Sample pretreatment device

Abstract

The utility model relates to a sample pretreatment device. The sample pretreatment device comprises: a sample introduction mechanism, which comprises a conventional sample introduction assembly and an emergency sample introduction assembly; the conventional sample injection assembly is used for bearing a conventional sample tube; the emergency treatment sample injection assembly comprises an emergency treatment sample injection piece and an emergency treatment scanning piece; the emergency sample introduction piece is used for bearing an emergency sample tube, and a first trigger mark is arranged on the surface of one side of the emergency sample tube; the emergency treatment scanning piece is configured to generate a first triggering signal in response to triggering of the first triggering mark under the condition that the emergency treatment sample tube moves along with the emergency treatment sample introduction piece; the first trigger signal is used for representing sample information of the emergency sample tube; the centrifugal mechanism is positioned on one side of the emergency sample injection assembly and is used for centrifuging the conventional sample tube and the emergency sample tube; and the transferring mechanism is used for bearing the centrifuged conventional sample tubes and emergency sample tubes. According to the invention, emergency treatment samples can be rapidly processed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of instrument control technology, and in particular to a sample pretreatment device. Background Technology

[0002] In a sample testing pipeline, the original sample must first undergo barcode scanning, centrifugation, quality identification, and cap removal before being transferred to the analytical instrument. This process is known as sample pretreatment. Traditional sample pretreatment systems design an emergency sample introduction channel on the sample introduction module platform or use software to define an emergency area. Upon receiving emergency samples, regular samples are stopped, and emergency samples are processed first. Even so, from sample introduction to barcode scanning and then transported via a track to the centrifugation module, emergency samples still require a relatively long path and numerous processing steps. Utility Model Content

[0003] Therefore, it is necessary to provide a sample pretreatment device that can quickly process samples to address the aforementioned technical problems.

[0004] In a first aspect, this application provides a sample pretreatment apparatus, comprising: a sample introduction mechanism, including a conventional sample introduction component and an emergency sample introduction component; the conventional sample introduction component is used to carry conventional sample tubes; the emergency sample introduction component includes an emergency sample introduction element and an emergency scanning element; the emergency sample introduction element is used to carry emergency sample tubes, and a first trigger mark is provided on one side surface of the emergency sample tube; the emergency scanning element is configured to generate a first trigger signal in response to the triggering of the first trigger mark when the emergency sample tube moves with the emergency sample introduction element; the first trigger signal is used to characterize sample information of the emergency sample tube; a centrifugation mechanism, located on one side of the emergency sample introduction component, is used to centrifuge the conventional sample tubes and the emergency sample tubes; and a transfer mechanism is used to carry the centrifuged conventional sample tubes and the emergency sample tubes.

[0005] According to one embodiment of this application, the emergency sample delivery device includes: a test tube rack tray with a guide groove; an emergency test tube rack with a sliding component matching the guide groove on the side of the emergency test tube rack that contacts the test tube rack tray, the emergency test tube rack moving along the extension direction of the guide groove under the action of the sliding component; an emergency sample tube located inside the emergency test tube rack, and an opening provided on the side of the emergency test tube rack shell near the emergency scanner, a first trigger mark passing through the opening to trigger the emergency scanner.

[0006] According to one embodiment of this application, the emergency sample injection device further includes: a positioning component disposed at one end of a guide groove, the positioning component being configured to contact the sliding component when the sliding component slides along the extension direction of the guide groove, so as to cause a trigger mark to pass through the opening to trigger the emergency scanning device; and a detection component including a main body and a support portion, the main body being configured to generate an electrical signal in response to the triggering of the positioning component when the positioning component contacts the sliding component, and the support portion being connected to the main body and fixed to one end of the guide groove near the positioning component.

[0007] According to one embodiment of this application, the emergency sample injection device further includes: a moving component, fixedly connected to the emergency test tube rack, for driving the emergency test tube rack to move at a constant speed along the extension direction of the guide slide.

[0008] According to one embodiment of this application, the emergency scanner includes: a scanning component fixed to a support component, which generates a trigger signal in response to the triggering of a first trigger mark; and a support component located on one side of an emergency test tube rack for supporting the scanning component, such that the scanning component is flush with the first trigger mark.

[0009] According to one embodiment of this application, the device further includes: a first transfer mechanism for transferring conventional sample tubes to a side close to the centrifugation mechanism; and a second transfer mechanism located on the same side of the centrifugation mechanism as the first transfer mechanism for transferring centrifuged conventional sample tubes and emergency sample tubes to a transfer mechanism.

[0010] According to one embodiment of this application, a second trigger mark is provided on one side surface of a conventional sample tube; the device further includes: a conventional scanning element, located on one side of the first end of the first transmission mechanism, configured to generate a second trigger signal in response to the triggering of the second trigger mark when the conventional sample tube is placed at the first end of the first transmission mechanism; the second trigger signal is used to characterize the sample information of the conventional sample tube.

[0011] According to one embodiment of this application, the device further includes: a quality identification mechanism located on one side of the transfer mechanism, for identifying the sample quality of the conventional sample tubes and emergency sample tubes after centrifugation.

[0012] According to one embodiment of this application, the device further includes: a cap removal mechanism located on one side of the transfer mechanism, for removing caps from regular sample tubes and emergency sample tubes after they have been identified by the quality identification mechanism.

[0013] According to one embodiment of this application, the device further includes: a gripping mechanism, including a centrifugal gripping component, the centrifugal gripping component being used to grip and place conventional sample tubes and emergency sample tubes carried by emergency sample injection devices that are transferred to a side near the centrifugation mechanism.

[0014] The aforementioned sample pretreatment device features a dedicated emergency sample introduction component, eliminating the need to separate emergency sample tubes from regular sample tubes. Samples are directly introduced from the emergency introduction component, enabling rapid processing of emergency samples in a simple and effective manner. Utilizing the opening on the side of the emergency test tube rack, an emergency scanner is triggered simultaneously with sample introduction to read sample information from the emergency sample tube, achieving both rapid sample introduction and barcode scanning. By operating the emergency introduction and scanning components in parallel, the time required for sample introduction, transfer, and scanning is reduced, enabling rapid processing of emergency samples. Attached Figure Description

[0015] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the conventional technology, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the conventional technology will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0016] Figure 1 This is a top view of a sample preprocessing apparatus in one embodiment;

[0017] Figure 2 This is another top view of the sample preprocessing apparatus in one embodiment;

[0018] Figure 3 This is a 3D schematic diagram of an emergency sample delivery device in one embodiment;

[0019] Figure 4 This is another 3D schematic diagram of the emergency sample delivery device in one embodiment;

[0020] Figure 5 This is a 3D schematic diagram of a moving component in one embodiment.

[0021] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0022] 100 - Sample introduction mechanism; 110 - Conventional sample introduction assembly; 120 - Emergency sample introduction assembly; 121 - Emergency sample introduction component; 1211 - Test tube rack tray; 1212 - Emergency test tube rack; 1213 - Positioning component; 1214 - Detection component; 1215 - Moving component; 122 - Emergency scanning component; 1221 - Scanning component; 1222 - Support component; 200 - Centrifugation mechanism; 210 - Load-bearing assembly; 211 - Centrifuge cup; 220 - Centrifugation assembly; 221 - Centrifuge; 230 - Balancing assembly; 300 - Transfer mechanism; 310 - Docking channel; 400 - First transfer machine Structure; 500-Second transmission mechanism; 600-Routine scanning component; 700-Quality identification mechanism; 800-Capping mechanism; 900-Grabbing mechanism; 910-Centrifugation gripping assembly; 920-Sample injection gripping assembly; 930-Transfer gripping assembly; 940-Transfer gripping assembly; A-Routine sample tube; A1-Second trigger flag; B-Emergency sample tube; B1-First trigger flag; C-Abnormal sample tube; D-Balancing test tube; S1-Routine sample injection area; S2-Centrifugation area; S3-Transfer area; X1-Guide chute; X2-Sliding component; X3-Main body; X4-Supporting part. Detailed Implementation

[0023] To facilitate understanding of this application, a more complete description will be provided below with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate embodiments of the present application. However, the present application can be implemented in many different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that the disclosure of this application will be thorough and complete.

[0024] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application belongs. The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the application.

[0025] It is understood that the terms “first,” “second,” etc., used in this application may be used herein to describe various elements, but these elements are not limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another.

[0026] Spatial relation terms such as “below,” “under,” “below,” “under,” “above,” “above,” etc., are used herein to describe the relationship between one element or feature shown in the figure and other elements or features. It should be understood that, in addition to the orientation shown in the figure, spatial relation terms also include different orientations of the device in use and operation. For example, if the device in the figure is flipped, the element or feature described as “below,” “under,” or “below” will be oriented “above” the other element or feature. Therefore, the exemplary terms “below” and “under” can include both above and below orientations. Furthermore, the device may also include other orientations (e.g., rotated 90 degrees or other orientations), and the spatial descriptive terms used herein will be interpreted accordingly.

[0027] It should be noted that when one element is considered to be "connected" to another element, it can be directly connected to the other element or connected to the other element through an intermediary element. Furthermore, in the following embodiments, "connection" should be understood as "electrical connection," "communication connection," etc., if there is transmission of electrical signals or data between the connected objects.

[0028] When used herein, the singular forms of “a,” “an,” and “the” may also include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It should also be understood that the terms “comprising / including” or “having,” etc., specify the presence of the stated features, wholes, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof, but do not preclude the possibility of the presence or addition of one or more other features, wholes, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof. Meanwhile, the term “and / or” as used in this specification includes any and all combinations of the associated listed items.

[0029] In sample testing pipelines, raw samples undergo barcode scanning, centrifugation, quality identification, and cap removal before being transferred to analytical instruments. This process is known as sample pretreatment, or simply pretreatment. Existing modular pretreatment systems typically incorporate emergency sample entry channels on the sample entry module platform or use software to define emergency zones. Upon receiving emergency samples, regular samples are stopped, and emergency samples are processed first. Even so, from sample entry to barcode scanning and then transport via a track to the centrifugation module, the sample still traverses a relatively long path and involves numerous processing steps.

[0030] For the reasons mentioned above, this application provides a sample preprocessing device that can quickly perform preprocessing of emergency samples.

[0031] Please see Figure 1 , Figure 1This is a top view of the sample pretreatment apparatus of this application. The sample pretreatment apparatus includes: a sample introduction mechanism 100, a centrifugation mechanism 200, and a transfer mechanism 300. The sample introduction mechanism 100 includes a conventional sample introduction component 110 and an emergency sample introduction component 120. The conventional sample introduction component 110 carries a conventional sample tube A. The emergency sample introduction component 120 includes an emergency sample introduction element 121 and an emergency scanning element 122. The emergency sample introduction element 121 carries an emergency sample tube B, and a first trigger mark B1 is provided on one side surface of the emergency sample tube B. The emergency scanning element 122 is configured to generate a first trigger signal in response to the triggering of the first trigger mark B1 when the emergency sample tube B moves with the emergency sample introduction element 121. The first trigger signal is used to characterize the sample information of the emergency sample tube B. The centrifugation mechanism 200 is located on one side of the emergency sample introduction component 120 and is used to centrifuge the conventional sample tube A and the emergency sample tube B. The transfer mechanism 300 is used to carry the centrifuged conventional sample tube A and the emergency sample tube B.

[0032] For example, please see Figure 2 The sample pretreatment platform can be divided into three areas: a conventional sample injection area S1, a centrifugation area S2, and a transfer area S3, which are adjacent to each other in sequence. The conventional sample injection component 110 is located in the conventional sample injection area S1, the emergency sample injection component 120 and the centrifugation mechanism 200 are located in the centrifugation area S2, and the transfer mechanism 300 is located in the transfer area S3. In one embodiment, the conventional sample injection component 110 carries a conventional sample tube A. The conventional sample tube A is injected from the conventional sample injection area S1 and then centrifuged in the centrifugation area S2 by the centrifugation mechanism 200. The emergency sample injection component 120 is located near the centrifugation mechanism 200 and carries an emergency sample tube B. The emergency sample tube B is directly injected from the centrifugation area S2 and then directly centrifuged by the centrifugation mechanism 200, without the need for a complex scheduling process, thus saving pretreatment time for emergency samples. In other embodiments, the centrifugation mechanism 200 includes a centrifuge 221. In practical applications, the centrifuge 221 can be installed below the platform where the centrifugation area S2 is located.

[0033] For example, the transfer mechanism 300 is located on the side of the transfer area S3 near the centrifugation mechanism 200. The centrifuged conventional sample tube A and emergency sample tube B are placed in the transfer mechanism 300, freeing up centrifugation space for subsequent sample tubes and improving the efficiency of sample pretreatment. In other embodiments, the transfer mechanism 300 is also used to carry abnormal sample tubes C during sample injection, such as conventional sample tube A whose sample information cannot be identified, ensuring the accuracy of sample pretreatment. In other embodiments, the transfer mechanism 300 connects to the sample testing line via a docking channel 310. The centrifuged sample tubes are transferred to the sample testing line through the docking channel 310 to enter the subsequent testing process, ensuring the continuity and convenience of sample pretreatment.

[0034] Please see Figure 3 and Figure 4 , Figure 3 This is a 3D schematic diagram of emergency sample 121. Figure 4 This is another 3D schematic diagram of the emergency sample dispenser 121. According to one embodiment of this application, the emergency sample dispenser 121 includes a test tube rack tray 1211 and an emergency test tube rack 1212. The test tube rack tray 1211 is provided with a guide groove X1. The side of the emergency test tube rack 1212 that contacts the test tube rack tray 1211 is provided with a sliding component X2 that matches the guide groove X1. The emergency test tube rack 1212 moves along the extension direction of the guide groove X1 under the action of the sliding component X2. The emergency sample tube B is located inside the emergency test tube rack 1212. An opening is provided on the side of the outer shell of the emergency test tube rack 1212 near the emergency scanner 122. A first trigger mark B1 passes through the opening to trigger the emergency scanner 122.

[0035] According to one embodiment of this application, the emergency sample introduction device 121 further includes a positioning component 1213 and a detection component 1214. The positioning component 1213 is disposed at one end of the guide groove X1 and is configured to contact the sliding component X2 when the sliding component X2 slides along the extending direction of the guide groove X1, thereby causing a trigger mark B1 to pass through the opening and trigger the emergency scanner 122. The detection component 1214 includes a main body X3 and a support X4. The main body X3 is configured to generate an electrical signal in response to the triggering of the positioning component 1213 when the positioning component 1213 contacts the sliding component X2. The support X4 is connected to the main body X3 and fixed to the end of the guide groove near the positioning component 1213.

[0036] For example, the first trigger mark B1 can be a barcode, and the emergency scanner 122 can be a barcode scanning device. The first trigger mark B1 is affixed to one side surface of the emergency sample tube B. The emergency sample tube B slides along the guide groove X1 under the action of the sliding component X2. During sample injection, the sliding component X2 drives the emergency sample tube B to slide from the end away from the positioning component 1213 towards the end closer to the positioning component 1213 until it stops when it contacts the positioning component 1213. The emergency scanner 122 is positioned opposite to the opening of the outer shell of the emergency test tube rack 1212. During the sliding of the emergency sample tube B along the guide groove X1, the emergency scanner 122 scans the first trigger mark B1 to identify the sample information of the emergency sample tube B, realizing scanning while injecting the sample and improving the efficiency of emergency sample injection.

[0037] Please see Figure 5 , Figure 5This is a 3D schematic diagram of the moving component 1215. According to one embodiment of this application, the emergency sample introduction unit 121 further includes a moving component 1215. The moving component 1215 is fixedly connected to the emergency test tube rack 1212 and is used to drive the emergency test tube rack 1212 to move at a uniform speed along the extension direction of the guide slide X1, making scanning by the emergency scanner 122 more convenient and reliable. In other embodiments, the emergency sample introduction unit 121 can also employ a manual sample introduction method to control the movement of the emergency test tube rack 1212 to a designated position, improving the convenience of sample pretreatment.

[0038] Please see Figure 4 According to one embodiment of this application, the emergency scanner 122 includes a scanning component 1221 and a supporting component 1222. The scanning component 1221 is fixed to the supporting component 1222 and generates a trigger signal in response to the triggering of a first trigger flag B1. The supporting component 1222 is located on one side of the emergency test tube rack 1212 and supports the scanning component 1221, ensuring that the scanning component 1221 is flush with the first trigger flag B1. This guarantees that the scanning component 1221 can accurately scan the first trigger flag B1, avoiding scanning errors caused by positional deviations and improving the accuracy of sample information reading.

[0039] Please see Figure 1 and Figure 2 According to one embodiment of this application, the sample pretreatment apparatus further includes a first transfer mechanism 400 and a second transfer mechanism 500. The first transfer mechanism 400 is used to transfer a conventional sample tube A to a side near the centrifugation mechanism 200. The second transfer mechanism 500 is located on the same side of the centrifugation mechanism 200 as the first transfer mechanism 400 and is used to transfer the centrifuged conventional sample tube A and the emergency sample tube B to the transfer mechanism 300.

[0040] For example, the first transfer mechanism 400 and the second transfer mechanism 500 can be ring-shaped transfer mechanisms. The first transfer mechanism 400 is disposed on one side of the conventional sample injection assembly 110 and the centrifugation mechanism 200, and is used to transfer the conventional sample tube A carried by the conventional sample injection assembly 110 from the conventional sample injection area S1 to the side of the centrifugation area S2 near the centrifugation mechanism 200, so that the conventional sample tube A can quickly enter the centrifugation mechanism 200 for centrifugation, thereby improving the efficiency of sample pretreatment. Similarly, the second transfer mechanism 500 is disposed on one side of the centrifugation mechanism 200 and the transfer mechanism 300, and is used to transfer the centrifuged sample tube from the centrifugation mechanism 200 to the transfer mechanism 300, ensuring that the centrifugation mechanism 200 can be quickly used for the centrifugation of the next set of sample tubes.

[0041] Please see Figure 1In other embodiments, the centrifugation mechanism 200 includes a support component 210, a centrifugation component 220, and a balancing component 230. The support component 210 carries a plurality of centrifuge cups 211. After the sample tube enters the centrifugation mechanism 200, it is placed in the centrifuge cups 211. The centrifuge cups 211 enter the centrifugation component 220 through the sample inlet for centrifugation. The balancing component 230 carries a balancing test tube D, used to balance the centrifuge cups 211, ensuring the accuracy of centrifugation.

[0042] Please see Figure 1 According to one embodiment of this application, a second trigger mark A1 is provided on one side surface of a conventional sample tube A. The sample pretreatment apparatus further includes a conventional scanner 600. The conventional scanner 600 is located on one side of the first end of the first transmission mechanism 400 and is configured to generate a second trigger signal in response to the triggering of the second trigger mark A1 when the conventional sample tube A is placed at the first end of the first transmission mechanism 400. The second trigger signal is used to characterize the sample information of the conventional sample tube A.

[0043] For example, the structure of the conventional scanner 600 is similar to that of the emergency scanner 122. When the conventional sample tube A enters the first end of the first transmission mechanism 400 from the conventional sample injection component 110, the conventional scanner 600 scans the second trigger mark A1 on the surface of the conventional sample tube A to identify the sample information of the conventional sample tube A. At the same time, the first transmission mechanism 400 transmits the conventional sample tube A to the side close to the centrifugation mechanism 200, realizing scanning while injecting the sample and improving the efficiency of conventional sample injection.

[0044] Please see Figure 1 According to one embodiment of this application, the sample pretreatment apparatus further includes a quality identification mechanism 700. The quality identification mechanism 700 is located on one side of the transfer mechanism 300 and is used to identify the sample quality of the conventional sample tube A and the emergency sample tube B after centrifugation, avoiding the generation of abnormal samples and ensuring the accuracy of sample pretreatment. It is understood that the transfer mechanism 300 is also used to carry abnormal samples identified by the quality identification mechanism 700.

[0045] Please see Figure 1 According to one embodiment of this application, the sample pretreatment apparatus further includes a cap removal mechanism 800. The cap removal mechanism 800 is located on one side of the transfer mechanism 300 and is used to remove the caps from the regular sample tube A and the emergency sample tube B after they have been identified by the quality identification mechanism 700, facilitating subsequent sample processing operations and improving the convenience of sample pretreatment.

[0046] Please see Figure 2According to one embodiment of this application, the sample pretreatment apparatus further includes a gripping mechanism 900. The gripping mechanism 900 includes a centrifugal gripping component 910, which grips the conventional sample tube A and the emergency sample tube B carried by the emergency sample inlet 121, which are transferred to the side near the centrifugation mechanism 200, places them in the centrifugation cup 211 of the centrifugation mechanism 200, grips the centrifugation cup 211 after the sample tubes are placed in it, places it in the centrifugation component 220 for centrifugation, and, after centrifugation, grips the centrifugation cup 211 after centrifugation, thereby improving the efficiency of centrifugation. Furthermore, if the emergency scanner 122 detects an abnormality in the emergency sample tube B carried by the emergency sample inlet 121, the centrifugal gripping component 910 can grip the abnormal sample carried by the emergency sample inlet 121, place it in the second transfer mechanism 500, and transfer it to the transfer mechanism 300 for further processing, ensuring the accuracy of sample pretreatment.

[0047] Please see Figure 2 In other embodiments, the gripping mechanism 900 further includes an injection gripping component 920, a translation gripping component 930, and a transfer gripping component 940. The injection gripping component 920 is disposed in the conventional injection area S1 and is used to grip the conventional sample tube A carried by the conventional injection component 110 and place it at the first end of the first transfer mechanism 400 to achieve the injection of the conventional sample tube A. The translation gripping component 930 is disposed in the centrifugation area S2, located on one side of the first transfer mechanism 400 and the second transfer mechanism 500, and at the end of the first transfer mechanism 400 closer to the second transfer mechanism 500, for transferring the sample tube between the first transfer mechanism 400 and the second transfer mechanism 500. For example, if an abnormality is detected in a regular sample tube transported by the first transport mechanism 400 during a routine scan by the regular scanner 600, the abnormal sample can be directly picked up by the translation gripping component 930 without centrifugation and placed in the second transport mechanism 500. The abnormal sample is then transferred to the transfer mechanism 300 for further processing, ensuring the accuracy of sample pretreatment. The transfer gripping component 940, located in the transfer area S3, is used to pick up the centrifuged regular sample tube A and emergency sample tube B transported by the second transport mechanism 500, and also to pick up the abnormal sample tube C transported by the second transport mechanism 500 and place it in the transfer mechanism 300.

[0048] For example, the centrifugation gripping assembly 910, the sample injection gripping assembly 920, the translation gripping assembly 930, and the transfer gripping assembly 940 can all adopt a structure of grippers paired with moving tracks, with the grippers slidably connected to the moving tracks, respectively gripping the corresponding sample tubes or centrifuge cups during sample pretreatment. It should be noted that... Figure 2The dashed boxes shown represent the gripping ranges of the centrifugation gripping assembly 910, the sample injection gripping assembly 920, and the transfer gripping assembly 940, rather than their actual positions. This application does not limit their specific shapes or connection methods.

[0049] Please see Figures 1-5 For the processing procedure of emergency samples in the sample pre-processing device, please refer to the following: Emergency sample tube B is placed into emergency test tube rack 1212, with the first trigger mark B1 exposed facing the opening; the emergency test tube rack 1212 is pushed in along the guide groove X1 of the test tube rack tray 1211, during which the scanning component 1221 scans the first trigger mark B1; the emergency test tube rack 2112 stops upon contacting the positioning component 1213, and the detection component 1214 detects the emergency test tube rack 2112; the centrifugation gripping assembly 91... The emergency sample tube B is grasped into centrifuge cup 211, and balancing test tube D is grasped from balancing component 230 for balancing. Centrifuge grasping component 910 grasps centrifuge cup 211 into centrifuge component 220. After centrifugation, centrifuge grasping component 910 removes centrifuge cup 211 from centrifuge component 220. Centrifuge grasping component 910 grasps emergency sample tube B into second transfer mechanism 500. Second transfer mechanism 500 sends centrifuged emergency sample tube B to quality identification mechanism 700 for quality identification, and then to cap removal mechanism 800 for cap removal. After cap removal, emergency sample tube B is sent by second transfer mechanism 500 to the grasping range of transfer grasping component 940, which loads emergency sample tube B into transfer mechanism 300. It is then manually removed for analysis by the analyzer, or automatically sent to the analyzer production line track via docking channel 310 to complete the analysis.

[0050] For a typical sample processing procedure in the sample pre-processing device, see the following: Sample is introduced via the conventional sample introduction component 110. The sample gripping component 920 grips the conventional sample tube A and transfers it to the first transfer mechanism 400. The conventional scanning component 600 scans the second trigger mark A1 on the surface of the conventional sample tube A. The centrifugation gripping component 910 grips the conventional sample tube transferred from the first transfer mechanism 400 into a centrifuge cup 211, which then enters the centrifugation component 220 for centrifugation. The centrifugation gripping component 910 grips the centrifuged conventional sample tube A to the second transfer mechanism 500. The second transfer mechanism 500 sends the centrifuged conventional sample tube A to the quality identification mechanism 700 for quality identification, and then to the cap removal mechanism 800 for cap removal. After the cap is removed, the regular sample tube A is sent by the second transmission mechanism 500 to the gripping range of the transfer gripping component 940. The transfer gripping component loads the regular sample tube A into the transfer mechanism 300, where it is manually taken to the analyzer to complete the experiment, or it is automatically sent to the analyzer production line track via the docking channel 310 to complete the experiment.

[0051] It should be noted that the above process is only used to illustrate how the sample preprocessing device of this application operates. The main improvement of the sample preprocessing device of this application lies in the structure, that is, the position setting of each unit and module. Therefore, the existence of process description should not be considered as an improvement in method of this application.

[0052] In one specific implementation, taking electric transfer sample introduction as an example:

[0053] The time taken for the sample to be injected into the first transmission mechanism is T1, the time taken for the first transmission mechanism to reach the barcode emergency scanner is T2, the time taken for the emergency scanner to scan is T3 (the test tube is picked up from the first transmission mechanism, scanned, and then put back into the first transmission mechanism), and the time taken for the sample tube to be sent to the centrifuge gripping component within the stroke range after the barcode scan is T4.

[0054] If the number of emergency samples is 1, then the time from sample injection to barcode scanning is T5. T5 is the same as T1. In comparison, the time saved is T2+T3+T4.

[0055] If the number of emergency samples is N, and the time from sample injection to barcode scanning is T5, T5 is still the same as T1. In comparison, the time saved is (T2+T2+T3)*N.

[0056] Therefore, the comparison shows that scanning emergency samples simultaneously with sample injection can greatly save processing time and improve the efficiency of emergency sample processing.

[0057] The aforementioned sample pretreatment device includes a dedicated emergency sample introduction component. This eliminates the need to separate emergency sample tubes from regular sample tubes, allowing for direct injection and rapid processing of emergency samples – a simple and effective approach. Utilizing the opening on the side of the emergency test tube rack, an emergency scanner is triggered simultaneously with sample introduction to read sample information from the tubes, achieving both rapid injection and barcode scanning. The parallel operation of the emergency sample introduction and scanning components saves time required for the entire process from injection to transfer and then to scanning, enabling rapid processing of emergency samples.

[0058] In the description of this specification, references to terms such as "some embodiments," "other embodiments," and "ideal embodiments" indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the invention. In this specification, the illustrative descriptions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiments or examples.

[0059] The technical features of the above embodiments can be combined in any way. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0060] The embodiments described above are merely illustrative of several implementation methods of this application, and while the descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the 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.

Claims

1. A sample pretreatment device, characterized in that, include: Sample introduction mechanisms, including conventional sample introduction components and emergency sample introduction components; The conventional sample introduction assembly is used to carry conventional sample tubes; the emergency sample introduction assembly includes an emergency sample introduction element and an emergency scanning element; the emergency sample introduction element is used to carry emergency sample tubes, and a first trigger mark is provided on one side surface of the emergency sample tube; the emergency scanning element is configured to generate a first trigger signal in response to the triggering of the first trigger mark when the emergency sample tube moves with the emergency sample introduction element. The first trigger signal is used to characterize the sample information of the emergency sample tube; A centrifugation mechanism, located on one side of the emergency sample delivery assembly, is used to centrifuge the conventional sample tube and the emergency sample tube. Transfer mechanism, used to carry regular sample tubes and emergency sample tubes after centrifugation.

2. The sample pretreatment apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The emergency sample delivery components include: A test tube rack tray, wherein the test tube rack tray is provided with guide grooves; An emergency test tube rack has a sliding component on the side of the rack that contacts the test tube rack tray, which matches the guide groove. The emergency test tube rack moves along the extension direction of the guide groove under the action of the sliding component. An emergency sample tube is located inside the emergency test tube rack. An opening is provided on the side of the outer shell of the emergency test tube rack near the emergency scanner. A first trigger mark passes through the opening to trigger the emergency scanner.

3. The sample pretreatment apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that, The emergency sample injection device also includes: A positioning component is disposed at one end of the guide groove. The positioning component is configured to contact the sliding component while the sliding component slides along the extension direction of the guide groove, so as to cause the first trigger mark to pass through the opening and trigger the emergency scanner. The detection component includes a main body and a support. The main body is configured to generate an electrical signal in response to a triggering action of the positioning component when the positioning component is in contact with the sliding component. The support is connected to the main body and fixed to one end of the guide groove near the positioning component.

4. The sample pretreatment apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that, The emergency sample injection device also includes: A movable component, fixedly connected to the emergency test tube rack, is used to drive the emergency test tube rack to move at a constant speed along the extension direction of the guide slide.

5. The sample pretreatment apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that, The emergency scan includes: The scanning component, fixed to the support component, generates a trigger signal in response to the triggering of the first trigger flag; A support component, located on one side of the emergency test tube rack, is used to support the scanning component so that the scanning component is flush with the first trigger mark.

6. The sample pretreatment apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The device further includes: A first transfer mechanism is used to transfer the conventional sample tube to a side close to the centrifugation mechanism; The second transfer mechanism, located on the same side of the centrifugation mechanism as the first transfer mechanism, is used to transfer the centrifuged conventional sample tubes and emergency sample tubes to the transfer mechanism.

7. The sample pretreatment apparatus according to claim 6, characterized in that, A second trigger mark is provided on one side surface of the conventional sample tube; the device also includes: A conventional scanning element, located on one side of the first end of the first transmission mechanism, is configured to generate a second trigger signal in response to the triggering of the second trigger flag when the conventional sample tube is placed at the first end of the first transmission mechanism; the second trigger signal is used to characterize the sample information of the conventional sample tube.

8. The sample pretreatment apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The device further includes: A quality identification mechanism, located on one side of the transfer mechanism, is used to identify the sample quality of regular sample tubes and emergency sample tubes after centrifugation.

9. The sample pretreatment apparatus according to claim 8, characterized in that, The device further includes: The cap removal mechanism, located on one side of the transfer mechanism, is used to remove the caps from the regular sample tubes and emergency sample tubes identified by the quality identification mechanism.

10. The sample pretreatment apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The device further includes: The gripping mechanism includes a centrifugal gripping assembly for gripping conventional sample tubes and emergency sample tubes carried by the emergency sample delivery device that are transported to a side near the centrifugation mechanism, and placing them in the centrifugation mechanism.

Images