Sample mixing device and sample analysis system

Abstract

The utility model discloses a sample mixing device and sample analysis system, it belongs to sample processing technical field, sample mixing device includes frame, mixing mechanism, buffer mechanism and anti-play mechanism, mixing mechanism includes first drive component and mixing frame, first drive component is provided frame and can drive mixing frame eccentric motion, and the buffer mechanism is provided with the anti-play mechanism. The uniform mixing frame is used for placing a sample container; the buffer mechanism comprises a plurality of elastic pieces, one ends of the elastic pieces are fixed, the other ends of the elastic pieces are connected with the blending frame, and the elastic pieces are configured to drive the blending frame to reset when the blending frame eccentrically moves; the anti-movement mechanism comprises a second driving assembly and an abutting frame, and the second driving assembly is arranged on the rack and can drive the abutting frame to be located above the uniform mixing frame so as to abut against the sample container. The sample analysis system comprises the sample mixing device. The elastic piece has a buffering effect on the uniform mixing frame and limits the movement amplitude of the uniform mixing frame, and the abutting frame abuts against the sample container so as to limit the up-and-down movement amplitude of the uniform mixing frame and avoid sample splashing.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The utility model relates to sample processing technical field especially, relates to a sample mixing device and sample analysis system. BACKGROUND

[0002] In the biomedical field, mixing of samples is an essential step in sample processing. There are two main ways to mix the samples to be tested at present: one is to mix manually by a stirring rod. The stirring rod is difficult to mix the samples and sample reagents sufficiently, and it is low in efficiency and labor-consuming. The other is to vibrate or shake the sample container by an electric device. Although the samples and sample reagents can be mixed sufficiently, the sample container moves up and down during mixing, which causes the samples to splash liquid particles to adhere to the inner wall of the container, and even destroys the sample composition or structure, affecting the measurement results. UTILITY MODEL CONTENT

[0003] The utility model aims at providing a sample mixing device and sample analysis system, which can mix the samples quickly and sufficiently without causing the samples to shake greatly.

[0004] According to the above idea, the utility model adopts the technical scheme of:

[0005] A sample mixing device comprises:

[0006] a rack;

[0007] a mixing mechanism comprising a first driving assembly and a mixing rack, wherein the first driving assembly is arranged on the rack and can drive the mixing rack to move eccentrically, and the mixing rack is used for placing a sample container;

[0008] a buffer mechanism comprising a plurality of elastic members, one end of each elastic member is fixed, and the other end is connected to the mixing rack, and the elastic members are configured to drive the mixing rack to reset when the mixing rack moves eccentrically;

[0009] a anti-shifting mechanism comprising a second driving assembly and a pressing rack, wherein the second driving assembly is arranged on the rack and can drive the pressing rack to be above the mixing rack to abut against the sample container.

[0010] Preferably, the mixing mechanism further comprises a mixing seat, the mixing seat is connected to the first driving assembly, the first driving assembly is used for driving the mixing seat to rotate around a first axis in the vertical direction, and the mixing rack is eccentrically placed on the mixing seat.

[0011] Preferably, the top of the mixing seat is provided with an eccentric groove, the central axis of the groove is offset from the first axis, the bottom of the mixing frame abuts against the inner wall of the groove, and the cross-sectional area of ​​the groove perpendicular to the first axis gradually decreases along the top-to-bottom direction.

[0012] Preferably, the groove is a conical groove, a semi-circular groove, or a conical groove.

[0013] Preferably, the buffer mechanism further includes a support, which is disposed on the frame, and the end of the elastic member away from the mixing frame is fixedly connected to the support.

[0014] Preferably, the plurality of elastic elements are distributed in at least two layers along the vertical direction, with the plurality of elastic elements in each layer being distributed circumferentially around the mixing frame.

[0015] Preferably, the second drive assembly is used to drive the pressure frame to move between a first position and a second position, wherein the pressure frame is located above the mixing frame in the first position and is located to one side of the mixing frame in the second position.

[0016] Preferably, the second drive assembly includes a second motor for driving the pressure frame to rotate between a first position and a second position about a second vertical axis.

[0017] Preferably, the side of the pressure frame near the mixing frame is provided with a flexible layer, and the sample container on the mixing frame can abut against the flexible layer.

[0018] A sample analysis system includes a sample transfer device and a sample mixing device as described above, the sample transfer device being used to transfer the sample container to the mixing rack.

[0019] The beneficial effects of this utility model are:

[0020] The sample mixing device proposed in this utility model has a first driving component mounted on the frame and used to drive the mixing rack to move, so as to fully mix the sample in the sample container on the mixing rack. The first driving component provides driving force, reducing labor intensity and achieving rapid and thorough sample mixing. When the mixing rack moves eccentrically, the elastic element drives the mixing rack to return to its original position. The elastic element acts as a buffer for the mixing rack, limiting the range of motion of the mixing rack and preventing sample splashing from the sample container on the mixing rack. The second driving component is mounted on the frame and can drive the pressing frame to be positioned above the mixing rack to abut against the sample container, thereby limiting the vertical movement of the mixing rack and preventing sample splashing. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Figure 1This is a schematic diagram of the sample mixing device provided in this embodiment of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 2 This is a partial structural first schematic diagram of the sample mixing device provided in this embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 3 This is a partial structural cross-sectional view of the sample mixing device provided in this embodiment of the utility model;

[0024] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the mixing seat provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the mixing rack and sample container provided in this embodiment of the utility model;

[0026] Figure 6 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of the buffer mechanism provided in an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0027] Figure 7 This is a second schematic diagram showing a partial structure of the sample mixing device provided in this embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] In the picture:

[0029] 10. Frame; 11. Support leg; 12. First support plate; 13. Second support plate; 14. Connecting plate;

[0030] 20. Mixing mechanism; 21. First drive assembly; 22. Mixing frame; 221. Mounting protrusion; 222. Mounting hole; 23. Mixing seat; 231. Groove;

[0031] 30. Buffer mechanism; 31. Elastic element; 32. Bracket; 321. Mounting slot;

[0032] 40. Anti-slip mechanism; 41. Second drive assembly; 42. Pressure frame;

[0033] 51. First sensor; 52. First trigger plate; 53. Second sensor; 54. Second trigger plate; 55. Control component;

[0034] 100. Sample container. Detailed Implementation

[0035] The embodiments of this utility model are described in detail below. Examples of the embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and intended to explain this utility model, and should not be construed as limiting this utility model.

[0036] In the description of this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connected," "linked," and "fixed" 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. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model based on the specific circumstances.

[0037] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature includes the first feature directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature includes the first feature directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0038] The technical solution of this utility model will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0039] See Figures 1 to 7 This embodiment provides a sample mixing device for mixing samples in a sample container 100. The sample mixing device includes a frame 10, a mixing mechanism 20, a buffer mechanism 30, and an anti-movement mechanism 40. The mixing mechanism 20 includes a first drive component 21 and a mixing frame 22. The first drive component 21 is disposed on the frame 10 and can drive the mixing frame 22 to move eccentrically. The mixing frame 22 is used to place the sample container 100. The buffer mechanism 30 includes a plurality of elastic members 31. One end of the elastic member 31 is fixed and the other end is connected to the mixing frame 22. The elastic member 31 is configured to drive the mixing frame 22 to reset when the mixing frame 22 moves eccentrically. The anti-movement mechanism 40 includes a second drive component 41 and a pressing frame 42. The second drive component 41 is disposed on the frame 10 and can drive the pressing frame 42 to be positioned above the mixing frame 22 to abut against the sample container 100.

[0040] The first drive assembly 21 is disposed on the frame 10 and is used to drive the mixing rack 22 to move eccentrically, so that the sample in the sample container 100 on the mixing rack 22 is fully mixed. The first drive assembly 21 provides driving force, reducing labor intensity and achieving rapid and thorough mixing of the sample. When the mixing rack 22 moves eccentrically, the elastic element 31 drives the mixing rack 22 to return to its original position. The setting of the elastic element 31 plays a buffering role for the mixing rack 22, limiting the range of motion of the mixing rack 22 and preventing the sample in the sample container 100 on the mixing rack 22 from splashing. The second drive assembly 41 is disposed on the frame 10 and can drive the pressing frame 42 to be positioned above the mixing rack 22 to abut against the sample container 100, thereby limiting the range of vertical movement of the mixing rack 22 and preventing sample splashing.

[0041] The first drive assembly 21 may be a robotic arm to grip the mixing rack 22 and drive the mixing rack 22 to move. The first drive assembly 21 may also be a vibration device to drive the mixing rack 22 to vibrate within a certain range.

[0042] In this embodiment, the mixing mechanism 20 further includes a mixing seat 23, which is connected to a first driving component 21. The first driving component 21 drives the mixing seat 23 to rotate about a first vertical axis, and the mixing frame 22 is eccentrically placed on the mixing seat 23. The first driving component 21 drives the mixing seat 23 to rotate about the first axis, and the eccentric arrangement between the mixing frame 22 and the mixing seat 23 drives the mixing frame 22 to move.

[0043] The first drive assembly 21 includes a first motor for driving the mixing seat 23 to rotate at high speed. The speed of the first motor is between 2000 rpm and 4000 rpm. The first motor can be an existing brushless motor, which is small in size and reduces noise. Bearings are provided on the frame 10, and part of the mixing seat 23 is inserted into the bearings. The bearings provide support, making the mixing seat 23 rotate smoothly.

[0044] For example, the top of the mixing seat 23 is eccentrically provided with a groove 231, the central axis of the groove 231 is offset from the first axis, and the bottom of the mixing frame 22 abuts against the inner wall of the groove 231. Along the top-to-bottom direction, the cross-sectional area of ​​the groove 231 perpendicular to the first axis gradually decreases. During the rotation of the mixing seat 23, the groove 231 rotates with the mixing seat 23 around the first axis, and the bottom of the mixing frame 22 abuts against the inner wall of the groove 231. Because the central axis of the groove 231 is offset from the first axis, it causes the mixing frame 22 to sway left and right. Since the cross-sectional area of ​​the groove 231 perpendicular to the first axis gradually decreases along the top-to-bottom direction, during the rotation of the groove 231, the bottom of the mixing frame 22 contacts the inner wall of the groove 231 at different positions. The mixing frame 22 moves up and down due to its own weight and the constraint of the pressing frame 42. Therefore, by setting an eccentric groove 231 and combining the change in the cross-sectional area of ​​the groove 231, the mixing rack 22 can move left and right and up and down, thereby mixing the sample.

[0045] The central axis of the groove 231 is offset from the first axis; it can be parallel or non-parallel, as long as the central axis is offset from the first axis to cause the mixing frame 22 to move eccentrically. For example, the central axis of the groove 231 is parallel to the first axis and spaced apart.

[0046] Optionally, the groove 231 can be a conical groove, a semi-circular groove, or a conical groove. In this embodiment, the groove 231 is a conical groove with the small end at the bottom and the large end at the top. The sidewall of the conical groove is conical, and the bottom of the conical groove is arc-shaped. The central axis of the conical groove is parallel to and spaced apart from the first axis. The mixing frame 22 is placed in the conical groove. During the mixing motion, since the mixing frame 22 and the conical groove are not fixed, the mixing frame 22 can move up and down in addition to moving left and right due to its own weight and the restriction of the pressing frame 42.

[0047] The mixing rack 22 is used to hold the sample container 100, which can be an existing sample tube. The mixing rack 22 can hold one or more sample tubes. Specifically, the mixing rack 22 is provided with receiving slots, each capable of holding one sample tube. The sample tube is inserted into the receiving slot, and the friction between the sample tube and the inner wall of the receiving slot secures the sample tube within the slot.

[0048] The function of the buffer mechanism 30 is to provide tension or thrust to the mixing frame 22 to limit its range of motion and ensure timely reset. The elastic element 31 can be an existing spring. One end of the elastic element 31 can be fixedly connected to the frame 10, or the buffer mechanism 30 also includes a bracket 32, which is disposed on the frame 10. The end of the elastic element 31 furthest from the mixing frame 22 is fixedly connected to the bracket 32. The bracket 32 ​​provides support for the elastic element 31. The connection between the bracket 32 ​​and the frame 10 can be detachable, such as a threaded connection, for easy disassembly and replacement.

[0049] Optionally, multiple elastic elements 31 are distributed in at least two layers along the vertical direction, with multiple elastic elements 31 in each layer distributed circumferentially around the mixing frame 22. By providing multiple layers of elastic elements 31, the buffering effect of the elastic elements 31 on the mixing frame 22 is more stable.

[0050] In this embodiment, the support 32 includes multiple support rods, which are spaced apart circumferentially around the mixing frame 22, and each support rod is provided with one or more elastic elements 31. In other embodiments, the support 32 may also be a frame structure or a plate structure.

[0051] The outer surface of the mixing frame 22 is provided with a mounting protrusion 221, and the mounting protrusion 221 is provided with a mounting hole 222. One end of the elastic element 31 is hooked and connected to the mounting hole 222 for easy installation and disassembly. The outer surface of the support rod is provided with a mounting groove 321. One end of the elastic element 31 is hooked and connected to the support rod and is inserted into the mounting groove 321 for easy installation and disassembly.

[0052] The anti-movement mechanism 40 is used to reduce the vertical movement of the mixing rack 22. The second drive assembly 41 can drive the pressure frame 42 to be positioned above the mixing rack 22. During the vertical movement of the mixing rack 22, the sample container 100 on the mixing rack 22 can come into contact with the pressure frame 42, reducing the vertical movement of the mixing rack 22 and preventing the mixing rack 22 from losing contact with the mixing seat 23.

[0053] The second drive assembly 41 drives the pressure frame 42 to move between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the pressure frame 42 is positioned above the mixing rack 22, and in the second position, it is positioned to one side of the mixing rack 22. In the second position, the pressure frame 42 does not interfere with the removal and placement of the sample container 100 from the mixing rack 22.

[0054] The second drive assembly 41 can drive the pressure frame 42 to move or rotate. In this embodiment, the second drive assembly 41 includes a second motor, which drives the pressure frame 42 to rotate between a first position and a second position about a second vertical axis. The second axis is parallel to and spaced apart from the first axis. Since the pressure frame 42 only needs to stay at the first and second positions, the second motor can be selected as a stepper motor. Each step of the stepper motor allows the pressure frame 42 to rotate from the first position to the second position, or from the second position to the first position. In other embodiments, the second drive assembly 41 includes a lead screw and nut structure to drive the pressure frame 42 to move linearly. Alternatively, the second drive assembly 41 includes a gear and rack structure to drive the pressure frame 42 to move linearly.

[0055] A flexible layer is provided on the side of the pressure frame 42 near the mixing frame 22, allowing the sample container 100 on the mixing frame 22 to come into contact with the flexible layer. By providing the flexible layer, flexible contact is achieved between the sample container 100 and the pressure frame 42, preventing damage to the sample container 100 due to impact. The flexible layer can be a rubber layer, which is adhered to the bottom of the pressure frame 42.

[0056] The structure of the frame 10 can be configured according to actual needs, as long as it can provide support for the mixing mechanism 20, the buffer mechanism 30, and the anti-movement mechanism 40. In this embodiment, the frame 10 includes a support leg 11, a first support plate 12, a second support plate 13, and a connecting plate 14. The support leg 11 is disposed below the first support plate 12, the second support plate 13 is disposed above the first support plate 12 and offset from the first support plate 12, and the connecting plate 14 is used to connect the first support plate 12 and the second support plate 13. The first drive assembly 21 is disposed on the first support plate 12, and the second drive assembly 41 is disposed on the second support plate 13.

[0057] The sample mixing device also includes a first detection component, which is used to detect the number of rotations of the mixing seat 23. When the number of rotations of the mixing seat 23 reaches a set value, it is determined that mixing is complete. For example, the first detection component includes a first sensor 51 and a first trigger plate 52. The first sensor 51 is disposed on the frame 10 and located on one side of the mixing seat 23. The first trigger plate 52 is fixed on the mixing seat 23. For each rotation of the mixing seat 23, the first trigger plate 52 triggers the first sensor 51 once. Therefore, the number of rotations of the mixing seat 23 can be determined based on the number of times the first sensor 51 is triggered.

[0058] The sample mixing device also includes a second detection component for detecting the position of the pressure frame 42. As mentioned above, the pressure frame 42 can rotate between a first position and a second position. Depending on the requirements, the pressure frame 42 may remain in either the first or second position. Therefore, the position of the pressure frame 42 determines whether it is above the mixing rack 22. Exemplarily, the second detection component includes a second sensor 53 and a second trigger plate 54. The second sensor 53 is disposed on the frame 10 and located on one side of the pressure frame 42. The second trigger plate 54 is fixed to the pressure frame 42. Whenever the pressure frame 42 rotates to the second position, the second trigger plate 54 triggers the second sensor 53. Therefore, the signal from the second sensor 53 indicates whether the pressure frame 42 is in the first or second position.

[0059] The sample mixing device also includes a control component 55. The first motor, the second motor, the first detection component, and the second detection component are all electrically connected to the control component 55. When mixing the sample, the control component 55 determines whether the number of rotations of the mixing seat 23 has reached a set value based on the signal from the first sensor 51. If so, it stops the first motor and controls the second motor to start, causing the pressure frame 42 to rotate to the second position. The control component 55 determines whether the mixing frame 22 has rotated to the second position based on the signal from the second sensor 53. If so, it can issue a prompt message to indicate that the sample container 100 can be removed. The structure and working principle of the control component 55 are conventional technologies and will not be described in detail here.

[0060] The above-mentioned sample mixing device is a supporting device for automated mixing of cryopreservation tubes and other consumables. In the process of automated pipetting and library construction, it can complete the automated high-speed mixing process without manual intervention. It has a simple structure, lower cost, smaller footprint, and can be adapted to more cryopreservation tubes of similar volume, making it suitable for more scenarios.

[0061] The aforementioned sample mixing device can also be used in a sample analysis system. This embodiment also provides a sample analysis system, including a sample transfer device and the aforementioned sample mixing device. The sample transfer device is used to transfer the sample container 100 to the mixing rack 22. The sample transfer device can be a robotic arm or other existing transfer devices. The sample transfer device can also transfer the sample container 100 from the mixing rack 22 to other locations. The sample analysis system is used to detect and analyze the sample in the sample container 100. Its structure and working principle are conventional technologies and will not be described in detail here.

[0062] The above embodiments merely illustrate the basic principles and characteristics of this utility model. This utility model is not limited to the above embodiments. Various changes and modifications can be made to this utility model without departing from its spirit and scope, and all such changes and modifications fall within the scope of the claimed utility model. The scope of protection of this utility model is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A sample mixing device, characterized in that, include: Rack (10); The mixing mechanism (20) includes a first driving component (21) and a mixing rack (22). The first driving component (21) is disposed on the frame (10) and can drive the mixing rack (22) to move eccentrically. The mixing rack (22) is used to place the sample container (100). The buffer mechanism (30) includes a plurality of elastic elements (31), one end of which is fixed and the other end is connected to the mixing frame (22). The elastic element (31) is configured to drive the mixing frame (22) to reset when the mixing frame (22) moves eccentrically. The anti-slip mechanism (40) includes a second drive assembly (41) and a pressure frame (42). The second drive assembly (41) is disposed on the frame (10) and is capable of driving the pressure frame (42) to be positioned above the mixing frame (22) to abut against the sample container (100).

2. The sample mixing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The mixing mechanism (20) also includes a mixing seat (23), which is connected to the first driving component (21). The first driving component (21) is used to drive the mixing seat (23) to rotate about a first axis in the vertical direction. The mixing frame (22) is eccentrically placed on the mixing seat (23).

3. The sample mixing device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The top of the mixing seat (23) is eccentrically provided with a groove (231), the central axis of the groove (231) is offset from the first axis, the bottom of the mixing frame (22) abuts against the inner wall of the groove (231), and the cross-sectional area of ​​the groove (231) perpendicular to the first axis gradually decreases along the top-to-bottom direction.

4. The sample mixing device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The groove (231) is a conical groove, a semi-circular groove, or a conical groove.

5. The sample mixing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The buffer mechanism (30) further includes a bracket (32), which is disposed on the frame (10), and the end of the elastic member (31) away from the mixing frame (22) is fixedly connected to the bracket (32).

6. The sample mixing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, Along the vertical direction, the plurality of elastic elements (31) are distributed in at least two layers, and the plurality of elastic elements (31) in each layer are distributed circumferentially around the mixing frame (22).

7. The sample mixing apparatus according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, The second drive assembly (41) is used to drive the pressure frame (42) to move between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the pressure frame (42) is located above the mixing frame (22), and in the second position, the pressure frame (42) is located on one side of the mixing frame (22).

8. The sample mixing apparatus according to claim 7, characterized in that, The second drive assembly (41) includes a second motor for driving the pressure frame (42) to rotate between a first position and a second position about a second vertical axis.

9. The sample mixing apparatus according to claim 7, characterized in that, The pressure frame (42) has a flexible layer on the side near the mixing frame (22), and the sample container (100) on the mixing frame (22) can abut against the flexible layer.

10. A sample analysis system, characterized in that, Includes a sample transfer device and a sample mixing device according to any one of claims 1-9, wherein the sample transfer device is used to transfer the sample container (100) to the mixing rack (22).

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