Track switching device and sample analyzer

Abstract

The utility model relates to the technical field of carrier conveying, in particular to a track switching device and a sample analyzer, the track switching device comprises a transfer track, the transfer track comprises a carrier supporting surface capable of moving forwards and backwards, the carrier supporting surface defines a carrier channel, and one end of the carrier channel is a carrier inlet and outlet; the transfer track is connected to the rotating mechanism, the rotating mechanism is configured to drive the transfer track to rotate, so that the carrier inlet and outlet of the transfer track have a first orientation and a second orientation, and the first orientation and the second orientation are arranged at a first included angle. According to the rail switching device, the orientation of the inlet and the outlet of the carrier can be changed in a rotating mode, and then the carrier is conveyed from one rail to the other rail forming the included angle with the rail.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the technical field of carrier transportation, in particular to an orbit switching device and a sample analyzer. Background Art

[0002] In a sample analyzer, carriers such as test tubes and test tube racks are transported between multiple different orbits, for example, from a sample injection orbit to a return orbit.

[0003] In related technologies, the sample injection orbit and the return orbit are parallel to each other, and the transportation direction of the sample injection orbit is opposite to the conveying direction of the return orbit. To transport the carrier in the sample injection orbit to the return orbit, an orbit switching device is usually provided between the outlet end of the sample injection orbit and the inlet end of the return orbit. The orbit switching device includes a conveyor belt that can translate back and forth between the outlet end of the sample injection orbit and the inlet end of the return orbit. When the carrier needs to be transported from the outlet end of the sample injection orbit to the inlet end of the return orbit, the conveyor belt first aligns with the outlet end of the sample injection orbit, the carrier enters the conveyor belt from the sample injection orbit, and the conveyor belt moves forward to completely move the carrier onto the conveyor belt. Then, the conveyor belt translates to align with the outlet end of the return orbit, and the conveyor belt moves backward to move the carrier to the return orbit.

[0004] However, the orbit switching device in related technologies can only be applied to the case where two orbits are parallel to each other. Summary of the Utility Model

[0005] The first object of the present disclosure is to provide an orbit switching device that can transport a carrier from one orbit to another when the two orbits form an angle.

[0006] To achieve the above first object, the orbit switching device provided by the present disclosure includes:

[0007] A transfer orbit, the transfer orbit includes a carrier support surface that can move forward and backward, the carrier support surface defines a carrier channel, and one end of the carrier channel is a carrier inlet and outlet; and

[0008] A rotating mechanism, the transfer orbit is connected to the rotating mechanism, and the rotating mechanism is configured to drive the transfer orbit to rotate so that the carrier inlet and outlet of the transfer orbit have a first orientation and a second orientation, and the first orientation and the second orientation are set at a first angle.

[0009] Compared with the prior art, the orbit switching device of the present disclosure has the following beneficial effects:

[0010] When the carrier inlet / outlet is in the first orientation, the carrier inlet / outlet corresponds to the outlet end of one of the tracks. The carrier in the track can enter the carrier inlet / outlet, and as the carrier support surface moves forward, the carrier enters the carrier channel through the carrier inlet / outlet. Then, the rotation mechanism can drive the transfer track to rotate, so that the carrier inlet / outlet is in the second orientation. When the carrier inlet / outlet is in the second orientation, the carrier inlet / outlet corresponds to the inlet end of the other track. As the carrier support surface moves backward, the carrier leaves the carrier channel through the carrier inlet / outlet and thus enters the other track. Thus, the track switching device according to the present disclosure can change the orientation of the carrier inlet / outlet by rotation, and further transport the carrier from one track to another track that forms an angle with the track.

[0011] In addition, according to the track switching device of the present disclosure, the carrier support surface can move forward or backward. Therefore, the carrier inlet / outlet can be used for carriers outside the carrier channel to enter the carrier channel, and can also be used for carriers inside the carrier channel to leave the carrier channel. In other words, in the present disclosure, the carrier enters and exits the carrier channel through the same opening.

[0012] The second object of the present disclosure is to provide a sample analyzer that can transport a carrier from an injection track to a return track when the injection track and the return track form an angle.

[0013] To achieve the above second object, the sample analyzer provided by the present disclosure includes:

[0014] An injection track;

[0015] A return track, the transport direction of the return track is set at a first angle with the transport direction of the injection track; and

[0016] The track switching device as described above, the track switching device is arranged between the outlet end of the injection track and the inlet end of the return track, the first orientation corresponds to the outlet end of the injection track, the second orientation corresponds to the inlet end of the return track, and the track switching device is configured to transport the carrier in the injection track to the inlet end of the return track at least after rotational movement.

[0017] Compared with the prior art, the sample analyzer of the present disclosure has the following beneficial effects:

[0018] When the carrier inlet / outlet is in the first orientation, the carrier inlet / outlet corresponds to the outlet end of the injection track. The carrier output from the outlet end of the injection track can enter the carrier inlet / outlet and finally enter the carrier channel. Then the rotation mechanism drives the transfer track to rotate, so that the carrier inlet / outlet rotates from the first orientation to the second orientation. When the carrier inlet / outlet is in the second orientation, the carrier inlet / outlet corresponds to the outlet end of the return track, and the carrier can enter the inlet end of the return track. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] Figure 1 Fig. shows a top view of the track switching device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] Figure 2 Fig. shows a schematic diagram of the track switching device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0021] Figure 3 Fig. shows a schematic diagram of the transfer track according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] Figure 4 Fig. shows a schematic diagram of the rotating mechanism according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] Figure 5 Fig. shows Figure 4 a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A.

[0024] Figure 6 Fig. shows an exploded view of the translation mechanism and the lifting mechanism according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] Figure 7A -B Fig. shows a schematic diagram of the transfer track that can be docked with the first track or the second track only by rotation provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] Figure 8A -B Fig. shows a schematic diagram of the transfer track that needs to be docked with the first track or the second track by rotation and translation provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0027] Reference Numerals

[0028] 11, the first track; 12, the second track; 13, the first included angle; 14, the transfer area;

[0029] 20, the transfer track; 21, the carrier support surface; 211, the carrier channel; 212, the carrier inlet and outlet; 22, the conveyor belt; 23, the first motor; 24, the first driving wheel; 25, the first driven wheel; 26, the track baffle; 261, the guiding inclined surface; 27, the carrier in-place sensor; 28, the carrier baffle;

[0030] 30, the rotating mechanism; 31, the fixing component; 311, the first fixing plate; 312, the fixing shaft; 32, the rotating component; 321, the rotating shaft; 322, the mounting plate; 323, the axis; 324, the bearing; 325, the shaft retaining ring; 33, the driving component; 331, the driving part; 3311, the second motor; 332, the transmission part; 3321, the second driving wheel; 3322, the second driven wheel; 3323, the synchronous belt; 34, the code disk; 35, the code disk optical coupler; 36, the rotation origin stop piece; 37, the rotation origin optical coupler; 38, the bracket; 39, the Y-direction origin stop piece;

[0031] 40. Translation mechanism; 41. Y-direction translation component; 411. Second fixing plate; 412. Linear moving component; 413. First lead screw; 414. Third motor; 415. First connecting plate; 416. Y-direction guiding component; 417. Y-direction origin optocoupler; 418. Z-direction origin stop piece

[0032] 50. Lifting mechanism; 51. Third fixing plate; 52. Lifting component; 53. Second lead screw; 54. Fourth motor; 55. Second connecting plate; 56. Z-direction guiding component; 57. Z-direction origin optocoupler

[0033] 61. Intersection point; 62. Rotation center; 63. First position; 64. Second position; 65. Central angle; 66. Intermediate position; 67. Intermediate included angle Detailed implementation manners

[0034] The technical solutions of the present disclosure will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and through specific implementation manners. It can be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only used to explain the present disclosure, rather than limiting the present disclosure. In addition, it should be noted that, for the convenience of description, only the parts related to the present disclosure are shown in the drawings, rather than all of them.

[0035] Some orientation terms are defined in the present disclosure. Without contrary explanations, the orientation terms such as "upper", "lower", "left", "right", "inner", and "outer" are used for convenience of understanding, and thus do not constitute a limitation to the protection scope of the present disclosure.

[0036] In the present disclosure, unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, the first feature being "above" or "below" the second feature may include 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", "over" and "on" the second feature includes that the first feature is directly above and obliquely above the second feature, or simply means that the horizontal height of the first feature is higher than that of the second feature. The first feature being "below", "under" and "beneath" the second feature includes that the first feature is directly below and obliquely below the second feature, or simply means that the horizontal height of the first feature is lower than that of the second feature.

[0037] In the description of the present disclosure, unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, the terms "connected", "connected to" and "fixed" should 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 may be the internal connection of two components or the interaction relationship between two components. For those of ordinary skill in the art, the specific meanings of the above terms in the present disclosure can be understood according to specific situations.

[0038] Overview

[0039] Figure 1 The top view of the track switching device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. As Figure 1 shown, the track switching device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can be applied to a scenario where two tracks (hereinafter referred to as the first track 11 and the second track 12) are arranged at a first included angle 13. In this scenario, the position where the track switching device is located is the transfer area 14. The transportation direction of the first track 11 is towards the transfer area 14, that is, the outlet end of the first track 11 is located in the transfer area 14. The transportation direction of the second track 12 is away from the transfer area 14, that is, the inlet end of the second track 12 is located in the transfer area 14. The track switching device is used to transport a carrier (not shown) in the first track 11 into the second track 12.

[0040] The first included angle 13 between the first track 11 and the second track 12 is in the following range:

[0041] A. greater than or equal to 0; and

[0042] B. less than or equal to 180°.

[0043] Specifically, the first included angle 13 can be 0°, 5°, 10°, 15°, 20°, 30°, 40°, 50°, 60°, 70°, 80°, 90°, 100°, 110°, 120°, 130°, 140°, 150°, 160°, 170°, 175°, etc. In particular, the first included angle 13 can be 90° as Figure 1 shown.

[0044] When the included angle between the first track 11 and the second track 12 is greater than 180°, the first included angle 13 is expressed by taking the complementary angle. For example, when the included angle between the first track 11 and the second track 12 is 200°, the first included angle 13 is taken as 160° for expression.

[0045] When the transportation trajectories of both the first track 11 and the second track 12 are straight lines, the first included angle 13 is the included angle between the two straight lines.

[0046] However, considering that the transportation trajectories of one or both of the first track 11 and the second track 12 may not be straight lines. Specifically, when the transportation trajectory of the first track 11 is a straight line and the transportation trajectory of the second track 12 is an arc, the first included angle 13 is the included angle between the straight line and the tangent at the end of the arc. When the transportation trajectories of both the first track 11 and the second track 12 are arcs, the first included angle 13 is the included angle between the tangents at the ends of the two arcs. In addition, when the transportation trajectory of the first track 11 or the second track 12 is a complex curve such as a conic curve, a spline curve, or a polynomial curve, the transportation direction of the track can also be represented by the tangent at the end of the track.

[0047] In addition, when the heights of the first track 11 and the second track 12 are inconsistent, the transportation trajectories of the first track 11 and the second track 12 can be projected onto the same horizontal plane, so as to calculate the included angle between two skew lines.

[0048] According to the track switching device of the embodiments of the present disclosure, it can first dock with the outlet end of the first track 11 to transfer the carrier in the first track 11 into the track switching device, then rotate the carrier to dock with the inlet end of the second track 12 arranged at the first included angle 13 with the first track 11, and finally transfer the carrier into the second track 12.

[0049] It should be noted that the term "carrier" can be any object that needs to be transported in the track. For example, the carrier can be containers such as test tubes, test tube racks, and reagent bottles in the field of sample detection. In addition, the carrier can also be parts suitable for being transported on the assembly line in the field of machining.

[0050] In addition, the number of the first tracks 11 can be one or more. Similarly, the number of the second tracks 12 can also be one or more.

[0051] Track switching device

[0052] Figure 2 shows a schematic diagram of the track switching device of the embodiments of the present disclosure. As Figure 2 shown, the track switching device includes a transfer track 20 and a rotating mechanism 30 connected to the transfer track 20. The transfer track 20 is used to dock with other tracks (i.e., the first track 11 or the second track 12) to receive the carrier from other tracks or transport the carrier to other tracks. The rotating mechanism 30 is used to rotate the transfer track 20 so that the transfer track 20 can dock with the corresponding track.

[0053] According to the track switching device of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the transfer track 20 can be switched between a first orientation and a second orientation through the rotation operation of the rotating mechanism 30. For example, in combination with Figure 1As shown, when the transfer track 20 is in the first orientation, the transfer track 20 is docked with the outlet end of the first track 11; when the transfer track 20 is in the second orientation, the transfer track 20 is docked with the inlet end of the second track 12.

[0054] In a possible implementation, the track switching device may further include a lifting mechanism 50 connected to the transfer track 20, and the lifting mechanism 50 is used to adjust the height of the transfer track 20. By means of the lifting mechanism 50, the track switching device can be applied to scenarios where the heights of the first track 11 and the second track 12 are different.

[0055] For example, when the transfer track 20 is in the first orientation, the lifting mechanism 50 can adjust the height of the transfer track 20 so that the height of the transfer track 20 corresponds to the height of the first track 11. Similarly, when the transfer track 20 is in the second orientation, the lifting mechanism 50 can adjust the height of the transfer track 20 so that the height of the transfer track 20 corresponds to the height of the second track 12.

[0056] It should be noted that the lifting mechanism 50 can be directly connected to the transfer track 20 or indirectly connected to the transfer track 20. For example, the lifting mechanism 50 is directly connected to the rotating mechanism 30 (or the translation mechanism 40 in the following text), and thus is indirectly connected to the transfer track 20 through the rotating mechanism 30.

[0057] In a possible implementation, the track switching device may further include a translation mechanism 40, and the translation mechanism 40 is used to change the position of the transfer track 20 in the horizontal direction (without changing the orientation of the transfer track 20) so that the transfer track 20 is docked with the first track 11 or the second track 12. By means of the translation mechanism 40, the track switching device can be applied to scenarios where the transfer track 20 cannot be docked with the first track 11 or the second track 12 only through rotation operations. This scenario will be described in detail below.

[0058] It should be noted that the translation mechanism 40 can be directly connected to the transfer track 20 or indirectly connected to the transfer track 20. For example, the translation mechanism 40 is directly connected to the rotating mechanism 30, and thus is indirectly connected to the transfer track 20 through the rotating mechanism 30.

[0059] It should be noted that the lifting mechanism 50 and the translation mechanism 40 can be used alone or in combination.

[0060] Transfer track 20

[0061] Figure 3 Shows a schematic diagram of the transfer track 20 of an embodiment of the present disclosure. As Figure 3 shown, the transfer track 20 includes a carrier support surface 21, and the carrier support surface 21 is used to support and move the carrier.

[0062] Exemplarily, when the transfer track 20 is in the first orientation, the carrier support surface 21 is docked with the outlet end of the first track 11. The carrier located in the first track 11 can enter the carrier support surface 21 from the outlet end of the first track 11. Along with the movement of the carrier support surface 21, the carrier completely enters the carrier support surface 21 and separates from the first track 11. Similarly, when the transfer track 20 is in the second orientation, the carrier support surface 21 is docked with the inlet end of the second track 12. Along with the movement of the carrier support surface 21, the carrier located on the carrier support surface 21 can enter the inlet end of the second track 12 until the carrier completely enters the second track 12 and separates from the carrier support surface 21.

[0063] It should be noted that the carrier support surface 21 can move forward or backward. Specifically, when the carrier support surface 21 is docked with the outlet end of the first track 11, the carrier support surface 21 moves forward to transport the carrier from the first track 11 to the carrier support surface 21. When the carrier support surface 21 is docked with the inlet end of the second track 12, the carrier support surface 21 moves backward to transport the carrier from the carrier support surface 21 to the second track 12.

[0064] Thus, it can be seen that the carrier support surface 21 defines a carrier channel 211 for receiving the carrier. And since the carrier support surface 21 can move forward and backward, the carrier channel 211 has a carrier inlet / outlet 212. The carrier enters and exits the carrier channel 211 through the carrier inlet / outlet 212. In other words, the carrier enters and exits the carrier channel 211 through the same port.

[0065] As a specific example of the carrier support surface 21, the transfer track 20 includes a conveyor belt 22. The upper surface of the conveyor belt 22 serves as the carrier support surface 21, and the conveyor belt 22 can rotate forward and backward. Therefore, the carrier support surface 21 can move forward and backward. One end of the conveyor belt 22 (i.e., Figure 3 the right end in the middle) serves as the carrier inlet / outlet 212.

[0066] A conveyor belt drive assembly for controlling the rotation of the conveyor belt 22 is connected to the conveyor belt 22.

[0067] In order to enable the conveyor belt 22 to rotate forward and backward, the conveyor belt drive assembly includes a first motor 23, a first driving wheel 24, and a first driven wheel 25. The motor shaft of the first motor 23 is coaxially fixed to the first driving wheel 24. The conveyor belt 22 is installed between the first driving wheel 24 and the second driven wheel 25. Thus, when the motor shaft of the first motor 23 rotates, the conveyor belt 22 rotates between the first driving wheel 24 and the first driven wheel 25. When the rotation direction of the motor shaft of the first motor 23 changes, the rotation direction of the conveyor belt 22 changes accordingly.

[0068] As a further improvement of the transfer track 20, in order to prevent the carrier from detaching from the carrier channel 211, a track baffle 26 can be provided on each side of the carrier channel 211. The area between the two track baffles 26 is the carrier channel 211, that is, the two track baffles 26 jointly define the width of the carrier channel 211. When the carrier moves in the carrier channel 211, the sides of the carrier are limited by the track baffles 26 and cannot detach from the carrier channel 211 in the width direction of the carrier channel 211.

[0069] Further, at the carrier inlet / outlet 212, the track baffle 26 can have a guiding inclined surface 261 that extends obliquely outward, such that the width of the carrier inlet / outlet 212 is greater than the width of the carrier channel 211 to facilitate the entry and exit of the carrier into and out of the carrier channel 211.

[0070] As a further improvement of the transfer track 20, in order to detect whether the carrier has completely entered the carrier channel 211, the transfer track 20 includes a carrier in-place sensor 27. The detection end of the carrier in-place sensor 27 faces a preset position of the carrier channel 211. When the carrier moves to this preset position, it indicates that the carrier has completely entered the carrier channel 211.

[0071] Specifically, the detection direction of the carrier in-place sensor 27 can be transverse to (especially perpendicular to) the length direction of the carrier channel 211, and the distance between the detection end of the carrier in-place sensor 27 and the carrier inlet / outlet 212 is greater than the length of the carrier. Thus, when the carrier moves to the detection end, it can indicate that the carrier has completely entered the carrier channel 211.

[0072] As a specific example of the carrier in-place sensor 27, the carrier in-place sensor 27 can be a photoelectric sensor.

[0073] In order to park the carrier at the preset position of the carrier channel 211, the transfer track 20 can include a controller (not shown). The carrier in-place sensor 27 and the first motor 23 can be connected to the controller. The carrier in-place sensor 27 can transmit a detection signal to the controller, and the controller controls the start (forward / reverse) / stop of the first motor 23 according to the detection signal. For example, when the carrier in-place sensor 27 detects that the carrier has moved to the preset position of the carrier channel 211, the controller controls the first motor 23 to stop; otherwise, the controller controls the first motor 23 to rotate.

[0074] As an alternative to the controller, the transfer track 20 can include a carrier baffle 28. The carrier baffle 28 is located in the carrier channel 211 and is fixedly arranged relative to the carrier channel 211. The position of the carrier baffle 28 corresponds to the preset position. Thus, when the carrier abuts against the carrier baffle 28, the carrier is positioned at the preset position of the carrier channel 211.

[0075] It should be noted that the carrier baffle 28 and the controller can be used separately or in combination.

[0076] Rotating mechanism 30

[0077] Figure 4 The schematic diagram of the rotating mechanism 30 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 5 Shown is Figure 4 the cross-sectional view taken along line A-A in Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the rotating mechanism 30 includes a fixed component 31, a rotating component 32, and a driving component 33. The rotating component 32 is rotatably mounted on the fixed component 31, and the driving component 33 is connected to the rotating component 32 for driving the rotating component 32 to rotate on the fixed component 31. The transfer track 20 is fixedly connected to the rotating component 32 so as to rotate synchronously with the rotating component 32.

[0078] As Figure 4 and Figure 5 shown, the fixed component 31 includes a first fixing plate 311 and a fixed shaft 312 fixedly arranged on the first fixing plate 311. The axis 323 of the fixed shaft 312 is as Figure 5 shown.

[0079] As Figure 4 and Figure 5 shown, the rotating component 32 includes a rotating shaft 321 and a mounting plate 322 fixedly arranged on the rotating shaft 321.

[0080] As Figure 5 shown, the rotating shaft 321 is sleeved on the outer periphery of the fixed shaft 312 and is rotatably connected to the fixed shaft 312. The rotating shaft 321 rotates around the axis 323. Specifically, the rotating shaft 321 and the fixed shaft 312 can be rotatably connected through one or more bearings 324. The axial position of the bearing 324 can be limited by a step or a shaft retaining ring 325.

[0081] As Figure 4 and Figure 5 shown, the mounting plate 322 is located at the top of the rotating shaft 321, and the transfer track 20 is fixedly mounted on the mounting plate 322. Thus, when the rotating shaft 321 rotates around the axis 323, the transfer track 20 rotates synchronously.

[0082] As Figure 4 shown, the driving component 33 includes a driving part 331 and a transmission part 332. The driving part 331 is connected to the rotating shaft 321 through the transmission part 332.

[0083] As an example, the driving part 331 can be a second motor 3311.

[0084] As Figure 4As shown, the transmission component 332 includes a second driving wheel 3321, a second driven wheel 3322 and a synchronous belt 3323. The second driving wheel 3321 is coaxially fixed to the motor shaft of the second motor 3311, the second driven wheel 3322 is coaxially fixed to the rotating shaft 321, and the synchronous belt 3323 is connected between the second driving wheel 3321 and the second driven wheel 3322. When the motor shaft of the second motor 3311 rotates, the second driving wheel 3321 rotates, and the second driving wheel 3321 drives the second driven wheel 3322 to rotate through the synchronous belt 3323, thereby causing the rotating shaft 321 to rotate.

[0085] As Figure 4 shown, in order to determine the rotation angle of the rotating shaft 321, a code disk 34 can be installed on the rotating shaft 321, and a code disk optocoupler 35 is fixedly arranged on the first fixing plate 311.

[0086] As Figure 4 shown, in order to facilitate moving the rotation angle of the rotating shaft 321 to the origin, a rotation origin stop piece 36 can be installed on the rotating shaft 321, and a rotation origin optocoupler 37 is fixedly arranged on the first fixing plate 311.

[0087] It should be noted that the code disk optocoupler 35 and the rotation origin optocoupler 37 can be arranged on the same bracket 38, or can be respectively arranged on a bracket.

[0088] Translation mechanism 40

[0089] Figure 6 The schematic diagram of the translation mechanism 40 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. As Figure 6 shown, the translation mechanism 40 includes a Y-direction translation component 41, and the Y-direction translation component 41 is used to drive the first fixing plate 311 to translate in the Y direction.

[0090] Specifically, the Y-direction translation component 41 includes a second fixing plate 411 and a linear moving component 412 installed on the second fixing plate 411, such as a cylinder, a first lead screw 413, etc. Figure 6 Taking the first lead screw 413 as an example. The power input end of the first lead screw 413 is connected with a third motor 414, and the power output end of the first lead screw 413 is connected with a first connecting plate 415. When the third motor 414 rotates, the first connecting plate 415 can translate along the Y direction. The first fixing plate 311 can be installed on the first connecting plate 415, so as to follow the first connecting plate 415 to translate along the Y direction.

[0091] In addition, the Y-direction translation component 41 further includes a Y-direction guiding component 416, such as a guide rail. The first fixing plate 311 is slidably connected with the guide rail, so as to provide guidance for the movement of the first fixing plate 311.

[0092] In addition, the Y-direction translation component 41 may further include a Y-direction origin optocoupler 417 and a Y-direction origin stop piece 39. The Y-direction origin optocoupler 417 is fixedly arranged on the second fixing plate 411, and the Y-direction origin stop piece 39 (see Figure 4 ) is fixedly arranged on the first fixing plate 311.

[0093] Although Figure 6 only provides the Y-direction translation component 41, those skilled in the art can understand that the translation mechanism 40 may further include an X-direction translation component (not shown) so that the transfer track 10 can be translated along the X direction. The structure of the X-direction translation component may be similar to that of the Y-direction translation component 41 and will not be elaborated here.

[0094] In addition, in some embodiments, the translation mechanism 40 may only include the X-direction translation component and not include the Y-direction translation component.

[0095] Lifting mechanism 50

[0096] Figure 6 The schematic diagram of the lifting mechanism 50 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. As Figure 6 shown, the lifting mechanism 50 includes a third fixing plate 51 and a lifting component 52 installed on the third fixing plate 51. The lifting component 52 can move in the Z direction, and the lifting component 52 is fixedly connected to the second fixing plate 411, thereby driving the second fixing plate 411 to move in the Z direction.

[0097] The lifting component 52 may be a cylinder, a second lead screw 53, etc. Figure 6 Taking the second lead screw 53 as an example in

[0098]

[0099] Figure 2

[0100] Typical application scenarios

[0101] ​​​1. A scenario where the transfer orbit 20 can be docked with the first orbit 11 or the second orbit 12 only through rotational motion.

[0102] Figure 7A -B shows a schematic diagram provided by the present disclosure where the transfer orbit 20 can be docked with the first orbit 11 or the second orbit 12 only through rotation.

[0103] As Figure 7A shown, the intersection point 61 of the first orbit 11 and the second orbit 12 coincides with the rotation center 62 of the transfer orbit 20, and the rotation center 62 of the transfer orbit 20 is located on the center line of the transfer orbit 20. At this time, the first position 63 and the second position 64 of the transfer orbit 20 form a central angle 65 with respect to the rotation center 62, and the central angle 65 is equal to the first included angle 13. Therefore, the transfer orbit 20 only needs to control the rotation mechanism 30 to drive the transfer orbit 20 to rotate, and it can be docked with the first orbit 11 or the second orbit 12.

[0104] As Figure 7B shown, the intersection point 61 of the first orbit 11 and the second orbit 12 does not coincide with the rotation center 62 of the transfer orbit 20, and the distance between the first orbit 11 and the rotation center 62 is equal to the distance between the second orbit 12 and the rotation center 62. At this time, the transfer orbit 20 is installed with an offset from the rotation center 62, so that the rotation center 62 of the transfer orbit 20 is located outside the center line of the transfer orbit 20. At this time, the central angle 65 is also equal to the first included angle 13. Therefore, the transfer orbit 20 only needs to control the rotation mechanism 30 to drive the transfer orbit 20 (or the translation mechanism 40 and the transfer orbit 20) to rotate, and it can be docked with the first orbit 11 or the second orbit 12.

[0105] In summary, when the distance between the first orbit 11 and the rotation center 62 is equal to the distance between the second orbit 12 and the rotation center 62, and the central angle 65 is equal to the first included angle 13, the transfer orbit 20 can be docked with the first orbit 11 or the second orbit 12 only through rotational motion.

[0106] 2. A scenario where the transfer orbit 20 needs to be docked with the first orbit 11 or the second orbit 12 through a combination of rotational motion and translational motion.

[0107] Figure 8A -B shows a schematic diagram provided by the present disclosure where the transfer orbit 20 needs to be docked with the first orbit 11 or the second orbit 12 through rotation and translation.

[0108] As Figure 8AAs shown, the intersection point 61 of the first track 11 and the second track 12 is offset from the rotation center 62 of the transfer track 20. The rotation center 62 of the transfer track 20 is located on the center line of the transfer track 20, and the distance between the first track 11 and the rotation center 62 is not equal to the distance between the second track 12 and the rotation center 62.

[0109] At this time, the transfer track 20 can be docked with the first track 11 and the second track 12 successively through the following steps:

[0110] S1-1. Drive the transfer track 20 to rotate by controlling the rotation mechanism 30, so that the transfer track 20 is parallel to the first track 11, and the carrier inlet / outlet 212 of the transfer track 20 is located on the side close to the first track 11;

[0111] S1-2. Drive the transfer track 20 to translate by controlling the translation mechanism 40, so that the carrier inlet / outlet 212 of the transfer track 20 is aligned with the first track 11, so that the carrier can enter the transfer track 20 from the first track 11; (At this time, the transfer track 20 is in the first position 63)

[0112] S1-3. Drive the transfer track 20 to rotate by controlling the rotation mechanism 30, so that the transfer track 20 is parallel to the second track 12, and the carrier inlet / outlet 212 of the transfer track 20 is located on the side close to the second track 12; (At this time, the transfer track 20 is in the middle position 66)

[0113] S1-4. Drive the transfer track 20 to translate by controlling the translation mechanism 40, so that the carrier inlet / outlet 212 of the transfer track 20 is aligned with the second track 12, so that the carrier can enter the second track 12 from the transfer track 20. (At this time, the transfer track 20 is in the second position 64)

[0114] It should be noted that the order of the above steps is not limited and can be adjusted according to actual needs. In addition, the rotational movement and the translational movement can be carried out separately or simultaneously.

[0115] As Figure 8A shown, the first included angle 13 is not equal to the central angle 65, and the first included angle 13 is equal to the middle included angle 67.

[0116] As Figure 8B shown, the intersection point 61 of the first track 11 and the second track 12 is offset from the rotation center 62 of the transfer track 20. The rotation center 62 of the transfer track 20 is located outside the center line of the transfer track 20.

[0117] At this time, the transfer track 20 can be docked with the first track 11 and the second track 12 successively through steps (S1-1 to S1-4) similar to those Figure 8A described above, which will not be elaborated here.

[0118] As Figure 8B shown, the first included angle 13 is not equal to the central angle 65, and the first included angle 13 is equal to the middle included angle 67.

[0119] In summary, when the intersection point 61 is offset relative to the rotation center 62 and the central angle 65 is not equal to the first included angle 13, the transfer orbit 20 may need to be docked with the first orbit 11 or the second orbit 12 through a combination of rotational motion and translational motion.

[0120] 3. Scenarios where the transfer orbit 20 needs to be docked with the first orbit 11 or the second orbit 12 through a combination of lifting motion, rotational motion, and translational motion.

[0121] It can be described with reference to Figure 8A this scenario. Compared with Figure 8A the scenario where the first orbit 11 and the second orbit 12 are in the same plane, in this scenario, the first orbit 11 is in the first plane, and the second orbit 12 is in a second plane different from the first plane, that is, the heights of the first orbit 11 and the second orbit 12 are different.

[0122] At this time, the transfer orbit 20 can be docked with the first orbit 11 and the second orbit 12 successively through the following steps:

[0123] S2-1. Drive the transfer orbit 20 to lift by controlling the lifting mechanism 50 so that the transfer orbit 20 is in the first plane;

[0124] S2-2. Drive the transfer orbit 20 to rotate by controlling the rotation mechanism 30 so that the transfer orbit 20 is parallel to the first orbit 11, and the carrier inlet / outlet 212 of the transfer orbit 20 is on the side close to the first orbit 11;

[0125] S2-3. Drive the transfer orbit 20 to translate by controlling the translation mechanism 40 so that the carrier inlet / outlet 212 of the transfer orbit 20 is aligned with the first orbit 11, so that the carrier can enter the transfer orbit 20 from the first orbit 11;

[0126] S2-4. Drive the transfer orbit 20 to lift by controlling the lifting mechanism 50 so that the transfer orbit 20 is in the second plane;

[0127] S2-5. Drive the transfer orbit 20 to rotate by controlling the rotation mechanism 30 so that the transfer orbit 20 is parallel to the second orbit 12, and the carrier inlet / outlet 212 of the transfer orbit 20 is on the side close to the second orbit 12;

[0128] S2-6. Drive the transfer orbit 20 to translate by controlling the translation mechanism 40 so that the carrier inlet / outlet 212 of the transfer orbit 20 is aligned with the second orbit 12, so that the carrier can enter the second orbit 12 from the transfer orbit 20.

[0129] It should be noted that the order of the above steps is not limited and can be adjusted according to actual needs. In addition, the lifting movement, rotational movement, and translational movement can be carried out separately or simultaneously.

[0130] Sample analyzer

[0131] The sample analyzer (not shown) of the embodiments of the present disclosure includes a sample injection track and a return track, wherein the transportation direction of the return track forms a first included angle 13 with the transportation direction of the sample injection track. That is, the sample injection track is equivalent to the first track 11, the return track is equivalent to the second track 12, and the carrier can be a test tube rack.

[0132] In addition, the sample analyzer further includes the above-mentioned track switching device. The track switching device is arranged between the outlet end of the sample injection track and the inlet end of the return track. The first orientation of the transfer track 20 corresponds to the outlet end of the sample injection track, and the second orientation of the transfer track 20 corresponds to the inlet end of the return track. The track switching device is configured to transport the carrier in the sample injection track to the inlet end of the return track after at least a rotational movement.

[0133] The above is the description of the embodiments of the present disclosure. Through the above description of the disclosed embodiments, those skilled in the art can implement or use the present disclosure. Various modifications to these embodiments will be obvious to those skilled in the art. The general principles defined herein can be implemented in other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, the present disclosure will not be limited to these embodiments shown herein, but will conform to the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel points disclosed herein.

Claims

1. Track switching device, characterized in that, Comprising: A transfer track (20), the transfer track (20) includes a carrier support surface (21) that can move forward and backward, the carrier support surface (21) defines a carrier channel (211), and one end of the carrier channel (211) is a carrier inlet / outlet (212); and A rotating mechanism (30), the transfer track (20) is connected to the rotating mechanism (30), and the rotating mechanism (30) is configured to drive the transfer track (20) to rotate so that the carrier inlet / outlet (212) of the transfer track (20) has a first orientation and a second orientation, and the first orientation and the second orientation are set at a first included angle (13).

2. The track switching device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The transfer track (20) further includes: A conveyor belt (22), the carrier support surface (21) is the upper surface of the conveyor belt (22); and / or Track baffles (26), the carrier channel (211) is located between two relatively arranged track baffles (26); and / or A carrier in-place sensor (27), the detection end of the carrier in-place sensor (27) faces a preset position of the carrier channel (211); and / or A carrier baffle (28), the carrier baffle (28) is located in the carrier channel (211) and is fixedly arranged relative to the carrier channel (211), and the carrier baffle (28) is used to position the carrier at a preset position of the carrier channel (211).

3. The track switching device according to claim 2, characterized in that, When the transfer track (20) includes a conveyor belt (22) and a carrier in-place sensor (27), the transfer track (20) further includes: A conveyor belt drive assembly, the conveyor belt drive assembly is connected to the conveyor belt (22); and A controller, both the conveyor belt drive assembly and the carrier in-place sensor (27) are connected to the controller, and the controller controls the start or stop of the conveyor belt drive assembly according to the detection signal of the carrier in-place sensor (27).

4. The track switching device according to claim 1, characterized in that The rotating mechanism (30) includes: A fixed component (31); A rotating component (32), the rotating component (32) is rotatably mounted on the fixed component (31), and the transfer track (20) is fixedly connected to the rotating component (32); and A drive component (33), the drive component (33) is connected to the rotating component (32), and the drive component (33) is configured to drive the rotating component (32) to rotate to drive the transfer track (20) to rotate.

5. The track switching device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The track switching device further includes: A lifting mechanism (50), the transfer track (20) is connected to the lifting mechanism (50), and the lifting mechanism (50) is configured to drive the transfer track (20) to lift.

6. The track switching device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The track switching device further includes: A translation mechanism (40), the transfer track (20) is connected to the translation mechanism (40), and the translation mechanism (40) is configured to drive the transfer track (20) to translate in a horizontal plane.

7. The track switching device according to claim 6, wherein The translation mechanism (40) includes: An X-direction translation component, the X-direction translation component is configured to drive the transfer track (20) to translate along the X direction; and / or The Y-direction translation component (41) is configured to drive the transfer track (20) to translate in the Y direction.

8. The track switching device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The track switching device is configured to transport the carrier in the first track (11) to the second track (12), and a first included angle (13) is formed between the first track (11) and the second track (12). Wherein, when the transfer track (20) is docked with the first track (11), it has a first position (63). At the first position (63), the carrier inlet / outlet (212) is in the first orientation. Wherein, when the transfer track (20) is docked with the second track (12), it has a second position (64). At the second position (64), the carrier inlet / outlet (212) is in the second orientation.

9. The track switching device according to claim 8, wherein, The distance between the first track (11) and the rotation center (62) of the transfer track (20) is equal to the distance between the second track (12) and the rotation center (62), and The transfer track (20) forms a central angle (65) with respect to the rotation center (62) at the first position (63) and the second position (64), and the central angle (65) is equal to the first included angle (13). Alternatively, the first track (11) and the second track (12) form an intersection point (61), and the intersection point (61) is offset with respect to the rotation center (62) of the transfer track (20), and The transfer track (20) forms a central angle (65) with respect to the rotation center (62) at the first position (63) and the second position (64), and the central angle (65) is not equal to the first included angle (13).

10. The sample analyzer is characterized in that, Comprising: The sample injection track; The return track, and the transport direction of the return track is set at a first included angle (13) with the transport direction of the sample injection track; And The track switching device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, the track switching device is arranged between the outlet end of the sample injection track and the inlet end of the return track, the first orientation corresponds to the outlet end of the sample injection track, the second orientation corresponds to the inlet end of the return track, and the track switching device is configured to transport the carrier in the sample injection track to the inlet end of the return track at least after rotational movement.

Images