Full-automatic specimen post-processing system
By integrating the sample loading module, blood collection tube post-processing workstation, and output interface, and optimizing the mechanical structure layout, the full automation of medical laboratory specimen post-processing has been achieved. This solves the problems of low efficiency, complex equipment, and high failure rate of traditional manual operation, and improves the degree of automation and system reliability.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- SHANGHAI CHUANGSIJIE MEDICAL TECH
- Filing Date
- 2025-04-29
- Publication Date
- 2026-04-17
AI Technical Summary
In existing technologies, the post-processing of specimens in medical laboratories relies on manual operation, which results in problems such as low efficiency, high risk, high error rate, high labor intensity, complex equipment, high mechanical failure rate and low degree of automation.
Design a fully automated specimen post-processing system that integrates a sample loading module, a blood collection tube post-processing workstation, and an output interface. By optimizing the mechanical structure layout and modular conveyor line, combined with a multi-functional robotic arm, the system achieves full automation of the specimen process from input to output.
It has achieved a fully automated process for specimen processing, reducing labor costs, decreasing mechanical failure rates, increasing the degree of automation, ensuring accurate specimen positioning and information identification, and improving processing efficiency and system reliability.
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Figure CN224137305U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of medical laboratory technology, specifically to a fully automated specimen post-processing system. Background Technology
[0002] In the process of testing test tube specimens in medical laboratories, there is a crucial step – specimen post-processing, the routine process of which includes: material loading, information reading, stoppering, archiving, and review.
[0003] The main methods currently available on the market are as follows:
[0004] 1. The functions of each module are completed manually, and the process is as follows: A. Manually inserting the filing plug into the specimen tube; B. Manually placing the tube into the test tube rack or storage tray; C. Manually recording information; D. Manually storing. This method is inefficient, labor-intensive, dangerous, has a high error rate, and high labor costs, and also prevents the production line from achieving automation.
[0005] 2. The traditional two-axis / three-axis robotic arm for grasping test tubes and its corresponding functions follows this process: A. Robotic arm A picks up the specimen and places it into the transfer line, then transfers it to the stoppering station; B. The stoppering mechanism stops the specimen; C. Robotic arm B picks up the stoppered specimen and places it into a test tube rack / archiving tray; D. The specimen is manually removed and stored. This solution requires at least two robotic arms, has complex movements and intricate mechanisms, is too cramped, and has a high rate of mechanical failure.
[0006] 3. The traditional human-machine collaborative method completes the function, with the following process: A. Manually inputting the specimen; B. The stoppering mechanism inserts the specimen; C. Manually removing the specimen; D. Manually storing the specimen. This solution is inefficient, lacks complete functionality, and cannot achieve automated processes.
[0007] 4. Equipment-assisted insertion and manual transfer of the carrier: The process is as follows: A. Manual input of the specimen; B. Equipment insertion and archiving; C. Manual return of the carrier to the testing equipment. This solution cannot accommodate complex processes, and the carrier cannot be returned. Utility Model Content
[0008] In view of the shortcomings of the existing technology, the purpose of this utility model is to provide a fully automated specimen post-processing system.
[0009] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides the following technical solution: a fully automated specimen post-processing system, comprising a sample loading module, a blood collection tube post-processing workstation, and an output interface.
[0010] The sample loading module includes a placement platform, a robotic arm, and a conveyor line that cooperate with each other. The working area of the robotic arm is the working range of the placement platform and the conveyor line.
[0011] The blood collection tube post-processing workstation includes a workbench and a second conveyor line, an information identification unit, a capping and dispensing unit, a robotic arm filing mechanism, a test tube rack buffer area, a tray buffer area, a collaborative robot, a tabletop input / output area, and a capping plug feeding unit. The second conveyor line is matched and connected to the first conveyor line. The information identification unit is located at the location of the second conveyor line. The capping and dispensing unit is located at the end of the second conveyor line. The robotic arm filing mechanism moves within the working range of the second conveyor line, the test tube rack buffer area, the tray buffer area, and the capping and dispensing unit. The discharge end of the capping plug feeding unit cooperates with the capping and dispensing unit. The collaborative robot moves within the working range of the second conveyor line, the information identification unit, the capping and dispensing unit, the robotic arm filing mechanism, the test tube rack buffer area, the tray buffer area, and the tabletop input / output area.
[0012] The output interface is located at the rear end of the matching workbench, and the collaborative robot cooperates with the output interface.
[0013] In some embodiments, both conveyor line one and conveyor line two are limiting movement conveyor lines that match test tube racks or test tube holders.
[0014] In some embodiments, the information recognition unit is a barcode scanning device or a visual recognition device.
[0015] In some embodiments, the cap-filling and cap-opening unit is a robotic arm equipped with cap-opening and cap-filling functions.
[0016] In some embodiments, the robotic arm filing mechanism is a three-axis moving clamping device.
[0017] In some embodiments, the archiving plug feeding unit is a vibrating feeder, and the discharge port of the vibrating feeder is located on the table surface of the workbench.
[0018] In some embodiments, the front end of the first conveyor line is provided with an input interface.
[0019] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this utility model are: by integrating the sample loading module, the blood collection tube post-processing workstation and the output interface, and optimizing the collaborative working range and functional configuration of each module, a fully automated process for specimen post-processing is realized, which has the advantages of improving the degree of automation, reducing labor costs and reducing mechanical failure rate.
[0020] Details of one or more embodiments of this application are set forth in the following drawings and description to make other features, objects and advantages of this application more readily apparent. The embodiments of this application will provide a detailed description and understanding of this application. Attached Figure Description
[0021] Figure 1This is a front view of the overall structure of this utility model;
[0022] Figure 2 This is a top view of the overall structure of this utility model;
[0023] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the sample loading module structure of this utility model;
[0024] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the post-processing workstation for blood collection tubes according to this utility model. Figure 1 ;
[0025] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the post-processing workstation for blood collection tubes according to this utility model. Figure 2 ;
[0026] Figure 6 This is a structural diagram of the collaborative robot module;
[0027] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the robotic arm's archiving mechanism.
[0028] Figure 8 This is a view of the specimen tube being held in a clamped position.
[0029] Figure 9 This is a view of the test tube rack in its clamped state;
[0030] Figure 10 This is a view of the device with the tray held in place.
[0031] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the test tube rack structure;
[0032] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram showing the connection between the specimen tube and the test tube rack;
[0033] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram showing the fit between the specimen tube and the test tube holder;
[0034] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram showing the fit between the specimen tube and tray 1.
[0035] Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram showing the fit between the specimen tube and tray 2.
[0036] Figure 16 This is a front view of the overall structure of the system used online.
[0037] In the diagram: 1. Sample loading module; 2. Post-processing workstation for blood collection tubes; 3. Output interface; 4. Input interface;
[0038] 1-1. Placement platform; 1-2. Robotic arm (one); 1-3. Conveyor line (one);
[0039] 2-1 Conveyor Line 2; 2-2 Information Identification Unit; 2-3 Plug and Lid Opening Unit; 2-4 Robotic Arm Filing Unit; 2-5 Test Tube Rack Buffer Area; 2-6 Tray Buffer Area; 2-7 Collaborative Robot; 2-8 Tabletop Input / Output Area; 2-9 Filing Plug Feeding Unit;
[0040] 2-4-1, Gripper; 2-4-2, Z-axis assembly; 2-4-3, Y-axis assembly; 2-4-4, X-axis assembly;
[0041] 2-7-1. Robot body; 2-7-2. Electric gripping drive; 2-7-3. End effector. Detailed Implementation
[0042] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present utility model.
[0043] In existing technologies, the testing of test tube specimens in medical laboratories requires post-processing steps such as material loading, information reading, stoppering, and archiving. Traditional manual operations are characterized by low efficiency, high risk, high labor intensity, and difficulty in controlling error rates. While mechanical automation solutions can replace some manual labor, they suffer from drawbacks such as complex equipment, difficulties in coordinating multiple robotic arms, and low space utilization. For example, a two-axis robotic arm requires the cooperation of multiple independent mechanisms, leading to a high failure rate; manual transfer methods cannot achieve a closed-loop process, limiting the degree of automation.
[0044] To address the aforementioned issues, a highly integrated automated system is required. By optimizing the mechanical structure layout, multiple functional modules are integrated into a unified workspace, reducing the number of independent actuators. Modular conveyor lines connect each process, and multifunctional robotic arms cover multiple operating areas, achieving full automation of the specimen process from input to output. This approach focuses on resolving core problems in traditional solutions, such as redundant robotic arms, low space utilization, and excessive manual intervention.
[0045] Therefore, as Figure 1-7As shown, this application proposes a fully automated specimen post-processing system, including a sample loading module, a blood collection tube post-processing workstation, and an output interface. The sample loading module includes a placement table, a robotic arm, and a conveyor line. The robotic arm transfers specimens between the placement table and the conveyor line. The blood collection tube post-processing workstation includes a second conveyor line, an information recognition unit, a capping and dispensing unit, a robotic arm filing mechanism, and a collaborative robot. The second conveyor line is connected to the first conveyor line. The information recognition unit is located at the second conveyor line, and the capping and dispensing unit is located at the end of the second conveyor line. The robotic arm filing mechanism moves between the second conveyor line, the test tube rack buffer area, and the tray buffer area. The collaborative robot covers the operation of multiple areas, including the second conveyor line and the information recognition unit. The output interface is located at the rear of the workstation and works in conjunction with the collaborative robot.
[0046] The sample loading module is used for the initial placement and transfer of specimens. The placement table is used to temporarily store specimens to be processed. Robotic arm one is responsible for transferring specimens from the placement table to conveyor line one. Conveyor line one can use a conveyor belt with a positioning structure to achieve directional movement of the test tube rack. The blood collection tube post-processing workstation constitutes the core processing unit. Conveyor line two connects to conveyor line one to form a continuous material flow. The information identification unit reads the test tube identification information through a scanning device. The capping and sealing unit integrates the capping mechanism and the capping mechanism to complete the sealing operation. The robotic arm archiving mechanism realizes the transfer of test tubes between the buffer area and the conveyor line through a clamping device. The collaborative robot performs cross-area operation tasks through a multi-joint robotic arm. The output interface serves as the output channel for processed specimens.
[0047] Specifically, specimens are first loaded in batches at a placement table. A robotic arm transfers the specimens to conveyor line one, from where they are transported to the docking point with conveyor line two. Conveyor line two then sequentially transmits the specimens to an information identification unit for scanning and identification, followed by a capping and sealing unit for capping detection or capping and sealing. The robotic arm archiving mechanism transfers the processed specimens to a test tube rack buffer area or a tray buffer area for temporary storage. A collaborative robot, following system instructions, transfers the specimens from the buffer area to the tabletop input / output area, finally discharging them through the output interface. The entire process, through the coordinated operation of each module, achieves a fully automated workflow for specimen processing, information recording, sealing operations, and classified storage.
[0048] Compared to existing technologies, traditional solutions require at least two sets of robotic arms to perform inserting and filing operations separately, and the test tube racks need to be manually moved. This solution integrates a robotic filing mechanism with a collaborative robot, completing all operational steps within a single workstation, reducing the equipment's footprint. The collaborative robot's working range covers multiple functional areas, replacing the multiple independent robotic arms required in traditional solutions, thus simplifying the equipment structure (its working state is as follows). Figure 8-10 (As shown). Automatic docking between conveyor lines enables continuous material transfer, eliminating manual intervention.
[0049] Through the above technical solutions, this application achieves full automation of specimen processing, avoiding the safety hazards caused by manual handling of biological specimens. The integrated design of the mechanical structure reduces equipment complexity and improves system reliability. The multi-tasking capability of the collaborative robot reduces the number of dedicated robotic arms, and flexible production is achieved through program control. The coordinated operation of each functional module significantly improves processing efficiency; a single workstation can complete the operational process that traditionally requires multiple devices.
[0050] This application further proposes that both conveyor line one and conveyor line two are limit-movement conveyor lines that match test tube racks or test tube seats.
[0051] The limiting movement conveyor line refers to a conveying device equipped with guide grooves or limiting baffles, specifically implemented as a belt conveyor line or roller conveyor line with side baffles. Its function is to physically constrain the lateral displacement of the test tube rack or test tube holder during the conveying process, ensuring the carrier moves along a preset trajectory. The matching test tube rack or test tube holder refers to the structural dimensions of the conveyor line being adapted to the outer contour of the carrier, specifically achieved by setting raised guide rails corresponding to the grooves at the bottom of the test tube rack. Its function is to achieve precise positioning of the carrier on the conveyor line through a mechanical fit, preventing slippage or tilting during conveying.
[0052] Specifically, after conveyor line one connects to the input interface, the guide grooves formed by the baffles on both sides limit the movement range of the test tube rack, allowing it to move along a straight path to the working area of robot arm one. After receiving the test tube rack from conveyor line one, conveyor line two uses the bottom raised guide rail to cooperate with the positioning groove at the bottom of the test tube holder to ensure that the carrier maintains a stable posture when it stays in the scanning area of the information recognition unit. When the carrier moves to the capping and opening unit, the limiting structure can prevent positional deviation caused by vibrations generated by the gripping action of the robot arm, ensuring precise alignment between the capping mechanism and the test tube opening.
[0053] Compared to existing technologies, traditional solutions lack limiting structures in the conveyor lines, making it easy for the carrier to shift or tip over during transport, requiring frequent manual adjustments. This solution, however, uses a combination of guide channels and baffles for limiting, enabling stable carrier transport without human intervention. Furthermore, conveyor lines one and two employ the same limiting standard, ensuring seamless handover of carriers between different workstations.
[0054] Through the above technical solution, this application effectively solves the problem of docking failure caused by carrier displacement in traditional conveyor lines, avoids the manual adjustment of the carrier, and ensures that the specimen tube maintains accurate positioning throughout the entire process from feeding to archiving, thereby improving the continuity and reliability of the automated process.
[0055] At the same time, such as Figure 11-13As shown, this is a test tube rack or test tube holder transported on the conveyor line. The test tube rack or test tube holder is matched with the conveyor line and used for transporting specimen tubes.
[0056] This application further proposes that the information identification unit be a barcode scanning device or a visual recognition device.
[0057] The barcode scanning device refers to a device that acquires barcode or QR code information on the surface of specimen tubes through optical scanning. Specifically, it can be implemented using a laser scanner or an image-based barcode scanner, used to quickly read the tube identification information and transmit it to the system database for matching. The visual recognition device refers to a device that identifies text, graphics, or shape features on the surface of test tubes through image acquisition and analysis technology. Specifically, it can be implemented using an industrial camera combined with image processing algorithms, used to complete information entry through visual feature matching when there is no barcode or the barcode is damaged.
[0058] Specifically, the barcode scanning device can be fixed to the side of the conveyor line. When the test tube rack moves to the scanning area along the conveyor line, the scanning device automatically and continuously scans the specimens inside the rack, associating the collected barcode information with the system's preset specimen data. The visual recognition device can be installed above the conveyor line. It captures images of the test tube label area using a multi-angle camera, extracts specimen number, type, and other information using character recognition or image comparison technology, and triggers subsequent processes after recognition is complete. If some barcodes are missing or damaged in the same batch of specimens, the visual recognition device can automatically switch to a backup recognition mode to ensure the integrity of the information entered.
[0059] Compared to existing technologies, traditional manual information recording methods suffer from low efficiency and high error rates, while a single barcode scanning device cannot handle complex scenarios with no barcodes or unclear labels. By configuring both a barcode scanning device and a visual recognition device simultaneously, high-speed batch barcode scanning can be achieved, while also covering the information recognition needs of non-standard test tubes, avoiding process interruptions due to the failure of a single recognition method.
[0060] Through the above technical solution, this application realizes automatic identification and input of specimen information, completes data matching without manual intervention, reduces the error rate of information processing, adapts to the identification needs of test tubes with different label forms, and improves the compatibility and reliability of the post-processing system.
[0061] This application further proposes that the capping and dispensing unit be a robotic arm equipped with capping and dispensing functions. The capping and dispensing function refers to the removal and replacement of test tube caps using a single device. Specifically, this can be achieved using a multi-joint robotic arm integrating a gripping module and a pushing module. The gripping module is used to grasp the test tube cap, and the pushing module is used to press the dispensing stopper into the test tube opening. The robotic arm refers to an automated operating device with multi-degree-of-freedom motion capabilities. Specifically, it can be implemented using a six-axis robotic arm driven by a servo motor. The end effector can switch between the capping gripper and the dispensing gripper, achieving continuous processing of test tubes at the end of the conveyor line through path planning.
[0062] Specifically, when the second conveyor line transports the test tubes to the end, the robotic arm first uses visual positioning to determine the test tube's position, then switches to the cap-opening fixture to unscrew the existing cap and remove and discard it. Subsequently, it switches to the stopper-filling fixture to pick up a pre-placed sealing stopper from the stopper-filling unit and presses it into the test tube opening to complete the seal. Throughout the process, the robotic arm's rotation axis can adjust the test tube angle to accommodate caps of different sizes, and its translation axis achieves seamless connection between the cap-opening and stopper-filling stations. The collaborative robot simultaneously transfers the processed test tubes to the test tube rack buffer area, forming a continuous closed-loop operation.
[0063] Through the above technical solution, this application solves the interference risk and cycle mismatch problem caused by the collaborative operation of multiple robotic arms, and avoids the increased failure rate caused by the excessive number of robotic arms in traditional solutions. The design of a single robotic arm integrating dual functions allows the capping and discharging actions to be completed continuously at the same station. For example, the entire process of opening, discarding, removing, and pressing caps on a single test tube can be completed within a few seconds, which shortens the time spent on process connections compared to traditional split-type equipment.
[0064] like Figure 7 As shown, this application further proposes that the robotic arm archiving mechanism is a three-axis moving clamping mechanical device.
[0065] The three-axis moving clamping mechanism refers to a clamping mechanism capable of movement in three directions—X, Y, and Z—within a spatial coordinate system. Specifically, it can use a servo motor to drive a ball screw or linear module to achieve axial movement, and the clamping function can be achieved through pneumatic or electric grippers. This three-axis structure can cover the working range of conveyor line two, the test tube rack buffer area, the tray buffer area, and the stopper / cap opening unit, achieving test tube clamping and placement through precise three-dimensional positioning.
[0066] Specifically, during specimen processing, the three-axis moving clamping device first receives the stoppered test tubes from the second end of the conveyor line, then moves laterally along the X-axis to the test tube rack buffer area, and adjusts the height via the Z-axis to vertically place the test tubes into the rack. When the rack is full, the device moves longitudinally along the Y-axis to the tray buffer area, transferring the entire rack to the filing tray. Throughout this process, the three-axis motion trajectory achieves continuous movement through a pre-programmed path, and the clamping force is controlled by real-time feedback from sensors.
[0067] Compared with existing technologies, traditional two-axis robotic arms need to cooperate with multiple independent mechanical devices to complete test tube transfer and archiving, resulting in redundant equipment structure and difficulty in coordination. In contrast, three-axis mobile clamping mechanical devices can complete multiple operations in a single mechanism by integrating three-dimensional motion and clamping functions, reducing the equipment footprint and reducing the risk of collisions caused by the collaborative operation of multiple mechanical devices.
[0068] Through the above technical solution, this application solves the problem of process fragmentation caused by insufficient degrees of freedom of movement of traditional robotic arms, realizes continuous automated processing of test tubes from stoppering to archiving, avoids the efficiency loss caused by manual transfer of test tube racks, and reduces equipment failure rate by simplifying the mechanical structure.
[0069] like Figure 5 As shown, this application further proposes that the archiving plug feeding unit is a vibrating feeder, and the discharge port end of the vibrating feeder is located on the workbench surface.
[0070] The vibrating feeder is a feeding device that uses vibration to arrange and transport the filing plugs to a designated position. Specifically, it can be implemented using an electromagnetically driven vibrating track, which controls the material's transmission speed and direction through vibration frequency. The discharge port refers to the structure at the end of the vibrating feeder used for directional output of the filing plugs. Specifically, it can be configured as an inclined slide or guide groove, allowing the filing plugs to enter the working area of the filling and opening unit in a specific posture.
[0071] Specifically, the vibrating feeder automatically arranges the randomly stacked filing plugs through vibration and directionally conveys them to the plugging and capping unit along the discharge port. When the plugging and capping unit needs to perform a plugging operation, the filing plugs are continuously supplied through the discharge port of the vibrating feeder, avoiding manual intervention or frequent grabbing by the robotic arm. The discharge port is located on the workbench surface, matching its spatial position with the plugging and capping unit to reduce the risk of interference in the material transport path.
[0072] Compared to existing technologies, traditional manual feeding requires operators to manually place the filing plugs, which is inefficient and prone to contaminating specimens. Solutions using robotic arms to grasp the filing plugs require complex motion control and multi-axis linkage mechanisms. This solution uses a vibrating tray to achieve automated, directional conveying of the filing plugs, eliminating manual operation, simplifying the equipment structure, and reducing the probability of malfunctions caused by frequent robotic arm movements.
[0073] Through the above technical solution, this application achieves a continuous and stable supply of archiving plugs, solves the problems of low efficiency of manual feeding and complexity of traditional mechanical feeding mechanisms, and at the same time, through the optimization of the spatial layout of the vibrating material tray and the discharge port, ensures that the archiving plugs are accurately delivered to the plugging station, and avoids jamming or attitude deviation during the transmission process.
[0074] like Figure 16 As shown, this application further proposes a fully automated specimen post-processing system, wherein the front end of the conveyor line is equipped with an input interface.
[0075] The input interface refers to the structure used to receive externally input specimen tubes or test tube racks. Specifically, it can be implemented using a docking platform with guide grooves or positioning sensors. Its function is to achieve seamless connection between the specimen to be processed and the internal conveyor line of the system. The conveyor line refers to the limiting and moving device used to carry and transport the specimen. Specifically, it can be implemented using a conveyor belt structure driven by a stepper motor. Its function is to transfer the input specimen to the subsequent processing station along a fixed path.
[0076] Specifically, the input interface is positioned at the front end of conveyor line one. When an externally input specimen tube or a specimen rack is placed at the input interface, a robotic arm or conveying mechanism can transfer the specimen to conveyor line one. Subsequently, the specimen is conveyed along the limiting track of conveyor line one to the sample loading module or the post-processing workstation for blood collection tubes. Through the cooperation of the input interface and conveyor line one, the specimen input process requires no manual intervention; the system directly completes the receiving and transmission.
[0077] Compared to existing technologies, manual specimen input requires multiple operations and is inefficient. This solution, through the automated design of the input interface, avoids manual handling and reduces the risk of specimen misalignment or damage due to operational errors. Furthermore, while traditional solutions require a robotic arm to independently handle specimen grasping and placement, this solution simplifies the mechanical structure layout and reduces equipment complexity through the coordination of the input interface and the conveyor line.
[0078] Through the above technical solution, this application realizes the automated control of the specimen input process, solves the problems of low efficiency and high error rate of manual operation, and at the same time reduces the equipment failure rate by reducing the number of robotic arm movement steps, ensuring the continuity and stability of the specimen processing flow.
[0079] Other examples Figure 14 As shown, this is tray structure one, which is used to match the input / output area of the table and is used for temporary input and output of specimen tubes;
[0080] like Figure 15 As shown, this is tray structure two. This tray is used to match the tray buffer area for collaborative robots to transfer tasks on this tray (status as shown). Figure 10 (As shown).
[0081] Based on the above technical solution, the system workflow in practical applications is as follows:
[0082] Standalone Workflow
[0083] Step S1, specimen input, i.e.
[0084] The specimen is placed manually in the input / output area of the worktable;
[0085] Step S2, place the test tube rack / test tube holder onto the conveyor line, i.e.
[0086] The specimen tubes located in the input / output area of the table are placed into the test tube rack / test tube holder via the collaborative robot component and then placed on the second conveyor line.
[0087] Step S3, sample injection information identification, i.e.
[0088] The second conveyor line inputs information about the specimen tubes and the test tube rack / test tube holder into the information recognition unit.
[0089] Step S4, insert, that is
[0090] The specimen tube is plugged using the plugging and capping unit;
[0091] Step S5, archiving, i.e.
[0092] The inserted specimen tubes are removed from conveyor line two and placed into a tray by the robotic filing unit;
[0093] Step S6, the empty test tube rack is moved, i.e.
[0094] The empty test tube rack is reversed and placed into the second outlet of the conveyor line using a collaborative robot.
[0095] Step S7, transplanting the full-size tray, i.e.
[0096] After archiving, the full pallet is placed into the pallet buffer area by the collaborative robot component for storage of empty / full pallets;
[0097] Step S8, outputting a full tray of specimens, i.e.
[0098] The collaborative robot component places the tray from the tray buffer area into the output interface for output.
[0099] Problem Specimen Output Process:
[0100] Step S1, the proposal of the problem specimen, i.e.
[0101] The specimen tubes on conveyor line two are removed and placed in a separate location by the robotic arm filing unit;
[0102] Step S2, information confirmation, i.e.
[0103] Components 2-7 of the collaborative robot: Scanning and confirming information in mid-air;
[0104] Step S3, output, i.e.
[0105] Using the collaborative robot component, the specimen tube is placed onto the input / output area of the tabletop;
[0106] Step S4, manual removal, i.e.
[0107] The input / output area on the table is popped out via a tray and then manually removed.
[0108] The above embodiments merely illustrate 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 invention patent. 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.
[0109] Although embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the invention, the scope of which is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.
Claims
1. A fully automated specimen post-processing system, characterized by: Includes a sample loading module, a post-blood collection tube processing workstation, and an output interface. The sample loading module includes a placement platform, a robotic arm, and a conveyor line that cooperate with each other. The working area of the robotic arm is the working range of the placement platform and the conveyor line. The blood collection tube post-processing workstation includes a workbench and a second conveyor line, an information identification unit, a capping and dispensing unit, a robotic arm filing mechanism, a test tube rack buffer area, a tray buffer area, a collaborative robot, a tabletop input / output area, and a capping plug feeding unit. The second conveyor line is matched and connected to the first conveyor line. The information identification unit is located at the location of the second conveyor line. The capping and dispensing unit is located at the end of the second conveyor line. The robotic arm filing mechanism moves within the working range of the second conveyor line, the test tube rack buffer area, the tray buffer area, and the capping and dispensing unit. The discharge end of the capping plug feeding unit cooperates with the capping and dispensing unit. The collaborative robot moves within the working range of the second conveyor line, the information identification unit, the capping and dispensing unit, the robotic arm filing mechanism, the test tube rack buffer area, the tray buffer area, and the tabletop input / output area. The output interface is located at the rear end of the matching workbench, and the collaborative robot cooperates with the output interface.
2. The fully automated specimen post-processing system of claim 1, wherein: Both conveyor line one and conveyor line two are limit-movement conveyor lines that match test tube racks or test tube holders.
3. The fully automated specimen post-processing system of claim 1, wherein: The information recognition unit is a barcode scanning device or a visual recognition device.
4. The fully automated specimen post-processing system of claim 1, wherein: The cap-filling and cap-opening unit is a robotic arm equipped with cap-opening and cap-filling functions.
5. The fully automated specimen post-processing system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The robotic arm archiving mechanism is a three-axis moving clamping mechanical device.
6. The fully automated specimen post-processing system of claim 1, wherein: The archiving plug feeding unit is a vibrating feeder, and the discharge port of the vibrating feeder is located on the workbench surface.
7. The fully automated specimen post-processing system of claim 1, wherein: The front end of the first conveyor line is equipped with an input interface.