Sample tube bearing frame and sample processing device

Abstract

The utility model discloses a sample tube bearing frame and a sample processing device, and belongs to the technical field of sample processing, the sample tube bearing frame comprises a bearing frame body and an elastic limiting piece, the bearing frame body is provided with a plurality of containing grooves with upward openings, the bottom of each containing groove is concavely provided with a limiting groove, and the elastic limiting piece is arranged in the containing groove. The limiting groove and the containing groove are coaxially arranged so that a sample tube can be placed. The elastic limiting piece is connected with the bearing frame body and arranged in the circumferential direction of the containing groove, and at least part of the elastic limiting piece is arranged on the side wall of the containing groove in a protruding mode so as to elastically abut against the sample tube. The sample processing device comprises the sample tube bearing frame and a driving mechanism, and the driving mechanism is connected with the bearing frame body to drive the bearing frame body to move in the first linear direction. The limiting groove is matched with the elastic limiting piece, so that the sample tube is stably arranged in the containing groove and extends along the axis of the containing groove, and the sample tube is prevented from inclining.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to the technical field of sample processing, in particular to a sample tube carrier and a sample processing device. Background Art

[0002] In a laboratory, a sample tube rack is usually used to receive, hold, and / or align one or more sample tubes. The sample tube can contain biological sample materials or specimens. During an experiment, different types of analyzers are needed to analyze various different samples stored in multiple sample tubes. In order to transport the sample tube and the sample contained therein to a processing position, an automatic transport system is usually used. During the transport process or at the processing position, a camera is used to identify the position of the sample tube, and an automated sampling mechanism is usually used to aspirate the sample in the sample tube.

[0003] Generally, the sample tube is made of transparent plastic material. Because it is injection molded and needs to meet the draft angle, the sample tube has a certain taper, is a non-standard cylinder, and the outer dimension of the sample tube has a large tolerance. Therefore, when the sample tube is loaded into the sample tube rack, the sample tube will be skewed. Especially when the sample tube is long, the skewing degree at the top will be amplified, and the deviation of coaxial sample tubes will increase, resulting in inaccurate acquisition of the position of the sample tube during automated sampling or camera recognition, generating a large error and affecting the experimental process. Summary of the Utility Model

[0004] The purpose of the utility model is to provide a sample tube carrier and a sample processing device to solve the technical problem that the sample tube is inclined on the sample tube rack in the prior art, resulting in inaccurate position acquisition.

[0005] With the above concept, the technical solution adopted by the utility model is as follows:

[0006] A sample tube carrier, comprising:

[0007] A carrier body, on which a plurality of accommodation grooves with openings facing upward are provided. The bottom of the accommodation groove is recessed downward to form a limiting groove, and the limiting groove is coaxially arranged with the accommodation groove to be able to place the sample tube;

[0008] An elastic limiting member, connected to the carrier body and arranged circumferentially around the accommodation groove, and at least part of the elastic limiting member protrudes from the side wall of the accommodation groove to elastically abut against the sample tube.

[0009] Preferably, a relief groove is provided on the side wall of the accommodation groove corresponding to the position of the elastic limiting member, and the relief groove is used to accommodate at least part of the elastic limiting member.

[0010] Preferably, the cross-sectional area of the limiting groove gradually decreases from top to bottom.

[0011] Preferably, the elastic limiting member includes a first elastic piece and a second elastic piece bent and extending relative to the first elastic piece. The first elastic piece is detachably connected to the carrier body, and at least a part of the second elastic piece protrudes from the side wall of the accommodating groove to abut against the sample tube.

[0012] Preferably, two second elastic pieces are provided corresponding to each first elastic piece, and the two second elastic pieces of one first elastic piece are distributed in two adjacent accommodating grooves.

[0013] Preferably, at least two second elastic pieces are provided corresponding to each accommodating groove, and the second elastic pieces are uniformly arranged around the circumference of the accommodating groove.

[0014] Preferably, the carrier body extends in a long strip shape along a first straight line direction, and a plurality of the accommodating grooves are arranged at intervals along the first straight line direction.

[0015] Preferably, a first identification groove communicating with the accommodating groove is provided on one side of the accommodating groove on the carrier body along a second straight line direction, the second straight line is perpendicular to the first straight line, and a calibration portion is provided on the same side of the carrier body as the first identification groove.

[0016] Preferably, induction magnets are provided at the bottom of the carrier body, and the induction magnets are distributed at both ends of the carrier body along the first straight line direction.

[0017] A sample processing device includes the sample tube carrier as described above, and further includes a driving mechanism. The driving mechanism is selectively connected to the carrier body and can drive the carrier body to move along the first straight line direction.

[0018] Advantages of the present utility model:

[0019] For the sample tube carrier provided by the present utility model, when the sample tube is inserted into the accommodating groove, the sample tube presses the elastic limiting member, causing the elastic limiting member to elastically deform. The elastic limiting member plays a role in supporting and adjusting the sample tube; due to the elasticity of the elastic limiting member, it can adapt to sample tubes with different diameters; the bottom of the sample tube is inserted into the limiting groove and abuts against the limiting groove. Since the limiting groove and the accommodating groove are coaxially arranged, it can ensure that the sample tube with a draft angle of any angle extends along the axis of the accommodating groove; through the cooperation of the limiting groove and the elastic limiting member, the sample tube is stably arranged in the accommodating groove and extends along the axis of the accommodating groove, avoiding the sample tube from tilting. Description of the drawings

[0020] Figure 1 is a schematic structural view of the sample tube carrier carrying a sample tube provided by an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0021] Figure 2 It is a partial structural sectional view of a sample tube carrier provided by an embodiment of the present utility model, with a sample tube carried thereon;

[0022] Figure 3 It is a schematic structural view of a sample tube carrier provided by an embodiment of the present utility model; Figure 1 ;

[0023] Figure 4 It is a partial schematic structural view of a sample tube carrier provided by an embodiment of the present utility model; Figure 1 ;

[0024] Figure 5 It is a partial schematic structural view of a sample tube carrier provided by an embodiment of the present utility model; Figure 2 ;

[0025] Figure 6 It is a partial schematic structural view of a sample tube carrier provided by an embodiment of the present utility model; Figure 3 ;

[0026] Figure 7 It is a schematic structural view of a sample tube carrier provided by an embodiment of the present utility model; Figure 2 ;

[0027] Figure 8 It is Figure 7 an enlarged view of part A;

[0028] Figure 9 It is Figure 7 an enlarged view of part B;

[0029] Figure 10 It is a schematic structural view of an elastic limiting member provided by an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0030] Figure 11 It is a schematic structural view of another elastic limiting member provided by an embodiment of the present utility model.

[0031] In the figure:

[0032] 100. Sample tube;

[0033] 10. Carrier body; 11. Accommodation groove; 12. Limiting groove; 13. Avoidance groove; 14. First identification groove; 15. Calibration part; 16. Second identification groove; 17. Guide groove; 18. Driving groove; 19. Positioning groove;

[0034] 20. Elastic limiting member; 21. First elastic sheet; 22. Second elastic sheet;

[0035] 30. Inductive magnet. Detailed implementation manners

[0036] Embodiments of the present utility model will be described in detail below. Examples of the embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, where the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are intended to explain the present utility model and should not be construed as limiting the present utility model.

[0037] In the description of the present utility model, unless otherwise clearly defined and limited, the terms "connected", "connected to", and "fixed" shall be understood in a broad sense. For example, it may be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or integrated; it may be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it may be directly connected or indirectly connected through an intermediate medium, and it may be the communication inside two elements or the interaction relationship between two elements. For those of ordinary skill in the art, the specific meanings of the above terms in the present utility model can be understood according to specific circumstances.

[0038] In the present utility model, unless otherwise clearly defined and limited, the first feature being "above" or "below" the second feature may include the direct contact between the first and second features, or may include the situation where the first and second features are not in direct contact but in contact through other features therebetween. Moreover, the first feature being "above", "above and over", and "on the top" of the second feature includes that the first feature is directly above and obliquely above the second feature, or merely means that the first feature is at a higher horizontal height than the second feature. The first feature being "below", "below and under", and "under the bottom" of the second feature includes that the first feature is directly below and obliquely below the second feature, or merely means that the first feature is at a lower horizontal height than the second feature.

[0039] The technical solution of the present utility model will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and through specific embodiments.

[0040] See Figures 1 to 11 , an embodiment of the present utility model provides a sample tube carrier for carrying a sample tube 100. The sample tube carrier includes a carrier body 10 and an elastic limiting member 20. A plurality of receiving grooves 11 with openings facing upward are provided on the carrier body 10. A limiting groove 12 is recessed downward at the bottom of the receiving groove 11. The limiting groove 12 is coaxially arranged with the receiving groove 11 to be able to place the sample tube 100. The elastic limiting member 20 is connected to the carrier body 10 and is uniformly arranged around the circumference of the receiving groove 11. At least part of the elastic limiting member 20 protrudes from the side wall of the receiving groove 11 to elastically abut against the sample tube 100.

[0041] When inserting the sample tube 100 into the receiving groove 11, the sample tube 100 presses against the elastic limiting member 20, causing the elastic limiting member 20 to undergo elastic deformation. The elastic limiting member 20 plays a role in supporting and adjusting the sample tube 100. Since the elastic limiting member 20 has elasticity, it can adapt to sample tubes 100 with different diameters. The bottom of the sample tube 100 is inserted into the limiting groove 12 and abuts against the limiting groove 12. Since the limiting groove 12 is coaxially arranged with the receiving groove 11, it can ensure that the sample tube 100 with any draft angle extends along the axis of the receiving groove 11. Through the cooperation of the limiting groove 12 and the elastic limiting member 20, the sample tube 100 is stably arranged in the receiving groove 11 and extends along the axis of the receiving groove 11, preventing the sample tube 100 from tilting.

[0042] Among them, the cross-sectional shape of the receiving groove 11 is circular to adapt to the cylindrical sample tube 100. The elastic limiting members 20 are uniformly arranged around the circumference of the receiving groove 11, so that the forces around the sample tube 100 are balanced, and thus the sample tube 100 can extend along the axis of the receiving groove 11.

[0043] Optionally, the cross-sectional area of the limiting groove 12 gradually decreases from top to bottom, which can adapt to sample tubes 100 with different diameters. The limiting groove 12 is a conical cavity, or the limiting groove 12 is a hemispherical cavity. The cross-sectional area of the limiting groove 12 gradually decreases from top to bottom, that is, the large end of the limiting groove 12 is at the top and the small end is at the bottom, and the diameter of the large end of the limiting groove 12 is not less than the diameter of the receiving groove 11.

[0044] The elastic limiting member 20 can be arranged at the top of the receiving groove 11 or in the middle of the receiving groove 11. In this embodiment, the elastic limiting member 20 is arranged at the top of the receiving groove 11. The elastic limiting member 20 can be made of plastic material or metal material. When using plastic material, it can avoid damaging the sample tube 100 due to collision with the sample tube 100.

[0045] The elastic limiting member 20 is detachably connected to the carrier body 10, which is convenient for installation, disassembly and replacement. Specifically, the elastic limiting member 20 and the carrier body 10 can be fixed by means of clamping, bolts, rivets, etc.

[0046] At the position of the side wall of the receiving groove 11 corresponding to the elastic limiting member 20, an avoidance groove 13 is provided. The avoidance groove 13 is used to accommodate at least part of the elastic limiting member 20. The avoidance groove 13 provides an avoidance space for the elastic limiting member 20. When no sample tube 100 is placed in the receiving groove 11, part of the elastic limiting member 20 may be located in the avoidance groove 13. When a sample tube 100 is placed in the receiving groove 11, the sample tube 100 presses against the elastic limiting member 20, causing more of the elastic limiting members 20 to be squeezed into the avoidance groove 13. When the diameter of the sample tube 100 is large, the elastic limiting member 20 may be completely squeezed into the avoidance groove 13 under the abutment of the sample tube 100.

[0047] It can be that the elastic limiting member 20 extends obliquely downward from top to bottom, the upper end of the elastic limiting member 20 is connected to the carrier body 10, and the lower end of the elastic limiting member 20 protrudes from the side wall of the accommodating groove 11 to abut against the sample tube 100. It can also be that the elastic limiting member 20 extends vertically downward from top to bottom, the upper end of the elastic limiting member 20 is connected to the carrier body 10, and a protruding portion is provided at the lower end of the elastic limiting member 20, and the protruding portion protrudes from the side wall of the accommodating groove 11 to abut against the sample tube 100.

[0048] In this embodiment, the elastic limiting member 20 includes a first elastic sheet 21 and a second elastic sheet 22 that bends and extends relative to the first elastic sheet 21. The first elastic sheet 21 is detachably connected to the carrier body 10, and at least part of the second elastic sheet 22 protrudes from the side wall of the accommodating groove 11 to abut against the sample tube 100. When the sample tube 100 is inserted into the accommodating groove 11, the sample tube 100 presses the second elastic sheet 22, causing the second elastic sheet 22 to elastically deform, and the second elastic sheet 22 plays a role in supporting and adjusting the sample tube 100.

[0049] At least two second elastic sheets 22 are provided corresponding to each accommodating groove 11, and the respective second elastic sheets 22 are uniformly arranged circumferentially around the accommodating groove 11. So that the force on the periphery of the sample tube 100 is balanced, and then the sample tube 100 can extend along the axis of the accommodating groove 11. In this embodiment, four second elastic sheets 22 are provided corresponding to each accommodating groove 11.

[0050] In some embodiments, one second elastic sheet 22 is provided corresponding to each first elastic sheet 21, and the multiple second elastic sheets 22 provided corresponding to each accommodating groove 11 are independent of each other. In some embodiments, at least two second elastic sheets 22 are provided corresponding to each first elastic sheet 21, and the respective second elastic sheets 22 on each first elastic sheet 21 can be distributed within one accommodating groove 11 or within two adjacent accommodating grooves 11.

[0051] Exemplarily, two second elastic sheets 22 are provided corresponding to each first elastic sheet 21, and the two second elastic sheets 22 of one first elastic sheet 21 are distributed in two adjacent accommodating grooves 11. In this embodiment, for some first elastic sheets 21, one second elastic sheet 22 is provided for each first elastic sheet 21; for some first elastic sheets 21, two second elastic sheets 22 are provided for each first elastic sheet 21.

[0052] In some embodiments, the multiple accommodating grooves 11 are arranged in a matrix on the carrier body 10, and the multiple accommodating grooves 11 are distributed in multiple rows and columns. In this embodiment, the multiple accommodating grooves 11 are arranged in a straight line in a row, which is convenient for detecting the sample tube 100 from the side. Specifically, the carrier body 10 extends in a long strip shape along a first straight line direction, and the multiple accommodating grooves 11 are arranged at intervals along the first straight line direction.

[0053] On the carrier body 10, an identification groove communicating with the accommodation groove 11 is arranged on the side of the accommodation groove 11 along the second straight line direction, and the second straight line is perpendicular to the first straight line. By arranging the identification groove, it is convenient to identify the sample tube 100 in the accommodation groove 11 from the side. For each accommodation groove 11, one identification groove can be arranged, or two identification grooves can be arranged. When two identification grooves are arranged, the two identification grooves are distributed on the opposite sides of the accommodation groove 11 along the second straight line direction.

[0054] Exemplarily, a first identification groove 14 communicating with the accommodation groove 11 is arranged on one side of the accommodation groove 11 on the carrier body 10 along the second straight line direction, and a calibration part 15 is arranged on the same side of the carrier body 10 as the first identification groove 14. By arranging the first identification groove 14, it is convenient to detect the sample tube 100 in the accommodation groove 11 from the side. For example, the height or composition of the sample in the sample tube 100, such as the plasma stratification height, is identified by a camera. The calibration part 15 can calibrate the camera. The height of the calibration part 15 is a fixed value. By identifying the distance between the liquid level of the sample and the calibration part 15 by the camera, the height of the sample can be detected, improving the detection accuracy.

[0055] For each accommodation groove 11, one calibration part 15 can be arranged, or at least two calibration parts 15 can be arranged. The calibration part 15 can be a hole or a groove opened on the carrier body 10, or a detachable part adhesively or threadedly connected to the carrier body 10.

[0056] When a barcode is pasted on the sample tube 100, a barcode scanner can identify the information of the barcode through the first identification groove 14. In order to avoid the barcode affecting the detection of the sample height, it can be that a second identification groove 16 communicating with the accommodation groove 11 is arranged on the other side of the accommodation groove 11 on the carrier body 10 along the second straight line direction. In use, the first identification groove 14 can be used to detect the height or composition of the sample, and the second identification groove 16 can be used to identify the information of the barcode. The first identification groove 14 and the second identification groove 16 can be used simultaneously, enabling sample identification and barcode scanning to be carried out simultaneously, improving work efficiency.

[0057] Vertically, the length of the second identification groove 16 should be greater than the length of the barcode, and the width of the second identification groove 16 should be greater than the width of the barcode. In this embodiment, the bottom of the first identification groove 14 is lower than the bottom of the second identification groove 16. The lower bottom of the first identification groove 14 is convenient for detecting the height of the sample in the sample tube 100. The top of the first identification groove 14 penetrates through to the top of the carrier body 10 to prevent blocking the liquid level in the sample tube 100. The top of the second identification groove 16 can penetrate through to the top of the carrier body 10, or the top of the second identification groove 16 can be lower than the top of the carrier body 10.

[0058] A sensing magnet 30 is provided at the bottom of the carrier body 10. Along the first straight line direction, the sensing magnets 30 are distributed at both ends of the carrier body 10. The position of the carrier body 10 can be detected through the sensing magnet 30. Specifically, during use, the feeding direction is parallel to the first straight line direction. Along the feeding direction, sensing magnets 30 are provided at both the front end and the rear end of the bottom of the carrier body 10. The sensing magnet 30 at the front end is used to detect whether the carrier body 10 is in place during loading and unloading, and the sensing magnet 30 at the rear end is used to detect whether the carrier body 10 is placed in the working area.

[0059] Specifically, a working area is provided on the frame, and a Hall sensor is provided at a position corresponding to the sensing magnet 30 at the rear end. After the carrier body 10 is placed on the frame, if the Hall sensor detects the sensing magnet 30 at the rear end, it means that the carrier body 10 is placed in the working area. Similarly, a Hall sensor corresponding to the sensing magnet 30 at the front end is provided on the frame. During the movement of the carrier body 10, if the Hall sensor detects the sensing magnet 30 at the front end, it means that the carrier body 10 has moved in place.

[0060] The sensing magnet 30 is detachably connected to the carrier body 10, which is convenient for installation, disassembly and replacement.

[0061] A guiding groove 17 is formed in the carrier body 10 along the first straight line direction. During use, the feeding direction is parallel to the first straight line direction, and the guiding groove 17 extends along the first straight line direction and can be slidably matched with the guiding protrusion on the frame to play a guiding role.

[0062] One end of the carrier body 10 is a holding end, and a handle is provided at the holding end, which is convenient for taking and placing the carrier body 10.

[0063] An embodiment of the present invention further provides a sample processing device, including the above-mentioned sample tube carrier, and further including a driving mechanism, the driving mechanism is selectively connected to the carrier body 10 and can drive the carrier body 10 to move along the first straight line direction.

[0064] A driving groove 18 is provided at the bottom of the carrier body 10. The driving groove 18 penetrates through the carrier body 10 along the second straight line direction, and the driving groove 18 is used for connecting with the driving mechanism. When the driving mechanism is connected to the driving groove 18, the driving mechanism can drive the carrier body 10 to move; when the driving mechanism is disconnected from the driving groove 18, the driving mechanism cannot drive the carrier body 10 to move.

[0065] Specifically, the driving mechanism includes a connecting plate which is capable of moving along the second linear direction to insert into or disengage from the driving groove 18. Exemplarily, the driving mechanism includes a first air cylinder and a second air cylinder. The first air cylinder is connected to the connecting plate to drive the connecting plate to move along the second linear direction, and the second air cylinder is connected to the first air cylinder to drive the first air cylinder to move along the first linear direction.

[0066] A positioning groove 19 is provided at the bottom of the carrier body 10 for connection with a positioning mechanism. After the carrier body 10 moves into place, the positioning mechanism cooperates with the positioning groove 19 to position the carrier body 10, ensuring the stability of the carrier body 10 during the sampling process.

[0067] Exemplarily, the positioning mechanism includes a positioning protrusion which is elastically connected to the frame. The positioning protrusion is capable of moving along the vertical direction to insert into or disengage from the positioning groove 19. In this embodiment, the positioning groove 19 penetrates through the carrier body 10 along the second linear direction, facilitating the insertion of the positioning protrusion. The positioning protrusion is a sphere or a hemisphere, and the spherical surface serves as a guiding function. As the carrier body 10 moves forward, the carrier body 10 presses the positioning protrusion, causing the positioning protrusion to retract into the frame. When the positioning groove 19 is aligned with the positioning protrusion, the positioning protrusion springs into the positioning groove 19. As the carrier body 10 moves backward, the positioning protrusion slides out of the positioning groove 19.

[0068] The above embodiments only illustrate the basic principles and characteristics of the present invention. The present invention is not limited by the above embodiments. Without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention, there are various changes and modifications to the present invention, and these changes and modifications all fall within the scope of the present invention claimed. The scope of protection claimed by the present invention is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A sample tube carrier, characterized in that, Comprising: A carrier body (10), on which a plurality of receiving grooves (11) with openings facing upwards are provided. A limiting groove (12) is recessed downwards at the bottom of the receiving groove (11). The limiting groove (12) is coaxially arranged with the receiving groove (11) to be able to place a sample tube (100); An elastic limiting member (20), connected to the carrier body (10) and arranged circumferentially around the receiving groove (11). At least part of the elastic limiting member (20) protrudes from the side wall of the receiving groove (11) to elastically abut against the sample tube (100).

2. The sample tube carrier according to claim 1, wherein, An avoidance groove (13) is provided at a position corresponding to the elastic limiting member (20) on the side wall of the receiving groove (11). The avoidance groove (13) is used to accommodate at least part of the elastic limiting member (20).

3. The sample tube carrier according to claim 1, wherein, The cross-sectional area of the limiting groove (12) gradually decreases from top to bottom.

4. The sample tube carrier according to claim 1, characterized in that, The elastic limiting member (20) includes a first elastic sheet (21) and a second elastic sheet (22) bent and extending relative to the first elastic sheet (21). The first elastic sheet (21) is detachably connected to the carrier body (10). At least part of the second elastic sheet (22) protrudes from the side wall of the receiving groove (11) to abut against the sample tube (100).

5. The sample tube carrier according to claim 4, characterized in that, Two second elastic sheets (22) are provided corresponding to each first elastic sheet (21). The two second elastic sheets (22) of one first elastic sheet (21) are distributed in two adjacent receiving grooves (11).

6. The sample tube carrier according to claim 4, wherein, At least two second elastic sheets (22) are provided corresponding to each receiving groove (11). Each of the second elastic sheets (22) is evenly arranged circumferentially around the receiving groove (11).

7. The sample tube carrier according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, The carrier body (10) extends in a long strip shape along a first straight line direction. A plurality of the receiving grooves (11) are arranged at intervals along the first straight line direction.

8. The sample tube carrier according to claim 7, characterized in that, A first identification groove (14) communicating with the receiving groove (11) is provided on one side of the receiving groove (11) on the carrier body (10) along a second straight line direction. The second straight line is perpendicular to the first straight line. A calibration portion (15) is provided on the same side of the first identification groove (14) on the carrier body (10).

9. The sample tube carrier according to claim 7, wherein, An induction magnet (30) is provided at the bottom of the carrier body (10). Along the first straight line direction, the induction magnets (30) are distributed at both ends of the carrier body (10).

10. A sample processing device, characterized in that, Including the sample tube carrier according to any one of claims 1-9, further comprising a driving mechanism, the driving mechanism is selectively connected to the carrier body (10) and can drive the carrier body (10) to move along the first straight line direction.

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