top of the positioning baffle and is provided with a sample rack detection device for detecting whether there is a sample rack on the track in front of the positioning mechanism.
12. The sample conveying track with a positioning mechanism according to claim 11, characterized in that: The detection frame is located at a first side of the positioning mechanism where the detection frame is arranged, and the first side faces a conveying direction of the track.
13. The sample conveying track with a positioning mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that: The bracket is provided with a mounting plate, and the mounting position of the mounting plate corresponds to the mounting positions of the rotating shaft and the electromagnet respectively.
14. A chemiimmunoluminometer, comprising at least a sample library and a reagent compartment, characterized in that: It also includes a sample conveying track with a positioning mechanism as described in any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the track is used to convey the sample rack, and the positioning mechanism is used to block the sample rack from passing through.
