Instrument tube and sample processing system

Abstract

The utility model belongs to the field of in-vitro detection equipment, and particularly relates to an instrument tube and a sample processing system. The instrument tube comprises a tube body, the tube body comprises a marking section and a clamping section, the marking section is distributed in the axial direction of the tube body, the clamping section is used for being clamped, and the marking section is provided with an avoiding structure which is used for setting identification information and is concave inwards relative to the clamping section. The device at least has the following beneficial effects that the marking section and the clamping section are distributed in the axial direction of the tube body, so that the clamping unit can clamp the instrument tube in the axial direction of the tube body conveniently, the requirement for the clamping operation space is low, and the occupied space is small; on the basis, the peripheral wall of the clamping section protrudes out of the avoiding structure on the marking section, so that the clamping force of the clamping unit acts on the clamping section and avoids the avoiding structure, the situation that the clamping unit pollutes or abrades identification information on the avoiding structure when clamping the instrument tube is avoided, and therefore the service life of the instrument tube is prolonged; therefore, the maintenance cost is reduced and the user experience is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of in vitro testing equipment, and in particular relates to an instrument tube and a sample processing system. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, in vitro testing of biological samples often requires instrument tubes with different functions, such as sample tubes and centrifuge balancing tubes, to meet testing needs. Sample tubes are mainly used to hold samples and reagents. Sometimes, the samples and reagents inside the sample tube need to be placed in an adapter, which is then placed in a centrifuge for centrifugation. To ensure centrifugation efficiency, the adapter needs to be kept balanced, which is generally achieved using centrifuge balancing tubes. However, both sample tubes and centrifuge balancing tubes often require repeated handling and movement by robotic arms during use. The labels and barcodes on these tubes are easily contaminated or worn during handling, increasing maintenance costs and reducing the user experience. Utility Model Content

[0003] In view of the shortcomings of the prior art described above, the purpose of this utility model is to provide an instrument tube and sample processing system to solve the problem that the identification information on the instrument tube is easily damaged in the prior art, so as to extend the service life of the instrument tube, reduce maintenance costs and improve the user experience.

[0004] To achieve the above and other related objectives, this utility model provides an instrument tube for centrifugation balancing and / or carrying samples, comprising: a tube body, the tube body including a marking segment distributed along the axial direction of the tube body and a clamping segment for being clamped, the marking segment having an avoidance structure for setting identification information and being recessed relative to the clamping segment.

[0005] Optionally, the avoidance structure includes at least one avoidance surface, on which the identification information is provided.

[0006] Optionally, the number of the avoidance surfaces is at least two, and the at least two avoidance surfaces are evenly distributed along the circumference of the pipe body, and the identification information is provided on at least one of the avoidance surfaces.

[0007] Optionally, the avoidance surface is a curved surface or a plane.

[0008] Optionally, the curved surface is either a convex arc surface or a concave arc surface.

[0009] Optionally, the tube body is provided with a weight adjustment hole, and / or the instrument tube further includes a tube cap, the marking section is close to the tube cap, and the clamping section is away from the tube cap.

[0010] Optionally, the tube body is provided with a receiving cavity, and the end of the tube body that mates with the tube cap is provided with a tube opening that communicates with the receiving cavity. The tube cap is detachably connected to the tube body and seals the tube opening when connected to the tube body.

[0011] Optionally, the outer diameter of the cap is larger than the maximum outer diameter of the tube body.

[0012] To achieve the above and other related objectives, this application also provides a sample processing system, including a sample processing device and a sample transmission device, wherein the sample transmission device transmits a sample to the sample processing device for processing, and the sample processing system further includes the instrument tube described above.

[0013] Optionally, the sample processing device includes a centrifuge having an adapter for carrying the sample to be centrifuged, and a centrifuge for centrifuging the sample carried on the adapter, wherein the instrument tube is transferred to the adapter as a centrifuge balancing tube;

[0014] And / or, the sample processing device includes a sample analysis device, and the instrument tube, as a sample tube carrying the sample to be analyzed, is transferred to the sample analysis device by the sample transmission device.

[0015] The instrument tube and sample processing system of this utility model have at least the following beneficial effects: the marking section and the clamping section are distributed along the axial direction of the tube body, which facilitates the clamping unit to clamp the instrument tube along the axial direction of the tube body, with low requirements for clamping operation space and small space occupation; based on this, the outer peripheral wall of the clamping section protrudes from the avoidance structure on the marking section, so that the clamping force of the clamping unit acts on the clamping section and avoids the avoidance structure, which helps to avoid the clamping unit from contaminating or wearing the identification information on the avoidance structure when clamping the instrument tube, thereby helping to extend the service life of the instrument tube, and thus helping to reduce maintenance costs and improve the user experience. Attached Figure Description

[0016] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the application, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort, wherein:

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an embodiment of the instrument tube of this utility model;

[0018] Figure 2 for Figure 1 Front view of the instrument tube;

[0019] Figure 3 for Figure 2 Sectional view at point A1-A1;

[0020] Figure 4 for Figure 1 Rear view of the instrument tube;

[0021] Figure 5 for Figure 1 Side view of the instrument tube;

[0022] Figure 6 for Figure 1 Top view of the instrument tube;

[0023] Figure 7 for Figure 1 A bottom view of the instrument tube;

[0024] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the instrument tube of this utility model in Embodiment 2;

[0025] Figure 9 for Figure 8 Front view of the instrument tube;

[0026] Figure 10 for Figure 9 Sectional view at point A2-A2;

[0027] Figure 11 for Figure 8 Rear view of the instrument tube;

[0028] Figure 12 for Figure 8 Side view of the instrument tube;

[0029] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the instrument tube of this utility model in Embodiment 3;

[0030] Figure 14 for Figure 13 Front view of the instrument tube;

[0031] Figure 15 for Figure 14 Sectional view at point A3-A3;

[0032] Figure 16 for Figure 13 Rear view of the instrument tube;

[0033] Figure 17 for Figure 13 Side view of the instrument tube;

[0034] Figure 18 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the instrument tube of this utility model in embodiment four;

[0035] Figure 19 for Figure 18 Front view of the instrument tube;

[0036] Figure 20 for Figure 19 Sectional view at point A4-A4;

[0037] Figure 21 for Figure 18 Rear view of the instrument tube;

[0038] Figure 22 for Figure 18 Side view of the instrument tube;

[0039] Figure 23 for Figure 18 A bottom view of the instrument tube;

[0040] Figure 24 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of embodiment five of the instrument tube of this utility model;

[0041] Figure 25 for Figure 24 Front view of the instrument tube;

[0042] Figure 26 for Figure 25 Sectional view at point A5-A5;

[0043] Figure 27 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of Embodiment Six of the Instrument Tube of this utility model;

[0044] Figure 28 for Figure 27 Front view of the instrument tube;

[0045] Figure 29 for Figure 28 Sectional view at A6-A6;

[0046] Figure 30 for Figure 27 Side view of the instrument tube;

[0047] Figure 31 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of embodiment seven of the instrument tube of this utility model;

[0048] Figure 32 for Figure 31 Front view of the instrument tube;

[0049] Figure 33 for Figure 32 Sectional view at A7-A7;

[0050] Figure 34 for Figure 31 Left view of the instrument tube;

[0051] Figure 35 for Figure 31 Right view of the instrument tube;

[0052] Figure 36 This is a partial structural diagram of the sample processing system of this utility model;

[0053] Figure 37 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of the clamping unit of the sample processing system of this utility model;

[0054] Figure 38 for Figure 37 A magnified view of a portion of the image.

[0055] Part Number Explanation

[0056] Instrument tube 1, tube body 11, marking section 111, clearance surface 1111, clamping section 112, weight adjustment hole 113, receiving cavity 114, tube cap 12, adapter 2, buffer tube seat 3, clamping unit 5, weighing unit 6. Detailed Implementation

[0057] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0058] It should be noted that if the embodiments of this application involve directional indicators (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, etc.), the directional indicators are only used to explain the relative positional relationship and movement of each component in a certain specific posture (as shown in the figure). If the specific posture changes, the directional indicators will also change accordingly.

[0059] Furthermore, if the embodiments of this application involve descriptions such as "first" or "second," these descriptions are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, features defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of those features. Additionally, the technical solutions of various embodiments can be combined with each other, but this must be based on the ability of those skilled in the art to implement them. If the combination of technical solutions is contradictory or impossible to implement, it should be considered that such a combination of technical solutions does not exist and is not within the scope of protection claimed in this application.

[0060] See Figure 1 , Figure 8 , Figure 13 , Figure 18 , Figure 24 , Figure 27 , Figure 31 and Figure 38 In some optional embodiments, this application provides an instrument tube 1, which can be used for centrifugation balancing and / or carrying samples. The instrument tube 1 includes a tube body 11, which includes a marking segment 111 distributed along the axial direction of the tube body 11 and a clamping segment 112 for being clamped by a clamping unit 5. The marking segment 111 is provided with a relief structure for setting identification information and is recessed relative to the clamping segment 112. That is, the outer peripheral wall of the clamping segment 112 protrudes outward relative to the relief structure, so that when the clamping unit 5 clamps the instrument tube 1, the clamping force is first applied to the outer peripheral wall of the clamping segment 112, so that the clamping unit 5 can avoid the relief structure and not contact it, thereby helping to reduce contamination and wear on the identification information. It is understood that in this application, since the thickness of the identification information is small, it can be ignored, or in other words, after the identification information is set on the relief structure, the outer peripheral wall of the clamping segment 112 protrudes outward relative to the identification information.

[0061] Optionally, the avoidance structure includes at least one avoidance surface 1111, on which identification information is provided. The number of avoidance surfaces 1111 can be set according to requirements. When there are two avoidance surfaces 1111, at least two avoidance surfaces 1111 are evenly distributed along the circumference of the tube body 11, and at least one avoidance surface 1111 has identification information. Furthermore, having identification information on at least two avoidance surfaces 1111, and having identification information on avoidance surfaces 1111 at different positions, helps reduce the risk of the identification information being obscured, thereby increasing the probability of successful identification. Identification information is provided on the instrument tube 1 so that relevant information about the instrument tube 1 can be obtained based on the identification information to perform corresponding actions on the instrument tube 1. The relevant information includes the type, function, or other information of the instrument tube 1.

[0062] Optionally, the avoidance surface 1111 can be a curved surface or a plane. Furthermore, when there are multiple avoidance surfaces 1111, all of the avoidance surfaces 1111 can be curved surfaces, all of the avoidance surfaces 1111 can be planes, or some of the avoidance surfaces 1111 can be curved surfaces and the other part of the avoidance surfaces 1111 can be planes.

[0063] See Figures 31 to 35 In one optional embodiment, the number of avoidance surfaces 1111 is one. The avoidance surface 1111 can be a plane, such as a square plane.

[0064] See Figures 27 to 30 In one optional embodiment, the number of avoidance surfaces 1111 is two. Both avoidance surfaces 1111 are planes, for example, the two avoidance surfaces 1111 are square planes, and the two square planes are arranged opposite each other and symmetrically on the marking segment 111.

[0065] See Figures 1 to 7 In one optional embodiment, the number of clearance surfaces 1111 is three. In this embodiment, the three clearance surfaces 1111 are evenly distributed along the circumference of the tube body 11 on the outer peripheral wall of the marking segment 111. The three clearance surfaces 1111 can all be square planes, and the cross-section of the structure formed by the three clearance surfaces is triangular.

[0066] See Figures 24 to 26 In one optional embodiment, the number of clearance surfaces 1111 is four. In this embodiment, the four clearance surfaces 1111 are evenly distributed along the circumference of the tube body 11 on the outer peripheral wall of the marking segment 111. The four clearance surfaces 1111 can all be square planes, and the cross-section of the structure formed by the four clearance surfaces is square.

[0067] See Figures 8 to 12 In an optional embodiment, the avoidance surface 1111 is a curved surface, for example, the curved surface can be an outwardly convex arc surface.

[0068] See Figures 13 to 17 In an optional embodiment, the avoidance surface 1111 is a curved surface, for example, the curved surface can be a concave arc surface.

[0069] See Figure 1 , Figures 18 to 28 In some optional embodiments, the tube body 11 is provided with weight adjustment holes 113. The location and number of weight adjustment holes 113 can be flexibly arranged according to requirements. For example, the weight adjustment holes 113 can be provided on the clamping section 112. Further, see Figure 1 The weight adjustment hole 113 is provided on the side wall of the clamping section 112; or, see Figure 18 and Figure 28 The weight adjustment hole 113 can be set on the bottom wall of the clamping section 112.

[0070] The instrument tube 1 in the above embodiment, by providing weight adjustment holes 113, can be used to adjust the weight of the instrument tube 1 during the processing of the instrument tube 1, which is beneficial to improving the application flexibility of the instrument tube 1. Specifically, during the processing of the instrument tube 1, by changing the size and number of weight adjustment holes 113, the weight of the instrument tube 1 can be kept within a preset weight range, reducing weight error and helping to reduce the requirements on the shape and processing accuracy of the instrument tube 1; for example, two instrument tubes 1 can be the same in shape, size, material, or any one of them, or all of them can be different. That is to say, the restrictions on the shape, size and material of the instrument tube 1 are reduced, and then the weight of the two instrument tubes 1 can be adjusted by adjusting the weight adjustment holes 113, so that the weights of the two instrument tubes 1 are the same or different, so as to meet various usage needs.

[0071] See Figures 1 to 7 In an optional embodiment, the instrument tube 1 further includes a cap 12, a marking segment 111 close to the cap 12, and a clamping segment 112 away from the cap 12. That is, the cap 12, the marking segment 111, and the clamping segment 112 are distributed along the axial direction of the tube body 11, with the marking segment 111 located between the cap 12 and the clamping segment 112. This structural layout allows the clamping unit 5 to surround the marking segment 111 when clamping the instrument tube 1, reducing the impact of the external environment on the marking segment 111, while also preventing the clamping unit 5 from contacting the marking segment 111 and causing contamination and wear.

[0072] Optionally, the tube body 11 has a receiving cavity 114. The end of the tube body 11 that mates with the tube cap 12 has an opening that communicates with the receiving cavity 114. The tube cap 12 is detachably connected to the tube body 11 and seals the opening when connected to the tube body 11. The receiving cavity 114 can hold additives. The detachable connection between the tube cap 12 and the tube body 11 allows for flexible addition or removal of additives, which can meet different detection needs and also change the overall weight of the instrument tube 1 by changing the amount of additives added. The additives can be the sample to be tested, reagents, or other substances. The instrument tube 1 with the receiving cavity 114 can be used as a centrifuge balancing tube for centrifugation balancing and as a sample tube to hold samples.

[0073] Optionally, at least a portion of the cap 12 and the body 11 can be cylindrical structures. The outer diameter D1 of the cap 12 is larger than the maximum outer diameter D2 of the body 11, which helps to increase the surface area of ​​the top of the cap 12. This increases the detection area of ​​the reset sensor on the cap 12 when the instrument tube 1 is reset, thereby improving detection efficiency and accuracy. The clamping section 112 has the largest outer diameter of the body 11.

[0074] See Figures 1 to 7 , Figures 36 to 38 In an optional embodiment, this application also provides a sample processing system, including a sample processing device and a sample transmission device. The sample transmission device transmits samples to the sample processing device for sample processing. The sample processing system also includes the instrument tube 1 as described in any of the above embodiments.

[0075] Optionally, the sample processing equipment includes a centrifuge, which has an adapter 2 for carrying the sample to be centrifuged and a centrifuge. The centrifuge centrifuges the sample to be centrifuged on the adapter 2, and the instrument tube 1 is transferred to the adapter 2 as a centrifugation balancing tube. There may be one or more adapters 2, and each adapter 2 has a first position for placing the instrument tube 1.

[0076] Optionally, the sample processing equipment includes a sample analysis device, and the instrument tube 1, as a sample tube carrying the sample to be analyzed, is transferred to the sample analysis device by the sample transfer device.

[0077] See Figures 1 to 7 , Figures 36 to 38 In an optional embodiment, the sample processing device further includes a buffer tube holder 3, a clamping unit 5, and a control unit. The buffer tube holder 3 has a second tube position for placing the instrument tube 1; the clamping unit 5 is used to move the instrument tube 1 between the first tube position and the second tube position. The clamping unit 5 can move along the axial direction of the tube body 11, pass through the marking section 111, and clamp the clamping section 112, which helps to reduce the requirements for operating space. Especially when multiple instrument tubes 1 are arranged in multiple rows, the clamping unit 5 can be aligned with the top of the instrument tube 1, and move along the axial direction of the tube body 11, descend through the marking section 111, reach the clamping section 112, and then clamp the clamping section 112. This reduces the space occupied around the instrument tube 1 and reduces interference with other instrument tubes 1; the control unit is used to control the operation of the clamping unit 5, thereby controlling the transfer of the instrument tube 1.

[0078] Optionally, the gripping unit 5 includes a robotic arm with multiple grippers. When the robotic arm grips the instrument tube 1, the identification information on at least one clearance surface 1111 can be exposed through the gap between adjacent grippers to ensure that at least one piece of identification information can be successfully identified. Of course, it is understood that the grippers can also be made of transparent material to reduce the structural requirements of the robotic arm and the instrument tube 1, and to reduce the obstruction of the identification information to ensure the probability of successful identification.

[0079] See Figures 1 to 7 , Figures 36 to 38 In an optional embodiment, the instrument tube 1 is a centrifuge balancing tube used to adjust the weight of each adapter 2 so that the weight difference between the adapters 2 is within a preset range, thereby satisfying the maximum weight difference allowed by the centrifuge for the objects to be centrifuged. The sample processing device also includes a weighing unit 6, which is used to weigh the multiple adapters 2. The control unit can control the clamping unit 5 to move the instrument tube 1 to balance the weight of the multiple adapters 2 based on the weighing information from the weighing unit 6.

[0080] For example, the centrifuge allows a maximum weight difference of 'a' between the weights of the objects to be centrifuged. Multiple instrument tubes 1 are placed on the buffer tube holder 3. These instrument tubes 1 are divided into at least two types with different weights: the first type has a weight of 'a', and the second type has a weight of 2'a. In this embodiment, the instrument tubes 1 have the same structure but different materials. The adapters 2 with tubes are placed on the tray of the weighing unit 6 for weighing. The maximum weight difference between the adapters 2 in the tray is X. When X ≤ a, no balancing is required. When a < X ≤ 2'a, balancing is achieved by simply inserting the first type of instrument tube (weight 'a') into the first position of the lighter adapter 2. When 2'a < X ≤ 3'a, simply inserting the second type of instrument tube (weight '2'a) into the first position of the lighter adapter 2 ensures that the weight difference between any two adapters 2 in all trays does not exceed the centrifuge's allowable difference 'a'. The weight of adapter 2 can be adjusted by setting different weights of instrument tube 1. Weight balancing can be achieved by occupying only one first tube position of adapter 2. It can adapt to the balancing needs of various weight differences. The balancing operation is simple and flexible, which is conducive to simplifying the structure, improving efficiency and reducing costs.

[0081] The instrument tube 1 and sample processing system of this utility model, by setting an avoidance structure, make the identification information set on the avoidance structure less susceptible to wear and contamination, which helps to extend the service life of the instrument tube 1, reduce costs and improve the user experience.

[0082] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "this embodiment," "example," and "specific example" refer to specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in connection with that embodiment or example, which are included in at least one embodiment or example of this application. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0083] The above are merely embodiments of this application and do not limit the scope of this patent application. Any equivalent structural or procedural changes made using the content of this application's specification and drawings, or direct or indirect applications in other related technical fields, are similarly included within the scope of patent protection of this application.

Claims

1. An instrument tube for centrifugal balancing and / or carrying a sample, characterized in that, include: The tube body includes a marking segment distributed along the axial direction of the tube body and a clamping segment for being clamped. The marking segment is provided with a clearance structure for setting identification information and is recessed relative to the clamping segment.

2. The instrument tube of claim 1, wherein, The avoidance structure includes at least one avoidance surface, and the identification information is provided on the avoidance surface.

3. The instrument tube of claim 2, wherein, The number of the avoidance surfaces is at least two, and the at least two avoidance surfaces are evenly distributed along the circumference of the pipe body, and the identification information is provided on at least one of the avoidance surfaces.

4. The instrument tube of claim 2, wherein, The avoidance surface is either curved or flat.

5. The instrument tube of claim 4, wherein, The curved surface is either an outwardly convex arc surface or an inwardly concave arc surface.

6. The instrument tube according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that The tube body is provided with a weight adjustment hole, and / or the instrument tube also includes a tube cap, the marking section is close to the tube cap, and the clamping section is away from the tube cap.

7. The instrument tube of claim 6, wherein, The tube body is provided with a receiving cavity, and the end of the tube body that mates with the tube cap has a tube opening that communicates with the receiving cavity. The tube cap is detachably connected to the tube body and seals the tube opening when connected to the tube body.

8. The instrument tube of claim 6, wherein, The outer diameter of the cap is greater than the maximum outer diameter of the tube body.

9. A sample processing system, characterized by, The system includes a sample processing device and a sample transmission device, wherein the sample transmission device transmits a sample to the sample processing device for processing, and the sample processing system further includes an instrument tube as described in any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. The sample processing system of claim 9, wherein, The sample processing device includes a centrifuge device having an adapter for carrying the sample to be centrifuged, and a centrifuge for centrifuging the sample carried on the adapter, wherein the instrument tube is transferred to the adapter as a centrifuge balancing tube; And / or, the sample processing device includes a sample analysis device, and the instrument tube, as a sample tube carrying the sample to be analyzed, is transferred to the sample analysis device by the sample transmission device.

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