Alternate sample loading mechanism for sample tubes

Abstract

The utility model relates to an alternate sample loading mechanism for sample tubes. Comprising a mounting frame, a first driving mechanism, a second driving mechanism, a first slideway assembly, a first sample frame, a second slideway assembly and a second sample frame, the first slide way assembly is mounted on the mounting frame, and the first sample frame is slidably connected with the first slide way assembly; the second slide way assembly is mounted on the mounting frame, and the second sample frame is slidably connected with the second slide way assembly; the first driving mechanism and the second driving mechanism are both mounted on the mounting frame, and the output end of the first driving mechanism is connected with the first sample frame to drive the first sample frame to slide back and forth along a sliding rail of the first slideway assembly; the output end of the second driving mechanism is connected with the second sample frame to drive the second sample frame to slide back and forth along the sliding rail of the second slideway assembly. According to the utility model, the first sample frame and the second sample frame alternately load samples, so that the sample loading efficiency is effectively improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of automated equipment technology, and more specifically, to a sample tube alternating sample loading mechanism. Background Technology

[0002] In automated medical testing instruments, automated sample loading is a crucial technology. There are generally two methods for accurately loading and unloading samples: One is a single-channel round-trip method. The sample rack loads the sample in the loading area, then moves it to the next station for the next process. After completing this process, it returns to the loading area to retrieve the sample, and then loads a new sample, repeating this cycle. Therefore, subsequent processes must wait for new samples to arrive before starting work, making this method time-consuming. This method is suitable for compact structures but is slow and inefficient. The second method is a pipeline method. This method is fast and efficient, but it results in larger instrument structures and a larger footprint. Furthermore, pipeline sample loading typically only loads one sample tube at a time. Utility Model Content

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to overcome the shortcomings of low single-channel sample loading efficiency in existing technologies and to provide a sample tube alternating loading mechanism that effectively improves sample loading efficiency.

[0004] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the technical solution adopted by this utility model is as follows:

[0005] A sample tube alternating loading mechanism is provided, comprising a mounting frame, a first driving mechanism, a second driving mechanism, a first slide rail assembly, a first sample holder, a second slide rail assembly, and a second sample holder. The first slide rail assembly is mounted on the mounting frame, and the first sample holder is slidably connected to the first slide rail assembly. The second slide rail assembly is mounted on the mounting frame, and the second sample holder is slidably connected to the second slide rail assembly. Both the first driving mechanism and the second driving mechanism are mounted on the mounting frame. The output end of the first driving mechanism is connected to the first sample holder, driving the first sample holder to slide back and forth along the slide rail of the first slide rail assembly. The output end of the second driving mechanism is connected to the second sample holder, driving the second sample holder to slide back and forth along the slide rail of the second slide rail assembly.

[0006] This utility model provides a sample tube alternating loading mechanism. A first driving mechanism drives a first sample holder to slide back and forth along a first slide, and a second driving mechanism drives a second sample holder to slide back and forth along a second slide. In actual operation, the first sample holder and the second sample holder alternately load samples, which effectively improves the loading efficiency.

[0007] Furthermore, the first slide rail assembly includes a first mounting plate, a second mounting plate, and a guide groove plate; the first mounting plate is provided with a first linear slide rail arranged horizontally; the second mounting plate is provided with a second linear slide rail arranged vertically; the guide groove plate is provided with a guide groove for guiding the first sample rack to slide simultaneously along the length directions of the first and second linear slide rails; both the first mounting plate and the guide groove plate are mounted on the mounting frame, and the second mounting plate is slidably connected to the first linear slide rail; the first sample rack is slidably connected to the second linear slide rail and the guide groove, respectively. Through the guiding effect of the guide groove on the guide groove plate, the first sample rack can move along the first linear slide rail while simultaneously sliding along the second slide rail, thus enabling the first sample rack to move simultaneously in both horizontal and vertical directions.

[0008] Furthermore, the first sample rack includes a first support frame and a first sample holder; the first sample holder is mounted on the first support frame, and a bearing is also provided on the first support frame; one side of the first support frame is slidably connected to the second linear slide rail, and the other side is slidably connected to the guide groove plate, and the bearing is slidably mounted in the guide groove. Through the connection between the bearing and the guide groove, the bearing moves along the trajectory of the guide groove, thereby guiding the first sample rack to move according to the trajectory of the guide groove.

[0009] Furthermore, the guide groove includes a first straight segment and a second straight segment arranged parallel to the first linear slide rail, and an arc segment. The two ends of the arc segment are connected to the first straight segment and the second straight segment, respectively. The first straight segment and the second straight segment are at the same horizontal height, with the arc segment located on the top side of the second straight segment. The middle of the arc segment is located on the bottom side of the second straight segment, and the two ends of the arc segment smoothly transition to the middle. The middle of the arc segment is the lowest point of the entire arc, and the first and second straight segments at both ends are the highest points. The movement trajectory from one end of the guide groove to the other is: linear motion, moving forward and downward simultaneously to the lowest point, moving forward and upward simultaneously, and linear motion again.

[0010] Furthermore, the arc segment is V-shaped.

[0011] Furthermore, the first support frame is located between the second mounting plate and the guide plate; the second mounting plate is located between the first support frame and the first mounting plate. This design makes the entire device more stable during movement and also makes the various mechanisms more compact, reducing the footprint.

[0012] Furthermore, the second slide rail assembly includes a third linear slide rail arranged laterally; the second sample rack includes a second support frame and a second sample bracket; the third linear slide rail is mounted on the mounting frame and is arranged parallel to the first linear slide rail; the second support frame is slidably connected to the third linear slide rail; the second sample bracket is mounted on the second support frame. During operation, the second sample rack always moves back and forth along the third linear slide rail to realize sample loading and adding actions; the second sample rack also moves back and forth along the first linear slide rail. To avoid collision between the two, the second sample rack moves back and forth along the second linear slide rail while sliding along the first linear slide rail. By designing the movement trajectory of the first sample rack to move simultaneously in the horizontal and vertical directions, when the first and second sample racks are at the alternation point, the first sample rack moves to the lowest point of its stroke, which is also the lowest point of the arc segment, thus avoiding collision between the first and second sample racks and effectively reducing space and floor space.

[0013] Furthermore, photoelectric sensors are provided at both ends of the first linear slide rail, both ends of the second linear slide rail, and both ends of the third slide rail. By setting photoelectric sensors, the positions of the first sample holder and the second sample holder are accurately sensed, and the alternation between the two is achieved when the first sample holder moves to the lowest end of the guide groove; of course, the photoelectric sensors can also be set at the lowest end of the arc segment.

[0014] Furthermore, the second sample rack is a gantry structure; the first sample rack can pass underneath the second sample rack. When the first sample rack moves to its lowest point, the second sample rack passes over the first sample rack, achieving the first sample rack avoiding the second sample rack. This not only realizes the alternating movement of the two racks, but also effectively reduces the space required and the floor space occupied.

[0015] Furthermore, both the first and second drive mechanisms include a drive motor, a first synchronous pulley, a second synchronous pulley, and a synchronous belt. The drive motor, the first synchronous pulley, and the second synchronous pulley are all mounted on the mounting bracket. The first and second synchronous pulleys are respectively located at both ends of the first linear slide rail. The first synchronous belt is respectively sleeved on the first and second synchronous pulleys. The output end of the first drive motor is connected to the first synchronous pulley. The synchronous belt of the first drive mechanism is fixedly connected to the first sample rack. The synchronous belt of the second drive mechanism is connected to the second sample rack. The synchronous belt is sleeved on the first and second synchronous pulleys. The drive motor drives the first synchronous pulley to rotate, thereby moving the synchronous belt. The synchronous belt of the first drive mechanism is connected to the first sample rack, and the synchronous belt of the second drive motor is connected to the second sample rack. In this way, the synchronous belt can drive the first and second sample racks to move synchronously.

[0016] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are:

[0017] This utility model discloses a sample tube alternating sample loading mechanism, in which a first sample rack and a second sample rack alternately load samples, effectively improving the sample loading efficiency; and the first sample rack and the second sample rack move back and forth in the same horizontal direction, while increasing the vertical movement of the second sample rack, avoiding collision between the two, making the structure more compact and effectively reducing the footprint. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the first state structure of the sample tube alternating sample loading mechanism.

[0019] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the second state structure of the sample tube alternating sample loading mechanism.

[0020] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram showing the connection between the first slide assembly and the first sample holder of the sample tube alternating loading mechanism.

[0021] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram showing the connection between the second slide assembly and the second sample holder in the sample tube alternating loading mechanism.

[0022] In the attached diagram: 1. Mounting frame; 2. First drive mechanism; 3. Second drive mechanism; 4. First slide rail assembly; 41. First mounting plate; 42. Second mounting plate; 43. Guide groove plate; 44. First linear slide rail; 45. Second linear slide rail; 46. Guide groove; 5. First sample rack; 51. First support frame; 52. First sample bracket; 6. Second slide rail assembly; 61. Third linear slide rail; 7. Second sample rack; 71. Second support frame; 72. Second sample bracket. Detailed Implementation

[0023] The present invention will be further described below with reference to specific embodiments. The accompanying drawings are for illustrative purposes only, representing schematic diagrams rather than actual physical objects, and should not be construed as limiting the scope of this patent. To better illustrate the embodiments of the present invention, some components in the drawings may be omitted, enlarged, or reduced, and do not represent the actual dimensions of the product. It is understandable to those skilled in the art that some well-known structures and their descriptions may be omitted in the drawings.

[0024] In the accompanying drawings of this utility model, the same or similar reference numerals correspond to the same or similar components. In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that if terms such as "upper," "lower," "left," and "right" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the drawings, they are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, the terms used to describe positional relationships in the drawings are only for illustrative purposes and should not be construed as limiting this patent. For those skilled in the art, the specific meaning of the above terms can be understood according to the specific circumstances.

[0025] Example 1

[0026] This embodiment is the first embodiment of the sample tube alternating sample loading mechanism, such as... Figures 1 to 4 As shown, the system includes a mounting frame 1, a first drive mechanism 2, a second drive mechanism 3, a first slide rail assembly 4, a first sample rack 5, a second slide rail assembly 6, and a second sample rack 7. The first slide rail assembly 4 is mounted on the mounting frame 1, and the first sample rack 5 is slidably connected to the first slide rail assembly 4. The second slide rail assembly 6 is mounted on the mounting frame 1, and the second sample rack 7 is slidably connected to the second slide rail assembly 6. Both the first drive mechanism 2 and the second drive mechanism 3 are mounted on the mounting frame 1. The output end of the first drive mechanism 2 is connected to the first sample rack 5, driving the first sample rack 5 to slide back and forth along the slide rail of the first slide rail assembly 4. The output end of the second drive mechanism 3 is connected to the second sample rack 7, driving the second sample rack 7 to slide back and forth along the slide rail of the second slide rail assembly 6.

[0027] like Figure 3As shown, the first slide rail assembly 4 includes a first mounting plate 41, a second mounting plate 42, and a guide plate 43. The first mounting plate 41 has a horizontally arranged first linear slide rail 44; the second mounting plate 42 has a vertically arranged second linear slide rail 45; the guide plate 43 has a guide groove 46 for guiding the first sample holder 5 to slide simultaneously along the length directions of the first linear slide rail 44 and the second linear slide rail 45. Both the first mounting plate 41 and the guide plate 43 are mounted on the mounting frame 1, and the second mounting plate 42 is slidably connected to the first linear slide rail 44. The first sample holder 5 is slidably connected to both the second linear slide rail 45 and the guide groove 46. Through the guiding action of the guide groove 46 on the guide plate 43, the first sample holder 5 can move along the first linear slide rail 44 while simultaneously sliding along the second slide rail, thus enabling the first sample holder 5 to move simultaneously in both horizontal and vertical directions.

[0028] like Figure 3 As shown, the guide groove 46 includes a first straight segment and a second straight segment arranged parallel to the first linear slide rail 44, and an arc segment. The two ends of the arc segment are connected to the first and second straight segments respectively. The first and second straight segments are at the same horizontal height, with the arc segment located on the top side of the second straight segment. The middle of the arc segment is located on the bottom side of the second straight segment, and the two ends of the arc segment smoothly transition to the middle. The middle of the arc segment is the lowest point of the entire arc, and the first and second straight segments at both ends are the highest points. The movement trajectory from one end of the guide groove 46 to the other is: linear motion, moving forward and downward simultaneously to the lowest point, moving forward and upward simultaneously, and linear motion again. The arc segment can be V-shaped.

[0029] like Figure 4 As shown, the second slide rail assembly 6 includes a third linear slide rail 61 arranged laterally; the second sample rack 7 includes a second support frame 71 and a second sample support 72; the third linear slide rail 61 is mounted on the mounting frame 1 and is arranged parallel to the first linear slide rail 44; the second support frame 71 is slidably connected to the third linear slide rail 61; the second sample support 72 is mounted on the second support frame 71. During operation, the second sample rack 7 always moves back and forth along the third linear slide rail 61 to realize the sample loading and adding actions; the second sample rack 7 also moves back and forth along the first linear slide rail 44. To avoid collision between the two, the second sample rack 7 moves back and forth along the second linear slide rail 45 while sliding along the first linear slide rail 44. By designing the movement trajectory of the first sample rack 5 to move simultaneously in the horizontal and vertical directions, when the first sample rack 5 and the second sample rack 7 are at the alternation point, the first sample rack 5 moves to the lowest point of its stroke, which is the lowest point of the arc segment, to avoid collision with the second sample rack 7. This also effectively reduces the space and floor space occupied.

[0030] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the first linear guide rail and the second linear slide rail 45 are of the same length and are installed with their ends aligned, so that the first sample rack 5 and the second sample rack 7 can move back and forth within the same range, reducing the space required.

[0031] like Figure 3 As shown, the first sample rack 5 includes a first support frame 51 and a first sample holder 52; the first sample holder 52 is mounted on the first support frame 51, and a bearing is also provided on the first support frame 51; one side of the first support frame 51 is slidably connected to the second linear slide rail 45, and the other side is slidably connected to the guide groove plate 43, and the bearing is slidably mounted in the guide groove 46. Through the connection between the bearing and the guide groove 46, the bearing moves along the trajectory of the guide groove 46, thereby guiding the first sample rack 5 to move according to the trajectory of the guide groove 46.

[0032] like Figure 3 As shown, the first support frame 51 is located between the second mounting plate 42 and the guide plate 43; the second mounting plate 42 is located between the first support frame 51 and the first mounting plate 41. This design makes the entire device more stable during movement and also makes the various mechanisms more compact, reducing the footprint.

[0033] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 4 As shown, the second sample rack 7 is a gantry structure; the first sample rack 5 can pass under the second sample rack 7. When the first sample rack 5 moves to its lowest point, it avoids the movement of the second sample rack 7. At this time, the second sample rack 7 passes over the first sample rack 5. This not only realizes the alternating movement of the two, but also effectively reduces the space required and the floor area occupied.

[0034] The working principle of the sample tube alternating sample loading mechanism in this embodiment is as follows:

[0035] The first and second slides have sample loading and sample dispensing ends at their respective ends; the sample loading ends of the first and second slides are located at the same position, as are the sample dispensing ends; before startup, the first sample holder 5 and the second sample holder 7 are located at the sample loading and sample dispensing ends, respectively; the first drive mechanism 2 and the second drive mechanism 3 are activated, driving the first sample holder 5 and the second sample holder 7 to slide, moving towards each other, while the second sample holder 7 maintains a horizontal linear movement; the first sample holder 5 initially moves horizontally, and when it moves to the guide groove 4... When the first sample rack 5 reaches the arc-shaped segment 6, it begins to move slowly forward while simultaneously moving downward. Upon reaching the lowest point of the arc-shaped segment, the first sample rack 5 avoids the second sample rack 7, which then passes over it, thus alternating between the two. Once the second sample rack 7 has passed, the first sample rack 5 continues moving. Then, both continue moving, with the first sample rack 5 slowly moving forward while simultaneously moving upward until it reaches the end of the second straight segment, i.e., the sample loading end, for sample loading. The second sample rack 7 maintains its straight-line movement until it reaches the sample loading end for sample loading. This cycle repeats, alternating between the first sample rack 5 and the second sample rack 7 for sample loading. Multiple sample loading slots can be provided on both the first and second sample racks 5 and 7, allowing each rack to simultaneously load multiple sample tubes, improving efficiency.

[0036] This utility model provides a sample tube alternating loading mechanism. A first driving mechanism 2 drives a first sample holder 5 to slide back and forth along a first slide, and a second driving mechanism 3 drives a second sample holder 7 to slide back and forth along a second slide. In actual operation, the first sample holder 5 and the second sample holder 7 alternately load samples, which effectively improves the loading efficiency.

[0037] Example 2

[0038] This embodiment is a second embodiment of a sample tube alternating loading mechanism. This embodiment is similar to the first embodiment, except that photoelectric sensors are provided at both ends of the first linear slide rail 44, both ends of the second linear slide rail 45, and both ends of the third slide rail. By setting the photoelectric sensors, the positions of the first sample holder 5 and the second sample holder 7 are accurately sensed, and the alternation of the first sample holder 5 and the second sample holder 7 is achieved when the first sample holder 5 moves to the lowest end of the guide groove 46; the photoelectric sensors can also be set at the lowest end of the arc-shaped section.

[0039] Example 3

[0040] This embodiment is a third embodiment of a sample tube alternating loading mechanism. This embodiment is similar to Embodiment 1, except that both the first driving mechanism 2 and the second driving mechanism 3 include a drive motor, a first synchronous pulley, a second synchronous pulley, and a synchronous belt. The drive motor, the first synchronous pulley, and the second synchronous pulley are all mounted on the mounting frame 1. The first synchronous pulley and the second synchronous pulley are respectively located at both ends of the first linear slide rail 44. The first synchronous belt is respectively sleeved on the first synchronous pulley and the first synchronous pulley. The output end of the first drive motor is connected to the first synchronous pulley. The synchronous belt of the first drive mechanism 2 is fixedly connected to the first sample rack 5; the synchronous belt of the second drive mechanism 3 is connected to the second sample rack 7. The synchronous belt is sleeved on the first synchronous pulley and the second synchronous pulley. The drive motor drives the first synchronous pulley to rotate, thereby driving the synchronous belt to move. The synchronous belt of the first drive mechanism 2 is connected to the first sample rack 5, and the synchronous belt of the second drive motor is connected to the second sample rack 7. In this way, the synchronous belt can drive the first sample rack 5 and the second sample rack 7 to move synchronously.

[0041] In the specific implementation of the above embodiments, the technical features can be combined in any non-contradictory way. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the above technical features are described. However, as long as the combination of these technical features is not contradictory, it should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0042] Obviously, the above embodiments of this utility model are merely examples for clearly illustrating this utility model, and are not intended to limit the implementation of this utility model. Those skilled in the art can make other variations or modifications based on the above description. It is neither necessary nor possible to exhaustively describe all embodiments here. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of this utility model should be included within the protection scope of the claims of this utility model.

Claims

1. A sample tube alternating sample loading mechanism, characterized in that, The system includes a mounting frame (1), a first drive mechanism (2), a second drive mechanism (3), a first slide rail assembly (4), a first sample rack (5), a second slide rail assembly (6), and a second sample rack (7). The first slide rail assembly (4) is mounted on the mounting frame (1), and the first sample rack (5) is slidably connected to the first slide rail assembly (4). The second slide rail assembly (6) is mounted on the mounting frame (1), and the second sample rack (7) is slidably connected to the second slide rail assembly (6). The first drive mechanism (2) and the second drive mechanism (3) are both mounted on the mounting frame (1). The output end of the first drive mechanism (2) is connected to the first sample rack (5), driving the first sample rack (5) to slide back and forth along the slide rail of the first slide rail assembly (4). The output end of the second drive mechanism (3) is connected to the second sample rack (7), driving the second sample rack (7) to slide back and forth along the slide rail of the second slide rail assembly (6).

2. The sample tube alternating loading mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first slide rail assembly (4) includes a first mounting plate (41), a second mounting plate (42), and a guide rail plate (43); the first mounting plate (41) is provided with a first linear slide rail (44) arranged horizontally; the second mounting plate (42) is provided with a second linear slide rail (45) arranged vertically; the guide rail plate (43) is provided with a guide groove (46) for guiding the first sample rack (5) to slide along the length direction of the first linear slide rail (44) and the length direction of the second linear slide rail (45); the first mounting plate (41) and the guide rail plate (43) are both mounted on the mounting frame (1), and the second mounting plate (42) is slidably connected to the first linear slide rail (44); the first sample rack (5) is slidably connected to the second linear slide rail (45) and the guide groove (46) respectively.

3. The sample tube alternating loading mechanism according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first sample rack (5) includes a first support frame (51) and a first sample bracket (52); the first sample bracket (52) is mounted on the first support frame (51), and a bearing is also provided on the first support frame (51); one side of the first support frame (51) is slidably connected to the second linear slide rail (45), and the other side is slidably connected to the guide plate (43), and the bearing is slidably mounted in the guide groove (46).

4. The sample tube alternating loading mechanism according to claim 3, characterized in that, The guide groove (46) includes a first straight segment and a second straight segment arranged parallel to the first linear slide rail (44), and an arc segment. The two ends of the arc segment are respectively connected to the first straight segment and the second straight segment. The first straight segment and the second straight segment are located at the same horizontal height and are located on the top side of the second straight segment. The middle part of the arc segment is located on the bottom side of the second straight segment. The two ends of the arc segment smoothly transition to the middle part of the arc segment.

5. The sample tube alternating loading mechanism according to claim 4, characterized in that, The arc segment is V-shaped.

6. The sample tube alternating loading mechanism according to claim 4, characterized in that, The first support frame (51) is located between the second mounting plate (42) and the guide plate (43); the second mounting plate (42) is located between the first support frame (51) and the first mounting plate (41).

7. The sample tube alternating loading mechanism according to any one of claims 2 to 6, characterized in that, The second slide rail assembly (6) includes a third linear slide rail (61) arranged laterally; the second sample rack (7) includes a second support frame (71) and a second sample bracket (72); the third linear slide rail (61) is mounted on the mounting frame (1) and is arranged parallel to the first linear slide rail (44); the second support frame (71) is slidably connected to the third linear slide rail (61); the second sample bracket (72) is mounted on the second support frame (71).

8. The sample tube alternating loading mechanism according to claim 7, characterized in that, Photoelectric sensors are provided at both ends of the first linear slide rail (44), both ends of the second linear slide rail (45), and both ends of the third linear slide rail (61).

9. The sample tube alternating loading mechanism according to claim 8, characterized in that, The second sample rack (7) is a gantry structure; the first sample rack (5) can pass under the second sample rack (7).

10. The sample tube alternating loading mechanism according to any one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that, Both the first drive mechanism (2) and the second drive mechanism (3) include a drive motor, a first synchronous pulley, a second synchronous pulley, and a synchronous belt; the drive motor, the first synchronous pulley, and the second synchronous pulley are all mounted on the mounting bracket (1), the first synchronous pulley and the second synchronous pulley are respectively located at both ends of the first linear slide rail (44), the first synchronous belt is respectively sleeved on the first synchronous pulley and the first synchronous pulley, the output end of the first drive mechanism (2) is connected to the first synchronous pulley; the synchronous belt of the first drive mechanism (2) is fixedly connected to the first sample rack (5); the synchronous belt of the second drive mechanism (3) is connected to the second sample rack (7).

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