Sample processing device

Abstract

The utility model provides a sample processing device. The sample processing device comprises a material pipe frame, a clamping jaw assembly and a limiting assembly. Material pipes are stored in the material pipe frame. The clamping jaw assembly is arranged above the material pipe frame. The limiting assembly is configured to be switchable between a first state and a second state, in the second state, the limiting assembly is far away from the material pipe frame to release the material pipe frame, and when the clamping jaw assembly clamps the material pipe to enable the material pipe to be separated from the material pipe frame, the limiting assembly is switched from the second state to the first state, so that the limiting assembly abuts against the material pipe frame to lock the material pipe frame. Thus, the situation that the clamping jaw assembly carries up the material pipe frame together when clamping the material pipe is effectively avoided, the safety of the sample treatment device is greatly improved, and then the efficiency and accuracy of biological detection are improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the technical field of biological sample processing, specifically to a sample processing device. Background Technology

[0002] Automated sample pretreatment equipment for targeted next-generation sequencing (tNGS) has important applications in biomedical and life science research, driving the widespread application and development of targeted next-generation sequencing technology. The automated tNGS sample pretreatment equipment consists of a pre-amplification module, a high-speed centrifugation module, and a post-amplification module. The pre-amplification module primarily transfers the biological sample to centrifuge tubes and adds internal control bacterial solution. The high-speed centrifugation module primarily separates the biological sample into different layers or precipitates, facilitating subsequent analysis and processing. The post-amplification module mainly resuspends and mixes the biological sample after high-speed centrifugation or transfers it.

[0003] During the pre-dispensing process, centrifuge tubes need to be gripped by claws and moved to the cap assembly for subsequent dispensing. However, when the centrifuge tubes are tilted at an angle to the rack holding them, gripping the tubes can easily lift the rack as well, causing it to tip over. This seriously affects the operational safety of the automated tNGS sample pretreatment equipment and significantly impacts the efficiency and results of biological assays. Utility Model Content

[0004] To at least partially address the problems existing in the prior art, according to one aspect of the present invention, a sample processing apparatus is provided. The sample processing apparatus includes a tube holder, a gripper assembly, and a limiting assembly. A tube is stored in the tube holder. The gripper assembly is disposed above the tube holder. The limiting assembly is configured to switch between a first state and a second state. In the second state, the limiting assembly is disengaged from the tube holder to release the tube holder. When the gripper assembly grips the tube, separating the tube from the tube holder, the limiting assembly switches from the second state to the first state, causing the limiting assembly to abut against the tube holder to lock the tube holder.

[0005] In this sample processing device, when the gripper assembly picks up a tube from the tube holder, the limiting component, in a first state, abuts against the tube holder to limit its displacement. When the gripper assembly has finished picking up the tube, the limiting component, in a second state, moves away from the tube holder to allow it to move freely. This effectively prevents the gripper assembly from pulling the tube holder along with the tube, greatly improving the safety of the sample processing device and thus enhancing the efficiency and accuracy of biological detection.

[0006] For example, the limiting component includes a first driving member and a pressing member. In a first state, the first driving member is used to drive the pressing member to move toward the material tube frame so that the pressing member abuts against the side wall of the material tube frame.

[0007] For example, there are multiple limiting components, which are divided into two groups of limiting components. The two groups of limiting components are respectively arranged at intervals along the length direction of the material tube frame.

[0008] For example, one end of the pressing member is connected to the first driving member, and the other end of the pressing member has an elastic portion. In the first state, the pressing member abuts against the side wall of the material tube frame through the elastic portion.

[0009] For example, the sample processing apparatus further includes an installation platform and a switch cover assembly, wherein the switch cover assembly, the feed tube rack, and the limiting assembly are respectively disposed on the installation platform, and the gripper assembly can be located above the feed tube rack and the switch cover assembly.

[0010] For example, the cover opening and closing assembly includes a second drive member and a clamping member, the clamping member being connected to the second drive member, the second drive member driving the clamping member to clamp the tube so that the tube is in a state where the cover can be opened and closed.

[0011] For example, the clamping member includes a first clamping member and a second clamping member, which are respectively connected to a second driving member, and the second driving member drives the first clamping member and the second clamping member to move towards each other.

[0012] For example, the side wall of the first clamping member that contacts the material tube is provided with a slanted groove; and / or, the side wall of the second clamping member that contacts the material tube is provided with a slanted groove.

[0013] For example, the sample processing device also includes a counterweight assembly, which and the feed tube rack are disposed on opposite sides of the switch cover assembly.

[0014] For example, the installation platform has a first area, a second area and a third area, the first area is arranged opposite to the second area and the third area, the material tube rack is arranged in the first area, the switch cover assembly is arranged in the second area and the counterweight assembly is arranged in the third area.

[0015] The above description is merely an overview of the technical solution of this utility model. In order to better understand the technical means of this utility model and to implement it in accordance with the contents of the specification, and to make the above and other objects, features and advantages of this utility model more obvious and understandable, specific embodiments of this utility model are given below. Attached Figure Description

[0016] The above and other objects, features, and advantages of this utility model will become more apparent from the more detailed description of the embodiments thereof in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The drawings are provided to further illustrate the embodiments of this utility model and form part of the specification. They are used together with the embodiments of this utility model to explain the utility model and do not constitute a limitation thereof. In the drawings, the same reference numerals generally represent the same components or steps.

[0017] Figure 1 A perspective view of a limiting component according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0018] Figure 2 A perspective view of a sample processing apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0019] The components indicated by the reference numerals in the figures are as follows:

[0020] 1. Material tube rack; 11. Material tube; 2. Limiting assembly; 21. First driving component; 22. Pressing component; 221. Elastic part; 3. Mounting platform; 31. First area; 32. Second area; 33. Third area; 4. Switch cover assembly; 41. Second driving component; 42. Clamping component; 421. First clamping component; 422. Second clamping component; 5. Counterweight assembly. Detailed Implementation

[0021] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this utility model more apparent, exemplary embodiments according to this utility model will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are merely some embodiments of this utility model, and not all embodiments of this utility model. It should be understood that this utility model is not limited to the exemplary embodiments described herein. Based on the embodiments of this utility model described herein, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without inventive effort should fall within the protection scope of this utility model.

[0022] In the following description, numerous details are provided to enable a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the following description merely illustrates preferred embodiments of the present invention, which may be practiced without one or more of these details. Furthermore, to avoid confusion with the present invention, some technical features well-known in the art have not been described in detail.

[0023] To fully understand the embodiments of this utility model, a detailed structure will be presented in the following description. Obviously, the implementation of the embodiments of this utility model is not limited to the specific details familiar to those skilled in the art. Preferred embodiments of this utility model are described in detail below; however, in addition to these detailed descriptions, this utility model may have other embodiments.

[0024] One embodiment of this utility model provides a sample processing device that effectively prevents the material tube holder 1 from being lifted up along with the material tube 11 when the gripper assembly picks it up. The sample processing device according to an embodiment of this utility model will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0025] like Figure 1 As shown, the sample processing device includes a tube holder 1, a gripper assembly (not shown), and a limiting assembly 2. The tube holder 1 stores a tube 11. The gripper assembly is positioned above the tube holder 1. The limiting assembly 2 is configured to switch between a first state and a second state. In the second state, the limiting assembly 2 is moved away from the tube holder 1 to release the tube holder 1. When the gripper assembly grips the tube 11, separating the tube 11 from the tube holder 1, the limiting assembly 2 switches from the second state to the first state, causing the limiting assembly 2 to abut against the tube holder 1 to lock the tube holder 1.

[0026] The tube rack 1 can have multiple storage positions, which can be used to hold tubes 11.

[0027] The first and second states can be represented as different positional relationships between the limiting component 2 and the tube rack 1, respectively. When the gripper assembly picks up the tube 11 on the tube rack 1, the limiting component 2 can switch from the second state to the first state so that it can abut against the side wall of the tube rack 1 and apply abutment force. Under the action of the abutment force, the tube rack 1 can be limited to the current position, preventing the tube rack 1 from being lifted up synchronously with the tube 11. After the gripper assembly has finished picking up the tube 11, the limiting component 2 can switch from the first state to the second state to facilitate subsequent operations on the tube rack 1.

[0028] In this sample processing device, when the gripper assembly picks up the tube 11 in the tube holder 1, the limiting component 2 can abut against the tube holder 1 in a first state to limit the displacement of the tube holder 1. When the gripper assembly has finished picking up the tube 11, the limiting component 2 can move away from the tube holder 1 in a second state to allow the tube holder 1 to move freely. This effectively avoids the situation where the gripper assembly picks up the tube holder 1 along with the tube 11, greatly improving the safety of the sample processing device and thus enhancing the efficiency and accuracy of biological detection.

[0029] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1As shown, the limiting component 2 includes a first driving member 21 and a pressing member 22. In the first state, the first driving member 21 is used to drive the pressing member 22 to move towards the material tube frame 1 so that the pressing member 22 abuts against the side wall of the material tube frame 1.

[0030] The first driving component 21 can adjust the distance of movement of the driving pressing component 22 according to the volume of the tube frame 1, so that the pressing component 22 can abut against the side wall of the tube frame 1 of different sizes, thereby allowing the limiting component 2 to meet different usage requirements according to the actual situation.

[0031] The first driving component 21 can be a cylinder or other device that can drive the pressing component 22 to move. This application does not specifically limit the type of the first driving component 21.

[0032] In the above embodiment, by driving the movement of the pressing member 22 through the first driving member 21, the contact position between the pressing member 22 and the side wall of the material tube frame 1 can be precisely controlled, thereby ensuring that the pressing member 22 can apply a stable force to the side wall of the material tube frame 1, effectively ensuring the accuracy and reliability of the limiting component 2.

[0033] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1 As shown, there are multiple limiting components 2, which are divided into two groups of limiting components. The two groups of limiting components are set at intervals along the length of the material tube frame 1.

[0034] By adjusting the distance between the two sets of limit groups, it is possible to adapt to material tube racks 1 of different lengths, effectively increasing the flexibility and applicability of the limit assembly 2.

[0035] In some other embodiments, two sets of limiting groups can be arranged on opposite sides of the tube frame 1, thereby applying force to the tube frame 1 in two directions, further improving the reliability and safety of the limiting components 2.

[0036] In the above embodiment, by using two sets of limiting groups spaced apart along the length of the material tube frame 1, the force applied to the material tube frame 1 can be applied more evenly, effectively improving the stability and contact effect of the sample processing device. Furthermore, the two sets of limiting groups being located on the same side of the material tube frame 1 can effectively reduce the volume of the limiting components 2, improving the rationality of the sample processing device layout.

[0037] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1 As shown, one end of the pressing member 22 is connected to the first driving member 21, and the other end of the pressing member 22 has an elastic part 221. In the first state, the pressing member 22 abuts against the side wall of the material tube frame 1 through the elastic part 221.

[0038] The aforementioned elastic part 221 can be a spring or elastic rubber, etc. Any component that can undergo elastic deformation after being subjected to force is within the scope of this application, and this application does not make specific limitations on it.

[0039] In the above embodiment, the elastic part 221 can play a buffering role. When the pressing part 22 abuts against the side wall of the tube frame 1, the elastic part 221 can absorb the impact force, thereby reducing the impact force on the tube frame 1, ensuring that the tube frame 1 will not be damaged, and effectively improving the reliability and safety of the limiting component 2.

[0040] In some embodiments, such as Figure 2 As shown, the sample processing device also includes an installation platform 3 and a switch cover assembly 4. The switch cover assembly 4, the material tube rack 1, and the limiting assembly 2 are respectively disposed on the installation platform 3, and the gripper assembly can be located above the material tube rack 1 and the switch cover assembly 4.

[0041] By setting the switch cover assembly 4, the material tube rack 1, and the limiting assembly 2 on the installation platform 3 respectively, the specific positions of the switch cover assembly 4, the material tube rack 1, and the limiting assembly 2 can be reasonably arranged, optimizing the usable space of the sample processing device and making the sample processing device more compact.

[0042] The gripper assembly can be positioned above the tube holder 1 and the cover opening and closing assembly 4 in sequence to facilitate the gripping, moving and opening / closing of the tube 11, effectively improving the flexibility and efficiency of the sample processing device in processing the tube 11.

[0043] In the above embodiments, the switch cover assembly 4, the tube rack 1, and the limiting assembly 2 can be respectively set on the mounting platform 3, and the gripper assembly can quickly and accurately transfer the tube 11 between the tube rack 1 and the switch cover assembly 4. In this way, not only can manual intervention during the transfer of the tube 11 be reduced, and direct contact between the tube 11 and the manual bead rack be avoided, thus reducing the risk of cross-contamination, but the automation level of sample processing, as well as the speed and efficiency of sample processing, can also be improved.

[0044] In some embodiments, such as Figure 2 As shown, the switch cover assembly 4 includes a second drive member 41 and a clamping member 42. The clamping member 42 is connected to the second drive member 41. The second drive member 41 drives the clamping member 42 to clamp the material tube 11 so that the material tube 11 is in a state where the cover can be opened and closed.

[0045] The second driving member 41 can drive the clamping member 42 to abut against the outer wall of the tube 11 and apply force to the tube 11 to limit the position of the tube 11. At this time, the gripper assembly clamps and rotates the cover of the tube 11, thereby opening or closing the cover of the tube 11.

[0046] The second driving component 41 can be a cylinder or other device that can drive the clamping component 42 to move. This application does not specifically limit the type of the second driving component 41.

[0047] In the above embodiments, the movement of the clamping member 42 can be automatically controlled by the second driving member 41, and with the cooperation of the gripper assembly, the automatic operation of opening and closing the cover of the material tube 11 can be realized, which effectively reduces manual intervention and improves the efficiency of opening and closing the cover of the cover assembly 4.

[0048] In some embodiments, such as Figure 2 As shown, the clamping member 42 includes a first clamping member 421 and a second clamping member 422. The first clamping member 421 and the second clamping member 422 are respectively connected to the second driving member 41. The second driving member 41 drives the first clamping member 421 and the second clamping member 422 to move towards each other.

[0049] The second driving member 41 can drive the first clamping member 421 and the second clamping member 422 to move closer to each other or further away from each other. When the first clamping member 421 and the second clamping member 422 move closer to each other, they can abut against the outer wall of the material tube 11, thereby limiting the displacement of the material tube 11. When the first clamping member 421 and the second clamping member 422 move further away from each other, they can disengage from the outer wall of the material tube 11, thereby releasing the material tube 11 to facilitate subsequent operations on the material tube 11.

[0050] In the above embodiments, the second driving member 41 can drive the first clamping member 421 and the second clamping member 422 to move synchronously towards each other, thereby ensuring the consistency of the movement of the first clamping member 421 and the second clamping member 422, realizing the accuracy of the clamping operation of the clamping member 42, and effectively improving the clamping efficiency and reliability of the clamping member 42.

[0051] In some embodiments, the sidewall of the first clamping member 421 that contacts the material tube 11 is provided with a slanted groove; and / or, the sidewall of the second clamping member 422 that contacts the material tube 11 is provided with a slanted groove.

[0052] The shape of the groove can be straight or oblique, etc. This application does not specifically limit the shape of the groove; any shape that can increase the friction between the groove and the feed tube 11 is acceptable.

[0053] In the above embodiments, the diagonal groove can increase the friction between the first clamping member 421 and / or the second clamping member 422 and the material tube 11, preventing the material tube 11 from sliding or dislodging during the clamping process, and effectively improving the stability and safety of the clamping member 42.

[0054] In some embodiments, such as Figure 2As shown, the sample processing device also includes a counterweight assembly 5, which and the material tube rack 1 are disposed on opposite sides of the switch cover assembly 4.

[0055] The counterweight assembly 5 and the material tube rack 1 can be respectively set on two adjacent sides of the switch cover assembly 4. The counterweight assembly 5 can have a certain weight to balance the weight of the material tube rack 1, thereby ensuring the stability of the sample processing device.

[0056] The counterweight assembly 5 can be equipped with a storage compartment, which can be used to store the material tube 11 that has failed to open or close the cover, further improving the practicality of the sample processing device.

[0057] In the above embodiments, the weight of the material tube rack 1 can be balanced by the counterweight component 5, which can prevent the sample processing device from tilting or tipping over during operation, effectively reducing the safety risks caused by uneven weight distribution and greatly ensuring the safety of operators and samples.

[0058] In some embodiments, such as Figure 2 As shown, the installation platform 3 has a first area 31, a second area 32 and a third area 33. The first area 31 is arranged opposite to the second area 32 and the third area 33. The material tube rack 1 is arranged in the first area 31, the switch cover assembly 4 is arranged in the second area 32, and the counterweight assembly 5 is arranged in the third area 33.

[0059] In the above embodiments, by placing different components in different areas of the mounting platform 3, the functions of each component can be clearly distinguished, making it easier for operators to identify and use them. Furthermore, rationally dividing the areas on the mounting platform 3 can more effectively utilize space, avoid interference between components, and balance the weight distribution of the sample processing device, effectively improving the stability and safety of the sample processing device.

[0060] Although exemplary embodiments have been described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings, it should be understood that the above exemplary embodiments are merely illustrative and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Various changes and modifications can be made therein by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. All such changes and modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the invention as claimed in the appended claims.

[0061] For ease of description, the term "connection" may be used herein to describe the relationship between one or more elements or features shown in the figure and other elements or features. It should be understood that "connection" may include direct connections or indirect connections via other elements or features, and this document is intended to encompass all such cases.

[0062] It should be noted that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the exemplary embodiments according to this application. As used herein, the singular form is intended to include the plural form as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Furthermore, it should be understood that when the terms "comprising" and / or "including" are used in this specification, they indicate the presence of features, steps, operations, parts, components, and / or combinations thereof.

[0063] It should be noted that the terms "first," "second," etc., used in the specification, claims, and accompanying drawings of this application are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such data can be interchanged where appropriate so that the embodiments of this application described herein can be implemented in sequences other than those illustrated or described herein.

[0064] This utility model has been described through the above embodiments. However, it should be understood that the above embodiments are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the utility model to the described embodiments. Furthermore, those skilled in the art will understand that this utility model is not limited to the above embodiments, and many more variations and modifications can be made based on the teachings of this utility model, all of which fall within the scope of protection claimed by this utility model. The scope of protection of this utility model is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A sample processing device, characterized in that, include: Material tube rack, wherein material tubes are stored in the material tube rack; A gripper assembly, wherein the gripper assembly is disposed above the feed tube rack; as well as, A limiting component is configured to switch between a first state and a second state. In the second state, the limiting component is moved away from the tube holder to release the tube holder. When the gripper assembly clamps the tube to separate the tube from the tube holder, the limiting component switches from the second state to the first state, so that the limiting component abuts against the tube holder to lock the tube holder.

2. The sample processing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The limiting component includes a first driving member and a pressing member. In the first state, the first driving member is used to drive the pressing member to move towards the material tube frame so that the pressing member abuts against the side wall of the material tube frame.

3. The sample processing apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that, The limiting components are multiple, and the multiple limiting components are divided into two limiting groups, which are respectively arranged at intervals along the length direction of the material tube frame.

4. The sample processing apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that, One end of the pressing member is connected to the first driving member, and the other end of the pressing member has an elastic portion. In the first state, the pressing member abuts against the side wall of the material tube frame through the elastic portion.

5. The sample processing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sample processing device further includes an installation platform and a switch cover assembly. The switch cover assembly, the material tube rack, and the limiting assembly are respectively disposed on the installation platform, and the gripper assembly can be located above the material tube rack and the switch cover assembly.

6. The sample processing apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that, The cover opening and closing assembly includes a second driving member and a clamping member. The clamping member is connected to the second driving member, and the second driving member drives the clamping member to clamp the material tube so that the material tube is in a state where the cover can be opened and closed.

7. The sample processing apparatus according to claim 6, characterized in that, The clamping member includes a first clamping member and a second clamping member. The first clamping member and the second clamping member are respectively connected to the second driving member. The second driving member drives the first clamping member and the second clamping member to move towards each other.

8. The sample processing apparatus according to claim 7, characterized in that, The side wall of the first clamping member that contacts the material tube is provided with a slanted groove; and / or, the side wall of the second clamping member that contacts the material tube is provided with a slanted groove.

9. The sample processing apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that, The sample processing device also includes a counterweight assembly, which and the material tube rack are disposed on opposite sides of the switch cover assembly.

10. The sample processing apparatus according to claim 9, characterized in that, The installation platform has a first area, a second area, and a third area. The first area is arranged opposite to the second area and the third area. The material tube rack is arranged in the first area, the switch cover assembly is arranged in the second area, and the counterweight assembly is arranged in the third area.

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