Counting structure and analyzer

Abstract

The embodiment of the utility model discloses a counting structure and an analyzer. The counting structure comprises a bracket, a counting assembly and a stabilizing assembly, the counting assembly comprises an optocoupler fixedly connected to the support and a baffle movably connected to the support, the baffle is provided with a triggering part, the triggering part is provided with an optocoupler triggering position entering the optocoupler to trigger the optocoupler and an optocoupler disengaging position moving along with the baffle to be disengaged from the optocoupler, and the triggering part can move along with the baffle. And the optical coupler is switched between an optical coupler trigger position and an optical coupler disengagement position. The stabilizing assembly comprises a magnetic attraction piece and a magnetic piece, one of the magnetic attraction piece and the magnetic piece is connected to the optocoupler, the other one is connected to the baffle, and when the triggering part is located at the optocoupler triggering position, the baffle is connected with the optocoupler in a magnetic attraction mode. By arranging the magnetic attraction piece and the magnetic piece, it is guaranteed that the trigger part is not prone to disengaging from the optocoupler, and counting accuracy is guaranteed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to the technical field of analyzers, in particular to a counting structure and an analyzer. Background Art

[0002] The analyzer features an automatic sampling function. Its automatic sampling assembly primarily consists of a loading assembly, a feeding assembly, a counting assembly, and a barcode scanning assembly. The counting assembly counts based on signals generated by the movement of an optical coupler baffle into and out of the optocoupler. This movement is driven by the moving sample rack. Each movement of the optical coupler baffle into and out of the optocoupler counts as one count.

[0003] However, the analyzer will generate vibrations during operation. When the vibrations are large, the optocoupler shield will briefly leave the optocoupler and then return to the optocoupler. In other words, the vibrations can force the counting component to complete a count without the sample rack passing through. This will cause errors in the counting of the counting component, and the counting errors will cause the equipment to stop running, affecting the counting efficiency. Utility Model Content

[0004] Based on this, it is necessary to propose a counting structure and analyzer to ensure accurate counting in response to the above problems.

[0005] The present invention provides a counting structure for measuring the number of sample tubes in a sample rack during transportation, comprising:

[0006] Bracket, fixed setting;

[0007] The counting assembly includes an optical coupler fixedly connected to the bracket and a baffle movably connected to the bracket, the baffle having a trigger portion, the trigger portion having an optical coupler trigger position for entering the optical coupler and an optical coupler disengagement position for disengaging from the optical coupler, and the trigger portion can switch between the optical coupler trigger position and the optical coupler disengagement position as the baffle moves;

[0008] And a stabilizing component, the stabilizing component includes a magnetic component and a magnetic component, one of the magnetic component and the magnetic component is connected to the optical coupler, and the other is connected to the baffle, and when the trigger part is located in the optical coupler trigger position, the baffle and the optical coupler are magnetically connected.

[0009] In some embodiments, the magnetic part is arranged on the baffle, and the counting component also includes a fixed plate, one end of the fixed plate is fixedly connected to the bracket, and the other end is provided with an outer protrusion, and the magnetic attraction part is arranged on the outer protrusion, and the magnetic attraction part is located on the moving path of the magnetic part when it moves with the baffle.

[0010] In some embodiments, the baffle includes a plate body, a driving portion connected to one end of the plate body, and a stabilizing portion connected to the plate body, the driving portion is located on the moving path of the sample rack, and a magnetic portion is provided at one end of the stabilizing portion, and the magnetic portion has magnetic force to form the magnetic member.

[0011] In some embodiments, when the trigger portion is in the trigger position, the magnetic member is arranged opposite to the magnetic portion, and a gap is formed between the end surfaces of the magnetic member and the magnetic portion facing each other;

[0012] Alternatively, when the trigger portion is located at the trigger position, the magnetic element and the magnetic portion are arranged opposite to each other, and opposite end surfaces of the magnetic element and the magnetic portion are in contact with each other.

[0013] In some embodiments, when the end faces of the magnetic portion and the magnetic member are in contact with each other, the end face of the magnetic portion facing the magnetic member is provided with a curved surface that is convex toward the magnetic member.

[0014] In some embodiments, the baffle is rotatably arranged, and when the baffle is rotated until the magnetic element and the magnetic portion are facing each other, the magnetic portion and the magnetic element are arranged along a direction perpendicular to the baffle rotation axis.

[0015] In some embodiments, the baffle is rotatably arranged, and when the baffle is rotated until the magnetic element and the magnetic portion are facing each other, the magnetic portion and the magnetic element are arranged along the direction of the baffle rotation axis.

[0016] In some embodiments, the end surface of the magnetic component facing the magnetic attraction component is further provided with a magnetic powder layer.

[0017] In some embodiments, the bracket includes a frame body and two connecting parts spaced apart on the frame body. Two counting components are provided, and the optical couplers of the two counting components can be connected to the two connecting parts respectively.

[0018] An embodiment of the present invention also provides an analyzer, including a main body, a signal receiving module, a transport structure and the counting structure as described above, wherein the transport structure is used to transport the sample rack so that the sample rack can move in a predetermined direction to drive the baffle to move, and the signal receiving module can be connected to the optical coupler to collect the signal generated when the trigger part is in the trigger position and the disengagement position.

[0019] The embodiment of the present utility model has the following beneficial effects:

[0020] According to the counting structure and analyzer in the above-described embodiment, by providing a magnetic element and a magnetic component, in a free state, the trigger unit is located within the optical coupler to trigger the optical coupler. At this time, under the magnetic attraction of the magnetic element and the magnetic component, the baffle is unlikely to swing. This also means that when the device generates large vibrations during operation, the force generated by the vibrations is unlikely to overcome the magnetic attraction, ensuring that the trigger unit is unlikely to separate from the optical coupler. The trigger unit can only be forced to separate from the optical coupler under the drive of the sample rack. In this way, the position of the trigger unit can be guaranteed to be stable, and the phenomenon of inaccurate counting caused by the trigger unit separating from the optical coupler due to vibration will not occur, thereby ensuring the accuracy of the counting and the continuous operation of the device. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] In order to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for use in the embodiments or the description of the prior art. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without paying any creative work.

[0022] in:

[0023] Figure 1 Shows a schematic structural diagram of a sample rack provided according to the present utility model;

[0024] Figure 2 Shows a schematic structural diagram of a counting structure provided by the utility model;

[0025] Figure 3 The figure shows a structural schematic diagram of the baffle provided according to the utility model.

[0026] Description of main component symbols:

[0027] 1. Bracket; 11. Frame; 12. Connecting part; 2. Counting component; 21. Fixing plate; 211. Outer protrusion; 212. Fixing part; 22. Optocoupler; 23. Baffle; 231. Plate; 232. Driving part; 233. Triggering part; 234. Stabilizing part; 2341. Magnetic part; 3. Stabilizing component; 31. Magnetic part; 32. Magnetic part; 33. Magnetic powder layer. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] To facilitate understanding of the present invention, a more comprehensive description of the present invention will be provided below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The drawings illustrate preferred embodiments of the present invention. However, the present invention can be implemented in many different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided to provide a more thorough and comprehensive understanding of the disclosure of the present invention.

[0029] It should be noted that when an element is referred to as being "fixed to" another element, it may be directly attached to the other element or there may be an intermediate element. When an element is referred to as being "connected to" another element, it may be directly connected to the other element or there may be an intermediate element. The terms "vertical," "horizontal," "left," "right," and similar expressions used herein are for illustrative purposes only.

[0030] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which this invention pertains. The terms used herein in the specification of this invention are intended only to describe specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the invention. The term "and / or" as used herein includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0031] On the one hand, the present invention provides a counting structure that can be used for analysis and for measuring the number of sample tubes on a sample rack in transport. In one embodiment, please refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 The counting structure includes a bracket 1, a counting component 2 and a stabilizing component 3, wherein the bracket 1 is used to support and fix the counting component 2 and the stabilizing component 3, and the bracket 1 can be fixedly installed in the analyzer.

[0032] The counting assembly 2 includes an optical coupler 22 fixedly connected to the bracket 1 and a baffle 23 movably connected to the bracket 1. The baffle 23 has a trigger portion 233. The trigger portion 233 has an optical coupler trigger position in which it enters the optical coupler 22 in a free state to trigger the optical coupler 22, and an optical coupler disengagement position in which it moves with the baffle 23 to disengage from the optical coupler 22. During the transportation of the sample rack, the baffle 23 can be driven to move, so that the trigger portion 233 is switched between the optical coupler trigger position and the optical coupler disengagement position.

[0033] The counting component 2 counts based on the signal received by the optical coupler 22, with one rising edge and one falling edge being counted as one time. Specifically, in the free state, the trigger unit 233 is located in the optical coupler 22, at the optical coupler trigger position. Under normal circumstances, the sample rack is fed once. Due to the effect of the bottom structure of the sample rack, the flat end of the bottom of the sample rack flattens the protruding portion above the baffle. At this time, the trigger unit 233 moves away from the optical coupler 22 to the optical coupler disengagement position. The optical coupler 22 receives a falling edge signal. When the baffle enters the recessed part of the sample rack, the baffle returns to the inside of the optical coupler 22. The optical coupler 22 receives a rising edge signal. At this time, the counting component 2 completes one count.

[0034] Stabilizing assembly 3 includes a magnetic member 31 and a magnetic member 32. One of magnetic member 31 and magnetic member 32 is connected to optical coupler 22, and the other is connected to baffle 23. In other words, magnetic member 31 and magnetic member 32 can be connected to optical coupler 22 and baffle 23, respectively, or magnetic member 31 and magnetic member 32 can be connected to baffle 23 and optical coupler 22, respectively. When triggering portion 233 is in the optical coupler triggering position, the magnetic attraction between magnetic member 31 and magnetic member 32 reaches its maximum. There is a magnetic attraction between the magnetic part 31 and the magnetic part 32. The magnetic part 32 and the magnetic part 31 can be fixed on the optical coupler 22 and the baffle 23 respectively. It should be noted that whether the magnetic part 31 is fixed on the optical coupler 22 and the magnet is set on the baffle 23, or the magnetic part 31 is set on the baffle 23 and the magnetic part 32 is set on the optical coupler 22, is not limited here, that is, the magnetic part 31 and the magnetic part 32 need to be located on different structures in the optical coupler 22 and the baffle 23.

[0035] By providing the magnetic element 31 and the magnetic element 32, in the free state, the trigger portion 233 is located within the optical coupler 22 to trigger the optical coupler 22. At this time, the magnetic attraction of the magnetic element 31 and the magnetic element 32 prevents the baffle 23 from swinging. This also means that when the device generates significant vibrations during operation, the force generated by the vibrations will not easily overcome the magnetic attraction, ensuring that the trigger portion 233 is unlikely to separate from the optical coupler 22. Only when the sample holder is driven can the trigger portion 233 be forced to separate from the optical coupler 22. This ensures the stability of the trigger portion 233's position, preventing vibrations from causing the trigger portion 233 to separate from the optical coupler 22 and causing inaccurate counting. This ensures accurate counting and ensures the continued operation of the device.

[0036] In one embodiment, see Figure 1 and Figure 2 The magnetic member 32 is arranged on the baffle 23. The counting component 2 also includes a fixed plate 21. One end of the fixed plate 21 is fixedly connected to the bracket 1, and the other end is provided with an outer protrusion 211. The magnetic member 31 is arranged on the outer protrusion 211. The magnetic member 31 is located on the moving path of the magnetic member 32 as the baffle 23 moves to the optical coupler trigger position. In the process of the trigger part 233 moving toward the optical coupler 22, the magnetic member 31 can gradually generate a magnetic attraction between the magnetic member 32, and the magnetic attraction force is the largest when the trigger part 233 moves to the optical coupler trigger position.

[0037] Specifically, the fixing plate 21 has a fixing portion 212 at one end away from the protruding portion 211 . The fixing portion 212 can be fixedly connected to the bracket 1 by screws. The optical coupler 22 is fixedly connected to the fixing plate 21 and is located between the fixing portion 212 and the protruding portion 211 .

[0038] The sample rack is typically transported along a straight line. To facilitate movement of baffle 23 during movement without interfering with the smooth transport of the sample rack, baffle 23 is typically pivoted onto bracket 1. In its free state, baffle 23 relies on its own gravity to position trigger portion 233 in the optical coupler trigger position. During movement, the sample rack can drive baffle 23 to rotate, disengaging trigger portion 233 from optical coupler 22. When baffle 23 abuts the sample rack in a recessed position, baffle 23 returns to its original position under the action of gravity.

[0039] In the present application, the cooperation between the magnetic member 32 and the magnetic attraction member 31 is utilized so that the baffle 23 is affected not only by gravity but also by magnetic force, making it difficult for it to rotate.

[0040] The positions of the magnetic member 31 and the magnetic member 32 are not limited; it is sufficient to ensure that one of the magnetic member 32 and the magnetic member 31 is respectively disposed on the baffle 23 and the outer protrusion 211. For ease of description, this embodiment uses the example of the magnetic member 32 being disposed on the baffle 23 and the magnetic member 31 being disposed on the outer protrusion 211 as an example.

[0041] In a specific embodiment, please combine Figures 2 to 3 The baffle 23 includes a plate body 231, a driving portion 232 connected to one end of the plate body 231, and a stabilizing portion 234 connected to the plate body 231. The plate body 231 is rotatably connected to the bracket 1. The driving portion 232 and the trigger portion 233 are respectively located at both ends of the plate body 231. The rotating shaft of the plate body 231 is located between the two and close to the driving portion 232. The driving portion 232 is the part that abuts the sample rack and is located on the moving path of the sample rack.

[0042] The stabilizing portion 234 is disposed near the triggering portion 233 . A magnetic portion 2341 is disposed at one end of the stabilizing portion 234 . The magnetic portion 2341 has magnetic force and can be made of a magnetic metal material, such as iron. The magnetic portion 2341 is used to form the magnetic component 32 .

[0043] It is worth mentioning that when the trigger portion 233 is in the optical coupling trigger position, the magnetic member 31 and the magnetic portion 2341 can be flexibly arranged in terms of contact, surface shape, and relative position. For example, when the trigger portion 233 is in the optical coupling trigger position, the magnetic member 31 and the magnetic portion 2341 can be arranged to face each other, and a gap can be formed between the opposing end surfaces of the magnetic member 31 and the magnetic portion 2341.

[0044] Alternatively, when the trigger portion 233 is located at the optical coupling trigger position, the magnetic element 31 and the magnetic portion 2341 may be arranged to face each other, and the opposite end surfaces of the magnetic element 31 and the magnetic portion 2341 may abut against each other.

[0045] When the magnetic part 2341 and the magnetic part 31 are not in contact with each other, there may be more room for movement between the two. When the magnetic part 2341 and the magnetic part 31 are in contact with each other, the friction between the two may make the position of the baffle 23 more stable. Therefore, whether the magnetic part 2341 and the magnetic part 31 are in contact with each other needs to be determined based on actual conditions.

[0046] In addition, regardless of whether the magnetic portion 2341 and the magnetic member 31 are in contact with each other or not, the shape of the magnetic portion 2341 and the magnetic member 31 is not limited. However, whether the magnetic portion 2341 and the magnetic member 31 are in contact with each other or there is a gap, there is a preferred shape. For example, when the opposite end faces of the magnetic portion 2341 and the magnetic member 31 are in contact with each other, the end face of the magnetic portion 2341 facing the magnetic member 31 can be set as a curved surface that is raised toward the magnetic member 31. In this way, when the magnetic portion 2341 and the magnetic member 31 are in contact with each other, there is a line-surface contact between the two, and the end face of the magnetic member 31 is tangent to the magnetic portion 2341. Of course, the surface of the magnetic member 31 can also be set as a curved surface, while the surface of the magnetic portion 2341 can be set as a plane, or both surfaces can be set as curved surfaces.

[0047] In a specific embodiment, when the magnetic member 31 and the magnetic portion 2341 are facing each other, they may be arranged in different relative positions. For example, in one case, when the trigger portion 233 is in the optical coupling trigger position, the magnetic portion 2341 and the magnetic member 31 are arranged to face each other. At this time, the magnetic portion 2341 is located above the magnetic member 31. Above is relatively speaking. More specifically, the magnetic portion 2341 is closer to the sample rack relative to the magnetic member 31, while the magnetic member 31 is farther away from the sample rack relative to the magnetic portion 2341.

[0048] In another specific embodiment, when the magnetic member 31 and the magnetic portion 2341 are facing each other, the magnetic portion 2341 is located to the side of the magnetic member 31. Specifically, when the trigger portion 233 is in the optical coupling trigger position, the magnetic portion 2341 and the magnetic member 31 are arranged along a straight line along the rotation axis of the baffle 23. If the magnetic member 31 and the magnetic portion 2341 are arranged vertically, then the magnetic portion 2341 and the magnetic member 31 are now arranged front to back. The specific arrangement is determined based on actual conditions and is not limited here.

[0049] It should also be noted that in order to ensure the suction force between the magnetic component 31 and the magnetic part 2341, a magnetic powder layer 33 can be set on the end face of the magnetic component 32 facing the magnetic component 31. By setting the magnetic powder layer 33, the suction force between the magnetic component 31 and the magnetic part 2341 is increased.

[0050] In one embodiment, the bracket 1 includes a frame 11 and two connecting portions 12 spaced apart on the frame 11. In practical applications, two counting assemblies 2 are typically provided, spaced apart on the bracket 1. Specifically, the fixing plates 21 of the two counting assemblies 2 are fixedly connected to the two connecting portions 12 by screws.

[0051] On the other hand, the utility model also provides an analyzer, including a main body, a signal receiving module, a transport structure and the above-mentioned counting structure. The transport structure is used to transport the sample rack so that the sample rack can move in a predetermined direction to drive the baffle 23 to move. The signal receiving module can be connected to the optical coupler 22 to collect the signal generated when the trigger part 233 is in the optical coupler trigger position and the optical coupler disengagement position.

[0052] Of course, the analyzer transport structure and counting component are only part of the structure of the analyzer's automatic sampling component. In addition, the analyzer's sampling component also includes a loading component, a code scanning component, a straightening component, an unloading component, an emergency component, a tray and other parts, which will not be elaborated here.

[0053] The technical features of the above-mentioned embodiments can be combined arbitrarily. In order to make the description concise, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above-mentioned embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0054] The above-described embodiments merely represent several implementations of the present invention. While the descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the patent application. It should be noted that a person skilled in the art would be able to make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of the present invention, and these modifications and improvements fall within the scope of protection of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present utility model patent shall be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A counting structure for measuring the number of sample tubes in a sample rack during transport, characterized in that: include: Bracket, fixed setting; The counting assembly includes an optical coupler fixedly connected to the bracket and a baffle movably connected to the bracket, the baffle having a trigger portion, the trigger portion having an optical coupler trigger position for entering the optical coupler and an optical coupler disengagement position for disengaging from the optical coupler, and the trigger portion can switch between the optical coupler trigger position and the optical coupler disengagement position as the baffle moves; And a stabilizing component, the stabilizing component includes a magnetic component and a magnetic component, one of the magnetic component and the magnetic component is connected to the optical coupler, and the other is connected to the baffle, and when the trigger part is located in the optical coupler trigger position, the baffle and the optical coupler are magnetically connected.

2. The counting structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The magnetic part is arranged on the baffle, and the counting component also includes a fixed plate, one end of the fixed plate is fixedly connected to the bracket, and the other end is provided with an outer protrusion, and the magnetic attraction part is arranged on the outer protrusion. The magnetic attraction part is located on the moving path of the magnetic part when it moves with the baffle.

3. The counting structure according to claim 2, characterized in that: The baffle includes a plate body, a driving portion connected to one end of the plate body, and a stabilizing portion connected to the plate body. The driving portion is located on the moving path of the sample rack. A magnetic portion is provided at one end of the stabilizing portion. The magnetic portion has magnetic force to form the magnetic member.

4. The counting structure according to claim 3, characterized in that: When the trigger portion is located at the trigger position, the magnetic member is arranged opposite to the magnetic portion, and a gap is formed between the end surfaces of the magnetic member and the magnetic portion facing each other; Alternatively, when the trigger portion is located at the trigger position, the magnetic element and the magnetic portion are arranged opposite to each other, and opposite end surfaces of the magnetic element and the magnetic portion are in contact with each other.

5. The counting structure according to claim 4, characterized in that: When the end faces of the magnetic portion and the magnetic member are in contact with each other, the end face of the magnetic portion facing the magnetic member is arranged as a curved surface that is convex toward the magnetic member.

6. The counting structure according to claim 4, characterized in that: The baffle is rotatably arranged. When the baffle is rotated until the magnetic element and the magnetic portion are facing each other, the magnetic portion and the magnetic element are arranged along a direction perpendicular to the baffle rotation axis.

7. The counting structure according to claim 4, characterized in that: The baffle is rotatably arranged. When the baffle is rotated until the magnetic element and the magnetic portion are facing each other, the magnetic portion and the magnetic element are arranged along the direction of the baffle rotation axis.

8. The counting structure according to any one of claims 4 to 7, characterized in that: The end surface of the magnetic component facing the magnetic attraction component is further provided with a magnetic powder layer.

9. The counting structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The bracket includes a frame body and two connecting parts spaced apart on the frame body. Two counting components are provided, and the optical couplers of the two counting components can be connected to the two connecting parts respectively.

10. An analyzer, characterized in that: The device comprises a main body, a signal receiving module, a transport structure, and a counting structure as described in any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the transport structure is used to transport the sample rack so that the sample rack can move in a predetermined direction to drive the baffle to move, and the signal receiving module can be connected to the optical coupler by signal to collect the signal generated when the trigger part is in the trigger position and the disengagement position.

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