Specimen multi-tube sending module

Abstract

A sample multi-tube sending module comprises a module shell, a flat plate sliding block arranged in a sliding mode relative to the module shell and a driving mechanism driving the flat plate sliding block to slide, a plurality of sending tubes are fixedly arranged at the bottom of the flat plate sliding block, and the uniform distribution direction of the sending tubes is perpendicular to the sliding direction of the flat plate sliding block. The module shell is provided with sample inlets and sample outlets, the sample inlets and the sample outlets are distributed in the sliding direction of the flat plate sliding block, and the sample inlets, the sample outlets and the sending pipes are correspondingly arranged. The problems that an existing structure is complex, the size is too large, the switching time is too long, the period is uncontrollable, and the transmission efficiency is not high are solved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of pneumatic pipeline logistics transmission systems for medical specimen transmission systems, and more specifically, to a specimen multi-tube delivery module. Background Technology

[0002] Specimen transport systems have begun to be used in hospitals and have received positive feedback. These systems use pressurized air to transport test tubes at high speeds through closed tubes, solving a major problem for hospitals. Specimen transport after collection is a crucial part of the entire specimen testing process. Most specimen transport devices adopt a one-to-one transport method and are designed for use between various blood collection points and the laboratory department in hospitals.

[0003] This is a flat-panel specimen multi-tube delivery module, a minimally sized multi-tube sorting and transmission mechanism for specimens that are sorted into multiple categories and then directly sent to remote testing equipment via separate tubes. Specimen transmission differs fundamentally from other material transmission. Single-tube specimen transmission enters a dedicated, sealed pipeline sequentially, maintaining relative distance during transport, requiring measures to prevent collisions and vibrations between specimens. Single-tube transmission systems, designed to meet peak throughput demands, employ high transmission density, limiting the distance between specimens within the pipeline and increasing the frequency of collisions, potentially damaging the quality of sensitive blood samples. By first sorting and then transmitting via multiple tubes, the distance between specimens entering each tube is maximized, significantly reducing the probability of collisions and greatly improving transmission efficiency. Another crucial reason for prioritizing sorting before multi-tube transmission is that blood samples require settling time before analysis, and this settling time varies depending on the sample type; currently, no blood sample can be sorted and allowed to settle simultaneously. The system employs a method of first classifying samples and then transferring them via separate pipelines to a remote, independent settling chamber in the laboratory for a specified settling time. This is the most scientific solution for automated processing after classification and settling, meeting the requirements for accurate testing. This system satisfies both the need for safe transmission during peak hours and the requirement for classified settling, enabling direct, automated delivery from the blood collection window to various types of testing equipment. It boasts a higher level of intelligence and significantly improved efficiency. Due to the multi-pipe delivery method, samples can be simultaneously sent to multiple target receiving stations for diversion operations. This highly efficient device makes sample delivery within a limited time possible, facilitating resource sharing within the hospital's testing facilities and maximizing resource utilization. It is the optimal solution for ultimately implementing fully automated processing. The delivery module uses a flat-slider structure, which is simple in design and compact in size. The driver uses a cylinder, providing adjustable driving force, stable and reliable operation, and a long service life. The flat-slider structure effectively solves the isolation control problem, fundamentally eliminating instability factors during operation and doubling the operating speed, effectively addressing the hospital's peak-hour blood sample transmission needs. Utility Model Content

[0004] The main purpose of this application is to provide a specimen multi-pipe transmission module for controlling the simultaneous transmission of specimens through multiple pipes, so as to solve the problems of existing structures being complex and bulky, having long switching times, uncontrollable cycles, and low transmission efficiency.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, in a first aspect, this application provides a specimen multi-tube delivery module, including a module housing, a flat slider slidably disposed with respect to the module housing, and a driving mechanism for driving the flat slider to slide. A plurality of delivery tubes are fixedly disposed at the bottom of the flat slider, and the distribution direction of the plurality of delivery tubes is perpendicular to the sliding direction of the flat slider. The module housing has specimen inlets and specimen outlets, and the plurality of specimen inlets and specimen outlets are distributed along the sliding direction of the flat slider, and the specimen inlets and specimen outlets are correspondingly disposed with respect to the delivery tubes.

[0006] The module housing has several specimen inlet ports on its upper part. The specimen inlet ports are located above the specimen inlet ports and correspond to them one by one. A specimen pushing mechanism is provided at each specimen inlet port. An output pipe is fixedly provided above each specimen outlet port. The flat slider has movable tube holes that correspond to and are connected to the sending tubes one by one.

[0007] Each of the sending tubes is equipped with a sending structure, and each of the output pipes is equipped with a conveying structure for conveying specimens.

[0008] A further improvement is that the drive mechanism includes a fixedly mounted cylinder block bracket and a cylinder block fixedly mounted on the cylinder block bracket, wherein the cylinder rod of the cylinder block is connected to the flat slider.

[0009] A further improvement is that the module housing includes a lower housing plate, a upper housing plate, and a side plate connected between the lower housing plate and the upper housing plate, and the flat slider slides between the lower housing plate and the upper housing plate.

[0010] A further improvement is that a guide structure is provided between the flat slider and the lower plate of the housing.

[0011] A further improvement is that the guide structure includes a column guide groove formed on the flat slider and a guide column fixedly disposed on the lower plate of the housing and cooperating with the column guide groove.

[0012] A further improvement is that the lower plate of the housing is provided with a transmission tube guide groove that cooperates with the transmission tube, and the transmission tube guide groove is spaced apart from the guide column.

[0013] A further improvement is that the flat slider is provided with several sets of sealing rings, each sealing ring including an elliptical outer sealing ring and an inner sealing ring, with each set of sealing rings corresponding to a movable tube hole, and the movable tube hole being located between the outer sealing ring and the inner sealing ring.

[0014] A further improvement is that the conveying structure includes a compressed air inlet at the bottom of each of the output pipes, the compressed air inlet being connected to a compressed air source, and when the movable tube hole corresponds to the specimen inlet, the specimen outlet is located within the inner sealing ring; when the movable tube hole corresponds to the specimen outlet, the specimen outlet is located within the outer sealing ring.

[0015] A further improvement is that the transmitting structure includes an air inlet at the bottom of each transmitting tube, a piston body disposed inside the transmitting tube, and a top rod fixedly disposed above the piston body. A magnetic ring is disposed on the piston body, and the air inlet is located below the piston body.

[0016] A further improvement is that the specimen pushing mechanism includes a curtain panel, a curtain groove opened at the top of the curtain panel, a curtain guide rail that cooperates with the curtain groove, and a driver that drives the curtain panel to slide, with the specimen inlet opened on the curtain panel.

[0017] This utility model provides a multi-tube specimen delivery module. Compared with existing technologies, its advantages are as follows: This solution is a core device in a multi-class specimen delivery system. It realizes a structural design where a single delivery module simultaneously sends specimens out of the station from multiple tubes. The module adopts a flat-panel structure design, making the device simple and stable, reducing its size and manufacturing cost, facilitating installation and maintenance, and reducing drive power. This multi-tube specimen delivery module fundamentally solves the specimen transmission needs of large hospitals during peak periods. Classification operation is twice as efficient as existing equipment, and non-classification operation is four times as efficient, doubling the operating speed and effectively addressing the blood sample transmission needs of hospitals during peak periods. Attached Figure Description

[0018] The accompanying drawings, which form part of this application, are used to provide a further understanding of the application and to make other features, objects, and advantages of the application more apparent. The illustrative embodiments and descriptions of this application are used to explain the application and do not constitute an undue limitation of the application. In the drawings:

[0019] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the present invention. Figure 1 ;

[0020] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the present invention. Figure 2 ;

[0021] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the present invention. Figure 3 .

[0022] Among them: 21. Flat slider; 210. Moving tube hole; 211. Column guide groove; 22. Module housing; 220. Specimen inlet; 221. Lower housing plate; 222. Upper housing cover plate; 223. Outlet tube plate mounting hole; 224. Cover plate positioning pin hole; 225. Sending tube guide groove; 226. Side plate; 228. Guide column; 229. Column fixing hole; 23. Sending tube; 230. Magnetic ring; 231. Air inlet. 232. Piston body; 233. Push rod; 24. Output pipe; 240. Specimen outlet; 25. Compressed air interface; 26. Cylinder body; 260. Cylinder body bracket; 261. Cylinder rod; 27. Position sensor; 28. Sealing ring; 281. Inner sealing ring; 282. Outer sealing ring; 80. Specimen pushing mechanism; 81. Door curtain guide rail; 82. Door curtain slide; 83. Door curtain panel; 87. Specimen inlet. Detailed Implementation

[0023] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the present application, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present application, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments in the present application, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort should fall within the scope of protection of the present application.

[0024] It should be noted that the terms "first," "second," etc., in the specification, claims, and accompanying drawings of this application are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such data can be interchanged where appropriate for the embodiments of this application described herein. Furthermore, the terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion; for example, a process, method, system, product, or apparatus that comprises a series of steps or units is not necessarily limited to those steps or units explicitly listed, but may include other steps or units not explicitly listed or inherent to such processes, methods, products, or apparatus.

[0025] In this application, the terms "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "front," "rear," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "middle," "vertical," "horizontal," "lateral," and "longitudinal" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. These terms are primarily for the purpose of better describing this application and its embodiments, and are not intended to limit the indicated device, element, or component to having a specific orientation, or to be constructed and operated in a specific orientation.

[0026] Furthermore, in addition to indicating location or positional relationship, some of the aforementioned terms may also have other meanings. For example, the term "above" may also be used in some cases to indicate a certain dependency or connection relationship. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of these terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0027] In addition, the term "multiple" should mean two or more.

[0028] It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features described in this application can be combined with each other. This application will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0029] like Figures 1-3 As shown, a multi-tube specimen delivery module includes a module housing 22, a flat slider 21 slidably disposed with respect to the module housing 22, and a driving mechanism for driving the flat slider 21 to slide. A plurality of delivery tubes 23 are fixedly disposed at the bottom of the flat slider 21, and the distribution direction of the plurality of delivery tubes 23 is perpendicular to the sliding direction of the flat slider 21. The module housing 22 has specimen inlets 220 and specimen outlets 240. The plurality of specimen inlets 220 and specimen outlets 240 are distributed along the sliding direction of the flat slider 21, and the specimen inlets 220 and specimen outlets 240 are correspondingly disposed with respect to the delivery tubes 23.

[0030] The module housing 22 is provided with a plurality of specimen inlet ports 87 on its upper part. The specimen inlet ports 87 are located above the specimen inlet 220 and correspond to it one by one. A specimen pushing mechanism 80 is provided at the specimen inlet port 87. An output pipe 24 is fixedly provided above each specimen outlet 240. The flat slider 21 is provided with a movable tube hole 210 that corresponds to and is connected to the sending pipe 23 one by one.

[0031] Each of the sending tubes 23 is provided with a sending structure, and each of the output tubes 24 is provided with a conveying structure for conveying specimens.

[0032] The drive mechanism includes a fixedly mounted cylinder block bracket 260 and a cylinder block 26 fixedly mounted on the cylinder block bracket 260. The cylinder rod 261 of the cylinder block 26 is connected to the flat slider 21.

[0033] The module housing 22 includes a lower housing plate 221, a upper housing cover plate 222, and a side plate 226 connected between the lower housing plate 221 and the upper housing cover plate 222. The flat slider 21 slides between the lower housing plate 221 and the upper housing cover plate 222. The lower housing plate 221 has side plates 226 on three sides. The upper housing cover plate 222 has mounting bolt holes 227 on the side plate 226.

[0034] The specimen inlet 220 on the upper surface of the shell cover plate 222 has a large R-shaped arc opening for its pipe hole, which facilitates docking with the specimen propulsion mechanism 80 and promotes the smooth entry of the specimen. Figure 1 The specimen propulsion mechanism 80 shown includes a curtain panel 83, a curtain groove 82 formed on the top of the curtain panel 83, a curtain guide rail 81 cooperating with the curtain groove 82, and a driver for driving the curtain panel 83 to slide. The specimen inlet 87 is formed on the curtain panel 83. The curtain guide rail 81, curtain groove 82, curtain panel 83, and specimen inlet 87 are designed as a single integrated structure. Although the specimen inlets 87 and specimen entrances 220 are on the same horizontal line, they are not in the same vertical position.

[0035] A guide structure is provided between the flat slider 21 and the lower housing plate 221. The guide structure includes a column guide groove 211 formed on the flat slider 21 and a guide column 228 fixedly set on the lower housing plate 221 and cooperating with the column guide groove 211. The lower housing plate 221 is also provided with a transmission tube guide groove 225 cooperating with the transmission tube 23. The lower housing plate 221 is designed with multiple rows of transmission tube guide grooves 225 and guide columns 228. The transmission tube guide grooves 225 and the guide columns 228 are designed to be spaced apart in the same direction. The transmission tube guide grooves 225 are elliptical, with a width greater than the diameter of the transmission tube 23 and a length greater than the travel of the flat slider 21. Each group of guide columns 228 is designed with two spaced apart in the same direction.

[0036] The specimen outlet 240 is designed with an output pipe 24 for connecting to the system transmission pipe. The inner diameter of the lower section of the output pipe 24 is smaller than that of the system transmission pipe. The bottom of the output pipe 24 is designed with a compressed air interface 25, which is the power source for specimen transmission. The bottom design facilitates the rapid exit of the specimen from the module and reduces the length of the sending pipe 23. The four corners of the upper cover plate 222 of the housing are designed with cover plate positioning pin holes 224 for easy fixation in the machine frame. The upper plane of the upper cover plate 222 is designed with the same number of column fixing holes 229 corresponding to the guide column 228 fixed to the lower plate 221 of the housing. The guide column 228 strengthens the structural stability of the module housing 22. The outlet pipe plate is a component that integrates the output pipe 24. The upper cover plate 222 of the housing is designed with double outlet pipe plate mounting holes 223 for fixing the output pipe 24 and positioning the outlet pipe plate.

[0037] The flat slider 21 is designed in the inner groove of the upper cover plate 222 and the lower plate 221 of the housing. The moving tube holes 210 on the flat slider 21 are designed with double column guide grooves 211 in the same direction, which are spaced the same as the guide columns 228 designed in the lower plate 221 of the housing. The hole diameter is larger than the diameter of the guide column 228, and the length of the column guide groove 211 is greater than the moving stroke of the flat slider 21.

[0038] The flat slider 21 is provided with several sets of sealing rings 28. Each sealing ring 28 includes an elliptical outer sealing ring 282 and an inner sealing ring 281. Each set of sealing rings 28 corresponds one-to-one with the movable tube hole 210. The movable tube hole 210 is located between the outer sealing ring 282 and the inner sealing ring 281. Each movable tube hole 210 on the flat slider 21 has two elliptical sealing rings 28 on its outer ring. The movable tube hole 210 is designed in the outer sealing ring 282. The inner sealing ring 281 corresponds to the specimen outlet 240 below the upper cover plate 222 of the housing. The sending tube 23 is installed below the movable tube hole 210 of the flat slider 21. The sending tube 23 is positioned within the sending tube guide groove 225 of the lower plate 221 of the module housing 22.

[0039] The sending tube 23 is an upward propulsion mechanism for transferring specimen A to the specimen outlet 240 and sending it to the system. It is designed with a piston body 232 for a cylinder. A push rod 233 is designed above the piston body 232. A magnetic ring 230 is designed on the piston body 232. An air inlet 231 is designed at the lower end. The sending tube 23 is equipped with a sensor. The driver of the flat slider 21 is a cylinder body 26. The cylinder body 26 is fixed to the equipment frame by a cylinder body bracket 260. The cylinder rod 261 is fixed in the middle of one end of the flat slider 21. Two position sensors 27 are designed on the outside of the cylinder body 26.

[0040] The conveying structure includes a compressed air inlet at the bottom of each of the output pipes 24, the compressed air inlet being connected to a compressed air source. When the movable pipe hole 210 corresponds to the specimen inlet 220, the specimen outlet 240 is located within the inner sealing ring 281. When the movable pipe hole 210 corresponds to the specimen outlet 240, the specimen outlet 240 is located within the outer sealing ring 282.

[0041] The transmitting structure includes an air inlet 231 at the bottom of each transmitting tube 23, a piston body 232 disposed inside the transmitting tube 23, and a top rod 233 fixedly disposed above the piston body 232. A magnetic ring 230 is disposed on the piston body 232, and the air inlet 231 is located below the piston body 232.

[0042] Instructions for specimen delivery process:

[0043] The following is a practical application case of the flat-panel specimen multi-tube delivery module in the system delivery device, with reference to... Figure 1 and Figure 2The specimen delivery process is described below: After classification, the specimens line up on the slide rail in front of the specimen pushing mechanism 80 and enter the specimen inlet 87. After the detection element detects the specimen entry information, the driver of the pushing mechanism pushes the curtain plate 83 forward one position. All specimens in the specimen inlet 87 are pushed forward one position. At the same time, all specimens in the specimen inlet 87 fall into their respective delivery tubes 23 through the specimen inlet 220 hole. The detection element instantly loses the specimen information of the specimen inlet 87. The driver of the pushing mechanism returns the curtain plate 83 to the slide rail position. At the same time, the cylinder body 26 of the driver of the flat-plate specimen multi-tube delivery module moves the flat slide block 21 one position towards the specimen outlet 240 through the cylinder rod 261. The position sensor 27 outside the cylinder body 26 detects that the movement has reached the position and stops moving. At this time, the moving tube hole 210 on the flat slide block 21 disengages from the specimen inlet 220, moving all delivery tubes 23 below the specimen outlet 240. The solenoid valve controlled by the air inlet 231 at the lower end of the sending pipe 23 opens, and the piston body 232 moves upward under the action of compressed air. The specimen A on the push rod 233 moves upward, and the cap of specimen A passes upward through the compressed air interface 25 below the specimen outlet 240. The compressed air quickly sends specimen A into the system transmission pipeline. The position sensor 27 outside the sending pipe 23 closes the solenoid valve controlled by the air inlet 231 at the lower end of the sending pipe 23 under the trigger action of the magnetic ring 2302 of the piston body 232. After the sending air of the sending pipe 23 is closed, the piston body 232 moves downward quickly to the standby position under the action of the compressed air at the compressed air interface 25 below the specimen outlet 240. The position sensor 27 outside the sending pipe 23 loses the piston body 232 information. The cylinder body 26 of the flat specimen multi-tube sending module driver moves the flat slider 21 back towards the specimen inlet 220 through the cylinder rod 261 to prepare for the sending of the second batch of specimens. The lower section of the output pipe 24, located at the compressed air interface 25 below the output pipe 24, has a smaller inner diameter than the system transmission pipe. The compressed air pressure entering through the compressed air inlet 231 of the output pipe 24 is less than the compressed air pressure entering through the air inlet 231 at the lower end of the sending pipe 23. When the push rod 233 on the piston body 232 inside the sending pipe 23 rises to its highest point, it will not exceed the upper plane of the moving pipe hole 210 of the flat slider 21. Each moving pipe hole 210 on the flat slider 21 is designed with two elliptical sealing rings 28 on its outer ring. When the moving pipe hole 210 stops at the opening of the sending pipe 23, the sending pipe 23 stops in the outer sealing ring 282, and the inner sealing ring 281 bears the air pressure entering through the compressed air interface 25. When the moving pipe hole 210 stops at the specimen outlet 240, the sending pipe 23 still stops in the outer sealing ring 282, and the outer sealing ring 282 bears the air pressure entering through the compressed air interface 25.

[0044] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this application and is not intended to limit this application. Various modifications and variations can be made to this application by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A specimen multi-tube transmission module, characterized in that, The device includes a module housing, a flat slider slidably disposed with the module housing, and a driving mechanism for driving the flat slider to slide. A plurality of sending tubes are fixedly disposed at the bottom of the flat slider, and the distribution direction of the plurality of sending tubes is perpendicular to the sliding direction of the flat slider. The module housing has a specimen inlet and a specimen outlet. The plurality of specimen inlets and the plurality of specimen outlets are distributed along the sliding direction of the flat slider, and the specimen inlets and the specimen outlets are correspondingly disposed with respect to the sending tubes. The module housing has several specimen inlet ports on its upper part. The specimen inlet ports are located above the specimen inlet ports and correspond to them one by one. A specimen pushing mechanism is provided at each specimen inlet port. An output pipe is fixedly provided above each specimen outlet port. The flat slider has movable tube holes that correspond to and are connected to the sending tubes one by one. Each of the sending tubes is equipped with a sending structure, and each of the output pipes is equipped with a conveying structure for conveying specimens.

2. The specimen multi-tube transmission module as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The drive mechanism includes a fixedly mounted cylinder block bracket and a cylinder block fixedly mounted on the cylinder block bracket. The cylinder rod of the cylinder block is connected to the flat slider.

3. The specimen multi-tube transmission module as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The module housing includes a lower housing plate, a upper housing plate, and a side plate connected between the lower housing plate and the upper housing plate. The flat slider slides between the lower housing plate and the upper housing plate.

4. The specimen multi-tube transmission module as described in claim 3, characterized in that: A guide structure is provided between the flat slider and the lower plate of the housing.

5. A specimen multi-tube transmission module as described in claim 4, characterized in that: The guide structure includes a column guide groove formed on the flat slider and a guide column fixedly disposed on the lower plate of the housing and cooperating with the column guide groove.

6. A specimen multi-tube transmission module as described in claim 5, characterized in that: The lower plate of the housing is also provided with a transmission tube guide groove that cooperates with the transmission tube, and the transmission tube guide groove is spaced apart from the guide column.

7. A specimen multi-tube transmission module as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The flat slider is provided with several sets of sealing rings, each sealing ring including an elliptical outer sealing ring and an inner sealing ring. Each set of sealing rings corresponds to a movable tube hole, and the movable tube hole is located between the outer sealing ring and the inner sealing ring.

8. A specimen multi-tube transmission module as described in claim 7, characterized in that: The conveying structure includes a compressed air inlet at the bottom of each of the output pipes. The compressed air inlet is connected to a compressed air source. When the movable tube hole corresponds to the specimen inlet, the specimen outlet is located inside the inner sealing ring. When the movable tube hole corresponds to the specimen outlet, the specimen outlet is located inside the outer sealing ring.

9. A specimen multi-tube transmission module as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The transmitting structure includes an air inlet at the bottom of each transmitting tube, a piston body disposed inside the transmitting tube, and a top rod fixedly disposed above the piston body. A magnetic ring is disposed on the piston body, and the air inlet is located below the piston body.

10. A specimen multi-tube transmission module as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The specimen propulsion mechanism includes a curtain panel, a curtain groove on the top of the curtain panel, a curtain guide rail that cooperates with the curtain groove, and a driver that drives the curtain panel to slide. The specimen inlet is located on the curtain panel.

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