Storage module, storage assembly and sample rack storage device

Abstract

The utility model provides a storage module, a storage assembly and a sample rack storage device, and relates to the technical field of in vitro diagnos.The storage module comprises a module body, a plurality of module partition plates and limiting elements, the module body is internally provided with a storage space, and the module partition plates are arranged in the storage space; the storage space of the module body is divided into a plurality of storage bins through a plurality of module partition plates, each storage bin is provided with a bin opening, each bin opening comprises a longitudinal top opening and a transverse in-out opening, and the storage bins are used for being moved in or out of the sample frame through the in-out openings. And the limiting element shields at least one part of opening area of the top opening and is used for limiting the longitudinal movement of the sample rack in the storage bin. The limiting element can limit the longitudinal movement of the sample frame in the storage bin in the Z-axis direction, and the situation that the sample frame moves in the storage bin, and consequently the position of the sample frame is not accurate is avoided.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of in vitro diagnostic technology, and in particular to storage modules, storage assemblies, and sample holder storage devices. Background Technology

[0002] The sample storage device provides intermediate storage between the pipeline and the analyzer. It stores samples that need to be analyzed by the analyzer along the pipeline track and loads the samples into sample racks supported by the analyzer. The sample storage device has internal storage compartments that hold a large number of sample racks for storing sample tubes. The process of storing and retrieving samples involves the racks being moved inside the sample storage device. Therefore, the sample storage device needs to transfer a large number of sample racks to facilitate the loading and unloading of sample tubes.

[0003] However, the existing storage chamber has a complex structure and assembly process, and the accuracy is difficult to guarantee. As a result, there is an unexpected displacement problem when the sample rack is moved in and out of the storage chamber. When directly connected to the production line, it leads to poor positioning accuracy of the sample tube and is prone to collisions and other failures. Utility Model Content

[0004] Therefore, it is necessary to provide a storage module, a storage assembly, and a sample rack storage device to address the aforementioned technical problems.

[0005] This application provides a storage module, the storage module comprising:

[0006] The main body of the module has internal storage space.

[0007] The module partitions are arranged in a plurality of ways. The plurality of module partitions are arranged in the storage space. The storage space of the module body is divided into a plurality of storage compartments by the plurality of module partitions. Each storage compartment has a compartment opening, which includes a top opening facing the longitudinal direction and an inlet / outlet opening facing the lateral direction. The storage compartment is used to move a sample rack in or out through the inlet / outlet opening.

[0008] A limiting element is assembled on the module body and blocks at least a portion of the opening area of ​​the top opening to restrict the longitudinal movement of the sample rack within the storage compartment.

[0009] In one embodiment, at least a portion of the limiting element has an elastic capability, the limiting element being used to apply an elastic limiting force to the sample rack within the storage compartment.

[0010] In one embodiment, the limiting element is configured as a linear elastic plate, which is mounted on the top of the module body. The linear elastic plate has a plurality of bending elastic portions for elastic contact with the sample holder, thereby applying an elastic limiting force to the sample holder.

[0011] In one embodiment, the module body includes:

[0012] Module base plate;

[0013] A module backplate, which is connected to a module base plate;

[0014] The module side panel has two side panels, both of which are connected to the module base plate and are located on opposite sides of the module back plate. The module base plate, the module back plate, and the two module side panels together enclose the storage space. The limiting element is assembled in at least one of the module back plate and the module partition.

[0015] In one embodiment, the module base plate has an avoidance notch; and / or,

[0016] The sample holder has gripping holes at the bottom; and / or,

[0017] The module base plate is provided with a guide section, which is used to guide the sample rack into the storage compartment.

[0018] This application provides a storage assembly, the storage assembly comprising:

[0019] Assembly support;

[0020] The storage module is configured to be a plurality of storage modules, which are assembled on the assembly bracket. The plurality of storage modules are distributed on the assembly bracket along a straight distribution trajectory, and the plurality of storage compartments of the plurality of storage modules are distributed on the assembly bracket along a straight distribution trajectory. The entry and exit directions of the entry and exit openings of the storage compartments are perpendicular to the straight distribution trajectory.

[0021] In one embodiment, the storage assembly includes:

[0022] A positioning mechanism is used to position and assemble each of the storage modules onto the assembly bracket.

[0023] In one embodiment, the positioning mechanism includes a positioning element and a positioning hole. The positioning element is assembled to the assembly bracket. The module body of the storage module has the positioning hole. The storage module is positioned and assembled with the positioning element of the assembly bracket through the positioning hole.

[0024] This application provides a sample rack storage device, the sample rack storage device comprising:

[0025] Device substrate;

[0026] The storage assembly is assembled to the device base;

[0027] A transfer device, which is movably assembled to the device base, is used to transfer the sample racks stored in the storage assembly.

[0028] In one embodiment, the transfer device includes:

[0029] A moving base is provided with a first linear track, which is parallel to the linear distribution trajectory. The moving base is movably assembled to the device base along the first linear track.

[0030] The gripping mechanism is provided with a second linear track on the moving base, the second linear track being perpendicular to the linear distribution trajectory. The gripping mechanism is movably mounted on the moving base along the second linear track. The gripping mechanism is used to grip the sample rack located in the storage compartment.

[0031] In the aforementioned storage module, storage assembly, and sample rack storage device, a limiting element is assembled on the module body. The limiting element has the function of limiting the sample rack. The limiting element can be used to block at least a portion of the opening area of ​​the top opening in the Z-axis direction. Therefore, when the sample rack is moved into the storage compartment, the limiting element can contact the top of the sample rack in the Z-axis direction. This can be used to limit the longitudinal (Z-axis direction) movement of the sample rack in the storage compartment, prevent the sample rack from shifting in the storage compartment, and thus prevent the sample rack from being inaccurately positioned. At the same time, it can also prevent the sample rack from shifting due to the friction between the sample tube and the sample rack when the sample tube is grasped in the sample rack. Attached Figure Description

[0032] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a sample rack storage device provided in one embodiment of this application.

[0033] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the sample rack storage device provided in one embodiment of this application from another perspective.

[0034] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a storage assembly provided in one embodiment of this application.

[0035] Figure 4 For example Figure 3 The diagram shows a partially enlarged structural schematic of the storage assembly.

[0036] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a storage module provided in one embodiment of this application.

[0037] Icon labels:

[0038] 10. Sample rack; 20. Sample tubes;

[0039] 100. Device base; 200. Storage assembly; 300. Transfer device;

[0040] 1000. Storage module; 2000. Assembly bracket; 3000. Positioning mechanism;

[0041] 1100. Module body; 1200. Module partition; 1300. Limiting element;

[0042] 1110. Module base plate; 1120. Module back plate; 1130. Module side plate; 1111. Clearance notch; 1112. Guide section;

[0043] 1101. Storage compartment; 1102. Top opening; 1103. Entry / exit opening;

[0044] 1310. Bending elastic part;

[0045] 301. Moving base; 302. Grasping mechanism. Detailed Implementation

[0046] 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.

[0047] 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.

[0048] 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.

[0049] 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.

[0050] 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.

[0051] It should be noted that if an element is referred to as being "fixed to" or "assembled to" 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.

[0052] See Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, this application provides a sample rack storage device, which includes a device base 100, a storage assembly 200, and a transfer device 300. The storage assembly 200 is mounted on the device base 100, and the transfer device 300 is movably mounted on the device base 100 for transferring the sample racks 10 stored in the storage assembly 200. (Continue reading) Figure 3As shown, the aforementioned storage assembly 200 includes an assembly support 2000 and a storage module 1000. The assembly support 2000 defines a linear distribution trajectory, such as... Figure 1 As shown, the linear distribution trajectory is parallel to the X-axis direction. The number of storage modules 1000 is set to a plurality, and the plurality of storage modules 1000 are assembled on the assembly support 2000. The plurality of storage modules 1000 are distributed along the linear distribution trajectory on the assembly support 2000, and the plurality of storage compartments 1101 of the plurality of storage modules 1000 are distributed along the linear distribution trajectory on the assembly support 2000. The entry / exit direction of the entry / exit openings 1103 of the storage compartments 1101 is perpendicular to the linear distribution trajectory.

[0053] Continue reading Figures 3 to 5 As shown, the storage module 1000 includes a module body 1100, module partitions 1200, and limiting elements 1300. The module body 1100 has an internal storage space. Several module partitions 1200 are arranged within the storage space, dividing it into several storage compartments 1101. For example, when there are five module partitions 1200, six storage compartments 1101 can be created within the storage space. Each storage compartment 1101 has an opening for the sample rack 10 to be moved in or out. Figure 5 As shown, the storage compartment opening may include a top opening 1102 facing the longitudinal direction (Z-axis direction) and an inlet / outlet opening 1103 facing the transverse direction (Y-axis direction), such that the storage compartment 1101 is used to move the sample rack 10 into or out through the inlet / outlet opening 1103.

[0054] Continue reading Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the limiting element 1300 is assembled on the module body 1100. The limiting element 1300 has the function of limiting the sample holder 10, such as... Figure 4 As shown, the limiting element 1300 can be used to block at least a portion of the opening area of ​​the top opening 1102 in the Z-axis direction. Therefore, when the sample holder 10 is moved into the storage compartment 1101, the limiting element 1300 can contact the top of the sample holder 10 in the Z-axis direction, thereby limiting the longitudinal (Z-axis direction) movement of the sample holder 10 in the storage compartment 1101, preventing the sample holder 10 from being displaced in the storage compartment 1101, which would result in the sample holder 10 being inaccurate in position. At the same time, it can also prevent the sample holder 10 from being displaced due to the friction between the sample tube 20 and the sample holder 10 when the sample tube 20 is grasped in the sample holder 10.

[0055] In one embodiment, at least a portion of the limiting element 1300 has elastic capability. The limiting element 1300 is used to apply an elastic limiting force to the sample rack 10 within the storage compartment 1101. The elastic limiting force has a buffering effect on the limiting effect applied to the sample rack 10 in the Z-axis direction, allowing the limiting element 1300 to achieve excellent Z-axis limiting effect without requiring high precision. In one embodiment, the limiting element 1300 can be configured as a linear elastic plate, which is mounted on the top of the module body 1100. The linear elastic plate has several bending elastic portions 1310, for example, see [reference missing]. Figure 4 As shown, the straight elastic plate can be in the form of a structure with multiple bends in the length direction, and the formed bend elastic part 1310 can be used to make elastic contact with the sample holder 10, thereby applying an elastic limiting force to the sample holder 10.

[0056] The module body 1100 can be formed in various structures. For example, in one embodiment, the module body 1100 includes a module base plate 1110, a module back plate 1120, and module side plates 1130. The module back plate 1120 is connected to the module base plate 1110. There are two module side plates 1130, both of which are connected to the module base plate 1110. The two module side plates 1130 are located on opposite sides of the module back plate 1120. The module base plate 1110, the module back plate 1120, and the two module side plates 1130 together enclose a storage space. In this case, the limiting element 1300 can be assembled in at least one of the module back plate 1120 and the module partition 1200. The module base plate 1110 has a clearance notch 1111, and the bottom of the sample rack 10 has a gripping hole. Therefore, when the transfer device 300 moves the sample rack 10 into or out of the storage compartment 1101, the transfer device 300 can connect with the gripping hole at the bottom of the sample rack 10 through the clearance notch 1111 of the module base plate 1110, thereby realizing the control connection with the sample rack 10, and then moving the sample rack 10 along the Y-axis direction through the inlet / outlet opening 1103. Moreover, the module base plate 1110 is provided with a guide part 1112, which can be a slope with a guiding function. The guide part 1112 can be used to guide the sample rack 10 into the storage compartment 1101, so that the sample rack 10 can enter the storage compartment 1101 quickly and accurately.

[0057] In one embodiment, the storage assembly 200 may include a positioning mechanism 3000, and each storage module 1000 is positioned and assembled to the assembly bracket 2000 via the positioning mechanism 3000. The positioning mechanism 3000 may include a positioning element and a positioning hole. The positioning element is assembled to the assembly bracket 2000, and the module body 1100 of the storage module 1000 has a positioning hole. The storage module 1000 is positioned and assembled with the positioning element of the assembly bracket 2000 via the positioning hole. Alternatively, the positioning element is assembled to the module body 1100 of the storage module 1000, and the assembly bracket 2000 has a positioning hole. The storage module 1000 is positioned and assembled with the positioning element of the assembly bracket 2000 via the positioning hole. In addition, the positioning mechanism 3000 may also be implemented by a snap-fit, bolt, or other mechanism, which is not limited here.

[0058] In one embodiment, the transfer device 300 includes a moving base 301 and a gripping mechanism 302. The device base 100 is provided with a first linear track, which is parallel to the linear distribution trajectory, i.e., parallel to the X-axis direction. The moving base 301 is movably mounted on the device base 100 along the first linear track. Therefore, the moving base 301 can move along the first linear track to the corresponding position of any storage module 1000 and to the corresponding position of any storage compartment 1101, forming an alignment with any sample rack 10. The moving base 301 is provided with a second linear track, which is perpendicular to the linear distribution trajectory, i.e., parallel to the Y-axis direction. The gripping mechanism 302 is movably mounted on the moving base 301 along the second linear track. The gripping mechanism 302 is used to grip the sample rack 10 located in the storage compartment 1101. Therefore, the gripping mechanism 302 can pull or push the sample rack 10 along the second linear track, and move the sample rack 10 into or out at the corresponding position of any storage compartment 1101.

[0059] In one embodiment, the gripping mechanism 302 may include a power device and a telescopic device. The power device is controlled to extend and retract along the Z-axis. Therefore, when the gripping mechanism 302 moves to a storage compartment 1101, it can move along the Y-axis to the bottom of the storage compartment 1101. The power device can then control the telescopic device to rise along the Z-axis, pass through the clearance notch 1111 of the module base plate 1110, and connect with the gripping hole at the bottom of the sample rack 10, thereby achieving a control connection with the sample rack 10. Then, the gripping mechanism 302 retracts along the Y-axis and moves the sample rack 10 along the Y-axis through the inlet / outlet opening 1103.

[0060] 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.

[0061] 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 memory module, comprising: The storage module comprises: a module main body, an internal space of the module main body is provided with a storage space; a plurality of module partitions are provided, the plurality of module partitions are arranged in the storage space, the storage space of the module main body is divided into a plurality of storage positions by the plurality of module partitions, the storage position has a position opening, the position opening comprises a top opening facing the longitudinal direction and an access opening facing the transverse direction, the storage position is used for moving in or out of the sample rack through the access opening; a limiting element is assembled to the module main body, the limiting element blocks at least part of the opening area of the top opening, and is used for limiting the longitudinal movement of the sample rack in the storage position.

2. The storage module of claim 1, wherein, At least part of the limiting element has elastic capability, and the limiting element is used for applying elastic limiting force to the sample rack in the storage position.

3. The storage module of claim 2, wherein, The limiting element is provided as a straight-line elastic plate, the straight-line elastic plate is assembled to the top of the module main body, the straight-line elastic plate has a plurality of curved elastic parts, the curved elastic parts are used for elastic contact with the sample rack, so as to apply elastic limiting force to the sample rack.

4. The storage module of claim 1, wherein, The module main body comprises: a module bottom plate; a module back plate connected with the module bottom plate; two module side plates connected with the module bottom plate, and the two module side plates are located on opposite sides of the module back plate, and the module bottom plate, the module back plate and the two module side plates jointly enclose the storage space; and the limiting element is assembled to at least one of the module back plate and the module partition.

5. The storage module of claim 4, wherein, The module bottom plate is provided with a relief notch; and / or, a grabbing hole is arranged at the bottom of the sample rack; and / or, the module bottom plate is provided with a guide part, and the guide part is used for guiding the sample rack into the storage position.

6. A storage assembly characterized by, The storage assembly comprises: an assembly support; a plurality of storage modules as claimed in any one of claims 1-5 are assembled to the assembly support, wherein the plurality of storage modules are distributed along a straight-line distribution track on the assembly support, and the plurality of storage positions of the plurality of storage modules are distributed along the straight-line distribution track on the assembly support, and the access direction of the access opening of the storage position is perpendicular to the straight-line distribution track.

7. The storage assembly of claim 6, wherein, The storage assembly comprises: a positioning mechanism, each of the storage modules is positioned and assembled to the assembly support through the positioning mechanism.

8. The storage assembly of claim 7, wherein, The positioning mechanism comprises a positioning piece and a positioning hole, the positioning piece is assembled to the assembly support, the module main body of the storage module is provided with the positioning hole, and the storage module is positioned and assembled to the positioning piece of the assembly support through the positioning hole.

9. A sample holder storage device, characterized by, The sample rack storage device comprises: a device base body; the storage assembly as claimed in any one of claims 6-8 is assembled to the device base body; a transfer device movably assembled to the device base body and used for transferring the sample rack stored in the storage assembly.

10. The sample holder storage device of claim 9, wherein, The transfer device comprises: A movement base, the device base is provided with a first linear track, the first linear track is parallel to the linear distribution track, the movement base is movably assembled on the device base along the first linear track; A grabbing mechanism, the movement base is provided with a second linear track, the second linear track is perpendicular to the linear distribution track, the grabbing mechanism is movably assembled on the movement base along the second linear track, and the grabbing mechanism is used for grabbing the sample rack located in the storage position.

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