Sample tube clamping structure and sample processing equipment

Abstract

The utility model relates to a sample tube clamping structure and sample processing equipment. The sample tube clamping structure comprises: a support frame; the driving part comprises a driving main machine and a motor shaft, and the driving main machine drives the motor shaft to move in the axial direction; the motor shaft movably extends into the mounting component; the adjusting assembly is arranged on the motor shaft in a sleeving manner and can move along with the motor shaft; the two clamping assemblies are symmetrically arranged, and the ends of the clamping assemblies are rotationally connected with the end, away from the driving part, of the mounting part; the motor shaft can drive the mounting part to move through the adjusting assembly, so that the two clamping assemblies get close to each other or get away from each other to clamp or release a sample tube; after the sample tube is clamped, the motor shaft can also drive the adjusting assembly to move relative to the mounting part so as to adjust the clamping force of the clamping assembly for clamping the sample tube. In this way, the clamping force of the clamping assembly on the sample tube can be adjusted, and reliable clamping of the sample tube is achieved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of sample tube transfer technology, and in particular to a sample tube clamping structure and sample processing equipment. Background Technology

[0002] Sample processing equipment, such as immunoassay analyzers, is mainly used in clinical laboratories to analyze and process samples such as blood, urine, or other bodily fluids to obtain corresponding analytical results.

[0003] Sample processing equipment typically includes devices for sample loading, reagent loading, sample and reagent dispensing, reaction solution mixing, reaction solution incubation, magnetic separation and cleaning, and sample detection. After the sample is loaded into the sample tube, it usually needs to be transferred between different stations in the sample processing equipment so that the corresponding operations can be performed on the sample in the sample tube at the corresponding station.

[0004] Generally, sample processing equipment uses a sample tube clamping structure to hold the sample tubes. Currently, the sample tube clamping structure uses a motor-controlled ball screw structure or gear structure and other transmission components to control the two grippers to move closer or further apart.

[0005] However, when the motor-driven transmission components control the grippers to hold the sample tube, the gripping force of the grippers on the sample tube clamping structure is a fixed value, which cannot be adjusted, thus affecting the accuracy of sample tube transfer. Utility Model Content

[0006] Therefore, it is necessary to address the problem that the clamping force of current sample tube clamping structures cannot be adjusted when clamping sample tubes, and to provide a sample tube clamping structure and sample processing device that can adjust the clamping force of the sample tubes to achieve reliable clamping of the sample tubes and ensure the accuracy of subsequent sample tube transfer.

[0007] A sample tube clamping structure, comprising:

[0008] Support frame;

[0009] The driving component includes a driving host and a motor shaft disposed on the driving host. The driving host is disposed on the support frame and drives the motor shaft to move along its axial direction.

[0010] The mounting component is movably located in the support frame, and the motor shaft extends movably into the mounting component;

[0011] An adjustment assembly, located within the mounting component, is sleeved on the motor shaft and movable with the motor shaft; and

[0012] Two clamping assemblies are symmetrically arranged. The end of the clamping assembly is rotatably connected to the end of the mounting component opposite to the driving component, and the middle region of the clamping assembly is rotatably disposed on the support frame.

[0013] The motor shaft can drive the mounting component to move through the adjustment component, so that the two clamping components move closer or further apart to clamp or release the sample tube;

[0014] After the two clamping components clamp the sample tube, the motor shaft can also drive the adjusting component to move relative to the mounting component to adjust the clamping force of the clamping components on the sample tube.

[0015] In one embodiment of this application, the sample tube clamping structure further includes a first detection element, which is disposed on the mounting component and moves synchronously with the mounting component;

[0016] The first detection element has a first detection end, which is capable of abutting against the adjustment component;

[0017] The motor shaft drives the adjustment component to move relative to the mounting component. The adjustment component can touch the first detection end so that the first detection element detects the amount of movement of the adjustment component relative to the mounting component.

[0018] In one embodiment of this application, the sample tube clamping structure further includes a second detection element, which is disposed on the support frame;

[0019] The second detection element has a second detection end, and the mounting component has a trigger element disposed on the side wall of the mounting component and extending toward the second detection element;

[0020] The motor shaft drives the mounting component to move, and the trigger can actuate the second detection end, so that the second detection component can detect the amount of movement of the mounting component.

[0021] In one embodiment of this application, the adjustment assembly includes an elastic element and a fixing element, wherein the fixing element is disposed on the motor shaft and is located in the mounting component;

[0022] The elastic element is sleeved on the motor shaft and abuts against the mounting component and the fixing component. The fixing component can activate the first detection component of the sample tube clamping structure.

[0023] In one embodiment of this application, the sample tube clamping structure includes at least one of the following features:

[0024] The first item is that the driving component is a stepper motor, a servo motor, an ultrasonic motor, or a sonic motor;

[0025] The second item is that the mounting component includes a mounting body and a mounting plate. The mounting plate is disposed on the side of the mounting body and extends radially through the motor shaft to the mounting hole of the mounting body. The mounting hole is used to mount the first detection element of the sample tube clamping structure.

[0026] Thirdly, the mounting component has a protruding adapter on the side facing the clamping assembly, the adapter rotatably connecting the two clamping assemblies.

[0027] In one embodiment of this application, each of the clamping components includes a swing member and a clamping member, one end of the swing member is rotatably connected to the mounting component, and the other end of the swing member is connected to the clamping member;

[0028] The swing member has a fulcrum portion, and the swing member is rotatably mounted on the support frame through the fulcrum portion. The swing member swings around the fulcrum portion, causing the clamping members of the two clamping assemblies to move closer to or further away from each other.

[0029] In one embodiment of this application, the clamping assembly includes at least one of the following features:

[0030] Firstly, the clamping assembly further includes a rotating member disposed on the mounting component and rotatably connected to the two swinging members;

[0031] Secondly, the clamping assembly further includes a first sliding member and a second sliding member, the first sliding member connecting the swing member and the clamping member, the second sliding member being disposed on the support frame, and the first sliding member being slidably disposed on the second sliding member;

[0032] Thirdly, the clamping assembly further includes a blocking member, which is disposed on the rotating member of the clamping assembly, and the swing member is rotatably disposed on the rotating member and located between the blocking member and the adapter of the mounting component;

[0033] Fourthly, the clamping assembly further includes a support bearing, which is disposed between the swing member and the rotating member of the clamping assembly.

[0034] In one embodiment of this application, the sample tube clamping structure includes at least one of the following features:

[0035] The first feature is that when the drive host is powered off, the motor shaft can self-lock relative to the drive host;

[0036] Secondly, the mounting component further includes a first guide member, which is disposed on the mounting component, and the motor shaft movably passes through the first guide member;

[0037] Thirdly, the driving component further includes a second guide member, which is disposed on the support frame. The motor shaft passes through the second guide member and can move along the second guide member.

[0038] In one embodiment of this application, the driving component further includes a limiting member that extends axially along the motor shaft and the motor shaft is movable relative to the limiting member.

[0039] The limiting member abuts against or separates from the mounting component, and when the limiting member abuts against the mounting component, it can limit the mounting component.

[0040] A sample processing device includes a sample processing unit and a transfer unit, wherein the transfer unit is disposed within the sample processing unit.

[0041] The transfer device includes a transfer structure and a sample tube clamping structure as described in any of the above technical features, wherein the sample tube clamping structure is disposed on the transfer structure.

[0042] The sample processing device has multiple processing stations distributed according to the processing sequence of the samples to be tested. The sample tube clamping structure is used to clamp the sample tube. The transfer structure drives the sample tube clamping structure to move so as to transfer the sample tube between the multiple processing stations.

[0043] After adopting the above technical solution, this application has at least the following technical solutions:

[0044] The sample tube clamping structure and sample processing device disclosed in this application, when clamping a sample tube, have a motor shaft driving an adjusting component to move towards the drive unit. The adjusting component, in turn, drives a mounting component to move, which in turn drives two clamping components to rotate, bringing the two clamping components closer together and clamping the sample tube. After the two clamping components have clamped the sample tube, the mounting component remains fixed, and the motor shaft drives the adjusting component to move relative to the mounting component towards the drive unit. In this way, the adjusting component can press against the mounting component, and the mounting component then applies a pressing force to the two clamping components, thus clamping the sample tube tightly.

[0045] This sample tube clamping structure uses a motor shaft of the drive component to move the adjustment component and the mounting component, thereby controlling the two clamping components to clamp or release the sample tube. Furthermore, after the two clamping components have clamped the sample tube, the motor shaft can drive the adjustment component to move towards the drive unit, adjusting the clamping force of the clamping components to ensure reliable clamping of the sample tube and guarantee the accuracy of subsequent sample tube transfer. Attached Figure Description

[0046] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the sample tube clamping structure of this embodiment.

[0047] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A three-dimensional view of a portion of the sample tube clamping structure shown.

[0048] Wherein: 100, sample tube clamping structure; 110, support frame; 111, support frame; 112, support top plate; 113, support shaft; 120, drive component; 121, drive host; 122, motor shaft; 123, limiting component; 124, second guide component; 130, mounting component; 131, stepped hole; 1311, first connecting hole; 1312, second connecting hole; 132, first guide component; 133, mounting body; 134, mounting plate; 135, adapter component; 136, trigger component; 140. Adjustment component; 141, elastic element; 142, fixing element; 1421, fixing body; 1422, protrusion; 150, clamping component; 151, swinging element; 1511, fulcrum; 1512, first swinging part; 1513, second swinging part; 152, clamping element; 153, rotating element; 154, first sliding element; 155, second sliding element; 156, blocking element; 157, support bearing; 160, first detection element; 161, first detection end; 170, second detection element; 171, second detection end. Detailed Implementation

[0049] To make the above-mentioned objectives, features, and advantages of this application more apparent and understandable, the specific embodiments of this application are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Many specific details are set forth in the following description to provide a thorough understanding of this application. However, this application can be implemented in many other ways different from those described herein, and those skilled in the art can make similar modifications without departing from the spirit of this application. Therefore, this application is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0050] In the description of this application, it should be understood that if terms such as "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential" appear, these terms indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this application 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, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this application.

[0051] Furthermore, where the terms "first" and "second" appear, these terms are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this application, where the term "multiple" appears, "multiple" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0052] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "joining," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise expressly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0053] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the use of descriptions such as "above" or "below" the second feature indicates that the first and second features are in direct contact, or indirect contact via an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "on top of," and "over" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. Similarly, "below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0054] It should be noted that if an element is referred to as being "fixed to" or "set on" another element, it can be directly on the other element or there may be an intervening element. If an element is considered to be "connected to" another element, it can be directly connected to the other element or there may be an intervening element. If so, the terms "vertical," "horizontal," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," and similar expressions used in this application are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent the only possible implementation.

[0055] Understandably, sample processing equipment typically uses a sample tube clamping structure to hold the sample tubes. Currently, this structure uses a motor-controlled ball screw or gear mechanism to move the two grippers closer together or further apart. However, when the motor-driven mechanism controls the grippers, the clamping force is constant, making it impossible to adjust the clamping force. This affects the accuracy of sample tube transfer.

[0056] For this reason, see Figure 1 This application provides a novel sample tube clamping structure 100. Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the sample tube clamping structure 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The sample tube clamping structure 100 is applied in the transfer device of a sample processing equipment. The sample tube clamping structure 100 can clamp the sample tube, and the transfer device drives the sample tube clamping structure 100 to move through the transfer structure, so that the sample tube is transferred between various processing stations of the sample processing equipment.

[0057] A sample tube is a container holding a sample to be tested. This sample may include, but is not limited to, blood, urine, or other bodily fluids, and may also be other liquids requiring analysis by sample processing equipment. Typically, a sample tube is a test tube. However, in other embodiments of this application, the sample tube may also be other containers capable of holding the sample, such as a reaction cup, etc.

[0058] The sample processing equipment can analyze and process the samples in the sample container at different processing stations. The sample tube clamping structure 100 can stably clamp the sample tube, and then the transfer structure drives the sample tube clamping structure 100 to move so that the sample tube clamping structure 100 can move the sample tube to the next processing station.

[0059] The sample tube clamping structure 100 releases the sample tube, and the transfer structure moves the sample tube clamping structure 100 to the next processing station where the sample tube needs to be transferred. Simultaneously, the sample processing equipment processes the sample to be tested at this processing station to measure the sample and obtain relevant parameters of the sample.

[0060] Optionally, the sample processing device is an immunoassay analyzer (e.g., an electrochemiluminescence analyzer) or a biochemical analyzer, etc. Of course, in other embodiments of this application, the sample tube clamping structure 100 may also be used only in scenarios where sample tubes are clamped.

[0061] The sample tube clamping structure 100 can clamp or release sample tubes. Furthermore, the clamping force of the sample tube clamping structure 100 can be adjusted to apply a suitable clamping force to the sample tube, ensuring reliable clamping and accurate subsequent transfer of the sample tube. Simultaneously, the sample tube clamping structure 100 can clamp sample tubes of different sizes, increasing its applicability.

[0062] When describing the specific structure of the sample tube clamping structure 100 later, only the clamping or releasing structure and principle of the sample tube clamping structure 100 will be explained. Specific application scenarios of the sample tube clamping structure 100 will not be elaborated. The following describes the specific structure of a sample tube clamping structure 100 according to one embodiment.

[0063] See Figure 1 In one embodiment, the sample tube clamping structure 100 includes a support frame 110, a drive component 120, a mounting component 130, an adjustment component 140, and two clamping components 150. The drive component 120 includes a drive host 121 and a motor shaft 122 disposed on the drive host 121. The drive host 121 is disposed on the support frame 110 and drives the motor shaft 122 to move axially therein. The mounting component 130 is movably located within the support frame 110, and the motor shaft 122 movably extends into the mounting component 130. The adjustment component 140 is located within the mounting component 130, is sleeved on the motor shaft 122, and can move with the motor shaft 122.

[0064] Two clamping assemblies 150 are symmetrically arranged. The end of each clamping assembly 150 is rotatably connected to the end of the mounting component 130 opposite to the drive component 120, and the middle region of each clamping assembly 150 is rotatably mounted on the support frame 110. The motor shaft 122 can drive the mounting component 130 to move via the adjusting component 140, causing the two clamping assemblies 150 to move closer or further apart to clamp or release the sample tube. After the two clamping assemblies 150 clamp the sample tube, the motor shaft 122 can also drive the adjusting component 140 to move relative to the mounting component 130 to adjust the clamping force of the clamping assemblies 150 on the sample tube.

[0065] The support frame 110 serves as the overall framework of the sample tube clamping structure 100. All components of the sample tube clamping structure 100 are directly or indirectly mounted to the support frame 110. The support frame 110 allows the sample processing equipment to be mounted onto its transfer structure or other structures. The support frame 110 is a fixed component, and the other components of the sample tube clamping structure 100 support and fix it in place.

[0066] The drive component 120 is the power source for the sample tube clamping structure 100. The drive component 120 is mounted on the support frame 110 and provides power for the clamping of the sample tube clamping structure 100, enabling the sample tube clamping structure 100 to clamp or release the sample tube. Specifically, the drive component 120 includes a drive host 121 and a motor shaft 122. The motor shaft 122 extends along the height direction, and its top is connected to the drive host 121. The drive host 121 can drive the motor shaft 122 to move vertically (up and down) along its axial direction.

[0067] To better illustrate the specific structure of the sample tube clamping structure 100, the up, down, left, and right directions are introduced here. For example... Figure 1As shown, the motor shaft 122 extends along the height direction (vertical direction, axial direction, top-bottom direction), and the height direction of the motor shaft 122 is the axial direction of the motor shaft 122. The radial direction of the motor shaft 122 is the width direction (left-right direction) of the sample tube clamping structure 100. The vertical and horizontal directions will be referred to in the following text. Figure 1 The directions shown are the reference and will not be repeated later.

[0068] The bottom of the motor shaft 122 passes through and extends into the mounting component 130. The adjusting component 140 is located in the mounting component 130 and is sleeved on the outside of the motor shaft 122. Two clamping components 150 are rotatably mounted below the mounting component 130. The two clamping components 150 are positioned relative to the central axis O of the sample tube clamping structure 100 (e.g., ...). Figure 1 (As shown) symmetrically arranged. Furthermore, the central regions of the two clamping assemblies 150 are rotatably mounted on the support frame 110.

[0069] When the mounting component 130 moves upward (rises), it drives the two clamping assemblies 150 to move relative to the support frame 110, so that the two clamping assemblies 150 move closer to each other (close together), at which time the two clamping assemblies 150 can clamp the sample tube. When the mounting component 130 moves downward (descends), it drives the two clamping assemblies 150 to move relative to the support frame 110, so that the two clamping assemblies 150 move away from each other (open together), at which time the two clamping assemblies 150 can release the sample tube.

[0070] The force for the upward and downward movement of the mounting component 130 is provided by the motor shaft 122. When the drive unit 121 drives the motor shaft 122 to rise, the motor shaft 122 can drive the mounting component 130 to move upward, so that the mounting component 130 drives the two clamping assemblies 150 to clamp the sample tube. When the drive unit 121 drives the motor shaft 122 to move the mounting component 130 downward, so that the mounting component 130 drives the two clamping assemblies 150 to release the sample tube.

[0071] Understandably, the clamping force of the two clamping components 150 on the sample tube is currently not adjustable. If the clamping force is too small, the two clamping components 150 cannot reliably hold the sample tube, and the sample tube may slip out of the clamping components 150 during subsequent transfer. If the clamping force is too large, the two clamping components 150 exert too much force on the sample tube, which may damage the sample tube.

[0072] Therefore, this application provides an adjustment component 140 in the sample tube clamping structure 100. The adjustment component 140 is located in the mounting component 130, and is sleeved on the portion of the motor shaft 122 located inside the mounting component 130. The adjustment component 140 abuts against the top of the mounting component 130, and the motor shaft 122 slidably passes through the mounting component 130. The motor shaft 122 can drive the mounting component 130 to move synchronously via the adjustment component 140, and can also drive the adjustment component 140 to move relative to the mounting component 130.

[0073] When the sample tube clamping structure 100 is not clamping a sample tube, the two clamping components 150 are in a state of being far apart from each other. When clamping a sample tube, the motor shaft 122 moves upward, and the motor shaft 122 can drive the mounting component 130 to move upward via the adjusting component 140. When the mounting component 130 moves upward, it can drive the two clamping components 150 to move closer to each other, so that the two clamping components 150 clamp the sample tube.

[0074] At this point, the mounting component 130 has moved into position (i.e., the clamping position) and remains fixed. That is, after the clamping assembly 150 clamps the sample tube, the height of the mounting component 130 remains unchanged. Understandably, after the two clamping assemblies 150 clamp the sample tube, they cannot approach each other, and consequently, the clamping assemblies 150 cannot rotate relative to the mounting component 130.

[0075] Meanwhile, since the clamping assembly 150 is rotatably mounted on the support frame 110, when the clamping assembly 150 is not rotating, its position relative to the support frame 110 is fixed. In this way, the clamping assembly 150 can relatively fix the mounting part 130 to the support frame 110, so that the mounting part 130 can no longer move upward, that is, the mounting part 130 remains fixed in the clamping position.

[0076] The drive unit 121 continues to drive the motor shaft 122 upward. Since the mounting component 130 remains stationary, the motor shaft 122 drives the adjustment component 140 to move relative to the mounting component 130; that is, the adjustment component 140 rises while the mounting component 130 remains stationary. After the adjustment component 140 rises, it applies a clamping force to the mounting component 130. The mounting component 130 can transmit this clamping force to the two clamping components 150, converting it into a clamping force for the two clamping components 150 to hold the sample tube.

[0077] Understandably, the adjustable clamping force of the sample tube clamping structure 100 is only possible because the sample tube is clamped by the two clamping components 150. That is, after the two clamping components 150 clamp the sample tube, the adjusting component 140 can adjust the clamping force of the two clamping components 150 on the sample tube. The clamping component 150 clamping the sample tube will not be emphasized again in the following text.

[0078] When the motor shaft 122 drives the adjustment assembly 140 to rise a small distance, the adjustment assembly 140 enables the two clamping assemblies 150 to apply a small force to the sample tube. When the motor shaft 122 drives the adjustment assembly 140 to rise a large distance, the adjustment assembly 140 enables the two clamping assemblies 150 to apply a larger force to the sample tube.

[0079] Similarly, when the clamping force of the two clamping components 150 on the sample tube is small, the motor shaft 122 drives the adjusting component 140 to rise, thereby increasing the clamping force of the two clamping components 150 on the sample tube. When the clamping force of the two clamping components 150 on the sample tube is large, the motor shaft 122 drives the adjusting component 140 to fall, thereby decreasing the clamping force of the two clamping components 150 on the sample tube.

[0080] Thus, when the motor shaft 122 drives the adjusting component 140 to rise different distances relative to the mounting component 130, the two clamping components 150 apply different clamping forces to the sample tube, making the clamping force of the sample tube clamping structure 100 adjustable. This ensures that the sample tube clamping structure 100 will not experience loosening due to insufficient clamping force, nor damage due to excessive clamping force, guaranteeing reliable clamping of the sample tube.

[0081] When the sample tube is released, the clamping assembly 150 remains in the clamping state and cannot rotate, thus fixing the mounting component 130 in the clamping position. The motor shaft 122 moves downward, which in turn drives the adjusting assembly 140 to move downward relative to the mounting component 130. At this time, the clamping force applied by the adjusting assembly 140 to the mounting component 130 decreases, thereby reducing the clamping force of the two clamping assemblies 150 on the sample tube.

[0082] When the adjustment component 140 descends to its position (i.e., the adjustment component 140 returns to its initial position), the motor shaft 122 can drive the mounting component 130 to descend through the adjustment component 140. At this time, the mounting component 130 drives the two clamping components 150 to rotate around the support frame 110, so that the two clamping components 150 move away from each other, so that the two clamping components 150 release the sample tube.

[0083] It is worth noting that the process of releasing the sample tube is the reverse process of clamping the sample tube. The following text will focus on the structure and principle of clamping the sample tube, while the structure and principle of releasing the sample tube will only be mentioned where necessary.

[0084] The sample tube clamping structure 100 of the above embodiment uses the motor shaft 122 of the driving component 120 to drive the adjustment component 140 and the mounting component 130 to move, thereby controlling the two clamping components 150 to clamp or release the sample tube. After the two clamping components 150 clamp the sample tube, the motor shaft 122 can drive the adjustment component 140 to move towards the driving host 121, thereby adjusting the clamping force of the clamping components 150 to clamp the sample tube, realizing reliable clamping of the sample tube and ensuring the accuracy of subsequent sample tube transfer.

[0085] See Figure 1 and Figure 2 In one embodiment, the drive component 120 further includes a limiting member 123 extending axially along the motor shaft 122, which is movable relative to the limiting member 123. The limiting member 123 abuts against or separates from the mounting component 130. When the limiting member 123 abuts against the mounting component 130, it can limit the mounting component 130, thereby limiting the two clamping assemblies 150.

[0086] The limiting member 123 is a fixed component that extends along the height direction and is located on the side of the motor shaft 122. When the motor shaft 122 moves upward or downward, it can move relative to the limiting member 123. The top of the limiting member 123 is fixed to the drive host 121 or the support frame 110. The limiting member 123 restricts the upward movement distance of the mounting component 130, preventing the mounting component 130 from rising excessively and thus preventing the two clamping assemblies 150 from colliding with each other.

[0087] The two clamping components 150 are capable of clamping sample tubes within a predetermined size range. When the mounting component 130 moves upward, it can cause the two clamping components 150 to move closer together to clamp sample tubes within the predetermined size range. In this way, the sample tube limits the distance between the two clamping components 150, and the mounting component 130 is fixed by the clamping components 150, thereby achieving adjustment of the clamping force.

[0088] When the size of the sample tube is significantly smaller than the predetermined size, or when there is no sample tube between the two clamping components 150, the rising of the mounting component 130 can cause the two clamping components 150 to move closer to each other. In this case, the two clamping components 150 may collide with each other, affecting the clamping performance of the two clamping components 150.

[0089] Therefore, this application provides a limiting member 123 on the side of the motor shaft 122. When the size of the sample tube is significantly smaller than the predetermined size, or when there is no sample tube between the two clamping components 150, if the mounting component 130 continues to rise, the limiting member 123 can abut against the mounting component 130, limiting the excessive rise of the mounting component 130, thereby preventing the two clamping components 150 from colliding with each other.

[0090] It is worth noting that the structural form of the limiting member 123 is not limited in principle, as long as the limiting member 123 can abut against the mounting component 130. Two possible forms of the limiting member 123 are described below, but the limiting member 123 is not limited to the following structures.

[0091] See Figure 1 In one embodiment of this application, a limiting member 123 is disposed on the drive host 121 and sleeved on the outside of the motor shaft 122, forming a limiting step between the limiting member 123 and the motor shaft 122. That is, the limiting member 123 is a structure such as a bushing. The diameter of the limiting member 123 is larger than the diameter of the motor shaft 122. After the limiting member 123 is sleeved on the motor shaft 122, a stepped limiting step is formed between the bottom of the limiting member 123 and the outer wall of the motor shaft 122.

[0092] After the motor shaft 122 extends through the mounting component 130, there is a movement gap between the limiting member 123 and the mounting component 130. When the motor shaft 122 moves upward, it can drive the mounting component 130 to rise via the adjusting component 140. When the limiting member 123 abuts against the top of the mounting component 130, the limiting step abuts against the surface of the mounting component 130 to limit the distance between the two clamping components 150 and prevent them from colliding.

[0093] See Figure 1 In one embodiment, the mounting component 130 has a first connecting hole 1311 and a second connecting hole 1312 coaxially arranged at one end facing the driving component 120. The diameter of the second connecting hole 1312 is larger than the diameter of the first connecting hole 1311. The first connecting hole 1311 and the second connecting hole 1312 pass through the mounting component 130 and form a stepped hole 131.

[0094] The first connecting hole 1311 is the hole through which the motor shaft 122 passes into the mounting component 130. The motor shaft 122 extends into the mounting component 130 through the first connecting hole 1311. Furthermore, the motor shaft 122 can move along the first connecting hole 1311. To ensure that the motor shaft 122 moves accurately along the first connecting hole 1311, this application provides a coaxial second connecting hole 1312 above the first connecting hole 1311, the diameter of which is larger than the diameter of the first connecting hole 1311.

[0095] The diameter of the second connecting hole 1312 is adapted to the diameter of the limiting member 123. When the motor shaft 122 drives the mounting component 130 to rise through the adjusting component 140, the limiting member 123 can gradually move into the second connecting hole 1312, and the bottom of the limiting member 123 can abut against the bottom of the second connecting hole 1312. That is, the limiting step cooperates with the stepped hole 131 to limit the mounting component 130.

[0096] Of course, the limiting member 123 and the motor shaft 122 can also be the drive shafts that come with the drive component 120. The limiting member 123 is a fixed shaft, and the motor shaft 122 is a movable shaft. The motor shaft 122 is movably set on the limiting member 123.

[0097] In another embodiment of this application, the limiting member 123 is parallel to and spaced apart from the motor shaft 122. That is, the limiting member 123 is a limiting rod or the like, and the limiting member 123 is not sleeved on the outside of the motor shaft 122. In this case, the limiting member 123 can also abut against or detach from the mounting component 130, and its principle is essentially the same as that of the limiting member 123 sleeved on the motor shaft 122, which will not be described again here.

[0098] In one embodiment, the motor shaft 122 can self-lock relative to the drive host 121 when the drive host 121 is powered off. When the drive component 120 is powered off, the drive host 121 can lock the motor shaft 122, so that the motor shaft 122 can maintain the state before the power failure.

[0099] In this way, the positions of the motor shaft 122 and the adjustment component 140 will not change, so that the mounting component 130 will not slip off the motor shaft 122. The two clamping components 150 can maintain the clamping force before the power failure on the sample tube, and prevent the sample tube from falling off due to insufficient clamping force, so as to ensure the reliability of the sample tube clamping when the power is off and avoid damage to the sample processing equipment.

[0100] In one embodiment of this application, the drive host 121 has a first threaded portion, and the outer wall of the motor shaft 122 has a second threaded portion. The first threaded portion and the second threaded portion are screwed together, so that the drive host 121 drives the motor shaft 122 to move. That is, the motor shaft 122 is a screw shaft, and the drive host 121 and the motor shaft 122 form a structure similar to a ball screw.

[0101] When the drive unit 121 outputs rotational motion, the motor shaft 122 moves upward or downward through the engagement of the first threaded portion and the second threaded portion. Moreover, when the drive unit 120 loses power, the motor shaft 122 can be locked through the engagement of the first threaded portion and the second threaded portion, and the motor shaft 122 can maintain its state before the power loss.

[0102] In this way, the positions of the motor shaft 122 and the adjustment component 140 will not change, and the two clamping components 150 can maintain the clamping force of the sample tube before the power failure, so as to prevent the sample tube from falling due to insufficient clamping force, thus ensuring the reliability of the sample tube clamping when the power is off and avoiding damage to the sample processing equipment.

[0103] Optionally, by adjusting features such as the pitch of the first and second threaded portions, such as reducing the pitch, the motor shaft 122 and the drive unit 121 can be self-locked when power is lost. Of course, the drive unit 121 also maintains torque when power is lost, and can also support locking the position of the motor shaft 122 under a certain load, so that the mounting component 130 will not slip off the motor shaft 122.

[0104] Of course, in other embodiments of this application, the drive host 121 may also use a gear and rack transmission to achieve power-off self-locking with the motor shaft 122, or an electrostrictive (piezoelectric ceramic) drive host 121 may be used, or the drive host 121 and the motor shaft 122 may adopt other structural forms that can achieve power-off self-locking, which will not be described in detail here.

[0105] In one embodiment, the drive component 120 is a stepper motor. This reduces the cost of the sample tube clamping structure 100. Furthermore, the drive component 120 is a through-shaft stepper motor, so that the motor shaft 122 can drive the adjustment assembly 140 to move.

[0106] Of course, in other embodiments of this application, the driving component 120 may also be a servo motor, ultrasonic motor, sonic motor or other type of motor, as long as it can control the two clamping components 150 to clamp the sample tube.

[0107] See Figure 1 In one embodiment, the support frame 110 includes a support frame 111 and a support top plate 112. The support frame 111 surrounds the periphery of the mounting component 130 and is located above the clamping assembly 150. The support top plate 112 is disposed on top of the support frame 111 and is used to mount the drive component 120. The support top plate 112 has an axially extending through-hole through which the motor shaft 122 extends out.

[0108] It is worth noting that the structural forms of the support frame 111 and the support top plate 112 are not limited in principle, as long as they can support the drive component 120 and be installed on the transfer structure. Optionally, the support frame 111 can be a shell or frame structure, and the support top plate 112 can be a plate or frame structure.

[0109] See Figure 1 In one embodiment, the mounting component 130 further includes a first guide 132, which is disposed in the mounting component 130, and the motor shaft 122 movably passes through the first guide 132. The first guide 132 is disposed at the top of the mounting component 130, and further, the first guide 132 is located in a stepped hole 131 in the mounting component 130, through which the motor shaft 122 extends into the mounting component 130.

[0110] When the motor shaft 122 moves upward or downward, it can move along the first guide member 132. The first guide member 132 can guide the motor shaft 122 to ensure the accuracy of its movement. Optionally, the first guide member 132 can be a sliding sleeve or a guide block with a guide hole, etc.

[0111] See Figure 1 In one embodiment, the drive component 120 further includes a second guide 124, which is disposed on the support frame 110. The motor shaft 122 passes through the second guide 124 and is movable along the second guide 124. The second guide 124 is disposed in a through hole at the top of the support frame 111, and the motor shaft 122 extends out through the second guide 124.

[0112] When the motor shaft 122 moves upward or downward, it can move along the second guide member 124. The second guide member 124 can guide the motor shaft 122 to ensure the accuracy of its movement. Optionally, the second guide member 124 can be a guide block with a guide hole or a sliding sleeve, etc.

[0113] See Figure 1 In one embodiment, the adjustment assembly 140 includes an elastic member 141 and a fixing member 142. The fixing member 142 is disposed on the motor shaft 122 and is located in the mounting component 130. The elastic member 141 is sleeved on the motor shaft 122 and abuts against the mounting component 130 and the fixing member 142. The fixing member 142 can actuate the first detection element 160 of the sample tube clamping structure 100 (mentioned later).

[0114] A fixing member 142 is disposed at the bottom of the motor shaft 122, and an elastic member 141 is sleeved on the motor shaft 122. The top of the elastic member 141 abuts against the mounting member 130, and the bottom of the elastic member 141 abuts against the fixing member 142. Optionally, the fixing member 142 is a fixing block or a fixing nut. Optionally, the elastic member 141 is a spring, and further, the elastic member 141 is a compression spring.

[0115] When the motor shaft 122 moves upward, it drives the fixing member 142 to rise, which in turn pushes the elastic member 141 to rise, and the elastic member 141 pushes the mounting member 130 to rise. After the mounting member 130 rises and drives the two clamping assemblies 150 to clamp the sample tube, the mounting member 130 remains stationary. At this time, the motor shaft 122 can drive the fixing member 142 to compress the elastic member 141. The elastic member 141 is compressed and applies a clamping force to the mounting member 130, which is then transmitted to the clamping assembly 150 through the mounting member 130 to adjust the clamping force of the clamping assembly 150.

[0116] When the motor shaft 122 moves downward, the mounting component 130 remains stationary. The motor shaft 122 drives the fixing member 142 to descend, gradually releasing the elastic member 141, and reducing the compressive force of the elastic member 141 on the mounting component 130. When the elastic member 141 returns to its initial position, it no longer compresses. At this point, the motor shaft 122 can drive the mounting component 130 to descend through the fixing member 142 and the elastic member 141.

[0117] Furthermore, in order to detect the clamping force of the clamping assembly 150, this application also provides a first detection element 160 in the sample tube clamping structure 100. When the motor shaft 122 drives the fixing member 142 to rise, the fixing member 142 can touch the first detection element 160. At this time, the first detection element 160 can detect the position of the fixing member 142, and thus determine the compression amount of the elastic member 141.

[0118] Understandably, since the size of the clamping assembly 150 is fixed, the first detection element 160 can calculate the compression of the elastic element 141 based on the movement of the fixing element 142, and thus calculate the clamping force of the clamping assembly 150 on the sample tube. In this way, the clamping force of the two clamping assemblies 150 on the sample tube can be obtained.

[0119] See Figure 1 In one embodiment, the sample tube clamping structure 100 further includes a first detection element 160, which is disposed on the mounting component 130 and moves synchronously with the mounting component 130. The first detection element 160 has a first detection end 161, which can abut against the adjustment component 140. The motor shaft 122 drives the adjustment component 140 to move relative to the mounting component 130, and the adjustment component 140 can touch the first detection end 161 so that the first detection element 160 detects the amount of movement of the adjustment component 140 relative to the mounting component 130.

[0120] The first detection element 160 is disposed on the mounting component 130, and the first detection end 161 is located inside the mounting component 130. The fixing element 142 can cooperate with the first detection end 161, and the first detection element 160 can detect the position of the fixing element 142. When the motor shaft 122 drives the mounting component 130 to rise through the fixing element 142 and the elastic element 141, the mounting component 130 can drive the first detection element 160 to rise synchronously.

[0121] When the motor shaft 122 drives the fixing member 142 and the adjusting member to rise relative to the mounting member 130, the first detection member 160 can detect the position of the fixing member 142. Thus, based on the detection signal of the first detection member 160 and the movement of the motor shaft 122, the compression amount of the elastic member 141 can be determined, and the clamping force of the clamping assembly 150 can be calculated.

[0122] Furthermore, the first detection element 160 can also adjust the clamping force of the clamping assembly 150. The first detection element 160 feeds back the clamping force information to the drive host 121. The drive host 121 controls the motor shaft 122 to move upward or downward according to the clamping force information, so as to increase or decrease the clamping force of the clamping assembly 150.

[0123] Optionally, the first detection element 160 is an optocoupler, such as a slotted optocoupler. The optocoupler can detect the position of the fixing element 142, thereby determining the compression amount of the elastic element 141 based on the position of the fixing element 142, so that the controller in the sample processing equipment or sample tube clamping structure 100 can obtain the clamping force of the clamping assembly 150 on the sample tube.

[0124] See Figure 1 and Figure 2 In one embodiment, the mounting component 130 includes a mounting body 133 and a mounting plate 134. The mounting plate 134 is disposed on the side of the mounting body 133 and extends radially along the motor shaft 122 to the mounting hole of the mounting body 133. The mounting hole is used to mount the first detection element 160 of the sample tube clamping structure 100. Figure 2 for Figure 1 A perspective view of a portion of the sample tube clamping structure 100 shown.

[0125] The mounting body 133 is the main structure of the mounting component 130. The mounting component 130 is located in the support frame 110 through the cooperation of the elastic member 141, the fixing member 142, and the motor shaft 122. The mounting plate 134 is the plate for mounting the first detection component 160. The mounting plate 134 is located on the right side of the mounting body 133. The mounting plate 134 has a mounting hole that communicates with the inner cavity of the mounting component 130. The first detection component 160 is mounted to the inner surface of the mounting plate 134 and protrudes through the mounting hole.

[0126] On the one hand, the mounting plate 134 facilitates the installation of the first detection element 160. On the other hand, the first detection element 160 is exposed through the mounting hole, allowing the controller to receive signals from the first detection element 160. Simultaneously, it also reduces the weight of the mounting component 130. It is worth noting that the structure of the mounting body 133 and the mounting plate 134 is not limited in principle, as long as the mounting body 133 and the mounting plate 134 can accommodate the motor shaft 122 and the adjustment assembly 140, and allow for the installation of the first detection element 160.

[0127] In this embodiment, the mounting body 133 is U-shaped, and a mounting plate 134 is provided at the opening of the U-shape. Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown. Thus, the top of the mounting body 133 allows the motor shaft 122 to pass through, and the bottom of the mounting body 133 allows for the rotatable connection of two clamping assemblies 150. Furthermore, the mounting plate 134 is fixed to the mounting body 133 by threaded fasteners. Of course, in other embodiments of this application, the structure of the mounting body 133 and the mounting plate 134 may also be different.

[0128] See Figure 1 In one embodiment, the fixing member 142 includes a fixing body 1421 and a protrusion 1422. The fixing body 1421 is disposed on the motor shaft 122. The protrusion 1422 is disposed on the side of the fixing body 1421 and protrudes radially along the motor shaft 122. The protrusion 1422 is used to actuate the first detection member 160 of the sample tube clamping structure 100.

[0129] like Figure 1 As shown, the fixing body 1421 is disposed at the bottom of the motor shaft 122, and the protrusion 1422 is disposed on the right end face of the fixing body 1421 and protrudes outward. The protrusion 1422 can extend toward the first detection end 161. When the motor shaft 122 drives the elastic member 141 to rise relative to the mounting component 130, the protrusion 1422 can touch the first detection end 161. At this time, the first detection end 161 can detect the position of the protrusion 1422 and calculate the compression amount of the elastic member 141 based on the position of the protrusion 1422, so as to determine the clamping force of the clamping assembly 150.

[0130] Optionally, the fixing body 1421 is a nut or a fixing block. The protrusion 1422 is a lug, stop, baffle, etc., provided on the fixing body 1421. Optionally, the fixing body 1421 and the protrusion 1422 are an integral structure or are separate structures.

[0131] See Figure 1 In one embodiment, the mounting component 130 has a protruding adapter 135 on the side facing the clamping assembly 150, the adapter 135 rotatably connecting the two clamping assemblies 150. That is, the mounting component 130 also includes the adapter 135, which is disposed at the bottom of the mounting body 133 and protrudes forward. The adapter 135 is rotatably connected to the clamping assembly 150.

[0132] Optionally, the adapter 135 is an adapter plate. Of course, in other embodiments of this application, the adapter 135 may also be a rotating shaft or other structure capable of rotatably connecting the clamping assembly 150. Optionally, the adapter 135 and the mounting body 133 may be an integral structure or separate components.

[0133] See Figure 1 and Figure 2In one embodiment, the sample tube clamping structure 100 further includes a second detection element 170, which is disposed on the support frame 110. The second detection element 170 has a second detection end 171, and the mounting component 130 has an actuating element 136 disposed on the side wall of the mounting component 130 and extending toward the second detection element 170. The motor shaft 122 drives the mounting component 130 to move, and the actuating element 136 can actuate the second detection end 171, so that the second detection element 170 detects the amount of movement of the mounting component 130.

[0134] The second detection element 170 is disposed on the support frame 111 of the support frame 110 and located on the side of the mounting member 130. Furthermore, the second detection element 170 and the first detection element 160 are respectively located on opposite sides of the mounting member 130. An actuating element 136 is disposed on the left side surface of the mounting member 130 and extends toward the second detection element 170. The second detection element 170 can detect the descent distance of the mounting member 130 to determine the opening size of the two clamping assemblies 150.

[0135] When the motor shaft 122 moves downward, it drives the adjusting component 140 to move relative to the mounting component 130, and the elastic element 141 gradually reduces the clamping force on the mounting component 130. After the elastic element 141 and the fixing component 142 move to the initial position, the motor shaft 122 drives the mounting component 130 to descend through the adjusting component 140, and then the mounting component 130 drives the two clamping components 150 to gradually open. At the same time, the mounting component 130 can also drive the actuating element 136 to descend.

[0136] When both clamping assemblies 150 are fully open, the actuator 136 can activate the second detection end 171. At this time, the actuator 136 can detect the amount of movement (descent distance) of the mounting member 130. Since the structure of the clamping assembly 150 is known, the opening size between the two clamping assemblies 150 can be obtained based on the amount of movement of the mounting member 130. In this way, the two clamping assemblies 150 can accurately release the sample tube.

[0137] Furthermore, the second detection element 170 can also adjust the opening size of the two clamping components 150. The first detection element 160 feeds back the opening size information to the drive host 121. The drive host 121 controls the motor shaft 122 to move downward or upward according to the opening size information, so as to increase or decrease the opening size of the two clamping components 150.

[0138] Optionally, the second detection element 170 is an optocoupler, such as a slotted optocoupler. The optocoupler can detect the position of the mounting component 130, thereby determining the amount of movement of the mounting component 130 based on its position, so that the controller in the sample processing equipment or sample tube clamping structure 100 can obtain the opening size of the two clamping components 150.

[0139] See Figure 1 and Figure 2 In one embodiment, each clamping assembly 150 includes a swing member 151 and a clamping member 152. One end of the swing member 151 is rotatably connected to the mounting member 130, and the other end of the swing member 151 is connected to the clamping member 152. The swing member 151 has a fulcrum portion 1511, and the swing member 151 is rotatably mounted on the support frame 110 through the fulcrum portion 1511. The swing member 151 swings around the fulcrum portion 1511, causing the clamping members 152 of the two clamping assemblies 150 to move closer to or further away from each other.

[0140] The top of the swing member 151 is rotatably connected to the adapter 135 of the mounting component 130, and the swing member 151 is generally in the form of a lever. The fulcrum 1511 in the middle region of the swing member 151 is rotatably connected to the mounting bracket, and the bottom of the swing member 151 is connected to the clamping member 152. When the mounting component 130 moves up or down, the mounting component 130 can drive the swing member 151 to rotate through the adapter 135. The swing member 151 can rotate around the support frame 111 through the fulcrum 1511, so that the swing member 151 drives the corresponding clamping member 152 to move, so that the two clamping members 152 move closer to each other or further apart.

[0141] When the mounting component 130 moves upward, it can drive the swing component 151 to rotate via the adapter 135. The swing component 151 rotates relative to the support frame 111 via the fulcrum 1511, so that the two clamping components 152 move closer to each other and thus clamp the sample tube. When the mounting component 130 moves downward, it can drive the two swing components 151 to rotate via the adapter 135. The swing component 151 rotates relative to the support frame 111 via the fulcrum 1511, so that the two clamping components 152 move further apart and thus release the sample tube.

[0142] Optionally, the support frame 110 further includes a support shaft 113, which is disposed on the support frame 111. The fulcrum portion 1511 of the swing member 151 is rotatably disposed on the support shaft 113 and can rotate around the support shaft 113.

[0143] See Figure 1 and Figure 2 In one embodiment, the swing member 151 includes a fulcrum portion 1511, a first swing portion 1512 and a second swing portion 1513. The first swing portion 1512 and the second swing portion 1513 are connected by bending through the fulcrum portion 1511. One end of the first swing portion 1512 is rotatably connected to the adapter 135 of the mounting member 130, and the other end of the second swing portion 1513 is connected to the clamping member 152. The fulcrum portion 1511 is rotatably connected to the support frame 110.

[0144] When the mounting component 130 moves upward or downward, the mounting component 130 can drive the first swing part 1512 to rotate through the adapter 135. Then, the first swing part 1512 rotates around the support shaft 113 of the support frame 110 through the fulcrum part 1511, thereby driving the second swing part 1513 to rotate. Then, the second swing part 1513 can drive the clamping member 152 to move, so that the two clamping members 152 move closer to each other or further away from each other.

[0145] See Figure 1 and Figure 2 In one embodiment, the clamping assembly 150 further includes a rotating member 153, which is disposed on the mounting member 130 and rotatably connects two swing members 151. Optionally, the rotating member 153 is a pivot. The rotating member 153 is fixedly mounted to the adapter 135 of the mounting member 130 and rotates along the front-back direction (e.g., ...). Figure 2 As shown, the rotating part 153 extends perpendicular to the height and width directions.

[0146] Two swing members 151 are spaced apart on the rotating shaft and can rotate around the shaft. When the mounting component 130 moves upward or downward, the mounting component 130 can drive the rotating component 153 to rise or fall through the adapter 135. In turn, the rotating component 153 can cause the swing member 151 to rotate around the rotating component 153 and the support shaft 113, so that the swing member 151 drives the two clamping members 152 to move closer or further apart.

[0147] See Figure 1 and Figure 2 In one embodiment, the clamping assembly 150 further includes a first slider 154 and a second slider 155. The first slider 154 connects the swing member 151 and the clamping member 152. The second slider 155 is disposed on the support frame 110. The first slider 154 is slidably disposed on the second slider 155.

[0148] The first sliding member 154 connects the swing member 151 and the clamping member 152 in the left-right direction. The second sliding member 155 is disposed in the left-right direction on the support frame 111 of the support frame 110, and the first sliding member 154 is slidably disposed on the second sliding member 155. When the mounting member 130 moves upward or downward, the mounting member 130 can drive the swing member 151 to rotate around the support shaft 113 through the adapter 135.

[0149] When the swing member 151 rotates, it can push the first sliding member 154 to move along the second sliding member 155 in the left and right directions. At the same time, when the first sliding member 154 moves, it can drive the corresponding clamping member 152 to move, so that the two clamping members 152 move closer to each other or further away from each other.

[0150] The cooperation between the first slider 154 and the second slider 155 can guide the movement of the swing member 151 driving the clamping member 152, thereby ensuring the accuracy of the movement trajectory of the two clamping members 152, so that the two clamping members 152 can accurately clamp the sample tube and avoid the two clamping members 152 from being misaligned.

[0151] In this embodiment, the first slider 154 is a guide slider, and the second slider 155 is a guide rail. Of course, in other embodiments of this application, the first guide 132 may also be a guide slider, and the second guide 124 may also be a guide slider. Optionally, the first slider 154 is connected to the clamping member 152 via a threaded connection.

[0152] See Figure 1 and Figure 2 In one embodiment, the clamping assembly 150 further includes a blocking member 156, which is disposed on the rotating member 153 of the clamping assembly 150. The swing member 151 is rotatably disposed on the rotating member 153 and located between the blocking member 156 and the adapter 135 of the mounting member 130.

[0153] A blocking member 156 is disposed on the rotating member 153 and fixed to the adapter 135. The blocking member 156 ensures that the rotating member 153 is reliably fixed to the adapter 135. Simultaneously, the blocking member 156 is located on the side of the swing member 151 away from the adapter 135, that is, the swing member 151 is located between the blocking member 156 and the adapter 135. The blocking member 156 can axially limit the position of the swing member 151, preventing the blocking member 156 from moving axially along the rotating member 153. Optionally, the blocking member 156 can be a blocking plate or a baffle plate, etc.

[0154] See Figure 1 and Figure 2 In one embodiment, the clamping assembly 150 further includes a support bearing 157, which is disposed between the swing member 151 and the rotating member 153 of the clamping assembly 150. The inner ring of the support bearing 157 is fixedly sleeved on the outer wall of the rotating member 153, and the outer ring of the support bearing 157 is located in the swing member 151.

[0155] When the mounting component 130 drives the swing member 151 to rotate, the swing member 151 can drive the outer ring of the support bearing 157 to rotate around the inner ring. This reduces the friction between the swing member 151 and the rotating component 153, facilitating the rotation of the swing member 151. At the same time, the support bearing 157 can also fix the position of the swing member 151 and guide its movement.

[0156] When the sample tube clamping structure 100 of this application is in its initial position, the two clamping components 150 are open. When the sample tube clamping structure 100 clamps the sample tube, the drive host 121 drives the motor shaft 122 to move upwards, and the motor shaft 122 performs an upward linear motion. At this time, the motor shaft 122 can drive the elastic member 141 to move upwards through the fixing member 142. The fixing member 142 transmits the upward force to the mounting member 130 through the elastic member 141, so that the mounting member 130 moves upwards synchronously with the motor shaft 122.

[0157] When the mounting component 130 moves upward, it can drive the swinging component 151 to rotate around the rotating component 153 via the adapter 135 and the rotating component 153. When the swinging component 151 rotates around the rotating component 153, it can also rotate around the support shaft 113 of the support frame 111 via the fulcrum 1511. When the swinging component 151 rotates around the support shaft 113, it can drive the first sliding component 154 to be guided along the second sliding component 155, thereby driving the clamping component 152 to move and bringing the two clamping components 152 closer to each other.

[0158] When the two clamping members 152 approach each other and clamp the sample tube, the clamping members 152 come into contact with the sample tube. At this point, the two clamping members 152 can no longer approach each other. Furthermore, the clamping members 152 are connected to the first sliding member 154. When the two clamping members 152 can no longer approach each other, the corresponding first sliding members 154 can also not approach each other.

[0159] The first sliding member 154 is driven by the swing member 151. The swing member 151 is rotatably mounted to the support shaft 113 of the support frame 110 via the fulcrum 1511. When the first sliding member 154 cannot move, the swing member 151 cannot rotate around the support shaft 113, and consequently the rotating member 153 cannot move upward. The rotating member 153 is connected to the adapter 135 of the mounting component 130. The rotating member 153 will not drive the adapter 135 to move, so that the mounting component 130 cannot move.

[0160] When the mounting component 130 cannot move, it moves to the clamping position and remains fixed. The motor shaft 122 continues to drive the fixing member 142 to move upward. At this time, the distance between the fixing member 142 and the top of the mounting component 130 gradually decreases, and the fixing member 142 compresses the elastic member 141, which applies a clamping force to the mounting component 130.

[0161] The clamping force is transmitted to the two clamping assemblies 150 through the mounting component 130, so that the clamping force is converted into the clamping force of the two clamping assemblies 150 clamping the sample tube. As the motor shaft 122 continues to move upward, the compression of the elastic element 141 continues to increase, the clamping force of the elastic element 141 on the mounting component 130 becomes greater, and thus the clamping force acting on the two clamping assemblies 150 also becomes greater.

[0162] During the process of the motor shaft 122 driving the fixing member 142 to compress the elastic member 141, the protrusion 1422 on the side of the fixing member 142 can touch the first detection end 161 of the first detection member 160. At this time, the first detection member 160 can detect the position of the fixing member 142 to detect the amount of compression of the elastic member 141, and then calculate the clamping force of the clamping assembly 150. It can be understood that when the sample tube clamping structure 100 is integrated and assembled, the elastic member 141 is in a compressed state, and the limiting member 123 is used to limit the movement through the cooperation of the step hole 131.

[0163] When the sample tube clamping structure 100 releases the sample tube, the drive host 121 drives the motor shaft 122 to move downward. Since the two clamping members 152 hold the sample tube in place, fixing the mounting component 130, the motor shaft 122 can drive the fixing member 142 to move downward relative to the mounting component 130. At this time, the elastic member 141 gradually extends downward. When the elastic member 141 returns to its reset state, the elastic member 141 and the fixing member 142 are in their initial positions. Then, the motor shaft 122 continues to descend, and through the fixing member 142 and the elastic member 141, it drives the mounting component 130 to descend.

[0164] When the mounting component 130 moves downward, it can drive the swinging component 151 to rotate around the rotating component 153 via the adapter 135 and the rotating component 153. When the swinging component 151 rotates around the rotating component 153, it can also rotate around the support shaft 113 of the support frame 111 via the fulcrum 1511. When the swinging component 151 rotates around the support shaft 113, it can drive the first sliding component 154 to be guided along the second sliding component 155, thereby driving the clamping component 152 to move, so that the two clamping components 152 move away from each other to release the sample tube.

[0165] After the two clamping components 150 completely release the sample tube, the mounting component 130 drives the trigger 136 to trigger the second detection end 171. Then the second detection component 170 can detect the position of the mounting component 130 to detect the movement of the mounting component 130, thereby determining the opening size of the two clamping components 150.

[0166] The sample tube clamping structure 100 of this application can convert the pressing force of the elastic element 141 in the adjustment component 140 on the mounting component 130 into the clamping force of the two clamping components 150 on the sample tube. In this way, when the motor shaft 122 drives the adjustment component 140 to rise or fall, the clamping force can be adjusted to achieve reliable clamping of the sample tube.

[0167] Simultaneously, the sample tube clamping structure 100 detects the clamping force of the two clamping components 150 on the sample tube through the first detection element 160, and adjusts the compression amount of the elastic element 141 through the first detection element 160 to adjust the magnitude of the clamping force. The opening size of the two clamping components 150 is detected through the second detection element 170, and the moving distance of the mounting component 130 is adjusted through the second detection element 170 to adjust the opening size of the two clamping components 150.

[0168] When the drive component 120 is powered off, self-locking is achieved through the cooperation of the drive host 121 and the motor shaft 122. The positions of the motor shaft 122 and the fixing member 142 remain unchanged, and the compression of the elastic member 141 does not change. Consequently, the clamping force of the two clamping components 150 on the sample tube also remains unchanged. Furthermore, the sample tube clamping structure 100 uses a stepper motor as the drive for the movement of the two clamping components 150, which can reduce the overall cost of the machine.

[0169] This application also provides a sample processing apparatus, including a sample processing device and a sample tube clamping structure 100 as described in any of the above embodiments. The sample tube clamping structure 100 is disposed on the sample processing device. The sample processing device has multiple processing stations distributed according to the processing sequence of the samples to be tested. The sample tube clamping structure 100 is used to clamp the sample tubes and transfer the sample tubes between the multiple processing stations.

[0170] The sample processing device of this application, after adopting the sample tube clamping structure 100 of the above embodiment, can adjust the clamping force when clamping the sample tube to achieve reliable clamping of the sample tube, which facilitates the transfer of the sample tube later. Moreover, after the sample tube is clamped, even if the power is lost, the two clamping components 150 can maintain the clamping force before the power loss to hold the sample tube, so that the sample tube will not fall off and avoid damage to the sample tube.

[0171] The technical features of the above embodiments can be combined in any way. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above 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.

[0172] The embodiments described above are merely illustrative of several implementation methods of this application, and 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 those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of this application, and these all fall within the protection scope of this application. Therefore, the protection scope of this patent application should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A sample tube clamping structure, characterized in that, include: Support frame; The driving component includes a driving host and a motor shaft disposed on the driving host. The driving host is disposed on the support frame and drives the motor shaft to move along its axial direction. The mounting component is movably located in the support frame, and the motor shaft extends movably into the mounting component; An adjustment component is located in the mounting component, the adjustment component is sleeved on the motor shaft, and can move with the motor shaft; as well as Two clamping assemblies are symmetrically arranged. The end of the clamping assembly is rotatably connected to the end of the mounting component opposite to the driving component, and the middle region of the clamping assembly is rotatably disposed on the support frame. The motor shaft can drive the mounting component to move through the adjustment component, so that the two clamping components move closer or further apart to clamp or release the sample tube; After the two clamping components clamp the sample tube, the motor shaft can also drive the adjusting component to move relative to the mounting component to adjust the clamping force of the clamping components on the sample tube.

2. The sample tube clamping structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sample tube clamping structure further includes a first detection element, which is disposed on the mounting component and moves synchronously with the mounting component; The first detection element has a first detection end, which is capable of abutting against the adjustment component; The motor shaft drives the adjustment component to move relative to the mounting component. The adjustment component can touch the first detection end so that the first detection element detects the amount of movement of the adjustment component relative to the mounting component.

3. The sample tube clamping structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sample tube clamping structure further includes a second detection element, which is disposed on the support frame; The second detection element has a second detection end, and the mounting component has a trigger element disposed on the side wall of the mounting component and extending toward the second detection element; The motor shaft drives the mounting component to move, and the trigger can actuate the second detection end, so that the second detection component can detect the amount of movement of the mounting component.

4. The sample tube clamping structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The adjustment assembly includes an elastic element and a fixing element, wherein the fixing element is disposed on the motor shaft and is located in the mounting component; The elastic element is sleeved on the motor shaft and abuts against the mounting component and the fixing component. The fixing component can activate the first detection component of the sample tube clamping structure.

5. The sample tube clamping structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sample tube clamping structure includes at least one of the following features: The first item is that the driving component is a stepper motor, a servo motor, an ultrasonic motor, or a sonic motor; The second item is that the mounting component includes a mounting body and a mounting plate. The mounting plate is disposed on the side of the mounting body and extends radially through the motor shaft to the mounting hole of the mounting body. The mounting hole is used to mount the first detection element of the sample tube clamping structure. Thirdly, the mounting component has a protruding adapter on the side facing the clamping assembly, the adapter rotatably connecting the two clamping assemblies.

6. The sample tube clamping structure according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, Each of the clamping assemblies includes a swing member and a clamping member, one end of the swing member being rotatably connected to the mounting component, and the other end of the swing member being connected to the clamping member; The swing member has a fulcrum portion, and the swing member is rotatably mounted on the support frame through the fulcrum portion. The swing member swings around the fulcrum portion, causing the clamping members of the two clamping assemblies to move closer to or further away from each other.

7. The sample tube clamping structure according to claim 6, characterized in that, The clamping assembly includes at least one of the following features: Firstly, the clamping assembly further includes a rotating member disposed on the mounting component and rotatably connected to the two swinging members; Secondly, the clamping assembly further includes a first sliding member and a second sliding member, the first sliding member connecting the swing member and the clamping member, the second sliding member being disposed on the support frame, and the first sliding member being slidably disposed on the second sliding member; Thirdly, the clamping assembly further includes a blocking member, which is disposed on the rotating member of the clamping assembly, and the swing member is rotatably disposed on the rotating member and located between the blocking member and the adapter of the mounting component; Fourthly, the clamping assembly further includes a support bearing, which is disposed between the swing member and the rotating member of the clamping assembly.

8. The sample tube clamping structure according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The sample tube clamping structure includes at least one of the following features: The first feature is that when the drive host is powered off, the motor shaft can self-lock relative to the drive host; Secondly, the mounting component further includes a first guide member, which is disposed on the mounting component, and the motor shaft movably passes through the first guide member; Thirdly, the driving component further includes a second guide member, which is disposed on the support frame. The motor shaft passes through the second guide member and can move along the second guide member.

9. The sample tube clamping structure according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The drive component further includes a limiting member that extends axially along the motor shaft and is movable relative to the limiting member. The limiting member abuts against or separates from the mounting component, and when the limiting member abuts against the mounting component, it can limit the mounting component.

10. A sample processing device, characterized in that, It includes a sample processing device and a transfer device, wherein the transfer device is disposed within the sample processing device; The transfer device includes a transfer structure and a sample tube clamping structure as described in any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the sample tube clamping structure is disposed on the transfer structure; The sample processing device has multiple processing stations distributed according to the processing sequence of the samples to be tested. The sample tube clamping structure is used to clamp the sample tube. The transfer structure drives the sample tube clamping structure to move so as to transfer the sample tube between the multiple processing stations.

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